My “Class Act” Trailer's Structural Integrity Failure

[Defender Chassis]

You're also an idiot for bringing that up when you are not expressing yourself professionally.

Do you remember the engineering ethics portion of your exam? Those weren't just words.

Here's ASME's ethic statement.

"Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties."

For instance, rating a product according to its weakest component, ESPECIALLY IF THAT COMPONENT IS NECESSARY TO EVEN USE THE PRODUCT. The customer shouldn't have to hunt for caveats in the product manual if the forbidden actions are fundamental to the design. If there is this type of misuse it is due to a rating driven by marketing rather than engineering. This product is unsafe and bad design and should be reported to the FTC for a recall if the company won't do it themselves.

Whoever specified this trailer should have grabbed their sack and stood their ground against the beancounters and marketers. Unless, of course, they were completely incompetent, which seems to be the case here.

Im not sure where you are going with this. I simply attempted to use a euphemism to make the point that credibility in one area because of aquisitions and achievements does not guarantee credibility in all areas. What kind of trailer do you pull?

With respect to a trailers ramp being rated for the total capacity of the trailer, I am wondering if some of the posters realize that almost no trailer meets that requirement. My Exiss has a load capacity of 9k lb but my ramp will not support more than a 4500lb vehicle. Haulmark does the same thing.

With respect to the poster from Indiana, I agree with you totally. My experience has been the same as you stated. I had a Timberwolf that I took back to the manufacturer and my buddy bought a Team Spirit that was a total POS. My Exiss is made in Oklahoma I think and I am very happy with its performance. Its a 2003.

 

[Fishwacker]

I have finally finished up reworking the defective ramp door yesterday. In work process can be read here.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=576240&postcount=394

Below are some pictures of the modifications.

Inside view when closed.

View of ceiling mounted winch with control panel mounted to sidewall. I installed two hooks to store the winch cable when the door is down.

While I was at it, I made two brackets for my hold-downs and straps. I have a new set; but prefer the ones I purchased 20 plus years ago.

I gave the door the ultimate test. Driving my 7,100 pound Avalanche 2500 onto the ramp door. The door handles the weight without a problem. Although it bowed about 1/ 2” from the load. But the approach ramp that I made out of a yellow pine 2” X 12” split down the middle. I have since made a new one from laminating two pieces of 3\4” cabinet grade A/C plywood. Together with glue and screws...

Home Depot had the 3/4” cabinet grade A/C plywood on sale for $23.97 a sheet. It looks like it is seven ply. I may go back and purchase a few more sheets just to have on hand....

Here's a video clip of the door being closed and reopened under power.

OCG WOW!!!! You sure got a lot of ******* wadded up over a problem that had nothing to do with the pantie wearers. Sorry to hear you got no resolution from the people you dealt with on this rig. Very nice job on the repair/fix to the cheesy door they installed on it. A word of caution though. You might consider examining the hinge on said cheesy door. Who knows what inferior materials/engineering went into the manufacturing of that minor detail. After all, it was made by a window company using recycled materials. With the added weight of the materials need to fix the original flaw, the hinge and latches might be under rated now. By "overloading" that hinge you would be held liable for any damages should it fail while in use during the transport of your vehicles. Just my two cents.

 

[xscorex]

what you do is pretend you are about to buy one and want to take delivery, then call back and tell them you saw this thread and have changed your mind


oops, i thought i had read all the way through but hadnt. Seems as if your thread worked. congratulations

 

[yvanlavoie20]

BRAVO !!!! good repair but too much bla bla...

i buy a new roof in alluminium shingle ( 3X the price of a standard roof ) , A+ for the stuff but problems in the winter.... water fall on my bed !!!! my wife is ****** like devil. i juste repair isolation in the ceiling end rebuilt all the interior....remove all isolation and rebuilt all,

The contractor intall the roof but they never inspect the interior of my house. Big troubles ... no ventilation in the attic... they install 2 big air extractor, in the winter humidity from inside the home condensate in the attic, frost, and when temp goes down melt.... water everywhere.

i am now at 30 000$ for the roof and the repair. if i put new shigles it cost to me around 5 000$ ( labor included )

+30 000$ for a 5000$ repair... ouch

yvan

 

[kizer]

Wow talk about anti-climatic ending. ***** to see the way this thread ended. I've seen construction companines roll onto a site with brand new equipment. Go under roll, onto site with more new equipment with a new name. Go under, roll onto site with yet another new name and more new equipment. 3 or 4 times later they have a ton of new equipment and start making big bucks because they know how to play the system. Sadly these guys probably did the samething and I'm betting this thread didn't help any.

I noticed a few kept asking why is this still a sticky? Because the moderators said so. Anyways thanks for the lesson about his particular company and if/when I buy a hauler to triple check the weight bearing load on the ramp. If it can't handle the weight of my fully loaded and armored up Jeep then why buy it? I personally think the Op got screwed and at the least the seller should of steped up, but I'm guessing they couldn't because it was 2years later.

 

[jontwork]

I noticed that in all the pictures, there were none of the data plate listing the GVWR which from looking at the pictures appears to be 7000 pounds (2 3500 pound axles) but I am basing that on pictures that do not give me much detail.
Until I see the data plate info and the weight slip of the empty trailer from a certified source, I will withold judgement as everyone else should do, before condemming the manufacturer.
Regards,

 

[lawfarm]

I noticed that in all the pictures, there were none of the data plate listing the GVWR which from looking at the pictures appears to be 7000 pounds (2 3500 pound axles) but I am basing that on pictures that do not give me much detail.
Until I see the data plate info and the weight slip of the empty trailer from a certified source, I will withold judgement as everyone else should do, before condemming the manufacturer.
Regards,

Gotta say three things:

1. Given the detail that OCG has gone into here, I strongly suspect that your concern is unwarranted, and that the trailer was properly spec'd by him.

2. I'm always suspicious of someone who joins a BBS to post a single post that sticks up for a manufacturer. Care to offer any explanation for your sudden interest in this otherwise stale post?

3. One would think that if the manufacturer had such a valid defense (trailer improperly spec'd), they would have raised that a bit earlier, no?

 

[NUTTSGT]

I noticed that in all the pictures, there were none of the data plate listing the GVWR which from looking at the pictures appears to be 7000 pounds (2 3500 pound axles) but I am basing that on pictures that do not give me much detail.Until I see the data plate info and the weight slip of the empty trailer from a certified source, I will withold judgement as everyone else should do, before condemming the manufacturer.
Regards,

Did you even read his posts or just look at the pictures ?

 

[rockchucker]

Even at 2500 Pound Rating for the door you have to take into consideration the bouncing of any vehicle coming down the ramp. Or going up it for that matter. Power Braking or Clutch Slipping then engagement will add hundreds if not thousands of pounds of weight onto a loading Ramp. Getting a running start as to not have to power Brake or slip the Clutch will add excessive amounts of weight easily going over the 2500 Pound Rating of the door.


I didn't read all 25 or whatever pages of this thread but just a quick look at the pictures really looks to be a failure of the user. Maybe one too many "Runs" at the Trailer in an attempt of easier loading? All though the idiots at the Trailer company should have NEVER put such a weak door on a "Car Hauler".


I have an Enclosed Road Force Trailer 6 x 12 V-Nose. Nothing near the rating of your Trailer as it is only a Single Axle on Torsion Suspension. My door looks to be more capable of a load Rating than your door though.


Either or...You did a great job on fixing what the Trailer Company should have dealt with correctly the first go-round. Good show. I hope you get something out of the Trailer Company for this.

 

[Justanoldguy]

I didn't read all 25 or whatever pages of this thread but just a quick look at the pictures really looks to be a failure of the user. Maybe one too many "Runs" at the Trailer in an attempt of easier loading?

I can only suggest you go back and READ ALL the previous posts and then come back with your apology to the OP.

 

[dmeadow]

I was interested in this thread because I've bought several car trailers over the years and hadn't heard of these. You might have more bad news. Looks the company let its domain name expire. The link doesn't go there any more. I can't find anything for Classic Act trailers except for dealer websites.

I've heard a number of trailer mfgs were hurting with the recession. If they are out of business you may be SOL. If so, your best plan of action is to fix the door and reinforce it.

 

[rockchucker]

I can only suggest you go back and READ ALL the previous posts and then come back with your apology to the OP.

Well I read the whole thread. Dude got the short end of the stick on a Ramp Door that should have been rated at a higher capacity. Which he specifically ordered. I understand that. Even loading a vehicle of the weight that he is loading the Door is insufficient. For most vehicles the Door that is on that Trailer is insufficient.


Either or... The Trailer manufacturer and the People that sold him the Trailer are liable in my book.

I am not saying that this thread is wrong in any way. In fact I believe things like this need to be pointed out to other consumers.


There is nothing to apologize for though. My initial statement was that the door was overloaded and it was. Regardless of what he specified. The door was insufficient for the load. It failed.

I hope that something gets done about this. It is not right. Not much different from what I posted earlier.



OCG I really hope the best for you and your beautiful cars. You will probably never see a dime but at least you have taken the time to let others know of the debauchery caused by this so called "Car Hauler" manufacturer. Good fix regardless.

 

[Justanoldguy]

There is nothing to apologize for though.

Except the fact you blamed the Op for this.

Quote: "just a quick look at the pictures really looks to be a failure of the user. Maybe one too many "Runs" at the Trailer in an attempt of easier loading?"

Funny how some people won't admit they may have jumped the gun.

 

[737mechanic]

Even if it was one too many runs at the trailer a good experienced trailer builder would have known that people are going to need to get a run sometimes and would have built a door that would have been way over built to make sure that there product would have stood up to any abuse like that.

Like the OP said he has had many other trailers in the past and I am sure he used them the same as he used this trailer and the other trailers stood up to the same abuse.

If I was going to buy a trailer I wouldn't want a trailer that I was going to have to baby the car up the door because the door was barely rated for the weight of the car.

And jontwork you are clearly an employee of the **** of a company that builds junk.

In my opinion a car hauler should be built strong enough so whatever kind of car you want to drive up into it will be able to make it without any problems. Not everone wants to drive a Toyota corolla up a ramp into a car hauler, some people actually have real cars.


I will NEVER buy a class act trailer not necessarily because I don't think they build a good trailer but because they SHOULD have replaced the door and made the customer happy.

 

[csp]

I noticed that in all the pictures, there were none of the data plate listing the GVWR which from looking at the pictures appears to be 7000 pounds (2 3500 pound axles) but I am basing that on pictures that do not give me much detail

Not to mention the fact that most 3500 pound axles are five lug on a smaller bolt pattern. Nice of you to make a single post loaded with ASSumptions.

I see six lugs and would guess them to be 5k axles at a minimum. Then as said already, I would also expect the OP to be overly aware of GVWR and what his toys weigh along with the weight of the trailer. The man is accutely aware of details.

 

[Boiler]

Forgive me as I only discovered this thread today and wanted to address a few things. As a practicing engineer with 12 years experience designing equipment for structural integrity, this ramp should have been a no brainer for the manufacturer. Considering the OP gave the weight of his cars and the fact that it was a custom length ramp, the manufacturer should have had no problems building an adequate ramp.

To address some of the safety factor / overloading comments I've read in this post: safety factor is designed into structural applications to account for things like dynamic loading, stress concentrations, defects, etc. It is not there so that you can put a little more weight in than the rating. To overload or to expect to be able to overload is foolish. Typically in man-lift machines that I design, we use a safety factor of 2.75 or 3, much of which is an allowance for dynamic loading and stress concentrations. We proof load our equipment to 1 & 1/3 of the rated weight to ensure that if the ratings are adhered too, there will never be a failure.

To address the concept of fatigue failure: fatigue failures can occur in much smaller quantity of cycles than 100k. Material, surface quality, geometry, and residual stress, among other things, have a lot to do with the endurance limit of a certain application. In my line of work, we build structures out of aluminum and steel. Steel has a endurance limit, while aluminum does not. When we design aluminum structures we must be careful to maintain stresses small enough that it will make the number of cycles to failure greatly exceed the expected lifespan of the product. Another factor with aluminum is anodizing. Anodizing aluminum reduces the amount of cycles the aluminum can handle because the anodized layer cracks under good sized loads. It cracks like paint, but since it is actually part of the material, the cracks will propogate into the material unlike paint. The thicker the anodized layer, the more it reduces fatigue life. I think the OP's ramp did not have any aluminum runners, but I'm just making the point that a lot goes into determining fatigue life that can't be summed up in one simple statement.

To address what kind of load the ramp should be built to: if the manufacturer is representing this as a 7000 lb capacity car hauler, they must consider the possibility of any 7000 lb vehichle being loaded onto it. I believe that the worst case loading in this regard would be 4500 to 5000 lbs being placed in the middle of the ramp (from a side view). A short wheelbase squeezing the entire vehicle onto the ramp would not have produced the damage, because the load would have been applied in a way (at the ends) that lower stresses would have been incurred. I would probably build a ramp that had a 2 or 3x safety factor and a 4500 lb rating, until my customer asked me for more capacity. In that case, changes to the construction should be able to be made to do what needed to be done. There may even be a standard for the amount of safety factor and capacity of these types of ramps, but I'd go with my answer if there was not one.

To address who is at fault: I believe that the manufacturer is at fault above all others, and also their microscopic, hidden capacity sticker is a joke. $1000 is nowhere near the amount of damage they've done to themselves by letting this go. Everyone makes mistakes, the companies you want to buy from are the one's that own up to them and make the situation right. That said, the dealer should have been the party to take care of the problem. I think you should have let them remedy the situation and continue to fight for their $1000 themselves. They are your point of contact and ultimately who you made a deal with.

From what was presented here, the OP was not in fault in any way. Until the other side of the story comes out, we've only got this one to go by, and the OP seems to have his act together.

Final note: I hate when companies name themselves things like "class act trailers", Honest Joe's Used Cars, etc. It always has a bit of reverse psychology for me. I think of it as overcompensation for faults. Also, what the heck does a picture of a handful of guys standing on the roof of a trailer have to do with anything? I would have been more impressed with a picture of a skid-steer inside of it.

 

[rockchucker]

Except the fact you blamed the Op for this.

Quote: "just a quick look at the pictures really looks to be a failure of the user. Maybe one too many "Runs" at the Trailer in an attempt of easier loading?"

Funny how some people won't admit they may have jumped the gun.

I am sooooooo sorry that I am stating facts.

The ramp was overloaded by the user.

Given it was a hunk of **** ramp in the first place. It should have NEVER been installed on a Car Hauler. I agree. It was a weak POS Ramp Door and the User, albeit under a different impression, OVERLOADED THE DOOR! No this is not his fault. It is the Trailer Manufacturers fault for telling him it was OK. OCG totally got screwed. I am in 100% accordance with that fact.

OCG ordered Trailer.
Trailer was delivered below OCG's Spec.
OCG overloaded what he thought was a sufficiently rated Ramp Door.
The Door FAILED BY BEING OVERLOADED.


You can not negate the fact that the Door was overloaded. Albeit it may have been under rated and a hunk of dog **** door and Trailer...the door was still overloaded. Hence the failure.


I fully understand that OCG was under the impression the Ramp Door should have easily been able to drive on. Seeing the Trailer is a "Car Hauler" I would have been under the same impression. It was not obviously. I would have done the same thing and Loaded a car into the "Car Hauler" driving up the SAME Ramp Door and overloaded it myself. It would have failed in the same manner. The Door just wasn't built to have cars driven up the ramp. Cars were however driven up the ramp and it failed.


The Trailer Manufacturer looks to be dead in the water and I am glad for that. It really is too bad that nothing was ever done about this to reimburse OCG. I just hope that the rest of the Trailer is sound for carrying the rated capacity. I would keep a close eye on it for sure.

OCG- I am not in any way trying to attack you. You were under the impression that you should have been able to drive a car into aforementioned "Car Hauler". That ended up not being the case.

 

[OldCarGuy]

I noticed that in all the pictures, there were none of the data plate listing the GVWR which from looking at the pictures appears to be 7000 pounds (2 3500 pound axles) but I am basing that on pictures that do not give me much detail.
Until I see the data plate info and the weight slip of the empty trailer from a certified source, I will withold judgement as everyone else should do, before condemming the manufacturer.
Regards,

As I stated earlier,,, My trailer has GVWR of 10,400 pounds making it have a payload of 7,000 pounds. If you look at their Website or brochures, all of ClassAct’s car haulers have 10,400 pound GVWR’s. Plus “CSP" is correct,, the wheels have six lug bolts,, indicates 5,200 pound capacity. Five bolts would be 3,500 pound capacity, while eight bolts would have 7,000 pounds capacity.

In the ordering process, I tried to get ClassAct to install 7,000 pound axles. But they refused saying wheel clearance would become a problem. That answer should have steered me clear of purchasing their products. Haulmark wasn’t going to have a problem doing it!!! The ironic part about it is that ClassAct installed the wheel fenders and cutout’s incorrectly. And there is only about an inch of clearance before the tire hits the fender. And I know that I’ll be adding spacers between the frame and axles sometime in the future...

From what I understand, Aluminum Cargo Trailers (ClassAct) no longer manufactures trailers. I had sensed that coming on from the non response that both the dealer and I received from them... They wouldn’t even give me the President’s name let alone put me through to him. Plus Certified letters were unanswered.

However I contacted the gentleman (Mr Steve Brenneman) that holds the patent and produced the ramp door (Nappanee Window LLC.) For my trailer. Though he closed down Nappanee Window, he still produces high end trailers at ATC . http://www.aluminumtrailer.com/
And was quick to return my call! He told me that door was NEVER intended to be installed on a car hauler. And for sure he wouldn’t install one on his car haulers!

In the ordering process I discussed my requirements with the dealer. And twice talked with the factory. Though they would never put me in direct touch with any so called engineer there. A secretary insisted that I relayed my questions and answers to him.. There’s no doubt in my mind that they knew that I was driving vehicles up to 7,000 pound over that door. Also their Website and brochures at the time never indicated the ramp door capacity. However soon after my complaint, they updated both! My original request was that the door be 18" longer than standard; But ClassAct said they couldn’t design and manufacture a door to carry my cars...

It wasn’t until I was trying to straighten the ramp door that I came across a very inconspicious label indicating it was intended for consumer ATV’s and motorcycles. With a 1,000 pound per wheel contact,, and a total of 2,500 pounds... All my cars have at least two wheels that carry over 1,000 pounds. A weight slip of my 1914 Cadillac reads 4,500 pounds. With nearly 60% of that weight over the front wheels. The tires are 37" outside diameter and 4 1/2" wide that carry 90 PSI pressure. The door consists of a foam plastic core sandwiched between two pieces 1/4" plywood. With an aluminum frame. Over time the structural integrity was sacrifice from the repeated stress of the small footprint. And seeing that they built the door 12" longer than their standard and a 7" raised deck height. Caused even more force on the structure... I’m actually amazed that it held u as long as it did!!!

In the end my dealer made me whole. I never for a moment though he would leave me high and dry,, like ClassAct. I’ve worked with JTI for years, and wouldn’t hesitate to purchase a trailer from him again. And would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a trailer.... But I didn’t want him to have to take a hit for ClassAct’s incompetence....

 

[strelnik]

Most designs have a minimum of 1.5 and some even use a factor of safety of 3.
So if the ramp door is rated for 2,500 lbs, it should handle at least 3,750 lbs I would think.

his is the reason I spent over a year building my own 20 foot enclosed car hauler.

I trust no manufacturer.

Either they have dishonest sales people or incompetent engineers.

I used the plans for a $10,000 trailer, bought my own materials, contracted the work to a local welder/fabricator, and did the rest myself. Yes, it took a lot of effort, but I have had several people offer to buy my old trailer because of what it can do.

 

[FordExec]

I believe that the dealer and the manufacturer both share liability for your losses. I would check to see what the dollar limits are in your area for a small-claims lawsuit, and file a suit against them both. If not, hire an attorney. I don't think they have much of a defense. Make sure you document everything. Document all of your phone calls, who you talked to, date and time, what was said. And start corresponding by certified mail and keep all your copies.

I was looking at buying a Class Act trailer this Spring. Thanks for the info. I'll go back to Haulmark. They may not be as pretty, but as your post shows, that's not as important as structural integrity. Besides, it's not so pretty with the ramp bowed out!

If you have the time, I agree with 35mastr. Letter it up and start parking it and hauling it around strategic locations. It'll get the attention of the manufacturer and the dealer.

Look up "United Breaks Guitars" on YouTube... you can always hire a songwriter!

Good luck,
bb

 

[jake00]

It'll get the attention of the manufacturer

except they were out of business

 

[venom50svt]

Is it time to say..............the end??????????

 

[dreamingmuscle]

Old thread alert, Old thread alert, Old thread alert, Old thread alert Old thread alert, Old thread alert, Old thread alert,

Any way this thread can be locked down?

 

[RAYJAY]

Old thread alert, Old thread alert, Old thread alert, Old thread alert Old thread alert, Old thread alert, Old thread alert,

Any way this thread can be locked down?

it was a Spam alert

 

[plowboy.]

Wow, I search for information about auto lifts and somehow google lands me on this thread...and then I read the whole darn thing. And I am stupid enough to respond in spite of the obvious mob mentality. Oh well, won't be the first time. I am pretty sure I recognize at least two usernames in this thread from NAT. I'm real, and I deal with this sort of thing from both the customer side and the fabrication side.

There is nothing in this entire 26 page thread that states that the buyer ever consulted with the manufacturer about the trailer prior to purchasing it. The buyer is obviously a respected board member and all that, but he offers no statement that he consulted with the manufacturer so there is no conflict there. He offers no evidence that the dealer did not mess this up, other then he is "sure" that they told the manufacturer all about his order. He has no evidence at all to support the dealer. The dealer offers to help in the solution of the problem, and does so. The dealer continues to represent the manufacturer's product line. Everything presented here points to this either being a mistake at the dealer level or a mistake at the customer level which the dealer was willing to eat for good will. The whole 'attack the manufacturer' thing was purely optional entertainment because the dealer had already indicated that they would fix it. If you are going to attack me, do it soon so I get a chance to see it!

 

[Sureshot]

Wow, I search for information about auto lifts and somehow google lands me on this thread...and then I read the whole darn thing. And I am stupid enough to respond in spite of the obvious mob mentality. Oh well, won't be the first time. I am pretty sure I recognize at least two usernames in this thread from NAT. I'm real, and I deal with this sort of thing from both the customer side and the fabrication side.

There is nothing in this entire 26 page thread that states that the buyer ever consulted with the manufacturer about the trailer prior to purchasing it. The buyer is obviously a respected board member and all that, but he offers no statement that he consulted with the manufacturer so there is no conflict there. He offers no evidence that the dealer did not mess this up, other then he is "sure" that they told the manufacturer all about his order. He has no evidence at all to support the dealer. The dealer offers to help in the solution of the problem, and does so. The dealer continues to represent the manufacturer's product line. Everything presented here points to this either being a mistake at the dealer level or a mistake at the customer level which the dealer was willing to eat for good will. The whole 'attack the manufacturer' thing was purely optional entertainment because the dealer had already indicated that they would fix it. If you are going to attack me, do it soon so I get a chance to see it!

jontwork your back. You didn't need a new name, just use your old one or did you forget your password.

 

[plowboy.]

I don't remember ever being here before. The system didn't recognize my email when I made a password request. This is the name I use everywhere.

 

[Justanoldguy]

I don't remember ever being here before. The system didn't recognize my email when I made a password request. This is the name I use everywhere.

Just why are you dragging this up and telling us a heap of stuff
that's been through the mill a thousand times already.
Go play elswhere if that's what you're here for.

 

[csp]

If you are going to attack me, do it soon so I get a chance to see it!

Irony, given the age of this thread.

 

[plowboy.]

google landed me on this thread. Ya'll are sure a friendly bunch.

 

[The Boss]

I find it interesting that the link for Class Act http://www.classacttrailers.com/ does not bring up a website any more. However the 4th item on a google search for Class Act Trailers lists this thread as 4th in choices! https://www.google.com/search?q=tro...44,d.dmQ&fp=7956eb27e953dab0&biw=1421&bih=899

If you want to get out of the trailer cheaply and not have to deal with the issue let me know - I need a new jobsite trailer and will never have anything heavier than a man walking on that ramp.

 

[rogsmart]

Plowboy... Some of the citizens round these parts are a little cranky but by no means all of them. Overall a good bunch of folks with a wide range of experience and skills that they are willing to share.

 

[Justanoldguy]

The whole point is why drag up all this **** again as it has been dealt with years ago.

Move or move out.

 

[HOTFR8]

The whole point is why drag up all this **** again as it has been dealt with years ago.

Move or move out.

Good point. the original poster has not posted about this for some time so I have closed the topic.