Incorrectly designed rear impact guard/fmvss 224
Defect Summary
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 Consequence
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.
Corrective Action
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.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Gratimax, Llc or involving Exterior Lighting.
FAQ: Recall 23V008000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 23V008000?
NHTSA recall 23V008000 was issued by Gratimax, Llc on January 13, 2023. It addresses: Incorrectly designed rear impact guard/fmvss 224. The recall affects approximately 31 vehicles, with the defect involving the Exterior Lighting component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Gratimax, Llc dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 23V008000 or the manufacturer campaign number 21434. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.