Recall 24V305 covers 54 2022-2024 Reading Truck Equipment RM-78 Crane Body vehicles with high-mounted taillights. Franchised Reading Truck Equipment dealers relocate them free.
Reading Truck Equipment is recalling 54 2022-2024 RM-78 Crane Body vehicles because the taillight is positioned above the maximum allowed height under the federal lighting standard. Incorrectly mounted taillights can make the vehicle harder for other drivers to see, raising crash risk, and Reading Truck Equipment dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tail light on a 2022-2024 Reading Truck Equipment RM-78 Crane Body is the rear LED lamp that shows braking, turning, tail lamp, and reverse lighting functions. Drivers behind the truck rely on that lamp position to read what the truck is doing, especially when the crane body changes the rear layout from the original chassis.
On affected RM-78 Crane Body vehicles, the tail light was mounted higher than the maximum height allowed under the federal lighting standard. Reading traced the issue to bodies mounted on class 6 and class 7 chassis after early validation was done on a Ford F700 chassis. The lamp itself is not described as defective. The problem is its location, and the repair is to relocate the tail lamp 6 inches lower.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners are not expected to hear, feel, or see a symptom from the driver's seat because this is a lighting-position issue, not a running or braking defect.
Who's affected?
Covers three model years of the RM-78 Crane Body, all using the same S/T/T/R LED tail light.
| 2022 Reading Truck Equipment RM-78 Crane Body | Tail lights |
|---|---|
| 2023 Reading Truck Equipment RM-78 Crane Body | Tail lights |
| 2024 Reading Truck Equipment RM-78 Crane Body | Tail lights |
| Units affected | 54 |
| 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 truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Incorrectly mounted taillights can reduce the vehicle's visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon so the lights are moved to the correct position. Repair is free at any franchised Reading Truck Equipment dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2024 Reading Truck Equipment RM-78 Crane Body is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Reading Truck Equipment dealer to schedule the free taillight relocation that moves the lights back within the proper height.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 24V305 when you call.
- Drive with extra space around the vehicle until the repair is complete, since the incorrectly mounted taillights reduce visibility to other drivers.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Reading Truck Equipment technician relocates the taillights so their position meets the height requirement for the lighting equipment. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Ask the service desk to confirm that the relocated taillights are documented under campaign 24V305 before you leave, and keep the repair order with the vehicle records. This is the dealer action described for the RM-78 Crane Body.
Timeline
| April 29, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 6, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| May 6, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 24, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 10, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V305?
Recall 24V305 covers 54 2022-2024 Reading Truck Equipment RM-78 Crane Body vehicles with taillights mounted above the allowed height. The lighting issue fails FMVSS 108 and can make the vehicle less visible to other drivers, increasing crash risk. Dealers will relocate the taillights for free.
What should I do if my 2022-2024 Reading Truck Equipment RM-78 Crane Body is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 24V305. If it is, contact a franchised Reading Truck Equipment dealer to schedule the taillight relocation. Reference recall number 24V305 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects and compliance defects at no cost. Reading Truck Equipment dealers will relocate the taillights free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk with recall 24V305?
The safety risk is reduced visibility to other drivers. On affected RM-78 Crane Body vehicles, the taillights were positioned above the maximum allowed height, which can make the vehicle harder to see and increase crash risk. The dealer repair moves the taillights to the correct position.
When were owners notified about recall 24V305?
Reading Truck Equipment mailed owner notification letters on June 10, 2024. If you own a 2022-2024 RM-78 Crane Body and never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call the dealer with recall number 24V305.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V305000 |
|---|---|
| Reading Truck Equipment customer service | 1-800-458-2226 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V305 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V305000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →