Recall 17V489 affects 105 2015-2017 Mcelrath Trailers VX30-800 and VX50-800 trailers for frame deformation. Bracing repair is free at any franchised Mcelrath Trailers dealer.
Mcelrath Trailers is recalling 105 2015-2017 VX30-800 and VX50-800 trailers because the frame can deform where the straight and angled lateral sections meet. If the trailer neck separates from the rear portion, crash risk increases, and the free Mcelrath Trailers dealer repair is available now.
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What's wrong?
The frame on 2015-2017 Mcelrath Trailers VX30-800 and VX50-800 trailers is the steel structure that carries the load and connects the trailer neck to the rear portion of the trailer. The neck area handles pulling forces from the tow vehicle while the rear frame supports the trailer body and cargo. That connection has to stay square and supported under weight and road vibration.
On these trailers, the weak point is where straight and angled lateral frame sections meet near the most forward cross member. Mcelrath Trailers identified a lack of lateral support at the top of the frame in that area. Under use, that section can deform, crack, and let the trailer neck separate from the rear portion of the trailer.
Owners can look for minor frame deformation near the stress area. Wrinkles in the paint in that area are also a warning sign. If either appears, treat it as a frame problem and have the trailer inspected before further use.
Who's affected?
Spans the VX30-800 and VX50-800 trailer models across the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years, all tied to the same frame-and-members component.
| 2017 Mcelrath Trailers VX30-800 | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2015 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800 | body or structural component |
| 2016 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800 | body or structural component |
| 2016 Mcelrath Trailers VX30-800 | body or structural component |
| 2017 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800 | body or structural component |
| 2015 Mcelrath Trailers VX30-800 | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 105 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the trailer neck separates from the rear of the trailer, crash risk increases. Watch for minor frame deformation or wrinkled paint around the stressed area, and stop using the trailer until a dealer inspects it. Schedule the bracing repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mcelrath Trailers dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Mcelrath Trailers VX30-800 or VX50-800 trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mcelrath Trailers dealer to schedule the free frame-bracing repair that reduces side-rail and tongue-area deflection.
- Bring the recall notice if Mcelrath Trailers mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V489 when you call.
- Inspect the trailer frame before towing, especially where the straight and angled side rail sections meet.
- Call Mcelrath Trailers customer service at 1-864-814-2220 with questions and mention Mcelrath Trailers recall VSB 154.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mcelrath Trailers technician adds bracing to the trailer frame to reduce deflection in the side rails and tongue area. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. For owners who already paid for related frame or bracing work before the recall repair, Mcelrath Trailers uses its general reimbursement plan on file. Contact Mcelrath Trailers customer service with repair paperwork and proof of payment so they can review the claim under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 23, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| August 3, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
| September 19, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V489?
Recall 17V489 covers 105 2015-2017 Mcelrath Trailers VX30-800 and VX50-800 trailers with frame deformation at the transition between straight and angled lateral frame portions. The trailer neck can separate from the rear portion, increasing crash risk. Dealers add bracing for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Mcelrath Trailers VX30-800 or VX50-800 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 17V489. If it is, contact a Mcelrath Trailers dealer or Mcelrath Trailers customer service at 1-864-814-2220 and reference recall VSB 154. The bracing repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mcelrath Trailers dealers will add bracing to reduce deflection in the side rails and tongue area free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer separation. If the frame deforms enough for the trailer neck to separate from the rear portion of the trailer, crash risk increases. The repair adds bracing to reduce deflection in the side rails and tongue area.
What if I bought this Mcelrath Trailers trailer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the trailer, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your VX30-800 or VX50-800 is included, then contact a Mcelrath Trailers dealer or customer service with recall number 17V489.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V489000 |
|---|---|
| Mcelrath Trailers customer service | 1-864-814-2220 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V489 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V489000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →