My “Class Act” Trailer's Structural Integrity Failure

[OldCarGuy]

Couldn't hurt to forward a link to this thread to both JTI and Class Act. They can see how they're losing credibility and customers.

They are receiving a lot of publicity from the Internet from this thread. Do a Google search, using “ClassAct car hauler” It already has shown up on the first page. Before their website listing... http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=classact+car+hauler&btnG=Search&cts=1243548846542&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

Or Google “ClassAct warranty” http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=classact+warranty&btnG=Search&cts=1243549539198&aq=f&oq=&aqi=




.

 

[global72]

$1000 for the door. Ask them if you can get a bulk discount maybe an order of 20 or so as you will need to replace it every time you load your car.

It is a sad state for a company to not transfer you up the line to people that may have the authority to get a problem fixed. Especially in a small business, I am sure the nice old lady can see the decision maker from where she was sitting. The problem with the door well fine, things happen you work toward center and try to find the best solution possible. But for management or the owners to just hide but not allowing their staff to transfer calls to them or give out their names is inexcusable. This is the exact reason we dropped about 6 different manufacturers in the past.

In addition is it just me or does it seem ridiculous that a 2500 lb rated door would fail at 2505 lbs. It seems like they would have allowed some room there.

--Sorry -- I'll end my rant

Again sorry your having the problems. It is such a huge waste of time and energy to have to deal with junk like this. But keep fighting the good fight and hopefully they will come to their senses and work to find a reasonable solution.

 

[e-tek]

They have yet to return my calls or to JTI,, the selling dealer. With my diligence, I finally have reached a nice lady today for a second time. That informed me that they are not going to replace the door. But would make me a new one for $1,000.00 plus shipping. But refused to give me any names of who is actually in charged. She did ask me for some photographs. That I'll send off..

Now that *****! It's kinda like my General Contractor issues - you never really know who you have hired/purchased from until a problem surfaces and we see how they react. How long does it take a business person to learn that by avoiding a situation like this they increase their goodname - and therefore sales - much more that the cost of the warranty repair??

Jeez - some people have no business being in business!

 

[Keep]

The simple fact that they went and updated their website to state the 2500lb rating shows that they know they are in the wrong.

Make sure you mention that to your Lawyer, as they can then subpoena the hosting company get the file edit dates/times.

 

[AtlasRocker]

I sure hope this works out for you. Someone mentioned earlier that this seems to be the new norm. Big marketing talk but some fine print that says it yours not mine.

I just emailed them and told them I was looking at there trailer but based on this information have removed them from the list. If anyone is so inclined, here is their email address: [email protected]

 

[OldCarGuy]

The simple fact that they went and updated their website to state the 2500lb rating shows that they know they are in the wrong.

Make sure you mention that to your Lawyer, as they can then subpoena the hosting company get the file edit dates/times.

I don't recall if the 2,500 pound capacity was or wasn't on their Website when I purchased it. In any case “WE”, meaning the dealer (JTI) and I, thoroughly went over the type and weight of cars going over the ramp door. And I know he kept going back and forth with Class Act. JTI is an extremely well known and highly respected Cleveland Ohio dealer. That has always served me well over the years. And I'm sure that he wouldn't have sidestepped them!

I looked at the link you posted when you first got the trailer in '07. I could see no weight limit stickers on the door when the trailer was new.

That's correct. There is NO weight capacity sticker attached to the door!

Even if Class Act Trailer caves completely, what's the best they could do? They only have 2500 lb doors. Put a new door on and tell OCG not to load any car? Class Act Trailer will have to take the trailer back and refund the purchase price.

I really like the trailer though! Particularly after I added the cabinets, aluminum tongue box, winch etc. And would never ask them to take it back. I just want them to replace the defective ramp door!

When further examining the ramp door, it looks as if it was made with no steel or aluminum reinforcements. Just a laminate of fiberglass, wood and foam core in an aluminum frame.. I cannot be sure without cutting it all up though.


.

 

[Fiberglass Fred]

they are not going to replace the door. But would make me a new one for $1,000.00 plus shipping.

They're more worried about $1000 than they are about the bad press

That doesn't sound like the kind of company I would ever want to do business with.

 

[stick004]

Unfortunatley... a civil law suit needs to be on the way.

 

[1SlowFormula]

I hope they step up, I know there are lots of people out there searching for trailers, or info about trailers just as you did when you bought this one, but now this thread pops up near the top of all searches so they are screwing themselves by screwing you. I have an old 90something 28' Pace American trailer, and that door has seen everything including the weight of my tow rig, yes I have driven the front wheels of my well over 6K# truck up the ramp, just to test it before I bought it, and there was no flex nor issues then or since. I wish you the best with it...

 

[hetkind]

We bought a big tex motorcycle trailer a few years ago, and we got excellent service and support...

However, the tail lights seem expendable when backing on soft ground.

Luckily Tractor Supply has them by the bin for $12...

Howard

 

[musgofasta]

If they stiff you, I'm sure you can build your own ramp-door for less than $1000.

Over straighten, reinforce, and re-laminate the current door.

We've all seen your garage OCG, we know you can do it!

 

[Ironcrow]

I really like the trailer though! Particularly after I added the cabinets, aluminum tongue box, winch etc. And would never ask them to take it back. I just want them to replace the defective ramp door!

OK, I can get behind that idea. You want to keep the trailer and Class Act has a weak door. Ergo, you must be thinking of modifying the door yourself or paying someone to modify it...So, is the cost of strengthening the door very different from repairing and strengthening the door? Perhaps not. If this is the case, we are burning time, e-mail, phone, and attorney fees over not very much at all?

I'm just saying; I'm behind you all the way. You got a raw deal. But, is it time to just hang up the phone and make a better door?

 

[OldCarGuy]

If they stiff you, I'm sure you can build your own ramp-door for less than $1000.

We've all seen your garage OCG, we know you can do it!

No doubt I can build a ramp door. And for sure it would carry any weight that I care to drive in my trailer. But I’m not so sure that I wouldn’t go through $1,000.00 worth of material to fabricate one. Because I don't have the volume buying power that the manufacturer has. Plus I have enough other projects in and around my home already and car shows to attend to keep me busy all summer long. Then spending my time fixing a ramp door that the manufacturer clearly under designed.

Think about it. You purchased a new home, that you paid 20% premium than the equivalent homes around you. Then have the wooden deck out back have structural failure well with the warranty period. Rendering the deck or for that matter the whole house unusable, when a 300 pound guest ventured on in. Then the builder tells you that the deck should have had a 250 pound warning label on it. And wasn’t going to make good his warranty because the deck was design to carry only 250 pounds. Even though he was told well in advance that you entertain 300 pound guests all the time!

Now knowing that you had the ability to make a new deck. Would you simply purchase the necessary materials and fabricate a new deck. Or would you expect the manufacturer to replace the deck for you? Well I don't know about you. But I'm putting up a fight to make sure that the Manufacturer rights his wrong.....



.

 

[structures282]

Ever weighed the packard? Are you sure it's more than 2500 per axle.

 

[hoarder1212]

From their website it appears that the manufacturer is in LaGrange Indiana. I bet thats less than 3 hrs from your home. I would be inclined to park it on their doorstep and demand it be fixed. Tell them to fix it at their cost or there will be lettering on it at every car show you attend the rest of the year. I bet if you show up with it you will get some results.

 

[Junkman]

From their website it appears that the manufacturer is in LaGrange Indiana. I bet thats less than 3 hrs from your home. I would be inclined to park it on their doorstep and demand it be fixed. Tell them to fix it at their cost or there will be lettering on it at every car show you attend the rest of the year. I bet if you show up with it you will get some results.

Fix it at their cost, implies that he will be paying the bill for their actual labor and material costs. I believe that what you meant to say that they will fix it at no cost to the owner of the trailer...

 

[HOTFR8]

But I'm putting up a fight to make sure that the Manufacturer rights his wrong.....

Good for you. You tell them.

 

[hoarder1212]

Thank you Junkman for pointing out the error in my ways. Maybe I should hire you to follow me around and tell everyone what I meant to say, life would be so much easier!

 

[OldCarGuy]

How close are you to the place you bought it? I realize it's not the dealer's problem, but I bet if you had the side of that trailer wrapped with the words "Don't Buy a Class Act Trailer--Their Doors Are Weak And They Won't Stand Behind Their Warranty" and then park it across the street on a Saturday morning, you'll get some response.

I'd have a vinyl lettering guy do up those words, put them on the trailer, and take pictures of the trailer and send it to the company, along with a list of websites you will be publishing it on. (Here, HAMB, YellowBullet, etc. etc. etc. ), and a list of events you will be attending with it.

-Brad

Thanks Brad,, That's a Great idea!

One of my cars has the honor of being invited to the 2009 Ault Park Concours d'Elegance in Cincinnati Ohio in two weeks. http://www.cincyconcours.com/ That will be attended by Hundreds of participants. Along with ten's of thousands of antique car enthusiasts from around the country. I can only wonder the remarks I will receive when I show up with bright red lettered signs on all four sides of my trailer. It won't be much of a Class Act!

 

[lawfarm]

OCG,

I like the suggestion on the signage, but think we can work on your verbiage. You need to reference the warranty refusals, as well.

I also think that, at some point in the near future if you cannot get satisfaction, you should share the identity and e-mail address(es) for the person(s) you are speaking with, so others on this board can advise Class Act that we will not be making any purchases from them based on their treatment of you.

 

[dep5]

What is the axle rating of this trailer?

 

[OldCarGuy]

What is the axle rating of this trailer?

The total Axle ratings and GAWR is 10,400 pounds. Less the trailer's weight make its' payload about 7,000 pounds.

 

[OldCarGuy]

OCG,

I like the suggestion on the signage, but think we can work on your verbiage. You need to reference the warranty refusals, as well.

I also think that, at some point in the near future if you cannot get satisfaction, you should share the identity and e-mail address(es) for the person(s) you are speaking with, so others on this board can advise Class Act that we will not be making any purchases from them based on their treatment of you.

I'm all ears about the proper verbiage for the signs. But I need a week to get them professionally made up. Keep the ideas coming...

Since Class Act didn't return my dealer's phone calls last week. He promised me that he was going to go after them with a full head of steam this week. I'll keep everyone posted of any headway.


.

 

[tdkkart]

"This trailer is a POS that the manufacturer will not warranty, possibly losing parts, please stay back 300ft"

 

[Finious]

I sent an email to them because I really WAS considering purchasing a trailer from them. This is the response I received. Start from the bottom and work your way up to here. All I can say is

From: [email protected]

I have seen post to each of my competitors the same. I am not going to dish dirt to people whom aren’t involved in the situation. I do not work in that dynamic. We solve issues with our customers on a one on one level. Also, to try a professional level. I would hope that people would realize there are good products being manufactured every where, regardless of brand or reputation. No product is made perfect and it is not always going to last for a lifetime. I would treat you (if you were a retail customer of mine with dignity)and with care and consideration. Thank you for your concern and I hope you find a perfect trailer with in the industry and we all hope for the best.

From: BPray
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 12:57 PM
To: Pat Hickey
Subject: RE:

Pat,

If that is the case tell me your side and you might keep a customer or two. The gentleman I’m referring to has told his story……lets hear yours.

BPray

"Sorry to hear you believe in gossip. I have seen the post, and always remember there are two sides to every story. Thank you and have a nice day

From: BPray
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 12:54 PM
To: Pat Hickey
Subject:

To Whom It May Concern:

I was considering purchasing one of your trailers but after reading online that you won’t stand behind your product; I’ll take my business to your competitor!! No wonder companies like your won’t be in business for long. I also can’t believe that you are going to charge the customer $1,000 to replace his door that has a 2” bend in his door due to terrible craftsmanship, or in your case lousy work."

 

[stick004]

That's nice. kinda sounds like an A-hole anyways. Glad to see he has at least seen this thread.

Or maybe there is more than one trailer bashing thread?

 

[sirswank]

I have seen post to each of my competitors the same. I am not going to dish dirt to people whom aren’t involved in the situation. I do not work in that dynamic. We solve issues with our customers on a one on one level. Also, to try a professional level. I would hope that people would realize there are good products being manufactured every where, regardless of brand or reputation. No product is made perfect and it is not always going to last for a lifetime. I would treat you (if you were a retail customer of mine with dignity)and with care and consideration. Thank you for your concern and I hope you find a perfect trailer with in the industry and we all hope for the best.

is this english?

 

[JCQuick]

Hey Old car guy one of my mom's neighbors has a problem with his volvo he went all out web site and wraped the car check it out.http://orlando-volvo.com/ you may shoot him an e-mail and ask how he got away with it. He has a company thats make advertizement show and promo stuff.
I spoke with him about his issue since i know who owns the local Volvo dealer he's got a legit complaint

 

[Ray-CA]

I'm all ears about the proper verbiage for the signs. But I need a week to get them professionally made up. Keep the ideas coming...

Since Class Act didn't return my dealer's phone calls last week. He promised me that he was going to go after them with a full head of steam this week. I'll keep everyone posted of any headway.


.

Don't forget to include the image of several lemons on the sign.

Ray

 

[1SlowFormula]

Hey Old car guy one of my mom's neighbors has a problem with his volvo he went all out web site and wraped the car check it out.http://orlando-volvo.com/ you may shoot him an e-mail and ask how he got away with it. He has a company thats make advertizement show and promo stuff.
I spoke with him about his issue since i know who owns the local Volvo dealer he's got a legit complaint

wow, that is pretty funny I almost bought an identical minus yellow Volvo a few years back...

 

[Vicious_Cycle]

is this english?

As a second language maybe.

 

[Wardster]

JTI's hands are not clean. They were obviously the ones talking to Class Act about what you intended to do with the trailer.

Have you spoken to an attorney about this situation? Letters need to be written before amnesia sets in.

-Wardster

 

[Ray_Thms]

I might not be very much help for you. But I want you to know that you sure saved me a big heartache. I had it narrowed down to the Class Act ACTC8524TA3 and Haulmark RVN85X24WT324 v-nose enclosed trailer. Even though the Class Act was a lot more money I all but ruled out the Haulmark yesterday. Until I came across this thread. That made me take another look. I placed a call to Haulmark factory early this morning. They confirmed that their trailer comes with a 4,000 pound capacity rear ramp door as standard equipment. And not a stingy 2,500 door. I will be placing my order for a Haulmark now.

Thanks again for your post and helping me make an intelligent decision. And avoiding the pitfalls you are going through. Who would have known to compare doors?

 

[Stuey]

I'd recommend sending your story in to the consumerist (consumerist.com)

They have a way of straightening things out favorably for the consumer.

 

[ironroad 9c1]

I would avoid any slander until you talked to a lawyer and had several letters sent.Slander has a nasty way of backfiring on you ,should you go to court over this.

 

[Stuey]

I would avoid any slander until you talked to a lawyer and had several letters sent.Slander has a nasty way of backfiring on you ,should you go to court over this.

Isn't it only considered slander if it's not true...

Still, you're right - starting a "classic act *****" type of site or similarly immature action could do more harm than good.

 

[jake00]

While the site is no longer there, neither is the dealer.....

from a few years ago, http://web.archive.org/web/20001018080427/www.madisoncountydodge.com/0.html

 

[35mastr]

OCG,Have they contacted you yet on any resolution?

 

[OldCarGuy]

OCG,Have they contacted you yet on any resolution?

Class Act has yet to return my last phone call from this past Friday. When they asked me to forward some photos of the fractured door. Rather than taking the time to download the pictures. I made it easy on myself and sent off a link to this thread.

 

[trackwelder]

Hopefully Class Act will do whats right. Step up Class Act and fix OCG's trailer...lots of people are watching.