Recall 23V206 affects 1,210 2021-2023 Vermeer BC700XL brush chipper trailers for an incorrect safety-chain retention bolt. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
Vermeer is recalling 1,210 2021-2023 BC700XL brush chipper trailers under recall 23V206 because the safety chain assembly can have the wrong retention bolt. If that chain detaches from the chipper, it increases the risk of a crash or injury; Vermeer dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The 2021-2023 Vermeer BC700XL brush chipper trailer uses a safety chain assembly as a backup connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle. The retention bolt in that assembly holds the safety chain hardware in place, so the chain stays attached when the machine is moved or towed.
On recalled BC700XL trailers, the wrong retention bolt was installed in the safety chain assembly. Vermeer found that a 25 mm bolt was used where the build calls for a 30 mm bolt. The shorter bolt does not match the machine's bill of material, and it leaves the safety chain assembly with less retention than designed.
The problem traces to production having both bolt lengths side by side on the assembly line after a line move. An assembler installed the shorter bolt in the safety chain location.
There is no warning sign before failure. The safety chain can come off without an earlier symptom for the owner to notice.
Who's affected?
Spans the BC700XL across the 2021, 2022, and 2023 model years, all tied to the same M10 retaining nut.
| 2023 Vermeer BC700XL | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
|---|---|
| 2021 Vermeer BC700XL | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| 2022 Vermeer BC700XL | Recreational vehicle/trailer |
| Units affected | 1,210 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An incorrect retention bolt can let the safety chain detach from the brush chipper, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. There is no warning sign before failure. Treat this as a towing safety issue and schedule the dealer repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Vermeer dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2023 Vermeer BC700XL is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Vermeer dealer to schedule the free safety-chain retention-bolt repair that keeps the chain attached to the brush chipper.
- Bring the recall notice to the dealer. If the notice is not available, reference recall number 23V206 when you call.
- Avoid towing the brush chipper until the dealer installs the new retention bolt.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Vermeer technician installs a new retention bolt in the safety chain assembly. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Vermeer also describes a field remedy kit path for owners who complete the inspection or installation outside the dealer process. After Vermeer receives the Work Completion Certificate, owners are reimbursed for parts and labor, and Vermeer sends a $50 parts certificate. Keep the completed certificate and any repair paperwork tied to the safety chain retention bolt.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 27, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 11, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| May 11, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 25, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 25, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V206?
Recall 23V206 covers 1,210 2021-2023 Vermeer BC700XL brush chipper trailers. The incorrect retention bolt was installed in the safety chain assembly, and the safety chain can detach from the brush chipper, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
What should I do if my 2021-2023 Vermeer BC700XL is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific brush chipper trailer is included in recall 23V206. If it is included, contact a Vermeer dealer to schedule the retention-bolt repair. Reference recall number 23V206 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Vermeer's recall remedy states that dealers will install a new retention bolt free of charge. Federal recall rules require the manufacturer to provide the recall remedy at no cost for an included vehicle, regardless of where you bought the brush chipper trailer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is chain detachment. A safety chain with the incorrect retention bolt can separate from the brush chipper trailer, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before towing the equipment again.
When were owners notified about recall 23V206?
Vermeer mailed owner notification letters on May 25, 2023. If you bought the brush chipper trailer used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BC700XL is included, then contact a Vermeer dealer for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V206000 |
|---|---|
| Vermeer customer service | 1-800-829-0051 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V206 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V206000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →