Bought a new tilt bed 9999lb. gvw

[atgreene]

I finally ordered a new trailer. After a run-in with DOT this winter with my tri axle and no class A license, I had to make a change.

After looking at a pile of trailers and not finding the torsion ride axles that I wanted in a tilt, I settled on a Cam-Superline split deck w/o torsion ride. I really wanted the Moritz, but didn't like their tilt, and they won't tag it 9999 lbs. with heavier axles.

The Cam is 19' of deck: 4' is stationary and 15' tilts
LED lights
7k dexter axles
Stake pockets
Spare
10k jack
Hydraulic cushion tilt
Pallet fork carrier under the front section

I've never owned a tilt, so we'll try it and see how it works out. The 4' stationary deck should leave plenty of room for my buckets and fuel tanks etc...

Here's the link http://www.camsuperline.com/splittilts.html

It'll be 4-8 weeks before it comes in. I'll be sure to post some pics when it does.

[Jeff D.]

:thumbsup Looks good.That'll be a nice easy trailer too load,I bet!!

Do they have axles with that much drop,or are the springs somehow above the frame?

[atgreene]

Thanks.

I believe that the springs are under the axles.

It is going to be nice to load. The only drawback I see with the tilt is that every now and then I need to haul 2 pieces of equipment, but it looks like it will be low enough to be able to crawl on over the rear with the excavator if needed.

[cat320]

Alan your gonna get a 16K trailer and they will re-tag so you tow it with a class B cdl ?

I have one question on that , if you get a dot guy that says hey that excavator is X amount of weight and your stamped for less than that weight won't they still write you up?

I have a cam dump 5 ton and it holds the weight well i think .

[atgreene]

If I don't overload the trailer with lots of extra's, I'll be just at 10k. I plan to get my class a, but for now I really don't need it. It's not likely their going to scale anyway, but if they do it will be close.:)

[2004F550]

good trailer...we have 2 of them...a 6 ton and 7 ton....only complaint is the paint doesn't hold up well...2 year old trailer looks 15 years old...oh well its goos in all the other respects

[Jeff D.]

How well does that Hemlock decking hold up to the elements?Is Hemlock a hardwood or softwood?

My beef with wood decking is when they use pine or other soft wood,and it rots out in 4-5 years.

Oak seems to hold up pretty well,but adds too the price.

[2004F550]

its holding up fine...no rot...i believe its a soft wood..not positive....not as big a deal on little trailers as it is on lowboys and bigger tags....we only use oak on those

[Ford LT-9000]

If its the same Hemlock we have here on the West Coast its crap if its not pressure treated. If its raw expect to be replacing decking in 2 maybe 3 years it rots fast. Hemlock is also very heavy it soaks up water like you wouldn't beleive. The reason why manufactures use it is its cheap.

What most people around here use is rough cut Fir which is the full 2"s thick not 1 1/2 like wood you buy from the lumber yard.

I think you will like a tilt trailer no ramps to deal with the only thing with a tilt deck is you need to keep enough weight forward so the latch that holds the deck down isn't bearing all the weight.

[thejdman04]

The compnay I currently work for has a few of those trailers, and make sure you get an extra Toggle Clamp as they call them. Get some extra u clamps that hold the bed of the trailer down. They tend to rust up good and snap when you go to adjust them. Of course, commom disassembly and cleanign with a wire wheel will cure this however sometiems that doesnt get done. The reason I say get some extra ones are theyh are an odd size that the local, lee, advanced, napa advanced etc didnt carry and of course we needed the trailer that night. Also, be careful about driving over the edge loading 2 pieces of machinery. Have had a few guys try to load like that or unload unchain it get in a rush and dont undo theclamp and suprisingly thyey arent hardend steel andg et bend out of shape easily. Good luck wiht your trailer.

[BKrois]

You still need a Class A CDL if you will be towing the trailer behind your topkick.

[2004F550]

yea its pressure treated because they sit outside and we have had no problems.

[atgreene]

:Banghead Well Cam is beginning to give me a run-around. Originally the dealer told me he thought it would be in with a shipment the first week on June now their saying it'll be Mid to late July at the earliest. :Banghead

I've called the local Towmaster dealer to see what they have. Anybody got a Towmaster or familiar with them?

I'm also going back to Moritz to see what we can come up with.

If anybody comes across a quality built tilt bed 9999lb. trailer, 6000lb axles, 16' of tilt and 2' + of stationary let me know. I'm borrowing my fathers trailer now but hay season is coming and he's going to need it back.

[atgreene]

Just got a quote from Towmaster. 18' trailer, 4' is stationary, 14' tilt, torsion ride, led, d rings, 6k axles= $8380.00 :confused:

That's $3500.00 more than the Cam! WTF! And, the Cam was a foot longer and included stake pockets, rub rails and fork carrier.

Now the Moritz dealer called me back. I was there back in mid April trying to get them to build me a 9999lb. trailer with 6k axles and they said no. I called today and they've decided that they indeed can build a 9999 lb. trailer with 6k torsion axles.:thumbsup
Thank god!

He's going to let me know, but it looks like that's the way I'm going. I really loved my last 23' Moritz, the only reason I got rid of it was because I couldn't haul it with the dumptruck because of the gooseneck. I've regreted selling it ever since.

What a PITA this whole deal has been.

[2004F550]

towmaster are aheavy duty trailer but you pay for it...our Cat dealer sells them in our area so it was even more than the average price, so we ended up with the cams.....no compliants yet....maybe try another dealer? or was it a special build?

[Jeff D.]

When I was shopping for a trailer last year I noticed that for a similairly spec'd trailer,the prices had a very wide range.

It's trying to find one that's not a piece of junk AND is priced within the range you can afford.Also,finding one manufactured close enough so the transportaion cost's aren't too high.

Some are built and given weight spec's that are questionable(small channel,etc.) ,and some are built with weight spec's that are conservative(and could really carry more).

Since you've owned a Moritz before,you'll atleast have a good idea of their quality,and that's a real plus!:thumbsup

Good Luck,hopefully this one will come through for you.

[cat320]

Just got a quote from Towmaster. 18' trailer, 4' is stationary, 14' tilt, torsion ride, led, d rings, 6k axles= $8380.00 :confused:

That's $3500.00 more than the Cam! WTF! And, the Cam was a foot longer and included stake pockets, rub rails and fork carrier.

Now the Moritz dealer called me back. I was there back in mid April trying to get them to build me a 9999lb. trailer with 6k axles and they said no. I called today and they've decided that they indeed can build a 9999 lb. trailer with 6k torsion axles.:thumbsup
Thank god!

He's going to let me know, but it looks like that's the way I'm going. I really loved my last 23' Moritz, the only reason I got rid of it was because I couldn't haul it with the dumptruck because of the gooseneck. I've regreted selling it ever since.

What a PITA this whole deal has been.


Alan Have you tried landoll? the last time i saw one and asked how much it was around $5K now I don't think it could of went up 3-4K in a year for there tilt. Tomaster is very pricy i think have good stuff but $$$ try big tow they are the same as tomaster just different name. there is also hudson bro, kaufman trailers, millieum,Felling , foster, just to name a few can see all online to get specs on them .


Here is the felling one :
http://www.felling.com/trailers-specs.asp?Group=TiltBed&Series=IT%2DSeries&Item_No=FT%2D10IT%2DSP

[atgreene]

The Cam is being built to my spec, as they have a backlog anyway, they said it would take the same ammount of time as a stock 18' tilt.

Your right on the spec being different and the prices all over the place. Everything from the primer and # of coats of paint etc... really varies. I don't mind paying for quality, but I would prefer not to be bent over by a greedy salesman. $3500 difference is crazy. Towmaster is nice, but not that nice. There's no doubt they build a nice trailer, but not for that much more.

I've had 2 Hudsons (my fathers, but I used them more than he) and neither was very good. The paint is aweful and they weaken the main frame rails to make stake pockets. The one I'm using now bent this winter when I hit a frost heave. It took some 3/8" plate and some welding to repair it. Even the dealer said it was a common problem. They're a simple little trailer, but not very rugged.

The Moritz is overbuilt and they use the torsion ride. My gooseneck I bought new, drove to Ohio to pick it up from the plant ran it for 6 years and sold it for $500.00 less than I paid for it new. I went through 1 set of brakes and 1 set of tires. 14 K rated and I could haul 300 bales of hay out of a hayfield without tieing it down and the torsion allowed it to ride so smooth we never worried about loosing bales. Also, Moritz is one of those companies that adds little extras here and there like steps, heavy duty hitches, oversized sping loaded jack legs etc.

Just for giggles I'll check out Landoll. Hopefully I can get this resolved so my father can get his trailer back.:nono

[imjustdave]

I have to ask, why torsion axles? especially if its for equipment? Also the DOT finned you for being over the 26K licenced limit or somthing else? because my concern is you will be over your 9999K limit quick, trailer must weigh about 2200 - 3K lbs, especially with the tilt that only leaves about 6K, add on some forks, 750- 1000 lbs, chains, binders, 100-200 lbs, that leaves about 5K left for machine, - mud, and what ever else you decide, given you will have some on the ball but not a lot.

Also you mentioned never going to be scaled, is that because you will never pass by a scale house or you don't stop?

Also what kind of truck are you going to be using to pull this. I guess if it was me I would just get a 14K trailer with ramps and call it good. assuming your mini-ex wil fit.

[atgreene]

Dave, if you ever have the chance take a torsion ride trailer for a spin. The ride difference is amazing and there's no banging or bouncing on frost heaves, further there's no springs to break.

The Hudson broke all the springs on Wed. when I hit a bad culvert:Banghead . I had about 8000 lb of excavator and buckets, a grave stone and 1900 lbs. of trailer weight. Well within load limits. The springs are 3 years old and are 3000lb. rated each (4 of them).

The trailer I ordered is 3100 lbs. roughly. There are no scale points around me, only portable scales. Occationally I will be substatially over the 10k, but not on a daily basis. Most of my travel is within 15 miles of home.

It's being hauled with a 1986 Topkick reg'd for 36000 lbs.

Here's the deal, if the trailer is rated for 9999 DOT is happy. If it's tagged for 10000 or more you have to have a class A regardless of whats on the trailer. Not to be sneaky or anything, but I'm trying to get around the hassle of getting my class A immediately. I fully plan to get it, I just need the right truck to do it in. Mine isn't user friendly and would perhaps not impress the tester on race day, if you know what I mean.

Further, I don't want a big trailer because it's nice to be able to haul it with my pick-up to save fuel when I don't need the Topkick.

This is a common problem around here. Most smaller trailers are now coming through with 6 and 7 ton axles but are tagged 9999 lbs. All the salesmen I have talked to say it's a daily request.

[atgreene]

Well, the dealer called me today to say my trailer was in. I ran right down to pick it up and headed to the local truck garage for a sticker.

Tows great, handles great seems to be well made except......

I decided to load the excavator at a job I'm on to see how it looked on the trailer. Evidently your not supposed to load on crowned or uneven surfaces? As you can see from the pics, the tail of the trailer bent with the crown of the driveway. I can't say as I'm impressed. This thing is rated for 16100 lbs and I bent it first day with a 8000 lb. machine. WTF over? Anyone else have a tilt trailer where this is an issue?

[atgreene]

A couple more. Treated the deck with Thompsons water seal.

[Jeff D.]

That sucks!!

Could you weld something across the bottom to strengthen it?
Will it really be an issue,if it is bent,other than the fact you noticed it,and it's your "new" trailer?(and that's why it bugs you.)

Since you'll rarely have the center section of the rear with weigh being transferred across it,I'd think eventually it would get distorted anyways.

You just sped the process up,alittle.:yup

I've noticed steel decked trailers eventually get the plate curved over the cross members.Being that trailer needs to be thin in the back,so the rear can drop to near ground level for loading,it probobly would be hard to reinforce it enough to prevent any distortion.

Hopefully it'll serve you well otherwise.

[Ford LT-9000]

I would just cut that beaver tail off you don't need it or keep part of it and cut it above the clearance lights and weld a price of heavy box tube under the lip of the cut off beaver tail.

[Jeff D.]

I've a question Atgreene,

You've a tray on the front of the trailer,for chains,etc.Did you specify that be added when you ordered?

I've noticed them on other trailers too,and wanted one on mine,but the manufacturer said they couldn't mount one without a top/lid,stating it was now illegal to haul chains,binders,etc.loose,without being completely enclosured.

Were you told anything like that,or was I being fed BS?I'd weld a piece of expanded metal under the "V" and make my own,if it isn't illegal too use.

[Ford LT-9000]

Some body was pulling your leg and feeding you a line of bull. How in the heck is chains supposed to fly out of a box. We have low bed guys just throw their chains and cinches in the middle of the lowbed and take off the chains don't move.

Every tilt trailer in this area has a bottom welded in the V part of the hitch where chains and cinches are kept.

You can use expanded metal its not that strong your better off finding some gravel screen if you go to any gravel pit they will have used screens out of screening plants. Best of all you may get it for free :thumbsup

[CascadeScaper]

Hmmmm, if it's illegal to carry chaings without being enclosed, I guess all those lowboy trucks are illegal since most of them hang their chains on their headache racks. Currently, that's where I'm hanging mine on the F450, but when I had to leave chains with the trailer I'd just throw them on the deck and go. Maybe if I was going a long way, I'd bind the chains to the trailer across the deck, but I'd have to be driving a good distance to resort to that nonsense. :bouncegri

[atgreene]

Maine DOT is actually citing people for "loose dunage" (spelling?) for chains and binder left on the deck. Not sure if in the "CHAIN POCKET" falls under the same as the deck. Sounds like DOT really has nothing better to do than to bust the back of guys trying to make a living. God knows we don't pay enough to be allowed to "play" already in taxes and fee's.

As far as bending, it's just irritating. The day before I got stuck with the Topkick and bent the left side of my Hudson trying to offload so I could use the excavator to pull myself out. I didn't notice that the left rear tire wasn't touching the ground and put about 3" of bow into the frame of the trailer. :Banghead :Banghead :Banghead

Welder guy is coming today to put a new frame on that side.:Banghead :Banghead

What's really ironic is that my new trailer was in yesterday, but they neglected to call me because the salesman was off. Had they called me I wouldn't have bent my fathers trailer, but bent mine a day earlier.:thumbsup

[Grader4me]

Here is a link to the NSC for cargo securement in Canada. Scroll down to section 8 and it talks about securement of chain, binders etc http://www.ccmta.ca/ENGLISH/cargo/pdf/interpretationguide.pdf

Hope I pasted this this right.....first time I tryed it

[murray83]

nice trailer.

by looking at the first set of pics the bever tail really hangs low,is this normal on most tilt trailers?

i'd be worried about running a trailer like that up a hill or such,nice new trailer and hearing the sound of steel on pavement :(

as for chains too bad you couldn't rig up a box on the front say a truck box from wal mart or such on the front to lock up and secure your binders and chains or even small tools.

hmmmm ford if he was to cut off his bever tail that couldn't that void his warrenty or change the specs?

mom always said too many questions would get me in trouble:rolleyes:

[norrodbh]

I've a question Atgreene,

You've a tray on the front of the trailer,for chains,etc.Did you specify that be added when you ordered?

I've noticed them on other trailers too,and wanted one on mine,but the manufacturer said they couldn't mount one without a top/lid,stating it was now illegal to haul chains,binders,etc.loose,without being completely enclosured.

Were you told anything like that,or was I being fed BS?I'd weld a piece of expanded metal under the "V" and make my own,if it isn't illegal too use.

Atgreen , that sucks on a new trailer.

A DOT agent caught me at a weigh station last month and told me that I needed a lid on my storage box. He'll let me go today, but I need to do something about it.

My chain box is homemade.

[Electra_Glide]

Currently, that's where I'm hanging mine on the F450, but when I had to leave chains with the trailer I'd just throw them on the deck and go.

True story...a few weeks ago I was riding with a friend of mine to pick up my machine while my truck was out of commission (that's another whole story that I won't bore you with...:Banghead ) One end of his chains was attached to the trailer, and the other end was just laying on the deck. Sure enough as we're going down the road, I hear something, check the mirror, and one of the chains is being dragged along the road, just in front of the trailer tires. Don't want to think about would have happened had the chain been long enough to get tangled up in the wheels.

For me, I take the few extra seconds and store any unused chains (usually just throw them in the back of the truck). The way my luck runs, it's better to be safe than sorry...

Joe

[2004F550]

are cam superlines bent in the same way but not quite as bad....it looks like that crown was the perfect size to cause the problem....these mini x's can be quite a bit of weight

[CascadeScaper]

For me, I take the few extra seconds and store any unused chains (usually just throw them in the back of the truck). The way my luck runs, it's better to be safe than sorry...

Joe

I totally agree, I never said my bad habits were good ones, but sometimes you just don't stop and think. Now that my truck is the only one that does the hauling, chains and binders are either holding equipment down or hanging on the headache rack. Makes things alot easier when it comes to keeping up with chains.

[T Red]

I think you would have been ok with 10K GVWR. The federal law states "in excess of 10,000 lbs GVWR you are required an A license. You only need an a C to pull up to 10,000 lbs GVWR.


Classes of License:

The Federal standard requires States to issue a CDL to drivers according to the following license classifications:

Class A -- Any combination of vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

Class B -- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.

Class C -- Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/cdl.htm

[cat320]

I think they should raise the class B to a 20K lb trailer weight.

[erthmover]

I think they should raise the class B to a 20K lb trailer weight.


I second that

[atgreene]

I fully agree with you on the 20 k. If you can haul it with a 1 ton you should be able to haul it with a class B truck as well. The fed regs have failed to keep pace with the technology and equipment being produced today.

As to modifying the trailer, I spent nearly $7000.00 and got a two year warranty and the first day on the job it bent. When a 4 ton machine bends an 8 ton trailer I really question the integrity of the materials and craftsmanship.

[cat320]

I was just thinking about some titlt trailers i have seen that have like to ramps at the end vs the full with.I always woundered why they did not do it like the cam or landoll maybe that is why because it can't take the weight when loading on the crown.

[Jeff D.]

I fully agree with you on the 20 k. If you can haul it with a 1 ton you should be able to haul it with a class B truck as well.

Although most on this forum might be ok at those weights,I am very nervous when driving around the "general public" pulling heavy trailers(even less than 15k) with a 1 ton pickup and a bumper type hitch.:eek:

A gooseneck doesn't worry me though.:thumbsup They go straight down the road just fine loaded heavy, even when I'm passing them at a higher speed. The bumper hitch trailers are all over the road half the time, and when I pass them they can really get wiggling around.

I've wondered if they make a weight distributing hitch for equipment trailers, with pintle hitches. The 2 5/16 ball hitches w/Eq. springs I've found are only rated to 10-12k. My trailer has 1500lbs tongue weight empty.Too much for my class 5 reciever without Eq. so I can't even use it behind my pick-up.:confused:

Atgreene,what are your options with the trailer? Have you decided what you're going to do? Have it repaired, or just live with it?

[PMP]

Al, I have no damage to my trailer after four months of running my TB135 up and down the trailer in various locations and areas. Not all that have been even and level by any means. Let me know how you make out.
:confused:

[Orchard Ex]

...,I am very nervous when driving around the "general public" pulling heavy trailers(even less than 15k) with a 1 ton pickup and a bumper type hitch.:eek:

Jeff, I agree with what you are saying about the general public and the swaying etc. But what I don't think is fair is - any schmuck can pull a 15k or 20k (camper, toy hauler, horse barn, etc.) trailer behind his/her 1 ton legally since they are "non-commercial", but I need a Class A CDL to tow a 6 ton skid-steer trailer behind my commercial vehicle. Mr. or Ms. toy hauler only had to pass their class C driving test in a Honda Civic and can jump in a dually and legally tow lots more than I can with a class B CDL.
How does this make sense?:Banghead
(How'd I get up on this soapbox!?:confused: )

[Jeff D.]

Jeff, I agree with what you are saying about the general public and the swaying etc. But what I don't think is fair is - any schmuck can pull a 15k or 20k (camper, toy hauler, horse barn, etc.) trailer behind his/her 1 ton legally since they are "non-commercial"

Yup, and I don't understand it either?!:confused: The vehicles I usually see with the sway problems are the pull behind campers too!!


How does this make sense?

It doesn't!!


How'd I get up on this soapbox!?
You could've crawled up on the hood of your Pete, and slid down the fender onto it, maybe?!:bouncegri

[Orchard Ex]

You could've crawled up on the hood of your Pete, and slid down the fender onto it, maybe?!:bouncegri
That does sound like something I would do...:dizzy

Atgreene, let us know how they respond to your warranty claim. I'm interested in knowing if they stand behind their product or try to get out of it by saying that you concentrated too much weight in one spot etc. etc.

[atgreene]

The dealer, Wescott and Sons agreed it should not have bent. Also, they found that the fenders are out of line, the right one is 1 1/2" further forward than the left and the deck is off by 3/8" from one side to the other. Also, they pointed out that the right front corner is catching as it tilts, unsure if this is due to a twist or poor assembly.

Either way, they took my complaint seriously and are waiting for the factories response.

Either way, I feel better about the trailer than my Takeuchi problem:Banghead .

[atgreene]

The dealer informed me yesterday that Cam wants the trailer back to fix it. They wanted to know if they can take it back to Pennsylvania next week to fix it.

Of course this leaves me without a trailer during my busiest time of the year and they can't tell me how long it will take.:Banghead :Banghead :Banghead

They said they'd see what they can do about a loaner or other arrangements.

What a PITA. $7000.00 so I can wait 10 weeks for delivery then have to give it back for a couple weeks or more. Somehow I think I'm getting screwed in this deal.

On a good note, Takeuchi and the dealer have stepped up to the plate and are agreeing to fix the machine. :thumbsup

[cat320]

well i guess you will not be looking at new machines now. That is good that they owned up to it I would like to know the reason for the failure what caused it to hapopen in the first place. Your like me out of the hundreds of machines you got the bad one . well one with a good size problem anyway.

Alan i can't say to much about cam but to say they want to fix the problem and not snow ball around with it. but that does stink being with out a trailer and for the $7K you spent on that one they should give you a loaner.

[CT18fireman]

It is possible to rent trailers here so I don't see why one could not get one as a loaner. Might not be the exact setup you need but if it gets you by.

They probably want it back so that they can really examine what damage there is and not only fix but possibly re-engineer to prevent from happening to others.

[atgreene]

I'm waiting to hear back from the dealer, Wescott and Sons, when they're coming to get it. I'm writing a letter to Cam, I just have to wait for my blood to stop boiling. They said that it will probably be 2 weeks minimum for the repair.

I think I'm going to ask for some compensation for a trailer rental and for my time and effort. I've wasted a lot of time dealing with this issue and am beginning to really feel as though part of this hassle is in hopes I'll just go away.

:Banghead :Banghead :Banghead :Banghead :Banghead :Banghead

[dayexco]

the picture i saw showed you had the ramp high centered. could it be the design was for you to have the trailer sitting on relatively level ground so the whole width of the ramp would absorb/distribute that load? don't get me wrong, if it's a product failure, they should back it. but by the pictures i saw, i believe you bear some responsibility, if not all of it for that repair.

[atgreene]

First off, I have to say, if I have to worry about being perfectly level to operate a tilt trailer than they shouldn't sell them for excavtor and equipment use. I asked if I should block the trailer to prevent it from stressing and they said absolutely not. Cam agrees that the trailer SHOULD NOT HAVE BENT. They assure me that there is obviously an issue with the construction. One of the other guys here that has one like it with an identical excavator has no deflection at all. If you spent $7000.00 for a trailer and this happened on the first time you loaded it, would you ask about it?

Furthermore, they still have to fix the fender and deck issue, as well as the main frame thats off slightly. There are multiple issues with this trailer and they concede that it needs to be corrected.

Like I asked them, what would happen if I put a 14000lb load on this thing? It would fold like a cheap tent in a gale. They made an error in construction and they have admitted it. I have no doubt this thing was slapped together on a Friday afternoon by someone who obviously didn't give two farts about quality.

[dayexco]

i dunno....you tell me.....you have 2 posts with equipment problems...a bent excavator rail....and a bent ramp on your trailer...and are running back to the dealer/manufacturer to cure these ills. i have 10's of thousands of hrs on heavy equipment...and have never experienced this. that leads me to think along these 2 lines....that what you were sold was a very inferior product, or they were being abused,

[snonut12]

Or you were very lucky, dayexco.

I doubt it was equipment abuse. It got bend on the first day he took delivery. He showed a picture of his excavigator on the trailer first day. There are times when we have had a series of bad lucks. Unfortunately this kind of stuff happen.

Atgreene, I am sorry to see you are having problems with your trailer. But consider yourself glad that you have a good reputable dealer that will stand behind their products and do what need to be done. In today world it is hard to find a dealer like that. I understand that downtime is inconvient and cost money. I don't blame you for being upset, I would have been on every of their nerve. Ask them for a loaner, or have them reimburse for a rental. If I were spending 7K on something I would expect it to meet/exceed its standard, nothing less not even a bit.

I hope that the Cam will be able to correct the problem in a speedy manner and get it back to you prompty. It sounds like they are standing behind their product as well, but understand that it may take some time to get it fixed, let alone time it take to freight it back and forth. But in today world most of manufacturuers probably would have said "it is normal" or "you abused it". Althought I have never owned a Cam trailer, I think you made the right choice, but just got a lemon trailer. I think that once you get the trailer back all fixed that you'll be happy, even though it caused inconvience for you. I wish you best of luck.

[dayexco]

snonut, apparently you already know more about the failure than i do. i based my assumption soley on the pics that were posted in this thread, no more. if he was told he could high center his ramps, load his excavator, and not have them bend, they (the manufacturer), in my opinion are responsible to fix or replace that trailer. BUT, common sense tells me......that i wouldn't load it that way. maybe his owners/operator's manual told him that he could. if that were the case, in that instance he has a legitimate beef with the manufacturer..

you made the comment that "i've been very lucky"....maybe i have....or maybe i just take a few seconds to assess potential problems and take measures necessary to avoid them.

[atgreene]

dayexco, The dealer assured me that under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should I block the trailer as it is designed to handle the rated weight on uneven ground. The manufacturer also stated that under no circumstances should it have bent. Most equipment trailers sold around here are designed to be used off road, as there isn't much pavement on our constuction sites.

Further, the fenders were mounted out of line so that the right one almost touches the rear tire. Should I not complain about this? The deck catches on the front non-tilt section, should I just ignore it? They built a bad trailer and have admitted it.

As to the excavator, the engineers and the dealer do not know why it bent. And although their first comment was abuse, they now admit that they don't have an explaination. If you have an explaination how I possibly managed to bend it, they would like to hear from you. In 11 months with 680 hours of use I've had 3 warranty issues, an antifreeze leak from a bad fitting, a broken throttle cable and the track frame. None of the other was called abuse, btw.

As to my postings, if you look at my history here (6 months) I believe this is the first failure of any of my equipment. If you would prefer that I not post issues that I come across with my business for everyone to see, then so be it. I personally believe that everyone gains some knowlege by looking at others problems and experiences.

And although I don't doubt you experience, I likewise have thousands of hours in the seat. In that time you must have had your share of equipment failure or breaks and if not, as snonut said, your one lucky guy and I'd be happy to offer you a job, as it might bring me some good luck.:)

[dayexco]

if he was told he could high center his ramps, load his excavator, and not have them bend, they (the manufacturer), in my opinion are responsible to fix or replace that trailer BUT, common sense tells me......that i wouldn't load it that way. maybe his owners/operator's manual told him that he could. if that were the case, in that instance he has a legitimate beef with the manufacturer..

i agreed with you (copy of my earlier post above) that if you were instructed or told to load/use that trailer in that manner, yes, it's a manufacturer's problem. but.....like i also said, personally, i wouldn't have loaded my machine on that type of road condition.

yes, i feel we owe it to ourselves to get the best value for our dollar and insist that what we pay for is as it was sold to us. and i feel this is a wonderful forum to share these experiences. i know nothing about the circumstances of your excavator, i did see the pictures you posted on your trailer, and the slope of the roadway it was used on. i do feel that you bear some of the responsibility of this failure UNLESS!!!!!!!, they are telling or told you this is an acceptable practice on loading/unloading. apparently your manufacturer has told you that it should have been able to withstand that scenario, and are willing to repair it. personally, in that circumstance with the other probs with the trailer, i'd have insisted on a new one, or a refund.

[CT18fireman]

I have never used a tilt trailer like that, however I have worked with numerous flat bed towing trucks, even on paved roads around here we would often have enough crown that one side or both would be off while the center of the deck was touching. I can't imagine an instance (except on a highway or parking low) where you would find a level spot Certainly a construction site will not offer this. Even my ramp skid steer trailer will have on ramp support touching the ground and the other not. I was told never to block the trailer, which is the same thing the tow truck dealer told us. Let the suspension handle the difference.

Obviously this trailer had a problem, which has been admitted.

[atgreene]

I got my trailer back! They made record time hauling it back to PA and getting it back to me in 6 days! They added a flat bar across the back to stiffen it as well as another flat inside the tail. All the other items were corrected.

So, I loaded the excavator on it and bingo, same problem! Here's a couple pics. I purposefully parked where it was within an inch or so of level as I didn't want to tempt fate.

They insist that under no circumstance should this be bending and that I can load at any angle. The dealer theory is that the metal on the rear plate is somehow the wrong material and that it has no memory as it doesn't come back into position. I say the entire set-up is junk, as anything rated for 14000 lb carrying capacity damn sure ought to load an 8000 lb machine on relatively flat terain without looking like a cheap imatation of an equipment trailer.

[cat320]

Alan i can see if you didn't pay good money for it but at over $7 k i thought i saw you post that should not be happening. and like you said the rating on it it should be tougher than that. so what going to happen now?

[CascadeScaper]

I'd tell them you want your money back. I have a somewhat light duty tiltbed (only cost about $5K for a 12K#), the metal at the end of the deck is of much lighter duty than yours and everytime I load/unload on the crown I think it's going to bend and yet it hasn't, but yours looks WAY heavier duty than mine and it's crumpling? What gives?

[atgreene]

I haven't decided what to do. I really don't want to ship it back to Pennsylvania for repairs again. I'll either keep it and tell tham to get stuffed and fix it myself, or I'll ask for my money back and buy the Moritz. It's pretty damn frustrating. What do you guys think?

[snonut12]

Atgreene, if I were the one who spent $7K and something like that happened, there is no way I would let that slide by. When we buy equipment, we should expect that it to meet/exceed its specifications and the rated capacity, not a bit less. Don't let the manufacturer go without notice about this problem. This is their problem and they need to address it. Otherwise they'll keep building the same way it has been. Don't let them think that someone would just simply cut a $7K check and not to hear someone bug about something that does not really affect the function of the equipment. Some customers probably won't care about this problem, but there are certainly some that do care, like you. I am the same way too. If it were mine I would be blowing steam out of my head. Show the dealer about that problem and tell them to get it fixed right the second time and if they don't then you will expect a refund since you cannot afford more downtime.

[cat320]

Alan i think what ya have to do in order to get your money back is is tell them again and let them bring out a brand new one and try it with the rep right there if it does it again , right in front of a cam rep then i would say thanks but i want my money back on this trailer and then go get the the other trailer you mentioned. But i would point out that this is costing you time and money in the hight of your season when you need it the most .

[dayexco]

http://deltatrailers.com/200%20Tilt-Bed.htm

here's what we just bought for $4600.00

[Orchard Ex]

Well at least the dealer is backing you up. If it was mine I'd ask for my money back. They had their chance to "fix" it and evidently they were trying to upgrade it as cheap as possible. Either way you're hosed, down time for another fix or waiting for a new order from Moritz. I doubt that Cam will want to give a refund, but maybe they will put more effort into getting it right next time. Good luck with it.

[2004F550]

that shouldn't do that....sorry your having so many problems with....must be the wrong metal or something...we run ours everyday almost and they haven't come close to bending that much.

[atgreene]

Here's my latest correspondence with them. They told the dealer that the trailer is now made to bend and it was just the way it is. It's kind of odd that when they took it back to fix it it wasn't supposed to be bending and they added steel to the dovetail to prevent it. At this point I'm just PO and am going to push like H))) as it would appear they are giving me the run around.

Dear Ms. Barrett,

Although I appreciate the rapid repair to my trailer on the previously mentioned warranty items, upon loading my excavator for the first time the dovetail once again bent. Unfortunately the pieces of steel that were scabbed onto this portion of the trailer by your facility in an effort to stiffen the dovetail did nothing to prevent it from bending.

When I spoke to Jeff at Wescott's he advised me that you folks would not stand behind the trailer nor the warranty repair. He further indicated that Cam was now telling him that "the trailer is designed to bend some". What exactley is "some"? And if it is designed to bend, why did you repair it the first time it bent?

I had asked Wescott's for my money back prior to the trailer being repaired after finding the various issues wrong with it. They refused saying I should wait until it is repaired. I want to make this very clear, I would like my money back. If my money cannot be returned than I would like a written explaination as to why you will not fix the trailer.

Short of hiring a welding shop to repair it, I'm left to ride around with an new trailer that has an obvious bend in it. I would assume that this is not the kind of advetising you would want, as anyone looking at it will clearly see it's bent.


Sincerely,

Alan T. Greene



Sandy Barrett <sales@camsuperline.com> wrote:
Mr. Greene,

Our sincerest apologies for letting you down after your long wait to get your new trailer. This is certainly not a normal situation/warranty issue for us nor are we happy that we have a customer that is having problems. We will expedite this situation as quickly as possible.

I have gotten confirmation from my shipping coordinator that we will be picking your trailer up at Wescott’s on Thursday the 13th. We are planning to review the trailer and make the necessary repairs that Saturday and get it back up to you directly after that. We are anxious to get your trailer back for review. We will stay in touch with Jeff and/or Dana and let them know the status of the trailer as well as the cause of failure.

Once again sir, we apologize for all the inconveniences and we will examine your trailer next week and do what it takes to earn your respect and satisfaction.

We are pleased that you have had a good experience with Wescott’s and we hope that within two weeks we can have all of this behind us and leave you with better feelings toward our company.

Thank you for taking your time to express your dissatisfaction.

Respectfully,

Sandy Poffenberger and Lamar Lehman






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: alan greene [mailto:atgreenetractor@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 12:52 PM
To: sales@camsuperline.com; sandy@camsuperline.com
Cc: jeff@wescotts.com
Subject: Defective trailer

I wanted to write a letter to express my complete dissatisfaction in the Camsuperline trailer I recently purchased from Wescott and Sons in Gorham Maine.

Your website states:

"CAM can provide you with Quality Service and Quality Products to meet your needs
The Quality of CAM Superline Trailers will meet or exceed your expectations!
Our goal is to deliver your trailers on time, every time!
We want your trailer buying experience to be easy and enjoyable!

Unfortunately my experience with your product thus far has been non of the above.

Not only did I wait 10 weeks for it to be delivered but upon loading it for the first time the tail bent! A 7500 lb. excavator should not bend a trailer rated for 14000 lbs. Furthermore the tilt deck catches on the front stationary deck when tilting, the right side of the trailer frame is deflected 3/8" compared to the left and the right fender is mounted 1-1/2" out of line. Not to mention the trailer was painted without moving some of the d-rings, showing the lack of primer and leaving an instant spot for surface rust to start.

I realize mistakes happen, but it would appear my trailer got them all. And although I appreciate you folks agreeing to bring the trailer back to Pennsylvania from Maine to repair it, I ordered it in April so I would have a trailer during my busy season. Here I am in the middle of a booming year for excavation and my new trailer that I waited 10 weeks for is headed back for repairs leaving me unable to run my business for approximately 2 weeks. Not to mention that the trailer was scheduled to haul a float for the local fire department next week in the local old home days parade depriving me of further advertising opportunities.

I would appreciate the trailer being repaired as fast as possible as this is creating a hardship for me financially as well as putting me in a bad position with my customers.

Fortunately Wescotts has been excellent thus far in dealing with my issues. It's too bad that they have been put in a position that they should never have had to deal with if someone had just taken the time to check the trailer before it was shipped.

Sincerely,

Alan T. Greene
A. T. Greene Tractor Services
Sebago, Maine
207-232-1196

[cat320]

So now you have to wait again. I would want a cam rep to come up with a brand new trailer and test that no bend therory with a new one.

[Jeff D.]

Atgreene, I feel your trailer pain................now.

Here's my ramps after I loaded/unloaded my dozer for the first time. The trailer is less than a year old, and was in perfect shape.

I'll need to do some motifying to the ramps. They'll never hold up to the stress of a dozer as they are now.:spaz

[Ford LT-9000]

Jeff those ramps are way too light the angle iron should be minimum 1/2 and the sides of the ramps should be tube or rectangular tube something with a 1/4" wall tubing. If you don't want to use tube use heavy channel something like 5 or 6".

With steel tracked machines you should have wood planks bolted to the ramps so the tracks bite into it. Yes it will be slippery for rubber tires but for tracked machines its a must.

[Jeff D.]

Jeff those ramps are way too light....:yup My thoughts too.

I'll probobly remove those ramps, and build new/better ones.

[imjustdave]

back into position. I say the entire set-up is junk, as anything rated for 14000 lb carrying capacity damn sure ought to load an 8000 lb machine on relatively flat terain without looking like a cheap imatation of an equipment trailer.

A few things come to mind...

#1 If I remember corectly you wanted them to derate the trailer to 9,999 Lbs, for DOT reasons. Posiably they built you a trailer 4 9,999 lbs..... trailer weight - 8K machine and you might be over a few 100 lbs now and maybe this is why it is bending,

#2 in looking at the photo of the back side, I believe they have built the trailer wrongm the last bit of tapper on the trailer should be cut out from the bottom side, not the top side. the way it is built now almost 100% of the weight when loading and unloading is on the very edge of the tip of the ramp. If the cutout was from the botttom side, most of the time the presuere would be spread out on the cut out portion instead of just the tip.

#3 your ramp is too narow at the end, it looks like your trailer was built for a show car, or other light weight stuff that can't get over a small hump.

#4 as much as its wrong, "Tail only, seems like the rest is corected" can you live with it? it does funtion as a trailer, yes it looks like crap for the tail to have a bow, but its a equip trailer, not a show car trailer, a little bit of mud, a few more scratches and you wont see it anymore. Not to mention your making money with it. I would rather have them discount it then mess around and lose money on work.

Good luck
David

[atgreene]

I am happy with my trailer, other than the constant bending. The bend changes each time I unload, depending upon the surface.

Cam says they are building me a new trailer. They want me to be happy and agree that the knife edge ramp is perhaps less than ideal. I should have the new one shortly, we'll see.

As far as the rating, no, when it was delivered to me originally the 14000 + gvw sticker was still on it.

Either way, they're going to correct it with me. Had they offered me a discount I probably would have been just as happy, but this way they feel they're making it up to me for the hassle, either way, I've got to hand it to them, despite the issues they at least are standing behind it .

Jeff D., I hear ya. These manufactures have lightened everything up to save $$$ to the point where those of us who actually use equipment and not just have it for show can't depend upon it. I think there are so many homeowners buying "toys" that manufacturers are catering to that market betting on getting away with lightweight materials. I thought I was paying for and getting heavy duty, especially at the price I paid.

Good luck.

[nobull1]

Atgreene, I feel your trailer pain................now.

Here's my ramps after I loaded/unloaded my dozer for the first time. The trailer is less than a year old, and was in perfect shape.

I'll need to do some motifying to the ramps. They'll never hold up to the stress of a dozer as they are now.:spaz

So it would appear that you drive up the "v" part of the angle iron? On my trailer I drive up on the "^" of the angle. I don't know which is right but mine hasn't been a problem for me in the last 6 years with my steel tracked excavator. I do have box stock on the sides as opposed to channel though. Just curious as to which is the common method?

[Jeff D.]

So it would appear that you drive up the "v" part of the angle iron? On my trailer I drive up on the "^" of the angle. I don't know which is right........ Just curious as to which is the common method?
My trailer was supose to have ramps that flipped all the way over, and sat on the beavertail. I was afraid the equipment would be in the way of that happeneing, so I ordered it with stand up ramps, instead.
It's almost like my ramps were just thrown together as an afterthought. The rest of the trailer is built much better, and has the angle "point up" like yours.

I may call the manufacturer and see what they say, being that it's less than a year old, and 10+ ton equipment trailer. Maybe they'll come through like Atgreene's has??

(sorry about the deviation to your thread Atgreene! I thought it might be pertainent, being a "Trailer quality" issue.:beatsme )

[woberlin]

From the looks of the rest of the trailer those ramps certainly look light duty. A heavier dozer would probably really rip them up. I've never seen the angles on the ramps turned that way-I'll bet it was a mistake. Hopefully the manufacturer will help you out.

[CT18fireman]

Those ramps are an afterthought. What a joke. No offense to you but I would not even have accepted that trailer.

Atgreene, glad to hear that you are getting a good response from them. As I have said, I don't think it should bend. However a thicker edge might help and certainly won't hurt loading or unloading equipment.

[dayexco]

jeff,
i'd get rid of those angle iron, weld some plate there instead, and where the vehicles go up, weld some 3/4" bar stock cleats 2' long on the plate about 6" apart, that is what i have on my lowboy, works wonderful.

[Ford LT-9000]

No wonder you bent those ramps man are they cheap looking those a one step above a 2x12 plank. Angle iron has more strength with the point up not down like are on your ramps Jeff.

Get new ramps built out of heavier material also make the ramps work on a sliding shaft on the back of the trailer so you can slide them to the center or what ever width machine you have. A piece of heavy walled pipe welded right accrossthe back of the trailer then the ramps pivot on it. At the center of the pipe and the center line of the trailer you would have a brace so the pipe doesn't bend.

The only problem with building new ramps is trying to make them easy to tilt back up unless your man of muscles and weight doesn't matter.

[CT18fireman]

Use springs.

You can use garage door spring mounted along trailer side but I like torsion springs hooked to the ramp and trailer and turning on pipe.

[Orchard Ex]

My ramps are built with the point down (except for the first rung - it's up). Lots of ramps that I see are built that way. I think it is to make climbing up easier/smoother for wheeled equipment like a skid steer. If the rung points are up and the tires are small and narrow, you are climbing over a series of wheel chocks, (the holes between the top of the rungs are wider and the tire "falls" in between). Most of the guys around here running lots of tracked gear end up with wood planked ramps or tilt trailers. Having the angle point up like nobull1's will let the grouser slip as the track comes around the sprocket and shouldn't bend it.
LT - you'll have to explain to me how a piece of angle iron welded between two runners is "stronger" turned point up.:confused: I've never seen angle stock strength qualified by the position it is welded in.:)

[Ford LT-9000]

When you have the V up on angle iron it will eventually spread apart ie the V gets wider and looses its strength and bend. With the /\ the angle iron has less chance of bending. Why do you think we weld angle iron in dump boxes with the /\ up because it adds alot of strength.

With Jeffs ramps that steel is way too light no wonder they bent like I said those ramps are a step above a wood plank.

[Countryboy]

Its good to hear your trailer problems are on their way to being repaired atgreene. Another point to bring up is Lemon Laws. Most people tend to think this only pertains to vehicles but that is not true. Although the laws differ from state to state there are many different things they cover. From what I understand the trailer is on is second trip to the shop? If it has to go back for a third, knock on wood, just remember that Lemon Laws tend to come into effect on the third time a repair attempt is made. It has been my expierence that bringing up Lemon Laws to dealerships makes things go alot smoother. Lemon Laws can get full refunds, new replacements and sometimes compensation. It sounds like you are on the way to a new trailer anyway but if the new one does the same thing that will be the third strike against the original product. Just something to remember and I hope it won't go that far but the couple of times I have mentioned them at dealerships, things started happening that you wouldn't think possible. The customer is always right and there are several laws out there to make this possible.
Goog Luck

[nobull1]

Use springs.

You can use garage door spring mounted along trailer side but I like torsion springs hooked to the ramp and trailer and turning on pipe.

Don't happen to have any pic's of the ways to mount the springs for the ramps? I am getting a little tired of throwing mine up after each loading/unloading. Just something to take a little weight without redesigning the whole ramp would be nice.

[Orchard Ex]

When you have the V up on angle iron it will eventually spread apart ie the V gets wider and looses its strength and bend. With the /\ the angle iron has less chance of bending.
So you are telling me that a piece of angle - welded only on the ends between two rails to form a ramp - is inherently stronger with the point up?


Why do you think we weld angle iron in dump boxes with the /\ up because it adds alot of strength.
angle - welded in any orientation is going to add strength, as for why it is point up - how about because that is the way it sheds material best to keep from sticking...

[Countryboy]

Technical explainaton.......
With the corner of the V pointing down you are exposing 2 seperate edges which although connected at the bottom are still working seperately and once deformed will weaken the whole angle as a whole. With the V pointing up the 2 edges are now joined and are working together making the whole angle able to resist deformity better. Its stronger because it is better able to resist deformity. It also sheds debris better too...:thumbsup

[Orchard Ex]

Thanks for that technical explanation. Can't the angle only resist deforming if it has something to resist against? If the angle is only supported at the ends and a deforming load is applied in the center why will the angle press itself together? Won't it still just flatten and deform? I.e. how can the "two sides" work together against 0 resistance?:)

Now lets look at Jeff's problem. Why can Jeff's full size backhoe that weighs - lets guess at 6 or 7 tons riding on 4 small ground contact points - get up and down the ramps without bending those angles, but his 4 ton dozer, with a much much lower ground pressure can't?

Here's my theory (also explains why nobull1's ramps aren't bent like Jeff's and mine):
With the points up, the grouser bar can slide up the angle as it tries to make the turn around the sprocket/idler. With the points down the grouser bar gets wedged under the edge of the angle and tries to lift it as the grouser comes around the sprocket and goes "Sprong!!!!" as the angle and/or weld gives. Been there, heard it, seen it.

Have a good one
:drinkup

[Countryboy]

I agree. :notworthy Thats why the V being pointed up is important. The angles are opposite than with the point down so the grouser bar has something to push against and release instead of grab and hold. We had the same problem on a D3 and trailer that we rented. The bars were already bent and cracked because the point was facing down. When we backed it off the trailer it ripped off 3 and broke the end loose on a fourth one. The rental guy had to come out and repair just to get the dozer back on the trailer. It was a weekend and he couldn't come out till Monday so we had the dozer for another 2 days for free.:naughty The guy told me on that Monday that it was only the second time that brand new trailer had been rented out.:Banghead

[Ford LT-9000]

I did meantion if you use some wood on the ramps it has something for the tracks to bite into. If you know someone with a woodmizer mill that can cut you some rough sawn thick planks those would work good.

Steel on steel can be really slippery seen excavators slide off of beaver tails on lowbeds.

[CT18fireman]

You can actually buy a kit that uses garage type springs from J Thomas. Basically the spring is run along the side raile of trailer, I made my own and put them in PVC for protection on my landscape gate. You anchor it back so that when the ramp is up the spring is compressed. Then connect the end of the spring to the trailer with a cable. The rping extend along the rail as the ramp take the cable out and down. The key is to get the tension right. If you do you can move the ramp with just a little force.

On my skid steer trailer I used torsion springs from an old style Diamond plow trip edge. I fited the spring on the pit pipe and drileed holes in the frame and the ramp for the ends to lock into. Really they are too powerful as you need a bit of effort to bring the ramps down and once lifted past horizontal they will spring up on their own. I am sure I could find less powerful srprings but have to made the effort.

I will try to snap some pictures this weekend.

A third option I just thought of would be to used gas struts. I did this on my leaf box door to hold it open. Not sure if they would hold up as well as springs.

[Jeff D.]

For my problem, here's my plan:

I'll remove those ramps completely, and build some like Dayexco mentioned. Square tube on the sides/bottom, tube on top(for sliding sideways), plate on the face, with 3/4" solid square stock welded horizontally across the face for traction. That'de be good all the way around, whether skid-steer, backhoe, or dozer.

I'll contact the factory Monday, and see if they won't reimbuse me for the steel, rod, and paint. I know it'll be strong if I do it myself, and it'de save them having to ship ramps too me.

I'll even send them the steel bill, and before/after pic's if they want. I think that would be fair to them, and give me good ramps too. We'll see if they'll go for that.

I'll have too see how heavy they are before deciding about lift springs.

[Ford LT-9000]

You got lots of money you could always put a hiab crane on your trailer to lift the ramps up :bouncegri

[tylermckee]

We built new ramps for our 20 ton trailer with angle iron running horizontal so you can bolt some wood to the ramps. local lumber yard said it wouldnt be that easy to get some good oak planks for it so we cut some concrete panel forms to fit. They are holding up pretty well. ramps are a little heavy, feels like about 100-150 pounds flipping them over.

[atgreene]

Either way, it's too bad when we buy something we then have to fix it to handle it's advertised load. Rather frustrating if you ask me.

Good luck, hopefully they'll stand behind it.

[Orchard Ex]

Either way, it's too bad when we buy something we then have to fix it to handle it's advertised load. Rather frustrating if you ask me.

Good luck, hopefully they'll stand behind it.
I agree 100%!
Hope I didn't come off as too much of a jerk back there - I didn't mean to. I really shouldn't post after 23:00 Eastern Time. :sleeping

[N.B.CONCRETE]

AT Greene

I got the same trailer some time ago from the trailer place in kingston NH and it has somewhat of the same issues. I like the trailer but I bent it some too. It took awhile but I pay attention where I drop the tail to load now. Mine is tagged 9999 too. I load alot of form panels on it and I have well over 60,000km on it now with no issues. The factory tires were crappy loadstars and I got good goodyears on her now.

[atgreene]

I'm still waiting for this to be resolved. Cam said they would have me a new trailer 3-4 weeks ago but I'm still waiting. I've talked to the dealer with no answer, now I'm starting to get a little po'd. I wish they'd just make up their mind and do it, either way, Cam, the company, is obviously a bunch of idiots who don't have clue about customer service.

[atgreene]

Well, my new trailer came in. They told me I would of had it sooner but they built the wrong one, so they had to build another. :confused:

I spoke to the dealer today at the fair and he is not happy with Cam. The trailer arrived with no serial # or weight plate and the tail is the same, not the reverse beaver that they said it would be. I looked at it at the dealers late this afternoon and other than the tag issue I think it will be ok. They certainly beefed it up even though it's the wrong tail. Either way at this point I just want my trailer. I pick it up in the am and will be hauling equipment from the fair all day with it, so we'll see how it does. I'll post pics when I get home tomorrow night, time permiting. :)

[chtucker]

Buy anything "new"?

[atgreene]

I picked up my new trailer today! Everything was hunky dory, brought it home to haul the loader to the fair to load engines etc... Left the house, got to the first intersection and couldn't stop. NO TRAILER BRAKES.

So I pulled off the road and checked everything out. Trailer brake controler was blinking the green light and all the red lights flashed when I pressed the brakes indicating a dead short. I checked all my connections and still nothing. So I unloaded the Kubota so I could tilt the deck and check everything to see if the wires had issues. As soon as I unloaded the blinking stopped and the brakes worked.

To make a long story short, I finally lifted the trailer with the loader, crawled under and with the aid of my digital camera was able to see that the wire conduit that runs over the spring U-bolts was directly in the way of the U-bolts when the springs squatted. Unloaded the pressure was released, no problem. Load the trailer and the U-bolt crushed the wire and shorts it. After a little work I was able to move the wires enough to get some of the brakes working now and then.

Needless to say, it's going back again to the dealer to have the wiring re- routed. :Banghead :Banghead

On edit: I will post pics later, too tired to resize etc.. tonight.

[cat320]

Alan i have to say they are really bad ,you would think with all the problem you had with them that they would make sure that the trailer went out at a 100% and not just like another trailer built for stock in some trailer yard. I guess quality control is not there any more .

[snonut12]

Wow, that is just unbelievable. They should be ashamed of themself. Now I definitely will be staying away from Cam. :spaz

[DigDug]

atgreene- Thanks for the heads up , I am looking for a new skid steer trailer but i think i will pass on Cam. Sorry to hear about all your troubles, that really sucks. doug

[N.B.CONCRETE]

atgreen , since the trailer has been in use a few months now , how is it working out ? :confused:

[atgreene]

It's working ok. I still have to rewire it properly, as the crushed wire has not been properly fixed. I DO NOT want them to touch it. Other than that :rolleyes: , everything has been fine thus far. I'll post some pics when I get it in the garage to rewire it right.

[N.B.CONCRETE]

I hear ya. Sad thing about how things are nowadays . If you want it done right ,you either do it yourself or risk getting taken to the cleaners by some wannabe .

I re ran all my wireing too , zip tied the heck out of it to. I used the wire loom stuff and got everything good and hidden from getting damaged. Alot of the times when I pull in to a jobsite I get out and inspect the best route travelled so I dont tear up the bottom of the trailer wireing. The ICC lites in the center of the rear is my biggest weak spot for damage.Second would be the brake wireing.

Trailer will get a good trip next week. Going down to Londonderry NH to pick up Rapidform panels. I will be towing behind F450 with 16' flat bed . Hopefully Maine DOT will be nice to us. :wink2

[cat320]

I have a question on bed replacement my dump trailer is all steel bed but what about these skid steer trailers with the wood I would think it be hard to re - fasten them down since there screws would be rusted on and probably snap off. What does every one use to re-install the decking?

[atgreene]

I've replaced a few boards here and there as needed on a couple different trailers. I found that the best way is to break or cut the wood away then grind the existing bolts flush. The standard self-tapping star-bit deck screws that most manufacturers use are available at most Lowes stores, but I'm sure you can get them elsewhere as well. They work good and save alot of drilling.

[Countryboy]

The standard self-tapping star-bit deck screws that most manufacturers use are available at most Lowes stores, but I'm sure you can get them elsewhere as well. They work good and save alot of drilling.

:yup And spend the extra for the stainless ones.

[ctkiteboarding]

just curious why didnt you guys get the tilt in a deck over wheel configuration? more deck space , 102 wide, etc. ,,, deck height is up but its a tilt ,, same gvw 12k , d rated to 10k

[2004F550]

We didn't because we move some heavy stuff and don't want it any higher then it has to be

[ctkiteboarding]

heavy stuff on a 12k trailer?

[N.B.CONCRETE]

just curious why didnt you guys get the tilt in a deck over wheel configuration? more deck space , 102 wide, etc. ,,, deck height is up but its a tilt ,, same gvw 12k , d rated to 10k


I transport equipment usualy real far and want the truck to pull less headwind and save FUEL .:drinkup

[ctkiteboarding]

ahhh that makes sense

[2004F550]

yea a 6 ton ex doesn't need to be any higher then it has to be.....

[ctkiteboarding]

i think the height difference is only 12 inchs?? i does it really make that much of a difference,

[N.B.CONCRETE]

i think the height difference is only 12 inchs?? i does it really make that much of a difference,


Huge when you are up around 110km/h for 3-5hrs !:cool2

[ctkiteboarding]

yea im sure it is, id be local most on the time hauling a bobcat or car,
2 3 times a year id have to travel OTR with it ,
the loads would be diffent sometimes a boat trailer , sometimes w/ a boat on it , sometime a sail boat on a cradlle that will be tall im sure,,

[N.B.CONCRETE]

Each to his own. Everyone has different needs. Thats why they have different trailers.

[atgreene]

It also changes your load angle, quite a bit steeper, and when you load on ice and snow, that can make for a tricky ride. I already took an express ride off the trailer once this winter with the excavator.

Personnally, if I had it to do over I'd have gotten a 7 ton over the wheel non tilt. After having a tri axle 9 ton (which was over kill for my operation), I miss the clear span of the deck. The ramps were a pain, but after having tilt, I'll take the ramps. With other material, buckets, tools, chains on the deck, the tilt is a pain. And forget loading two pieces. I haven't tried a truck yet, but I wonder if it will tilt before I can get the rear wheels on the tail.

And you can't beat the hay hauling ability of an over the wheels deck. My 23' gooseneck was awesome for moving anything, I wish I could have hauled it behind the dump truck, I would still have it.

[ctkiteboarding]

im inbetween on these two trailers, i was leaning towards a 18' long 102'wide tilt with power up/ power down , 12kgvw d-rated to 10k for the non cdl crew, cost is 7k which is steep,,,,

now the deck over beaver tail w similar specs is 2 k less ,

my 12t beaver tail has been a loyal worker for many yrs,, i have a single axle tilt that i like loading but it's not deck over??? more research

[atgreene]

It's working ok. I still have to rewire it properly, as the crushed wire has not been properly fixed. I DO NOT want them to touch it. Other than that :rolleyes: , everything has been fine thus far. I'll post some pics when I get it in the garage to rewire it right.


Well the trailer sat all winter, and as part of my spring cleaning and tune-up, I brought it in the shop to check it out and fix the bad spot in the wiring.

There were 3!

Here's some pics, CAM SUPERLINE IS JUNK!!!! The final 2 are my repair. Marine grade sheilded 12 gauge tinned wire ecased in loom and heat shrinked with grease filled connections.

A new trailer delivered in October and here I am rewiring it in March after it sat for 3 of the last 6 months. WTF!

Real quality!

[atgreene]

And to top it off, I went to grease the tilt point, the grease fitting fell out. It was one of those cheap push-in types, not threaded, so I fixed that while I was at it. Talk about JUNK!:mad:

Never again, Cam can kiss my AXX! I told the dealership today that they needed to call Cam and give them a message. I can't repeat it here, but needless to say I will never deal with those dips&^ts again.

[CT18fireman]

Is the u-bolt rubbing the frame there during axle movement?

I had to rewire a landscape that I bought used 7 years ago. It is the worst treated trailer I have, and yet the heat shrunk wires have held. If there is a lighting problem on it, always turns out to be a bad bulb.

[atgreene]

Yes, the U-Bolts are rubbing the frame on one side, yet they ran the wires in that grove that the U-bolts go into when the springs compress.:Banghead

I think the word I'm looking for here is MORONS!

[nedly05]

HOLY CRAP! this story is a nightmare, we are looking at replacing our 20 ton but it won't be with a CAM. Sorry to hear about this mess...(nice looking job on the re-wire:thumbsup)

[N.B.CONCRETE]

And to top it off, I went to grease the tilt point, the grease fitting fell out. It was one of those cheap push-in types, not threaded, so I fixed that while I was at it. Talk about JUNK!:mad:

Never again, Cam can kiss my AXX! I told the dealership today that they needed to call Cam and give them a message. I can't repeat it here, but needless to say I will never deal with those dips&^ts again.

Man has their quality gone down. I cant believe the rust and missing paint. :eek: I'm going to lift my trailer over and check it out after the snow passes.

[2004F550]

man, I can't believe the problems with Cam now, time to investigate our two trailers I suppose.

[atgreene]

If you have a tilt deck Cam, CHECK THE WIRES FOR THE FRONT AXLE BRAKES! Make sure they haven't been pinched-off like mine have. I find it hard to believe that I'm the only one.

I showed my dealer the pieces of wire and got a shrug out of him. Apparently my 2 year warranty really isn't a warranty. I would say Cam is just hoping I'll go away at this point. I'm thinking that I may need to poke this hornets nest again and see what the States Attorney General's Office says about this as being eligible for the Lemon Law. At least get compensated for fixing their screw-up, as the dealer didn't even offer.

At some point I'm going to write them another letter, but at this point I'm to PO'd to do a good job on it. When I do, I'll be sure to share it.

[2004F550]

yea they are tilts, one is a 6 ton full and the other is a 7 ton split

[cat320]

I have there dump and i know all to well the push in greas fittings.junk
It's funny but my trailer will hold 8K lbs so logic would sugest that i could put an 8k lb machine in there right . but when i look at the 4 tie downs they are the lowest weight capacity ones they make.

[atgreene]

It wasn't special built, but I did go with a bunch of options, split deck, heavier axles, LED's etc.... Paid enough to get a nice trailer, I thought. For $7000, I would have expected a bit better trailer. If I was buying low ball and bought the cheapest I could find, I could understand having issues.:Banghead

Live and learn.

[CT18fireman]

What I have learned from this is that the next time I buy a new trailer (maybe this year) I will be doing a really good inspection just like other equipment. I am guilty of not usually doing this. Last time I bought a new trailer from a dealer, I made sure the number matched the title, it was the right size and th lights worked before towing it away.

Next time I will do a complete inspection like I would on a piece of equipment. I will want them to pull the tires to look at the brakes, check the wiring and welds. I may even bring a piece of equipment down and make them load in on to see that it handles it before I take possession. If they don't like it they don't get the sale.

This whole story just sucks.

[imjustdave]

I understand that wires shouldnt' be pinched and what not,:mad: But you actaully have rings for the wires that seems impressive...my trailer they just slipped the wires between rails and the timbers I drive on... but your bitching about pushed in greese fittings. :confused: I bet that bolt comes from the spring manufacture and they use and or spec the pushed in greese fitting. As to the paint... did they ever tell you it was painted on the under side? Mine isnt' painted and I don't think many if any manufactures do this, I know you have had issues with the ramp bending, and in general they haven't built what you wanted totally but at least they have tried.

I would take a poll, of others on this list with small light bumper pull style trailers I bet most, have pushed in greese fittings, issues with wireing, and no paint on the underside. Not that this is right, but more of the norm.

I think the issue is more with the Sales people then the manufacture. IF you told them exactly what you wanted, I think the sales guy just pushed you towards a trailer that would work, but not the correct one, for you.

you have asked a lot of them too.
They fixed the weight tag for you 10,000K trailer sticker on a higher capasity buit trailer. I trully still don't understand what good this does.
They have atempted to fix the trailer tail.


I think you have to remember, this is a 5 ton utilty triailer, more then likely built to last about 3 years comercialy, and 15 years sitting and getting used on the weekends. And more then likely it was built and designed to haul a nice car from show to show, not parked in some gravel road, loaded up with a dirty machine and hauled to the next job, to be unloaded on some weird angle again. I bet your the only guy in 20 trailers that actually has a grease gun let alone tried to grese it.


I'm not trying to start a flame war, trailers in general are **** porly made, I supose I have just learned to deal with my trilers short comings.

[ctkiteboarding]

I understand that wires shouldnt' be pinched and what not,:mad: But you actaully have rings for the wires that seems impressive...my trailer they just slipped the wires between rails and the timbers I drive on... but your bitching about pushed in greese fittings. :confused: I bet that bolt comes from the spring manufacture and they use and or spec the pushed in greese fitting. As to the paint... did they ever tell you it was painted on the under side? Mine isnt' painted and I don't think many if any manufactures do this, I know you have had issues with the ramp bending, and in general they haven't built what you wanted totally but at least they have tried.

I would take a poll, of others on this list with small light bumper pull style trailers I bet most, have pushed in greese fittings, issues with wireing, and no paint on the underside. Not that this is right, but more of the norm.

I think the issue is more with the Sales people then the manufacture. IF you told them exactly what you wanted, I think the sales guy just pushed you towards a trailer that would work, but not the correct one, for you.

you have asked a lot of them too.
They fixed the weight tag for you 10,000K trailer sticker on a higher capasity buit trailer. I trully still don't understand what good this does.
They have atempted to fix the trailer tail.


I think you have to remember, this is a 5 ton utilty triailer, more then likely built to last about 3 years comercialy, and 15 years sitting and getting used on the weekends. And more then likely it was built and designed to haul a nice car from show to show, not parked in some gravel road, loaded up with a dirty machine and hauled to the next job, to be unloaded on some weird angle again. I bet your the only guy in 20 trailers that actually has a grease gun let alone tried to grese it.


I'm not trying to start a flame war, trailers in general are **** porly made, I supose I have just learned to deal with my trilers short comings.

i can't disagree more ,,this is a 7k purchase ,,, it should be built correctly and with reasonable though ,, it seems cam has not done this ,

i was close to a cam tilt and now will take my 7k to someone else,,,,

3 yrs commercial life span?? again reasonable thought should keep that piece of equipment in working order for years ,,, d rating a trailer is common practice ,, mostly to skirt the cdl and the unlikely chance of a PITA cop,,,, just my opinion

i do agree the shop who sold it sucks

[CT18fireman]

A trailer like that really should last forever. No motor or anything. Just service items, bearings, brakes, lights, tires. Maybe a new wood flor in 4-5 years. The steel if properly cared for should last for longer then 3 years even with commercial use.

I am so tired of manufacturers looking for commercial sales and then when you use it commerically they turn around and say it was not made for that.

[Countryboy]

In reference to imjustdave's comment:

I got a cheapo tandem trailer to pull behind my Nissan. I pull the 4 wheeler, lawn mower and a little scrap metal every now and then.

I paid $900 for it with "may pops" for tires. Its painted underneath, never had a wiring problem and came with screw in fittings. It also came with "Bearing Buddies" from the factory. Its got (2) 3500# axles and has pulled 11,000# once or twice :cool2 .

My point is, this is a CHEAPO....... and its made better than that Cam trailer was. Are we supposed to hope for the best when buying a trailer? No, a trailer is another pice of equipment just like skidsteers and excavators. They make you money, when they break they cost you money. There is nothing complicated about a trailer as has been said above.

Sales problem instead of manufactor??? Who do you think made them an authorized dealer, the MANUFACTURER. It all goes back to the manufacturer. If there is a problem with the dealer then the manufacturer shoulda stepped up to the plate, as it seems they have been given many chances.

The dealer/manufacturer is there to please. You should be able to ask for whatever you want. I'm a big customer service person and I've been in that profession before. "The customer is always right" might not always hold true but "The customer has an opinion that should be RESPECTED" will always hold true and should be upheld in the strictest sense.

My question to you.......Why is my cheapo trailer better than his commercial trailer? It was made cheap but it was made RIGHT.

[jmac]

Well said Country Boy. A trailer is just some steel welded together. You would think that if we can have HYBRID excavators we should be able to get a trailer wired rite.

[atgreene]

:confused:

Maybe I wasn't clear, so here goes.

There were no rings for the wires to hold them from being pinched.

The push-in grease fittings were on the tilt points, not the springs.

I never complained about the paint under the trailer, THE D RINGS ON THE SIDE OF THE TRAILER WERE NOT MOVED WHEN PAINTED. They sprayed right over them, when I got the trailer the D-ring's were un painted on one side and the place on the SIDE of the trailer where they were sitting was unpainted in the shape of a D-ring.

I guess I should have just expected the tilt deck to not tilt because it was misalligned and the fenders that nearly rubbed on the right side tires because the fenders were welded in the wrong position?:confused:

The salesmen didn't push me to a trailer that they thought I needed, I went in with a list of what I wanted and they wrote it up, money was no issue. They assured me this was a HEAVY DUTY trailer designed to last for years of COMMERCIAL use.

I have dealt with this Kubota/Stihl/Trailer dealer for 10 years. In that time I have purchased 2 tractors, a dozen 3 point hitch implements (bushhogs, rototillers, flail mowers, pto generator etc... etc...) , chain saws, power brooms, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, tools, 3 trailers (not Cam's) and about 20k in parts and service from these guys. They are well aware of my operation and what I have for equipment, as I am there at least once a month buying something. The entire business knows me on a first name bassis, I thought I was part of the "family".

This is a 7 ton trailer. It was built as a 7 ton trailer, they rated it for 7 tons. I asked and they offered to tag it 9999 to avoid hassles from DOT, as they know I'm not maxing it out and would be hauling it with a 33000lb gvw truck, thus avoiding a need for a class A licensed driver. If you look around and do any trailer shopping you will find this is what trailer manufacturers do to help customers with DOT. I asked for an overkill trailer, they took my money to build me an overkill trailer.

Like I said before, I could buy a 5 ton Hudson for $2495, I paid $7000 for a Cadillac that would last for years, I don't think anyone will argue that I got a Yugo rather than the Cadillac I was promised. :mad:

[nedly05]

If I was to buy a $7000 trailer I wouldnt buy it thinking "Oh it's just a trailer I'll be happy to get 3 years out of it" That's a pile of BS. Countryboy nailed it with his post, there is nothing complicated about a trailer, it should last and last and last, in the south especially. Our down fall in this part of the country is the salt in the winter. We just had a sales rep come do an appraisal on our '96 Eager Beaver 20 ton, we don't use it in the winter. He was wondering why we wanted to trade it. So if a trailer can go for 11 years and be in that good of condition I would never settle for 3 years especially when the want 13 grand to trade.

[jmac]

Ned, I need a 20t trailer. How much you want for yours?

[nedly05]

Jmac, thats funny, cuz when Dad said he was thinking of replacing it I thought of you. It's in really good shape, but we like to keep things updated because we go through DOT about once a month and they like it when things are shiny and clean. I'll ask him what he wants to do.would you come here to get it?

[jmac]

Ya sure, you live up by Jay somewhere. I am going to Lake George for Americade but I don't think I can pull the trailer home with my bike.
Yes I will come up with dump to get it.

[imjustdave]

:confused:

Maybe I wasn't clear, so here goes.

There were no rings for the wires to hold them from being pinched.

The push-in grease fittings were on the tilt points, not the springs.

I never complained about the paint under the trailer, THE D RINGS ON THE SIDE OF THE TRAILER WERE NOT MOVED WHEN PAINTED. They sprayed right over them, when I got the trailer the D-ring's were un painted on one side and the place on the SIDE of the trailer where they were sitting was unpainted in the shape of a D-ring.

I guess I should have just expected the tilt deck to not tilt because it was misalligned and the fenders that nearly rubbed on the right side tires because the fenders were welded in the wrong position?:confused:

The salesmen didn't push me to a trailer that they thought I needed, I went in with a list of what I wanted and they wrote it up, money was no issue. They assured me this was a HEAVY DUTY trailer designed to last for years of COMMERCIAL use.

I have dealt with this Kubota/Stihl/Trailer dealer for 10 years. In that time I have purchased 2 tractors, a dozen 3 point hitch implements (bushhogs, rototillers, flail mowers, pto generator etc... etc...) , chain saws, power brooms, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, tools, 3 trailers (not Cam's) and about 20k in parts and service from these guys. They are well aware of my operation and what I have for equipment, as I am there at least once a month buying something. The entire business knows me on a first name bassis, I thought I was part of the "family".

This is a 7 ton trailer. It was built as a 7 ton trailer, they rated it for 7 tons. I asked and they offered to tag it 9999 to avoid hassles from DOT, as they know I'm not maxing it out and would be hauling it with a 33000lb gvw truck, thus avoiding a need for a class A licensed driver. If you look around and do any trailer shopping you will find this is what trailer manufacturers do to help customers with DOT. I asked for an overkill trailer, they took my money to build me an overkill trailer.

Like I said before, I could buy a 5 ton Hudson for $2495, I paid $7000 for a Cadillac that would last for years, I don't think anyone will argue that I got a Yugo rather than the Cadillac I was promised. :mad:


ok I'm following a little better now, was the first trailer better then the second? with the exception of the bent ramp...

[atgreene]

Dave, the second was a little better than the first, except the first time I loaded a piece of equipment, the wires crushed and have crushed again since then. I didn't realize that both front brakes weren't working until I tore into it to see what I could do about rerouting the wires to make it so I would have the problem. Once I looked at it, I had no choice but to completely re-wire it.

A buddy has the same trailer, I'm going to look at his and see what they did with the wires there.

[jazak]

:bash I think you're just having a huge dose of bad luck...hope it blows over soon.....:Banghead


BTW I think your trailer was made on friday, tell them you want it made on tuesday & you'll be fine. :D

[nedly05]

Jmac, PM sent.

[atgreene]

I figure if I can keep all my bad luck to this trailer, I'll be all set! :(

[nedly05]

How is that trailer now that you have fixed all of the problems yourself? Is it still giving you trouble? It's a nice looking trailer anyways :rolleyes:

[atgreene]

Now that I think everything has been fixed, it seems like it will work ok. First chance I get though, I'm trading for a Moritz. If anything major goes wrong with it, I'm sure they won't honor the 2 year warranty.

[OKYLE]

take em to court, and get your money back.

That is one hell of a shoddy trailer, if i ever saw one. Make them eat the bill on it, not your fault they cant produce a decent product.

I put a 6k/ lb bobcat on a trailer rated for 4k or so, and never bent the tail. The tires sure didnt look healthy heh but that trailer itself looked like it could handle 2x as much weight.

How much framing is under the tail? Mine is pretty stout looking compared to the pictures you have shown so far :/

[atgreene]

A quick update: latest problem, they didn't tighten the hydro lines for the tilt cushion ram (I retightened them when I realized it, and they were hand tight). The oil has leaked out, and they aren't sure how to refill the system without their pump set-up:confused: . I will be modifying the plumbing so as to prevent this issue in the future, the deal just sort of shrugged and didn't say much. So much for my two year warranty.

On a related note, they retagged the trailer for me to it's maximum weight, 16100 lbs. as my 5500 GMC will be here next week. Not sure if I will need a Class A to run it (I don't, but have different opinions depending who I ask:confused: ), but if they summons me, they can't refuse me at the test site when I show up for the road test in a 19500lb gvw vehicle. :Pointhead

[Countryboy]

The oil has leaked out, and they aren't sure how to refill the system without their pump set-up:confused: .

What is that supposed to mean.........they don't know how to work on their own system?

[atgreene]

The gist of the story they told me was that once it leaves the factory there isn't an in-the-field-fix without complete disassembly.:beatsme Suprised?:rolleyes:

[cat320]

I stumbled on this site

http://www.gatormade.com/trailers/thetrailers.php

Boy with all the problems you have had with that trailer makes me want to look at my cam dump a little more .I know i'm not happy with there grease fittings that they put in.

[2004F550]

Well its time to eat my words about cam trailers and how good ours have been lol as our 05 Split Tilt 7 ton has a major issue. The main frame cracked right through the channel on one side and completely snapped off on the other side. We called the dealer and he immediatly directed us to the factory where we talked to the engineer. He said he is familiar with the problem and the new trailers use 3/8" wall channel instead of 1/4" wall. Well WTF does that do for us who supposely bought 7 ton trailers before they changed the design? I attached some pics of the cracks and break, and of the whole trailer disassemblied and headed back to the dealer. Cam is going to truck it back to PA and go over it. We are thinking court might be our only option in the end with this. If the other channel had snapped completely we would have had some serious issues.

[2004F550]

some more

[nedly05]

is cam coming to get it or do you have to take it??

[thejdman04]

thats ridicuolous not to be serviceable and ridiculous to have a trailer break like cam's did

[nobull1]

Quote "We are thinking court might be our only option in the end with this. If the other channel had snapped completely we would have had some serious issues".

I wonder if safety of a mass produced trailer comes into play here.This might be some sort of avenue to explore, especially when they admit they have a known safety issue. I bet somewhere and with someone it isn't kool to have known defective heavy equipment trailers on the road. A replacement/repaired trailer might be a easy way to make you go away.

Brian

[atgreene]

Sorry to hear about your issues. I need to look at mine and make sure it hasn't done the same thing, everything else has frigged-up on it.

I did notice that on my fenders where they are welded to the maine angle iron frame they are cracking, telling me that the main frame is bending.

BTW, I had them re-rate the trailer to the maximum 14,300 lbs. now that I am running a 5500 series truck, but they say I still need a class A. Looks like I will be argueing with DMV when I show up in a 5500 to take my test.:Banghead DOT says I can use it, DMV says no.

[cat320]

alan long as they say you can't take it with that must mean it's ok to drive it with what you have. lol just make sure you get it in written down.

[2004F550]

we just brought it to the dealer, a trucker is gonna bring it to PA on Cam's $

[nedly05]

That's good, I was just on your website last night, you guys have a nice set up there. Do you make all of your own material?? Nice equipment and trucks man:notworthy

[2004F550]

Thanks bud, we try to keep it looking good and working good. Yea we have our aggregate operation too, we started it in the late 80's for oursleves but then it took off and we sell quite a bit to contractors and residential. Right now though we are low on raw materials, mainly hard rock, so we are trying to set something up to build up the coffers again. Topsoil is also a very hot seller for us. Nice to have any material you may need on hand lol.

[OneWelder]

If I am interpreting those pictures correctly,the square notch cut into the frame created a flex point in the corner of the cut. Most good welding repair books (especially on frame repairs) think this is very bad, and suggest no sharp angles to create a flex point which could lead to cracking or fracture that you are showing. I am not an engineer but I have fixed a lot of stuff and I would not fix that without a design change / - \

[2004F550]

Thats what it looks like to me One welder and thats what our welder said too, Cam was going to look at it and then contact us which we are waiting on now.

[nedly05]

Does anyone have any experience with a 20 Ton Cam? Anyone own one? A guy here in town has a 10 Ton Cam and it looks like a nicely put together trailer:beatsme Just wondering if they are as big a pile of crap as the lighter duty ones.

[OneWelder]

2004F550
What is the trailer outcome ?

[danielm]

I just read thru this entire thread and I must say a Cam rep should be informed of this thread. Let's see what they have to say regarding these issues.

After this side of the story there's no way I would consider one of their trailers now.

[atgreene]

I just read thru this entire thread and I must say a Cam rep should be informed of this thread. Let's see what they have to say regarding these issues.

After this side of the story there's no way I would consider one of their trailers now.

After my dealings with them I can assure you they could care less. People are still foolish enough to buy their product, so they just move onto new patsys.

[danielm]

After my dealings with them I can assure you they could care less. People are still foolish enough to buy their product, so they just move onto new patsys.


That's too bad. It seems there's a lot of companys today that could just care less.
I've been dealing with ISPs lately. I'd be in jail if I ran a business like some of these folks.