|
|
Member
Posts: 10
Location: Hagerstown, MD | I bought a brand new kieferbuilt Trailer from Grand Champion Trailers in Leesburg, Va. They now refuse to honor warranty work. Kiefbuilt has offered parts but no labor. Trailer has had both axles replaced after complaining for 8 months that something was wrong. They refused to even check it out unril the wheel flew off of it during a transport with my horses aboard. I am looking for others with Kieferbult problems and problems with Grand Champion in Leesburg Va or Madison VA. Please get in touch immediately 717-360-0937 |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 1283
  
Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey | I owned three Kiefer Built Genesis trailers, I thought they were very well built for a mid-level trailer. Sorry you had bad luck out of yours. Sounds like Kiefer is trying to do the right thing though. Also a bent axle wouldn't cause a wheel to go "flying off", may wear out the tire quickly but not "flying off".
Edited by HWBar 2007-02-22 3:57 PM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 25
| I sent you a PM regarding the issues with my Kiefer Built Genesis. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 37
Location: Harmony,NC | Scoop, I have already talked to jhagerstown about trying to help him with his problems. If you will give me a call I will try to help you as well. My # is 704-546-5216.I am a Kiefer Built Dealer Ricky Vaughn Owner Diamond V Trailer Sales |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 10
Location: Hagerstown, MD | A bent spindle or axle will cause the wheel to come off. It puts extreme amonts of pressure on one area of the wheel bearing which causes it to seize up and then come off. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 25
| Diamond V - you have a copy of the PM in your inbox as well. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1283
Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey | If the axle or spindle was bent enough to do what you say it did, it would have happened on the first trip. It sounds like you have a Kiefer dealer trying to resolve your problem. I wish him luck in getting your problem resolved. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 43
Location: Valdosta, GA | Scoop, I am very interested in your issues with your KB. Esp. if they are axle and/or tire issues. Please PM me also. Thanks! |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 25
| PM - the problems (thus far) have nothing to do with axles or tires. I'm reluctant to say too much as Kiefer has indicated they are working on my trailer issues; albiet slowly and with no guarantee of a favorable outcome for me. I would, however, like to give them the benefit of the doubt that they will rectify things. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 43
Location: Valdosta, GA | Scoop, Please let me know how it all turns out! I have had a couple of warranty issues with my Kiefer and I can say that Kiefer has taken care of my issues with no questions asked. The 3/8 KB warranty has been great! Of course, as with any trailer, you have to have a good dealer is willing to help as well. From my experience, Kiefer stands behind their trailers and wants their customers to be satisfied. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 9
Location: Hutchinson, Ks. | Most Keifer dealers won't do warranty work on their trailers because Keifer Built won't pay for or cover the repairs. Any one can offer a "long warranty" Most trailer brands that offer a long warranty do it for a reason. Usually means they are having problems. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 25
| PM - I must say your experience w/Kiefer's response has differed quite a bit from mine. They have questioned everything and have not offered any sort of resolution thus far - hinted - yes, followed through - no. Only because I am persistent are the discussions ongoing - 3 full months later. The dealer that I purchased my trailer from is no longer in business. However, the local dealer has a service department that has been very good to me - and quite supportive. Everything comes to a grinding halt at the corporate level. If I were you, I would consider myself quite fortunate!
Edited by scoop 2007-02-22 9:56 PM
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 37
Location: Harmony,NC | Sporty, Most Keifer dealers won't do warranty work on their trailers because Keifer Built won't pay for or cover the repairs. The above statment is as false as they come. As I stated earlier we are a Kiefer Dealer. They have never even thought about not paying a warranty claim that we have submited to them. |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 794
Location: Tenn/Ala. | Folks, I'll wade in here with Diamond V. As a dealer for 9 different aluminum trailer companies, our Service Mgr. deals with all kinds of policies. And as a rule, Kiefer Built is one of the most accomodating companies we deal with. They are fair, succinct, and to the point. If it is a defect, they'll handle it. It is not unusual for them to even handle things just outside the scope of the warranty or timeframe. But remember, not everything is a defect. Sometimes the problem's cause should have been an insurance claim instead of a warranty claim. But if we can ever be of help in the Tenn. Valley region, please call or stop by. 931-685-4040. If I can help with this situation, call or PM me.
Richard Smith
Select Trailer Co. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 43
Location: Valdosta, GA | Sporty, FYI- The warranty manager from Kiefer Corp. Headquarters has called my personal cell phone several times when I have had warranty work done to see if I was happy. They are great people to deal with. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 10
Location: Hagerstown, MD | Well since they refuse to speak with me they will see my lemon at the Harrisburg trade show with lemon stickers all over it and a banner explaining my issues. Best thing they can do is fix my trailer and shut me up because I will put this all over the net and will park my trailer on a rented lot next to the closest Kieferbuilt dealer. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1283
Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey | I don't understand, is there not 2 dealers on this site trying to fix this guys trailer? "the wheels are falling off his story" Either he is not listening(good chance). He may be telling stories about his trailer(better chance). His dealer is sick of dealing with him(outstanding chance). Manufactures are only responsible for manufacturers defects, not defects in personalities. |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
| We'd like to hear & know. From looking at your signature and web site, it looks like you bought a Kiefer Built, which as HW Bar puts it- a mid level trailer great for consumer use, and are using it to haul commercially. Since you are hauling commercially, you of course have a CDL, and during your required daily pre-trip would have noticed the symptoms of a loose wheel bearing (greasy wheel, wobbles when shaken) and during your trip stops it manifests itself as an abnormally warm wheel to the touch. And not to mention- maintenance. Dexter axles actually finds almost no defects in their products- just lack of maintenance and driver abuse. So while you're here blasting Kiefer Built, go ahead and let us know the "Rest of the story" (My apologies to Paul Harvey...). Kiefer's responsible for making it. The driver is responsible for its safe operation. What have you done to make this right?? |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Kent, Washington | HWbar - I suggest you do some research on these trailers...perhaps investigate the subject of settled and pending litigations? |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1283
Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey | Originally written by sflynn on 2007-02-23 2:50 PM
HWbar - I suggest you do some research on these trailers...perhaps investigate the subject of settled and pending litigations? I don't have to investigate nothing, I owned three of them and had a couple of warranty issues resolved by them. I have now moved on to a much higher priced trailer. As I said I believe there is much more to this story, someone get on here after just registering and blast a brand of trailer, I smell something fishy, and I have a pretty good nose. Litigation is the problem not the solution.
Edited by HWBar 2007-02-23 2:58 PM
|
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1283
Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey | I just went to this cats website, the trailer is running so far downhill is a wonder it lasted 8 months before he had an axle problem. 
Edited by HWBar 2007-02-23 3:04 PM
|
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 3802
Location: Rocky Mount N.C. | Let me guess....It was one of the wheels on the rear axle that fell off. Wheels on the front axle are just touching the ground, all the load is on the rear axle..........HELLO!!! |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 25
| HWBar - on a slight tangent...what did you replace your Kiefer(s) with? |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 37
Location: Harmony,NC | Okay Mr. JHAGERSTOWNR, I called you yesterday evening and told you that I would do my best to help you out in getting your problem resolved. You said that Kiefer Built had already put a Brand New set of axles under the trailer.You told me all you wanted was to have a new fender and light put on the trailer at no charge. So this morning I called Kiefer Built and they agreed to send us the fender & light for your trailer at no charge. I then called you again this morning and told you this. I also agreed to put the fender & light on at no charge. You of course would have to get the trailer to us. I realize that we are about 5 to 6 hours from you but I at least thought we had a solution to your problem. You said you would call me back and let me know if you would be willing to bring it. I have not heard from you. I do however see your post were you said they refuse to speak to you and you also said Best thing they can do is fix my trailer and shut me up. Well I am willing to do that. So I don't understand what the problem is now. I know me & you have been having these conversations over the phone instead of using this board and I proberly would not be posting this now but I thought that the air needed to be cleared. You have my #. Please feel free to call me if you decide you want the trailer fixed. Ricky Vaughn Diamond V Trailer Sales |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
| What more can someone do to please a customer? With no communication, there can be no resolution. Hagers- Its up to you.
Edited by horsey1 2007-02-23 4:56 PM
|
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1283
Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey | Originally written by scoop on 2007-02-23 3:50 PM
HWBar - on a slight tangent...what did you replace your Kiefer(s) with? I replaced the last Kiefer with a 4 Star, I bought the Kiefers because they were mid-level(priced) trailers. I understood that when I bought them. They had to fix two problems on three trailers and did so willingly. Just as they are trying to do now for this gentleman. I spent about 10K more money for the 4 Star as I would have for a comparable Kiefer. What does any of this have to do with this guy and his desire to cause grief for Kiefer. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 25
| HWBar - this has nothing to do w/the original post - hence the reason I said it was a slight tangent (the definition of which is a digression/departure). I was just curious...nothing more, nothing less, no hidden agenda. You had just mentioned in a previous post that you replaced your Kiefers w/a much higher priced trailer and I was wondering what you upgraded to. Related to the topic, however, I'd like to just give positive feedback for Ricky at Diamond V. He made a call to Kiefer today which did prompt them to call me. It was definitely above-and-beyond for him to assume this responsibility and I appreciate the extra effort he has put forth. I told him if I were geographically closer to him that I'd recommend him as a dealer...using this forum is about the best I can do given the extensive geographical distance between us. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 10
Location: Hagerstown, MD | I tried to tell the dealer on three occasions that there was a problem, Grand Champion where I bought it. They kept saying no there was not. Even had them service it. It was not until the wheel bearing problem that they finally admitted it. Keifer Built agreed to fix it including the fender that was ripped apart. After all this they have not finished it and refuse to even speak with me. Being in the car business for 30 years I know how to treat customers and this is not it. I am sorry to say that is what happens when you buy american. I wish I could find a Japanese built trailer. They honor their warranties and for their dealers to have great customer satisfaction. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1283
Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey | Nobody's trailer will hold up to the uneven pressure you have on that trailer, you should feel VERY LUCKY that Kiefer is fixing anything. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 10
Location: Hagerstown, MD | Abig thank you to Diamond V. You did not need to get involved in this and I appreciate your kindness. However if Keifer refuses to discuss this and wants me to pay the labor I will pass. It is a matter of principal. I thank you for offering to fix it and eat the labor but I expect not to be treated like a criminal by the Manufacturer of my trailer. All they had to do was make this right and they refused. If you had any other brand of trailer I would do business with you as you have attempted to help me when my own dealer would not. If I had room to tell you all my problems with this trailer I would. Lets just say that I have had to deal with a different manager everytime I go in there and the owner would not call me, Shows his concern. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1283
Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey | As I said earlier "I have a pretty good nose" |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Kent, Washington | Looking at the pic of the rig, the truck is parked downhill - couldn't this cause the gn to be pushed up? |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 10
Location: Hagerstown, MD | You sir must be under the influence of Wild Turkey |
|
| |
|
Location: Texas | No, he is just under the influence of a good shot of common sense. You ought to try one. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 10
Location: Hagerstown, MD | I also want to know whether the axle was bent or installed improperly. I have the right to know this. If they were not bent but were installed incorrectly and the new ones were installed the same way I still have a problem. In the auto business when you pick up your car from service you are given a repair order telling you the problem and what was done to cure it. I have been told nothing. Furthermore why should I have to drive 6 hours and wait 2-3 hours and drive six more back home. Kieferbuilt has an obligation to fix my trailer locally and not make me pay the labor. This trailer has had many other problems, windows replaced, welds breaking, etc. Now for them to tell me it would cost me $350.00 in labor for a problem that was caused by a manufacturing defect is ridiculous. All I want is my fender and light replaced and assurance that the new axles are not bent and are installed properly, since they were installed by Grand Champion. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 10
Location: Hagerstown, MD | hwbar, if you liked your Kiefer so well why do you now have a 4star. I also never knew you could not park on a hill. Does it say anything about that in the owners manual. Furthermore you do have quite a nose or you would not pass judgement whithout the whole story. Perhaps you would like to pass judgement on my wife and children who were also at risk while we were taking their horses to shows all over the east coast. Suppose there had been an accident. Now maybe you can understand my concern. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1283
Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey | PERHAPS YOU CAN ENLIGHTEN MEABOUT THEUNEVEN PRESSURE ON MY TRAILER. THIS TRAILER WAS CHECKED BY TWO REPUTABLE DEALERS WHO TOLD ME OF THE PROBLEM BUT WERE NOT KIEFER DEALERS. HOWEVER GRAND CHAMPION WAS EITHER TOO STUPID OR LAZY TO CHECK IT.
The above was sent to me as a private message by jhagerstownr. If I still have to enlighten you you have serious problems. All the weight of your trailer is on your rear axle. I just traded an 04' Dodge 3500 because of the same issue. YOUR TRUCK IS TO TALL, THE NECK IN YOUR TRAILER NEEDS ADJUSTING. Torsion axles do not spread the weight even, they are not designed to. This is not Kiefers fault, you are LUCKY they are covering anything, now that they have the proof of your truck/trailer set-up. I bought a 4 Star because even a drunk cowboy like myself can see the difference in a Kiefer and 4 Star. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 10
Location: Hagerstown, MD | As any moron can see this truck and trailer were parked on a hill for this picture. Even the morons I bought the trailer from know it is level on level ground. If not they installed the hitch and made all adjustments so it would be their fault not mine. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1283
Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey | But of course, nothing seems to be your fault. |
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
Location: Never miss a good chance to shut up. | This thread is being shut down due to the inability of the O.P. to discuss a problem in an adult manner without calling people names. This forum is for useful discussion and education. |
|
| |
Kieferbuilt Trailer and Grand Champion Trailers
