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💥 Crash risk🩹 Injury riskNHTSA 23V008📅 Jan 17, 2023

2013–2023 Mcelrath Trailers VX75 Xcel recall: body & structure

⚠️ What's wrong

Gratimax, LLC (Gratimax) is recalling certain 2013-2023 McElrath Trailers VX75 Xcel vacuum excavator trailers. The design of the rear impact guard resulted in the incorrect placement of the taillights. In addition, the guard may fail to prevent a vehicle from traveling under the trailer during a rear impact crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment" and 224, "Rear Impact Protection."

💥 The risk

Incorrect placement of the taillights may reduce the visibility of the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash. During a crash, a vehicle that travels under the rear of the trailer increases the risk of injury.

🔧 The fix

Dealers will reposition the taillights and modify the rear impact guard, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2023. Owners may contact Gratimax customer service at 1-864-814-2220. Gratimax's number for this recall is 21434.

Is the fix free? Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)
NHTSA campaign
23V008000
Manufacturer recall #
21434
Manufacturer
Gratimax, LLC
Vehicles affected
31
Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS; STRUCTURE:BODY
Owner phone
1-864-814-2220
NHTSA hotline
1-888-327-4236
Owner letters mailed
Mar 17, 2023
Recall started by
MFR
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Vehicles in this recall

Is your car affected? Recalls apply to specific VINs. Check my VIN

FAQ

Is the 23V008 recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer under federal law, including parts and labor. (Vehicles more than 15 years old when the recall was announced can be excluded, but most manufacturers still fix them.)

Which vehicles are included in recall 23V008?

2013–2023 Mcelrath Trailers VX75 Xcel. 31 vehicles may be affected. Check your exact car with its 17-character VIN.

What should I do?

Check your VIN, then call any authorized Mcelrath Trailers dealer to book the free repair or call the manufacturer at 1-864-814-2220.