April 7, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V201000

Improper Lamps and Missing Reflectors/FMVSS 108

Due to the improper position of lamps, insufficient reflective tape, and lack of reflectors, the trailer may not be visible at night, increasing the risk of crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V201

Manufacturer Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Potential Number of Units Affected 41

 

Summary

Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC. (Vac-Tron) is recalling certain 2012-2020 MC555SDT, MC533SDT and MC573SDT Vacuum Excavator trailers. The trailer’s front clearance lamps are positioned improperly, the jetter blocks visibility to the passenger side front clearance lamp, and an insufficient amount of conspicuity tape may have been applied on the sides and rear. The trailers may also may also lack side or rear 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

Vac-Tron will notify owners, and Vermeer dealers will install remedy kits provided by Vac-Tron, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Vac-Tron customer service at 1-888-822-8766.

 

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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Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC

FIELD CAMPAIGN SERVICE BULLETIN #

SVV2020007

DATE:

Xx Month 201x

 

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

 

MACHINE / ATTACHMENT MODEL (S):	Serial Nu	mbers
	Included	Excluded	Kit Version
MC533SDT	See attached listing on page 5 of this bulletin for specific VIN and Serial/Unit numbers	N/A	VVK01
MC535SDT
MC555SDT
MC573SDT
MINICOMBO

 

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL

FIRST NOTICE

 

Subject:  Light Relocation, Reflector and Conspicuity Tape Installation Kit (VVK00-005)

 

Background:

INADEQUATE LIGHTING, REFLECTORS AND CONSPICUTITY TAPE

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

 

DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY POSSIBLE

When towing or parking the vacuum excavator on public roadways, a crash may occur resulting in death or serious injury resulting from a driver(s) of other vehicle(s) not seeing the vacuum excavator at night or during limited sunlight and strike the vacuum excavator. To reduce the potential of this occurring, vehicle lights will be relocated, additional reflectors and conspicuity tape are being added. Property or equipment damage may also occur.

 

Solution:

IMMEDIATE MACHINE MODIFICATIONS REQUIRED

VVK00-0005 has been created to provide the necessary parts and instructions to relocate vehicle lights, add reflectors and conspicuity tape to the sides and rear of the vacuum excavator. This 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 May 22, 2020, 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 the Product Safety Department on or before June 4, 2020 at:

Telephone: 641-621-7060
Fax: 641-621-8562
Email: productsafety@vermeer.com

 

2. Dealerships Order Kits by calling Vac-Tron at 888-822-8766.

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 June 5, 2020. Also refer to Owner Notification section below.

 

If you have any questions concerning the installation of VVK00-0005, please contact the Vac-Tron Service Department. Vermeer Corporation is assisting Vac-Tron with the administration of this campaign.

 

REIMBURSEMENT

Upon completion of each Kit installation, a campaign Warranty Claim must be submitted to the Vermeer Corporate Warranty Department for reimbursement of the parts cost and labor of the Kit.

 

This kit will reimburse 3 hours of labor.

 

Note: Future notices to dealers and owners are dependent upon the receipt of Warranty Claim.

 

OWNER NOTIFICATION

Sample Letter: Included at the end of this Bulletin is a sample letter which will be sent by Vermeer Corporation directly to the Owners on or about June 5, 2020, via USPS certified/registered mail. The owner letter will be translated into the following languages:

 

• French

 

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 VVK00-0005 from the Parts Center, 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 crew, the towing vehicle driver and occupants as well as others traveling on public roadways. We hope you agree the safety benefits surpass the inconvenience.

 

VAC-TRON EQUIPMENT, LLC.

 

Attachment:

VVK00-0005 Kit Instructions

 

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Vac-Tron Equipment, LLC

FIELD CAMPAIGN KIT #

WK00-0005

DATE:

 

For Dealer Reference: Service Bulletin # SW2020007

 

Light Relocation, Reflector and Conspicuity Tape Installation Kit

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

 

MACHINE / ATTACHMENT MODEL (S):	Serial Numbers
	Included	Excluded	Kit Version
MC533SDT	See attached listing on page 15 of this kit instructions for specific VIN and Serial/Unit numbers	N/A	WK01
MC535SDT
MC555SDT
MC573SDT
MINICOMBO

 

PRODUCT SAFETY ALERT

 

PURPOSE: INADEQUATE LIGHTING, REFLECTORS AND CONSPICUTITY TAPE

The lighting, side and rear reflectors and conspicuity tape do not meet US or Canada Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS/CMVSS) governmental regulation 108 for the United States, Canada
and Mexico. When towing or parking the vacuum excavator on public roadways, a crash may occur
resulting in death or serious injury resulting from a driver(s) of other vehicle(s) not seeing the vacuum
excavator at night or during limited sunlight and strike the vacuum excavator. To reduce the potential of this occurring, vehicle lights will be relocated, additional reflectors and conspicuity tape are being added.  Property or equipment damage may also occur.

 

VVK00-0005 has been created to provide the necessary parts and instructions to relocate vehicle lights, add reflectors and conspicuity tape to the sides and rear of the vacuum excavator.

 

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.

 

Shutdown Procedure

STOPPING THE MACHINE

 

For your safety and the safety of others, follow shutdown procedure before working on the machine for any reason, including servicing, maintaining, cleaning, inspecting, unclogging or transporting machine, or as otherwise directed in Operator’s manual.

 

Step 1: Make sure end of vacuum hose is clear of all spoils, debris, and other materials.

 

Step 2: Turn Water Pump Switch to OFF.

 

Step 3: Push Throttle Switch to SLOW. Idle engine five minutes to  allow vacuum pump to cool down. This helps to prevent the buildup of condensation.

 

Step 4: Turn Keyswitch to OFF to shut off engine.  Remove the key.

 

Step 5: Pull trigger on any high-pressure water tool to relieve line pressure.

 

Step 6: Disassemble all water line connections, vacuum hoses, and tools.  Stow properly on machine.

 

Step 7: Drain CVS Filter Housing / Cyclone.

 

WARNING: Do not point high pressure water tool in the direction of people when relieving the pressure.

 

PROCEDURE 1: 

 

1. Align the bracket with the edge of the curb side I-beam as shown below. Ref. 1, Fig 1.

 

2. Mark the light bracket hole locations onto the I-beam and drill (2) Ø9/32” (7.15 mm) holes through the I-beam.

 

3. Attach the marker light bracket with the supplied hardware. Ref. 1, 2, 3, and 4, Fig. 1.

 

4. Connect one end of the 100” (254 cm) length of dual core wire to the front side marker lamp using the butt connectors. 5 and 6, Fig. 1.

 

5. Place loom over wires for protection. Ref. 8, Fig. 1.

 

6. Run the wire through the cross member and inside of the I-Beam to connect with the front clearance marker lamp. Reference step 3, Procedure 2 for connecting the front side marker lamp and front clearance marker lamp.

 

7. Use supplied zip ties to fasten wire harness to trailer frame.

 

8. Complete all steps for the street side of the trailer.

 

PROCEDURE 2: 

 

1. Remove the existing street side marker lamp from the gusset and disconnect the wires.

 

2. Place the side marker light bracket on the gusset approximately 1” (2.54 cm) from the bottom as shown. Mark the bolt locations on the gusset and drill (2) Ø9/32” (Ø7.15 mm) holes. (Street side shown). Ref. 1, Fig. 2.

 

3. Use the 1 ft (30.48 cm) length of dual core conductor wire to connect the front clearance marker lamp and tie in with the 100” (254 cm) length wire from the front side marker lamp. Use the 12-10 (yellow) and 16-14 (blue) heat seal butt connectors to connect all wires according to diagram below. Ref. 2, 6, 7 and 9 Fig. 2.

 

4. Insert the front clearance marker lamp into the front clearance marker bracket as shown Ref 1 and 2, Fig. 2. Refer to the illustration below for proper lamp orientation.

 

5. Attach the front clearance marker bracket with the hardware Ref. 3, 4, and 5 Fig. 2.

 

6. Loom all exposed wires. Ref. 8 Fig. 2.

 

 

PROCEDURE 3: 

 

1. Remove the curb side marker light from the platform gusset and disconnect the wires (some units will have an incandescent light instead of the LED light shown).

 

2. Use 12-10 heat seal butt connectors to tie in the 100” (254 cm) curb side wire with the original curb side marker light wire. 5, Fig 1 and Ref 7, Fig 3.

 

3. Remove the fastening hardware from the jetter reel and retain for future installation. Move the jetter reel as needed to drill the holes in Step 4.

 

4. Drill 2 – Ø5/16” holes in the tank plate in the positions shown.

 

5. Connect the marker light riser to the tank plate. 1, 3, and 4, Fig. 3.

 

6. Reconnect the jetter real with the hardware retained.

 

 

PROCEDURE 4: 

 

1. Clean area where the conspicuity tape will be installed with light soap and water. Areas with damaged paint or heavy corrosion should be prepped, painted, and thoroughly dry before applying conspicuity tape.

 

2. Refer to the illustration and install the conspicuity tape in the locations shown. Ref. 1, 2, and 3 Fig. 4.

 

3. Repeat for the opposite side of the trailer.

 

 

PROCEDURE 5: 

 

1. Remove the existing rear corner/side clearance marker lamp Ref. A from the gusset (retain for future installation) and disconnect the wires.

 

2. Place the rear corner/side clearance marker bracket on the support approximately 1-1/2” (3.81 cm) from the bottom as indicated in the illustration below.  Mark the bolt locations on the support and drill (2) Ø9/32” (Ø7.15 mm) holes.

 

3. Use the 1 ft (30.48 cm) length of dual core conductor wire to reconnect the rear corner/side clearance marker lamp using 16-14 butt connectors. Ref 2, 7 and 8, Fig 5.

 

4. Attach the rear corner/side clearance marker bracket to the fender support with the hardware as shown Ref. 3, 4, and 5 Fig. 5.

 

5. Loom all exposed wires. Ref. 9 Fig. 5.

 

6. Insert the rear corner/side clearance marker lamp into the bracket as shown Ref 1 and 2, Fig. 5.

 

7. Clean area where the rear side marker reflectors will be installed with light soap and water. Areas with damaged paint or heavy corrosion should be prepped, painted, and thoroughly dry before applying the reflectors as shown.

 

 

8. Install the rear side marker reflectors below the side marker bracket as shown.

 

9. Repeat all steps for the opposite side of the trailer.

 

 

PROCEDURE 6: 

 

1. Clean area where the conspicuity tape will be installed with light soap and water. Areas with damaged paint or heavy corrosion should be prepped, painted, and thoroughly dry before applying the conspicuity tape.

 

2. Refer to the illustration and install each of the white conspicuity tape on the debris tank door and water tanks as shown Ref 1, Fig. 6.

 

 

FIGURE 1 Parts List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	WK01 QTY.
1	8125-5749	FRONT SIDE MARKER LAMP BRACKET WITH REFLECTOR	2
2	P-1473	1/4-20 X 1 HEX HEAD BOLT	4
3	P-1472	1/4 ID FLAT WASHER	4
4	P-2782	1/4-20 NYLON LOCKNUT	4
5	P-1054-0	100” (2.54 m) LENGTH DUAL CORE CONDUCTOR WIRE	2
6	P-2369 -0	16-14 HEAT SEAL BUTT CONNECTOR BLUE	4
7	P-1301-1	ZIPTIE	10
8	P-2762-0	1/2″ SPLIT WIRE LOOM, 100″ (2.54 m) LENGTH	2

 

FIGURE 2 Parts List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	WK01 OTY.
1	81 25-5748	FRONT CLEARANCE MARKER LAMP BRACKET	1
2	P-4190	FRONT CLEARANCE MARKER LAMP (EXISTING ON TRAILER)	1
3	P-1473	1/4-20 X 1 HEX HEAD BOLT	2
4	P-1472	1/4 ID FLAT WASHER	2
5	P-2782	1/4-20 NYLON LOCKNUT	2
6	P-1054-0	1′ (30.48 cm) LENGTH DUAL CORE CONDUCTOR WIRE	1
7	135500217	12-10 HEAT SEAL BUTT CONNECTOR	2
8	P-2762-0	1/2″ SPLIT WIRE LOOM, 1′ (30.48 cm) LENGTH	1
9	P-2369-0	16-14 HEAT SEAL BUTT CONNECTOR BLUE	2

 

FIGURE 3 Part s List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	WK01 QTY.
1	135500175	FRONT CLEARANCE MARKER LAMP BRACKET (ASSEMBLED)	1
2	P-1473	1/4-20 X 1 HEX HEAD BOLT	2
3	P-1472	1/4 ID FLAT WASHER	2
4	P-2782	1/4-20 NYLON LOCKNUT	2
5	135500217	12-10 HEAT SEAL BUTT CONNECTOR	2
6	P-2762	1/2″ SPLIT WIRE LOOM, 36″ (91.4 cm) LENGTH	1
7	P-2369	16-14 HEAT SEAL BUTT CONNECTOR BLUE	2

 

 

FIGURE 4 Parts List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	WK01 OTY.
1	P-0485	2″ (2.54 cm) WIDE, 25″ (63.5 cm) LONG CONSPICUITY TAPE	2
2	P-0485	2″ (2.5 cm) WIDE, 101 “(256.5 cm) LONG CONSPICUITY TAPE	1
3	P-0485	2″ (2.54 cm) WIDE, 142.5″ (362 cm) LONG CONSPICUITY TAPE	1

 

FIGURE5 Parts List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	WK01 QTY.
1	8125-5748	REAR CORNER/SIDE CLEARANCEMARKER LAMP BRACKET	2
2	P-4189	REAR CORNER/SIDE CLEARANCE MARKER LAMP (EXISTING ON TRAILER)	2
3	P-1473	1/4-20 X 1 HEX HEAD BOLT	4
4	P-1472	1/4 ID FLAT WASHER	4
5	P-2782	1/4-20 NYLON LOCKNUT	4
6	P-5730	REAR SIDE MARKER REFLECTOR	4
7	P-1054-0	1′ (30.48 cm) LENGTH DUAL CORE CONDUCTOR WIRE	2
8	P-2369-0	16-14 HEAT SEAL BUTT CONNECTOR BLUE	8

 

FIGURE 6 Parts List
REF. NO.	PART NO.	DESCRIPTION	WK01 OTY.
1	P-57 83	WHITE CONSPICUITY TAPE,12″ LENGTH	4

 

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NHTSA SAFETY RECALL NUMBER 20V-201

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

First Notice

Light Relocation, Reflector and Conspicuity Tape Installation Kit (VVK00-005)

 

Model: «Model»
This notice applies to your vehicle,
Serial No: «PRD_SRL»
Unit No: «PART_SRL»

 

June 5, 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.

 

Vermeer has decided that a defect, that relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain model year 2012-2020 Vermeer «MODEL» vacuum excavator trailers.

 

INADEQUATE LIGHTING, REFLECTORS AND CONSPICUTITY TAPE

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

 

DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY POSSIBLE

When towing or parking the vacuum excavator on public roadways, a crash may occur resulting in death or serious injury resulting from a driver(s) of other vehicle(s) not seeing the vacuum excavator at night or during limited sunlight and strike the vacuum excavator. To reduce the potential of this occurring, vehicle lights will be relocated, additional reflectors and conspicuity tape are being added. Property or equipment damage may also occur.

 

IMMEDIATE MACHINE MODIFICATIONS REQUIRED

VVK00-0005 has been created to provide the necessary parts and instructions to relocate vehicle lights, add reflectors and conspicuity tape to the sides and rear of the vacuum excavator. 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 VVK00-0005 at no cost to you for labor or materials. The installation of this kit is estimated at 3 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 Vermeer «MODEL» vacuum excavator trailer. The Model and Serial Number of the «MODEL» is shown at the top right of this letter.  If you no longer own this unit, please notify the 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. Vermeer Corporation is assisting Vac-Tron with the administration of this campaign.

 

We regret any inconvenience these corrective measures may cause you. This required work is for safety of the crew, the towing vehicle driver and occupants as well as others traveling on public roadways. We hope you agree the safety benefits surpass the inconvenience.

 

Very truly yours,

VAC-TRON EQUIPMENT, LLC

 

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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27 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
VAC-TRON	MC 533 SDT	2012-2020
VAC-TRON	MC 555 SDT	2012-2020
VAC-TRON	MC 573 SDT	2012-2020

 

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11 Associated Documents

Non-Compliance Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V201-9167.PDF 215.504KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V201-9900.pdf 245.783KB

 

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Recall 573 Report- Amendment 2

RCLRPT-20V201-7616.PDF 217.949KB

 

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Miscellaneous Document- Sales Literature

RMISC-20V201-5039.pdf 13178.486KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V201-8283.PDF 211.322KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-3

RCLQRT-20V201-4186.PDF 211.234KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-2

RCLQRT-20V201-8894.PDF 211.133KB

 

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Miscellaneous Document

RMISC-20V201-9688.pdf 436.24KB

 

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Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V201-6609.pdf 213.132KB

 

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Safety Bulletin

RCSB-20V201-6044.pdf 1281.502KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V201-3879.pdf 2898.885KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V201&docType=RCL

 

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Last update on 2025-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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