ComplaintsforSmith Trailers & Equipment, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  04/30/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I rented a trailer from Smith Trailer, after traveling to my first destination I noticed the tire had a bald, flat spot on one of the tires. This tire was illegal for road use. The company closed at 5p as I attempted to contact them for help with an exchange. I picked up the trailer around 4:30p. While driving this same tire ‘popped’ and had to be replaced with the spare. When I returned the trailer I was told I had to purchase the damaged tire for $202.35. After explaining and showing pictures of the tire I was sent out with that it was not road ready and not supposed to be on the trailer, I was told “I don’t know if that’s our tire and the trailer had a tire on it when it left” that I owed them money. There was not an inspection done on the trailer by Smith when I picked it up as I watched as the trailer was just picked up and driven to the front of the parking lot, dropped and left for me to attach to my vehicle. I checked the pressure in the tires, on the lot, and two of them were low. The lights were not able to be checked until I arrived at my destination due to being by myself at pickup. One of the lights on the trailer also was not in working order and again unable to contact the company due to being closed. I am seeking a refund for an already damaged tire that I was sent out with that was unusable and unsafe for road use.

  Business response

  05/12/2022

  AS STATED TO YOU, THESE TRAILERS WERE PUT INTO SERVICE IN FEBRUARY.  THESE TRAILERS ARE NOT OLD BY ANY STRETCH.  THEY ARE BRAND NEW.  WE DO INSPECT THE TRAILERS WHEN THEY LEAVE THE LOT AND WHEN THEY RETURN.  WE ALSO TAKE PICTURES.  AS PER OUR RENTAL CONTRACT, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TRAILER ONCE IT IS IN YOUR POSSESSION.  JUST LIKE ANY OTHER RENTAL COMPANY, IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO THE TRAILER, THAT IS YOUR RESPONSIBLITY.  THERE IS NO NEED FOR FURTHER CONVERSATION ON THIS ISSUE. 

  Customer response

  05/13/2022

  ****** ******** *******
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ** ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, reasons for rejection are included below.
  
  Regards,
  
  ****** ******

   

  The trailer tire was defective at the time of rental. It is not the responsibility of the renter to maintain or ensure the safety of your  trailer, it is our responsibility to return the trailer in the same condition it was received. The pictures clearly notate a faulty and illegal tire was given to me for usage. The same pictures also show the same defective tire was the tire that blew. Also, the charge to my credit card ($202.35) was for a tire and rim and only the tire was damaged. I will be seeking a refund for the charge of the rim.

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