Recall 18V182 affects 272 2013-2018 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800, 818I, and VX30-800 trailers for a neck weld defect. Dealer reinforcement is free.
Mcelrath Trailers is recalling 272 2013-2018 VX50-800, 818I, and VX30-800 trailers because a weld on the trailer neck can fail. A failed neck weld can make the trailer unstable and lead to loss of control, increasing crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The trailer neck on these 2013-2018 Mcelrath Trailers 818I, VX50-800, and VX30-800 trailers is the front structural section that connects the trailer frame to the tow vehicle through the hitch. It carries pulling force, braking force, and road shock into the main frame. A weld is the fused metal joint that keeps that neck tied into the structure.
On affected trailers, a weld on the neck can fail. The filing describes weld failures found during service review, but it does not identify a separate material or design cause in the recall text. If the weld separates, the neck loses structural support at the point where the trailer takes its highest towing loads.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on noise, movement, or visible damage to decide whether the trailer is safe. The VIN decides whether this recall applies.
Who's affected?
Covers 818I, VX30-800, and VX50-800 trailers across the 2013-2018 model years, all involving the body or structural component.
| 2018 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800 | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2016 Mcelrath Trailers 818I | body or structural component |
| 2018 Mcelrath Trailers 818I | body or structural component |
| 2017 Mcelrath Trailers 818I | body or structural component |
| 2015 Mcelrath Trailers 818I | body or structural component |
| 2017 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800 | body or structural component |
| 2014 Mcelrath Trailers 818I | body or structural component |
| 2017 Mcelrath Trailers VX30-800 | body or structural component |
| 2013 Mcelrath Trailers 818I | body or structural component |
| 2018 Mcelrath Trailers VX30-800 | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 272 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 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?
A failed neck weld can make the trailer unstable while towing and lead to loss of control, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the frame reinforcement and avoid hauling loads until the trailer is inspected by the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Mcelrath Trailers dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2018 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800, 818I, or VX30-800 trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Mcelrath Trailers customer service at 1-864-814-2220 for current repair timing and dealer instructions.
- Ask about the free hitch-area reinforcement that strengthens the trailer-neck weld area.
- Bring the recall notice if Mcelrath Trailers mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V182 when you call.
- Avoid towing heavy loads until the hitch-area reinforcement is complete, and stop towing if the trailer feels unstable.
What happens at the repair
The dealer repair described for campaign 18V182 is to install reinforcements in the hitch area of the trailer frame. Once the repair is available for your trailer, a Mcelrath Trailers technician or dealer service team handles the reinforcement work free of charge. If you already paid for a hitch or trailer frame repair tied to this recall, ask Mcelrath Trailers customer service or the dealer how to submit documentation under the manufacturer's reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 3, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V182?
Recall 18V182 covers 272 2013-2018 Mcelrath Trailers 818I, VX50-800, and VX30-800 trailers with a weld defect in the trailer neck. If that weld fails, the trailer can become unstable and cause loss of control. Dealers will install hitch-area frame reinforcements for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2018 Mcelrath Trailers 818I, VX50-800, or VX30-800 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 18V182. If it is, contact a Mcelrath Trailers dealer or Mcelrath Trailers customer service at 1-864-814-2220 to arrange the free hitch-area frame reinforcement.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V182, Mcelrath Trailers dealers install reinforcements to the hitch area of the trailer frame free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer instability from a failed neck weld. The NHTSA consequence for recall 18V182 says failure of this weld can cause loss of control and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free frame reinforcement before further hauling.
When did the recall repair begin?
The recall repair began on May 3, 2018. Mcelrath Trailers notified owners, and dealers were instructed to install hitch-area frame reinforcements free of charge. If you bought the trailer used or missed the notice, check your VIN and reference recall 18V182 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V182000 |
|---|---|
| Mcelrath Trailers customer service | 1-864-814-2220 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V182 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V182000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →