NHTSA Recall 23V008000: Body (structure) and tail lights (exterior lighting)
Gratimax, LLC reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 31 vehicles. It affects 2013–2023 McElrath Trailers VX75 Xcel.
| NHTSA campaign | 23V008000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 21434 |
| Components | STRUCTURE › BODY; EXTERIOR LIGHTING › TAIL LIGHTS |
| Report received | January 13, 2023 |
| Owner notification | March 17, 2023 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
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."
Safety 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.
Remedy
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.
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 covered by recall 23V008000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| McElrath Trailers VX75 Xcel | 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.