Recall 20V060 affects 305 2016-2020 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800 and VX30-800 trailers for cracked frame welds. Repair is free at any franchised Mcelrath Trailers dealer.
Mcelrath Trailers is recalling 305 2016-2020 VX50-800 and VX30-800 trailers because a welded structural joint in the trailer frame can crack from fatigue. Cracked welds can affect handling and increase crash risk, and Mcelrath Trailers dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The frame on the 2016-2020 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800 and VX30-800 is the steel structure that carries the tank, supports the suspension, and keeps the trailer square behind the tow vehicle. A welded structural joint is one of the connection points where frame pieces are joined, so it has to hold the trailer's load while the trailer flexes over the road.
On affected trailers, the welded area of that joint can crack from fatigue. Fatigue means repeated loading stresses weaken the metal over time, especially where the weld and frame material meet. Engineering review found the material was vulnerable under loading stresses, so the fix adds gussets, a channel plate, and tube spacers to reinforce the frame at that joint.
There is no warning sign before failure. A visible crack at the welded joint or a change in how the trailer tracks behind the tow vehicle deserves dealer attention, but the recall filing does not identify an advance symptom owners can rely on.
Who's affected?
Spans VX30-800 and VX50-800 trailers across 2016-2020, all tied to the body or structural component.
| 2017 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 VX30-800 | body or structural component |
| 2018 Mcelrath Trailers VX30-800 | body or structural component |
| 2019 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800 | body or structural component |
| 2020 Mcelrath Trailers VX30-800 | body or structural component |
| 2019 Mcelrath Trailers VX30-800 | body or structural component |
| 2020 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800 | body or structural component |
| 2018 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800 | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 305 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific trailer is included.
What's the safety risk?
Cracked welds in the trailer frame can affect handling and increase the risk of a crash. If your trailer is included, schedule the frame reinforcement soon and use extra caution until the repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Mcelrath Trailers dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2020 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800 or VX30-800 trailer is included in this recall.
- Contact Mcelrath Trailers customer service at 1-888-686-7278 to confirm the Vermeer dealer repair location.
- Schedule the free frame-gusset repair that reinforces the trailer-frame weld area that can crack from fatigue.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 20V060 when you call.
- Tow and handle the trailer cautiously until the repair is complete because cracked welds can affect trailer handling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, technicians add additional trailer frame gussets to reinforce the welded area of the trailer frame. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. McElrath Trailers has a general reimbursement plan on file for this campaign. For a related frame repair paid before the recall notice, keep repair documentation and contact McElrath Trailers customer service at 1-888-686-7278 to ask how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 31, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V060?
Recall 20V060 covers 305 2016-2020 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800 and VX30-800 trailers with frame welds that can crack from fatigue. NHTSA campaign 20V060 links the cracked welds to trailer handling problems and increased crash risk. Vermeer dealers reinforce the frame weld area for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2020 Mcelrath Trailers VX50-800 or VX30-800 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific trailer is included in recall 20V060. If it is, contact a Vermeer dealer to schedule the frame reinforcement. Reference recall number 20V060 when you call. The dealer adds trailer frame gussets to reinforce the weld area for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 20V060, Vermeer dealers add trailer frame gussets to reinforce the affected weld area free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is trailer handling loss from cracked frame welds. NHTSA campaign 20V060 states that cracked welds in the structural joint can affect handling and increase crash risk. Until the gussets are installed, inspect the trailer frame area and arrange the free dealer repair.
Who do I call about recall 20V060?
Call a Vermeer dealer to schedule the free frame reinforcement repair for recall 20V060. Mcelrath Trailers customer service is also listed at 1-888-686-7278 for owner questions about this campaign.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V060000 |
|---|---|
| Mcelrath Trailers customer service | 1-888-686-7278 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V060 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V060000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →