Hi everyone:
I just brought home my brand new trailer today and loaded the horses up for a ride around the neighborhood. The trailer pulled beautifully and the horses loaded and rode well. When I unloaded the horses, I noticed that the front slant wall which is lined with some sort of 1/4" rubber matting was torn off in about a 1 foot section. Looks like my horse maybe brushed it witha hoof. Anyway, I am just sick as I haven't even had the trailer for a day.
It looks like there is no easy fix and I will have to replace the entire sheet. I don't think my warranty will cover it as it states, "Will not cover deterioration due to wear or exposure, such as fading, rock chips, chewing, rubbing, pawing, kicking etc." Maybe it was just a fluke thing,
but surely the matting should be able to take a swipe of the hoof on the first day without tearing. What do you think? The trailer is very well made and it is a top of the line model.
Also, what would you replace the matting with? If I end up having to do this myself, then I am
going to line it with something harder and sturdier. Maybe a thin trailer mat or something. Any ideas?
Posted 2008-05-19 10:12 PM (#84274 - in reply to #84269) Subject: RE: Rubber lining in horse compartment
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
You might try nicely speaking to the dealer about it, perhaps there was a faulty prep where the adhesive would be to hold the lining in place.... it is at least something they need to know about for perhaps future improvements...
Posted 2008-05-19 10:23 PM (#84276 - in reply to #84269) Subject: RE: Rubber lining in horse compartment
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
The OEM material certainly is not very durable. It should last years, not hours. I would certainly speak to the dealer and ask for a better product. You definitely don't want a replacement of what you already have. Even if your warranty excludes this product, the money you paid for your trailer should generate enough good will to have the dealer/manufacturer effect a proper repair.
Floor mat materials are quite durable and should last a bit longer than your recent experiences. Should your dealer discredit your efforts, the mats would make a good substitute.
Posted 2008-05-19 10:51 PM (#84278 - in reply to #84272) Subject: RE: Rubber lining in horse compartment
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by slidingirl on 2008-05-19 11:10 PM
I should have proofread my message before sending. I really do know how to spell Warranty. I must have had a moment. LOL
You can go back and click on the edit button, at the top of the message, to correct spellings and such...
In fact you could even do it NOW...
Sorry to hear about your trailer damage...make sure it was done by your horse...confirm the marks...talk to the dealer...All he/she can say is it will cost this amount to get it fixed...
Posted 2008-05-19 10:57 PM (#84280 - in reply to #84269) Subject: RE: Rubber lining in horse compartment
Member
Posts: 40 Location: Selah, WA
I will probably call and "nicely" talk about what happened. Hopefully, I can get something worked out. What is this "OEM" material? Is it used a lot on the interior of horse trailers? The last two
trailers I have had have both had rubber stall matting on the walls and I never had a problem with
tearing or damage.
Is there anyway to toughen the material up? It feels soft to the touch.
Posted 2008-05-19 11:13 PM (#84285 - in reply to #84269) Subject: RE: Rubber lining in horse compartment
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
OEM means "Original Equipment Manufacturer", or, anything that is installed by the builder. An OEM product would be an exact replacement of anything installed by the manufacturer.
Some trailers use a padding, that is a foam type similar to pads used on concrete flooring, to reduce the fatige of standing workers. It is not durable enough to sustain damage from a hoof, or a sharp object.
The mats are usually a solid rubber and would have a considerably longer working life. Good luck
Posted 2008-05-19 11:21 PM (#84286 - in reply to #84269) Subject: RE: Rubber lining in horse compartment
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Is it a Mat that was riveted or glued to the walls or was it a Spray on Liner type of product?
The Classic trailers I used to have, used 1/4" thick Rumber sheets for the walls. My current Logan Coach has spray on Vortex. Rubberized spray on coating like a Rhino or Line-X bedliner product..
Each has a different method of repair and I suspect each has it's own warranty. So even if the Trailer makers warranty doesn't cover it, The maker of the products warranty may.
Posted 2008-05-19 11:26 PM (#84287 - in reply to #84269) Subject: RE: Rubber lining in horse compartment
Member
Posts: 40 Location: Selah, WA
Thanks for clarifying the "OEM," I couldn't figure out what kind of material that was for the life of me. LOL. In response to the question about the material, it is a black glued on material that feels spongy and soft to the touch. Kind of like carpet padding.
Posted 2008-05-20 12:31 AM (#84290 - in reply to #84278) Subject: RE: Rubber lining in horse compartment
Member
Posts: 40 Location: Selah, WA
Paul: Thanks for the tip on how to correct my spelling. Now if I could have just read enough to have seen the EDIT button in plain sight. I guess there is no help for some of us..
Posted 2008-05-20 6:40 AM (#84295 - in reply to #84269) Subject: RE: Rubber lining in horse compartment
Expert
Posts: 1416 Location: sc
I would at least talk to the dealer and see what they had to say. If you end up replacing it, I would use the Rumber sheets. Thats what I have, way more durable than rubber.
Posted 2008-05-20 7:09 AM (#84301 - in reply to #84269) Subject: RE: Rubber lining in horse compartment
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
All 3 of trailers I've owned have sheets of ABS on the walls and I've yet to have any issues in 13 years of towing. And I've had horses that pawed, kicked, etc Rumber would probably be even better as two of my trailers had rumber floors and they were fantastic.
I've seen several trailers that had thick rubber that had chunks taken out by errant horses.
Posted 2008-05-20 8:16 AM (#84310 - in reply to #84269) Subject: RE: Rubber lining in horse compartment
Elite Veteran
Posts: 824 Location: Kansas
I would agree with Chadsalt; if you have to replace go with rumber. I have a paw-er deluxe and it took several years for her to do to the wall mat what happened in one day to yours. But I did replace it a year ago with rumber and she hasnt' left a mark on it.
Posted 2008-05-20 10:44 PM (#84365 - in reply to #84269) Subject: RE: Rubber lining in horse compartment
Member
Posts: 40 Location: Selah, WA
Well,
I dropped an email to the dealer last night, as I am working 12 hour shifts and it is difficult to call. I haven't heard back so I will just have to see what happens. Where could I purchase the rumber to line the walls with? Dealership maybe? That sounds like a good material. Thanks for your information and I will keep you posted.
Rubber lining in horse compartment
