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Bison horse trailer - axle problem

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Prue
Reg. Jun 2009
Posted 2009-06-05 7:07 PM (#106023)
Subject: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


Member


Posts: 7

Location: Hamiota, Manitba

The rear axle has broken on my Bison horse trailer - I only bought it (new) last summer.  It looks like they are not willing to fix it under warranty... anyone know of others having axle problems.  Mine is a Trail Express and pulled with a Dodge diesel 4WD.  Any info would be helpful.

Prue

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Wild Bill
Reg. Jan 2004
Posted 2009-06-05 11:28 PM (#106034 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


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Posts: 80
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Location: Tracy, CA
Prue, I have the same set up as yours. I have a 2 horse 270 TE with a 8' short wall plus I pull it with my Dodge 4x4 diesel short bed. What was the companys reason for not honoring your warranty? 
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horsey1
Reg. Dec 2004
Posted 2009-06-06 10:21 AM (#106045 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


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Does it run level? If not, it carries too much weight to the rear, overloading the axle (people pulling GN trailers with Dodge 4x4 trucks are always suspect in the axle company's eyes). Axle failure caused by overloading is not warranty. It is abuse. If it runs level, and just broke- then talk to the axle company. They can refer you to any number of locations for repair under warranty.
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Hitch and go
Reg. Apr 2004
Posted 2009-06-06 4:57 PM (#106054 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


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What is "broke"?  All axles are warrantied for at least 1 year and most are 3-5 years.  What brand is the axle?



Edited by Hitch and go 2009-06-06 4:58 PM
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Prue
Reg. Jun 2009
Posted 2009-06-06 9:12 PM (#106061 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


Member


Posts: 7

Location: Hamiota, Manitba

I think the axle was made by Lippert Components Inc.  They are saying I must have hit a pothole in the road for the type of brake it is - I don't remember doing this.  Yes, the trailer travels level - it's a three horse slant and I generally put the horse in the middle stall.

Prue

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PaulChristenson
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2009-06-06 11:32 PM (#106072 - in reply to #106061)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


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Originally written by Prue on 2009-06-06 10:12 PM

I think the axle was made by Lippert Components Inc.  They are saying I must have hit a pothole in the road for the type of brake it is - I don't remember doing this.  Yes, the trailer travels level - it's a three horse slant and I generally put the horse in the middle stall.

Prue

If they are claiming that...you need to get an attorney and sue the bastards...don't let them dispose of the evidence...
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DD_TrailerMan
Reg. Jul 2008
Posted 2009-06-07 10:13 AM (#106077 - in reply to #106061)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


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Location: Kinston, NC

Most top manufacturers use Dexter axles because they are widely known as the best in the industry.  Lippert is probably cheaper in price, and that is why Bison uses them.  A quick google search, and I did not find a company website.  This the first thing I found regarding Lippert.

http://www.allworldauto.com/recalls/NHTSA_06E095000_lippert_5200_recall_68960.html 

You might want to read over the recall to see if it applies to your axle.

Bartley Heath
bartley@DoubleDTrailers.com
Buy Factory Direct at DoubleDTrailers.com

 

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Prue
Reg. Jun 2009
Posted 2009-06-07 10:58 AM (#106081 - in reply to #106077)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


Member


Posts: 7

Location: Hamiota, Manitba

Thank you very much - this is very helpful and I'll check it out.

Prue

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Prue
Reg. Jun 2009
Posted 2009-06-24 6:52 PM (#107002 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


Member


Posts: 7

Location: Hamiota, Manitba
Three weeks on and still no sign of a new axle from Lippert for my trailer.  They say it is a special order and has to be specially made.  I have emailed both Lippert and Bison trailers and not had a reply from either of them as to whether they will cover the break under warranty.  I am totally dissatisfied with the treatment I received.  The trailer isn't a year old yet - purchased July 08, and cost $32,000.  I'm disgusted with both Bison and Lippert.  Even if things run quickly now, I will have lost 5 weeks use of my trailer this summer - and summers are very short here in central Canada.  I wouldn't recommend Bison to anyone after the fiasco I've had.
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classygirl98
Reg. Jan 2005
Posted 2009-06-24 7:36 PM (#107003 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


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Prue, What is the dealer doing to help you with the situation? Maybe you should be mentioning the lawyer word here.
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Prue
Reg. Jun 2009
Posted 2009-06-24 9:12 PM (#107013 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


Member


Posts: 7

Location: Hamiota, Manitba
The dealers are relatively helpful - they too have had difficulty in getting a response from Lippert.  I think they feel that they are doing me a favour - there's certainly no rush to have a satisfied customer.
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barrelhorses
Reg. Feb 2009
Posted 2009-06-24 10:30 PM (#107017 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


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Posts: 54
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Location: Ohio
If the dealer was worth anything, they would jump and down and scream and yell for you until the job gets done.  And a really good dealer might offer you a loaner trailer while yours is out of commission since it is taking so long.  It might be time to think about seeking some legal advice. 
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Prue
Reg. Jun 2009
Posted 2009-06-24 11:06 PM (#107018 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


Member


Posts: 7

Location: Hamiota, Manitba
I'm a bit stuck at the moment as the dealers haven't confirmed that the warranty will not cover the broken axle.. just inferred that it won't be covered. I don't think I hit a pothole with my trailer which is what they say must have done. I do think though that the axles must be substandard - they should be able to take the weight of the trailer with one horse in most situations. How long would the axles last if I was carrying three horses? It's very inconvenient having the trailer 'off road' for so long - and likely to be at least two weeks before it can be used again. If it was a car I would be in a much better position - I could say I would never buy from them again - and particularly not a Bison - but I'm not likely to buy another trailer - this was my one big splurge.
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Tresvolte
Reg. Feb 2008
Posted 2009-06-25 8:24 AM (#107029 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem




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Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...

Here is Lippert's web site. http://www.lci1.com/ You should contact them directly. While they do not appear to be the axle of choice in horse trailers, many RV companies use them.

It has been reported that Bison is not covering the warranty for any trailers built prior to June 1 due to filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy. http://www.horsetrailerworld.com/forum/thread-view.asp?threadid=11918

Unfortunately, that is how bankruptcy works and Bison can do what they are doing. Fortunately, Lippert is still functioning. Their warranty is still valid.

Keep in mind that your dealer may be at a loss of what to do or how to handle this also. While most dealers will stand behind the product that they sell and cover the costs of small items, most can not afford to cover all warranties that should have been covered by the manufacturer, especially when it comes to major items.

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gard
Reg. Aug 2007
Posted 2009-06-25 9:13 AM (#107031 - in reply to #107018)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


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Location: western PA

Originally written by Prue on 2009-06-24 12:06 AM

I'm a bit stuck at the moment as the dealers haven't confirmed that the warranty will not cover the broken axle.. just inferred that it won't be covered. I don't think I hit a pothole with my trailer which is what they say must have done. I do think though that the axles must be substandard - they should be able to take the weight of the trailer with one horse in most situations.

There is a general rule of thumb, that any product sold has to be "applicable for its intended purpose". If it's an axle sold for a horse trailer, then it should be of sufficient strength, to support that trailer when it's fully loaded. If a manufacturer installs a too light axle under the trailer, then it's their liability. If the axle is rated for that weight, it's on its manufacturer.

Trailers or any vehicle that is expected to be mobile, will encounter a variety of unfavourable conditions including pot holes. If the axles are of adequate strength, the most severe pot hole would result in a shredded tire and bent rim, and no damage to the axle. Even under extreme conditions, such as dropping off the edge of the road, the spindle could be expected to bend, but certainly not completely fail.

Expecting that the trailer will only traverse billiard smooth roads, is laughable at best. You are being given the old two step shuffle. A call to your state's attorney general's office is free, and may result in guidance to the proper legal direction you will need to take. It will also add more strength to your efforts, in effecting a resolve of your situation.

Gard

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Prue
Reg. Jun 2009
Posted 2009-07-07 10:28 AM (#107645 - in reply to #107031)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


Member


Posts: 7

Location: Hamiota, Manitba

Still no luck with my Bison trailer.  The dealer hasn't got an axle - the last time he contacted Lippert they hung up the phone on him.  He is now waiting to hear from Bison.  It's been five weeks now and my trailer has been stuck at the dealership all this time - with nothing happening.
I am in Canada - does anyone know who I should contact to file some sort of complaint re the treatment we've had from both Lippert and Bison?

Prue

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mmry1257
Reg. Mar 2006
Posted 2009-07-07 11:07 AM (#107646 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


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Posts: 93
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Location: ark/ok border
Isnt your trailer insured?? File it on your insurance and they will fix it then get their money from who ever is at fault. As an ex insurance agent this would be the first step I took. Not sure of the insurance laws in your state/country but it should be covered by either the truck insurance and or trailer insurance.
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genebob
Reg. Nov 2007
Posted 2009-07-07 2:28 PM (#107654 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


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Posts: 714
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Location: Minnesota
Sorry, but I rather doubt a broken axle in eligible for an insurance claim. Maybe if it was in a collision or act of nature, but otherwise equipment failure on a trailer is covered by your insurance the same as if your alternator went bad in your car. NOT!!!

Does your province have an Attorney General or a consumer fraud dept? You could contact the Better Business Bureau here in the U.S., or the Attorney Genereral in the states where Bison is (was) domiciled. Same for Lippert.

Good luck.

Edited by genebob 2009-07-07 2:33 PM

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gard
Reg. Aug 2007
Posted 2009-07-07 2:43 PM (#107655 - in reply to #107645)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


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Originally written by Prue on 2009-07-07 11:28 AM

Still no luck with my Bison trailer.  The dealer hasn't got an axle - the last time he contacted Lippert they hung up the phone on him.  He is now waiting to hear from Bison.  It's been five weeks now and my trailer has been stuck at the dealership all this time - with nothing happening.
I am in Canada - does anyone know who I should contact to file some sort of complaint re the treatment we've had from both Lippert and Bison?

Prue

Does Canada have an equivalent to our states' attorney general's office for each province? You must have some consumer protection bureau, possibly in another name. A call to your barrister might result in the name of the correct agency to contact.

You will receive little satisfaction, by waiting until someone else decides that he might get off his duff and help you. The manufacturers obviously plan to avoid effecting any repairs in a timely manor. You have to become proactive, make calls, and become a royal pain, until they want to fix the problem to get rid of you. If it entails the legal system, then you should embrace it at your earliest convenience. You've lost a great deal of unrecoverable time already.

Gard

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mmry1257
Reg. Mar 2006
Posted 2009-07-07 8:51 PM (#107670 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


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Posts: 93
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Location: ark/ok border
IF the trailer has full coverage insurance on it then it WOULD be covered under your insurance policy.
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genebob
Reg. Nov 2007
Posted 2009-07-07 10:47 PM (#107671 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem


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Posts: 714
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Location: Minnesota
Please name the covered peril.
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loveduffy
Reg. Feb 2006
Posted 2009-07-07 10:51 PM (#107672 - in reply to #106023)
Subject: RE: Bison horse trailer - axle problem



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Location: NY
go and find out were the headquarter of bison trailers are and file a complaint with the better business in that area, that should  make them take notice
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