Missing Reflex Reflectors/FMVSS 108 – 2014-2019 McElrath Trailers VX Trailers

November 5, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V793000

Missing Reflex Reflectors/FMVSS 108

The lack of reflex reflectors can reduce the trailer’s visibility to others, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V793

Manufacturer Conel, LLC dba McElrath Trailers

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,261

 

Summary

Conel, LLC dba McElrath Trailers (McElrath Trailers) is recalling certain 2014-2019 VX trailers. The side marker LED lights may be missing reflex reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

 

Remedy

McElrath Trailers will notify owners, and dealers will install separate reflex reflectors on the sides and rear of the trailer, free of charge. The recall began January 3, 2020. Owners may contact McElrath Trailers customer service at 1-864-814-2220.

 

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.safercar.gov.

 

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FIELD CAMPAIGN KIT #  VMK00-0503

DATE: 17 December 2019

For Dealer Reference: Service Bulletin # SVM2020-001

Reflector and Conspicuity Tape Installation Kit

 

CAMPAIGN TYPE:	Mandatory-Product Safety
CAMPAIGN CATEGORY:	Kit and Bulletin

 

MACHINE / ATTACHMENT MODEL(S):	Machine Serial Numbers
	Included	Excluded	Kit Version
VX30	See page 10 – 24 for machine and trailer Serial Numbers	N/A	VMK01 OR VMK02 See attached listing
VX50
VX75
VX80
V500
V800

 

PURPOSE:  

INADEQUATE REFLECTORS AND CONSPICUITY TAPE

The side and rear reflectors and conspicuity tape do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) governmental regulation 108 for the United States, Canada and Mexico.

 

DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY POSSIBLE

When towing the vacuum excavator on public roadways, death or serious injury may result if driver(s) of other vehicle(s) do not see the vacuum excavator at night or during limited sunlight and strike the vacuum excavator. To reduce the potential of this occurring, additional reflectors and conspicuity tape are being added. Property or equipment damage may also occur.

VMK00-0503 has been created to provide the necessary parts and instructions to install reflectors and conspicuity tape on the sides and rear of the machine.

 

SPECIAL TOOLS AND CONDITIONS:

• Isopropyl / rubbing alcohol – minimum 70% strength. No rinsing or drying of the areas is required.

OR

Bucket with a mix of mild soap and water. If using soap and water, you must rinse the areas with clean water and completely dry the surface prior to applying the reflectors and reflective safety tape.

 

• Scissors or utility knife

 

• 30 ft tape measure

 

WARNING: Failure to use shutdown procedure can result in unexpected hazard(s).  Death or serious injury could result due to entanglement, crushing, cutting, or other hazardous contact.  Follow Shutdown Procedure after operating, before performing any service or maintenance, and before transporting.

 

STOPPING THE MACHINE

NOTICE:  For your safety and the safety of others, use the shutdown procedure before servicing, cleaning, unclogging, or inspecting the machine.

A variation of this procedure may be used if instructed within this manual, or if an emergency requires it.

Step 1:	Reduce engine speed to idle.
Step 2:	Verify all switches are in OFF/down position.
Step 3:	Move Reverse Flow Control Valve handle to NEUTRAL.
Step 4:	Allow engine to idle for 5 minutes before shutting it OFF after full-load operation.
NOTICE:	Failure to allow engine to idle for 5 minutes may result in turbocharger damage.
Step 5:	THIS STEP IS FOR VX-75 MODELS ONLY, ALL OTHER MODELS GO TO STEP 6. Press Engine START/STOP Button on the engine display to shut off engine. Turn Keyswitch OFF and remove ignition key.
Step 6:	ALL OTHER MODELS. Turn Keyswitch OFF and remove ignition key.
Step 7:	Press the E-Stop button.
Step 8:	Relieve water pressure from water-assisted tools by squeezing trigger.

 

WARNING:  Avoid high pressure water. High pressure water from digging tool or wash wand can penetrate body tissue and result in serious injury or death. Fluid injected under the skin must be removed immediately by a surgeon familiar with this type of injury.

Never point the digging tool or wand at anyone or at any part of the body. Never use the high pressure wand to clean any part of your body or clothing.

 

PROCEDURE:

⇒ Unless indicated, new parts from kit have callouts with numbers. Callouts with letters indicate existing parts or general items.

Procedure 1 – INSTALL FOUR RED REFLEX REFLECTORS AT REAR AND BOTH SIDES OF TRAILER

1. Prior to installing the four reflectors, clean the surface areas in the locations shown in the diagram to the right indicated by a (1). 2. Position each reflector in a cleaned location shown in the diagram to the right (1).   NOTE:  The difference between the two kit versions is the style of red reflex reflectors. VMK01-0503 kit uses reflector labels for trailers with flat steel fenders.   VMK02-0503 kit uses hard-plastic red reflectors for trailers with diamond plate steel fenders.

INSTALL AT EACH SIDE ON REAR OF TRAILER DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR CLEARANCE LIGHT   INSTALL ON BOTH SIDES NEAR REAR OF TRAILER DIRECTLY BELOW THE REAR SIDE MARKER LIGHT   VMK01-0503   VMK02-0503

 

Procedure 2 – INSTALL WHITE REFLECTIVE TAPE ON TANK AND CYLCLONE (if applicable)

1. Prior to installing the four white reflective tape strips, clean the surface areas in the locations shown in the diagram below indicated by a (2). 2. Install the four white reflective tape strips in the locations shown in the diagram below indicated by (2). Please note diagrams below show two different machine configurations. Install accordingly.

 

Procedure 3 – INSTALL TWO AMBER REFLEX REFLECTORS ON BOTHS SIDES OF TRAILER

1. Prior to installing the two amber reflectors, clean the surface areas in the locations shown in the diagram to the right indicated (3). 2. Position each amber reflector in the cleaned location shown in the diagram to the right (3).

INSTALL ON BOTH SIDES DIRECTLY ABOVE THE SIDE MARKER LIGHT

 

PROCEDURE 4 – INSTALL RED/WHITE CONSPICUITY TAPE ON REAR OF TRAILER

1. FMVSS regulation 108 requires a horizontal strip of rear red/white conspicuity tape across the full width of the trailer as close to side edges as possible. 2. Prior to installing the rear red/white conspicuity tape, clean the surface areas in the locations shown in the diagram below indicated by (4). 3. Determine if the existing red/white conspicuity tape is positioned as shown in diagram below (4) with full coverage on the rear frame crossmember. If existing red/white conspicuity tape does provide full coverage, go to Step 5. 4. If the existing red/white conspicuity tape does not fully cover the width of the rear frame crossmember, apply a 4’ red/white conspicuity tape strip as shown in diagram below (4). 5. Cut two pieces of red/white conspicuity tape to be fitted in the locations above both taillights as shown in diagram below (4). When cutting the conspicuity tape for this location, try to maintain equal lengths of red and white sections. Note: If unit is equipped with control switches on the rear right fender, do not install the red/white conspicuity tape on the right rear fender due to regulation requirements for distance from taillights.

 

PROCEDURE 5 – INSTALL RED/WHITE CONSPICUITY TAPE TO BOTH SIDES OF TRAILER

FMVSS regulation 108 requires a horizontal strip covering a minimum of 50% of the length of the trailer beginning as close to the front and rear of the trailer as possible. To determine how much additional red/white conspicuity tape needs to be installed, measure the length of the trailer and perform the following calculation:   (Measured length of trailer) ÷ 2 =   (Required length of tape per side)   Measure the length(s) of red/white conspicuity tape existing on the side of the machine. Add the various lengths to determine the total existing tape length. If the total length calculated in Step 3 is less than the total length required in Step 2, add additional red/white conspicuity tape. Prior to installing the side red/white conspicuity tape, clean the surface areas in the locations where the red/white conspicuity tape needs to be added to fulfill the FMVSS required length. Do not install red/white conspicuity tape within 3 inches of the side marker light, red reflex reflectors or amber reflex reflectors. Using a scissors or utility knife, cut at the edge of each color into red and white sections where the reflective colors change. Maintain full red or white sections as much as possible. DIAGRAM INDICATES PROPERLY INSTALLED RED/WHITE CONSPICUITY TAPE

 

FIGURE 1 Parts List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	VMK01 QTY.
1	8097358	Red Reflex Adhesive Label	4
2	8041236	Tape, 2”, Reflective, White Only	4
3	8097359	Amber Reflex Adhesive Label	2
4	8041235	Tape, 2”, Reflective, Red/White	12 ft
	VMK01 inclu	des all items in Figure 1 Parts List.

 

Figure 2

 

FIGURE 2 Parts List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	VMK02 QTY.
1	8097498	Red Reflex Adhesive Back Hard Plastic Reflector	4
2	8041236	Tape, 2”, Reflective, White Only	4
3	8097359	Amber Reflex Adhesive Label	2
4	8041235	Tape, 2”, Reflective, Red/White	12 ft
	VMK02 inclu	des all items in Figure 2 Parts List.

 

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FIELD CAMPAIGN
SERVICE BULLETIN # SVM2020-001

DATE: 17 December 2019

 

CAMPAIGN TYPE:	Mandatory-Product Safety
CAMPAIGN CATEGORY:	Kit and Bulletin

 

MACHINE / ATTACHMENT MODEL(S):	Serial Numbers
	Included	Excluded	Kit Version
VX30	See page 4 – 19 for machine and trailer Serial Numbers	N/A	VMK01 OR VMK02 See attached listing
VX50
VX75
VX80
V500
V800

 

PRODUCT SAFETY  RECALL FIRST NOTICE

 

Subject:

Reflector and Conspicuity Tape Installation Kit (VMK00-0503)

 

Background:

INADEQUATE REFLECTORS AND CONSPICUITY TAPE 

The side and rear reflectors and conspicuity tape do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) governmental regulation 108 for the United States, Canada and Mexico.

 

DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY POSSIBLE

When towing the vacuum excavator on public roadways, death or serious injury may result if driver(s) of other vehicle(s) do not see the vacuum excavator at night or during limited sunlight and strike the vacuum excavator. To reduce the potential of this occurring, additional reflectors and conspicuity tape are being added. Property or equipment damage may also occur.

Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S and/or other Page 1 of 21 countries.  Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

 

Solution:

IMMEDIATE MACHINE MODIFICATIONS REQUIRED

VMK00-0503 has been created to install additional reflectors and conspicuity tape on the rear and sides of the machine. The kit must be installed as soon as possible.

 

Please be reminded that it is a violation of Federal law for you to sell or lease the machines covered by this notification until this recall has been performed on these machines. Substantial civil penalties apply to violations of this law.

 

DEALER PARTICIPATION
REVIEW REPORT, ORDER KITS, CONTACT CUSTOMERS

1. Reports will be emailed during the week of December 17, 2019, to dealerships shown in our records which have units in their territory affected by this Alert. Please review the report for accuracy, including owner and/or address changes.

If the information contained in the report is NOT correct, please notify Vermeer Corporation Product Safety Department, upon behalf of McLaughlin, on or before December 30, 2019 at:

Telephone: 641-621-7060
Fax: 641-621-8562 (Note: new Fax #)
Email: productsafety@vermeer.com

 

2. Dealership Order Kits by contacting McLaughlin at: Telephone: 864-277-5870

Email: partsorder@mightymole.com

Each dealership should determine the quantity of Kits to order initially depending upon the number of units that may be available for immediate upgrade. Do not order more Kits than needed for immediate installation.

 

3. Contact your affected customer(s) to schedule a mutually acceptable time to upgrade their machine. Note: Letters will be sent to the customer(s) on or about January 3, 2020. Also refer to Owner Notification section below.

If you have any questions concerning the installation of VMK00-0503, please contact the McLaughlin Service Department at 864-277-5870.

 

REIMBURSEMENT

Upon completion of each Kit installation, a Warranty Claim must be submitted to the Vermeer Corporation Warranty Department for reimbursement of labor, 1.25 hour.

Note: Future notices to dealers and owners are dependent upon the receipt of Warranty Claims by the Vermeer Corporate Warranty Department.

 

OWNER NOTIFICATION

Sample Letter: Included at the end of this Bulletin is a sample letter which will be sent by Vermeer Corporation, on behalf of McLaughlin, directly to the Owners on or about January 3, 2020, via USPS certified/registered mail.

The owner notification and kit instructions will be translated into:

• French
• Spanish

All translated owner notices will also include English owner notification.

This owner notification/letter instructs the owner to contact their local dealership to arrange for a time to have the Kit installed. After receiving VMK00-0503 from McLaughlin, you must contact your affected customer(s) immediately and schedule a mutually acceptable time to upgrade their machine.

We regret any inconvenience these corrective measures may cause you. This required work is for safety of the towing vehicle occupants and other drivers and passengers traveling on the public roadways. We hope you agree the safety benefits surpass the inconvenience.

 

McLAUGHLIN GROUP, INC.

 

Attachment:

VMK00-0503 Kit Instructions

 

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NHTSA SAFETY RECALL NUMBER 19V-793

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

First Notice

Reflector and Conspicuity Tape Installation Kit (VMK00-0503)

 

Vacuum Model: «Model»
This notice applies to your vehicle,
Serial No: «VIN»
Trailer Serial No: «VIN»

 

January 3, 2020

 

VIA USPS CERTIFIED/REGISTERED MAIL

 

Dear «MODEL» Owner:

 

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

 

McElrath has decided that a defect, that relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain model year 2012 – 2019 McElrath Model V500, V800, VX30, VX50, VX75 and VX80 vacuum excavator trailers.

McLaughlin is administering this campaign on behalf of McElrath.

 

INADEQUATE REFLECTORS AND CONSPICUITY TAPE

The side and rear reflectors and conspicuity tape do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) governmental regulation 108 for the United States, Canada and Mexico.

 

DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY POSSIBLE

When towing the vacuum excavator on public roadways, death or serious injury may result if driver(s) of other vehicle(s) do not see the vacuum excavator at night or during limited sunlight and strike the vacuum excavator. To reduce the potential of this occurring, additional reflectors and conspicuity tape are being added. Property or equipment damage may also occur.

 

IMMEDIATE MACHINE MODIFICATIONS REQUIRED

VMK00-0503 has been created to provide the necessary parts and instructions to install additional reflectors and conspicuity tape on the rear and sides of the machine. This kit must be installed as soon as possible.

Please contact your authorized, independent Vermeer dealer immediately to arrange a mutually acceptable time and location to install VMK00-0503 at no cost to you for materials and labor. The installation of this kit is estimated at 1.25 hours of labor. If the Vermeer dealer travels to the unit to install the kit, costs may be incurred by the owner. You must have your machine upgraded for these safety features.

 

Contact your local Vermeer Dealer:

«Service_Dealer_Name»
«Serv_Dealer_Add1» «Serv_Dealer_Add2»
«Serv_Dealer_City» «Serv_Dealer_St» «Serv_Dealer_Zip»
«SERV_DEALER_COUNTRY» Telephone:  «Serv_Dealer_Phone»

 

According to our records, you currently own a McLaughlin «MODEL» Trailer mounted Vacuum. The Model and Serial Number of the «MODEL» is shown at the top right of this letter as well as the McElrath trailer serial number.  If you no longer own this unit, please notify the Vermeer Corporation Product Safety Department at:

Toll Free: 800-829-0051, extension 7060
Telephone: 641-621-7060
E-mail: productsafety@vermeer.com

If possible, please provide the name and address of the new owner.

 

We regret any inconvenience that these corrective measures may cause you. The required work is for the safety of the towing vehicle occupants and other drivers and passengers travelling on public roadways. We hope that you agree that the safety benefits surpass the inconvenience.

 

Very truly yours,

McLAUGHLIN GROUP, INC.

 

Enclosures:

 

Federal regulations require that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten (10) days. 

 

If the authorized dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect without charge and within a reasonable time, contact Vermeer Product Safety by email at productsafety@vermeer.com or by calling 800-829-0051 or 641-621-7060. You may also submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov

 

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6 Affected Products

Vehicle

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
MCELRATH TRAILERS	VX	2014-2019

 

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9 Associated Documents

Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V793-3407.pdf 5509.758KB

 

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Safety Bulletin

RCSB-19V793-1705.pdf 3169.471KB

 

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Recall 573 Report- Amendment 2

RCLRPT-19V793-7352.PDF 218.758KB

 

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Non-Compliance Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V793-9921.PDF 212.595KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V793-2145.pdf 245.209KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-1

RCLQRT-19V793-9483.PDF 211.135KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-1

RCLQRT-19V793-1003.PDF 211.128KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-2

RCLQRT-19V793-6982.PDF 211.232KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-3

RCLQRT-19V793-9411.PDF 211.317KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V793&docType=RCL

 

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