Trucks & Trailers - Don't buy a Fastload Trailer!

I purchased a single axle Fastload aluminum trailer rated to carry my boats weight. My trailer was built 5/18/2011. I purchased it in the summer and used it once all summer. Lower unit overheated. I then used it in the fall a few times and this spring a couple times.
I have had it less than a year, bought new, and towed less than 400 miles. I launched no more than 8 times. The axle broke. The spindle, tire, etc. separted from the axle tube. It appears water had gotten inside the axle, based on rust. The dealer in Clearwater I purchased it from, says he might be able to help. The axle broke in a parking lot after business hours so a flat bed to handle the boat and trailer to go the 30 miles is not that
cheap. I still forked over some cash and got it towed to a local mechanic a few miles away. Dealer after that has not returned my call. My mechanic contacted Fastload and removed the axle so I could transport it to Fastload in Plant City,FL (60 mi) each way. I was expecting a new axle and some recognition the axle was faulty. They lopped off the spindles and rewelded new ones. Not sure if this fix it job is as good as a new one???
I wanted something in writing that he rewelded it. When I mentioned this he said "receipt, you didn't purchase anything, your lucky I fixed it for free, now get the hell out of here!" I have owned trailers my whole life. I usually expect a few years out of one without anything major. My last galvanized trailer was bought used and lasted another 7 years without any axle problems. I feel I have been totally wronged on this one!

I purchased a single axle Fastload aluminum trailer rated to carry my boats weight. My trailer was built 5/18/2011. I purchased it in the summer and used it once all summer. Lower unit overheated. I then used it in the fall a few times and this spring a couple times.
I have had it less than a year, bought new, and towed less than 400 miles. I launched no more than 8 times. The axle broke. The spindle, tire, etc. separted from the axle tube. It appears water had gotten inside the axle, based on rust. The dealer in Clearwater I purchased it from, says he might be able to help. The axle broke in a parking lot after business hours so a flat bed to handle the boat and trailer to go the 30 miles is not that
cheap. I still forked over some cash and got it towed to a local mechanic a few miles away. Dealer after that has not returned my call. My mechanic contacted Fastload and removed the axle so I could transport it to Fastload in Plant City,FL (60 mi) each way. I was expecting a new axle and some recognition the axle was faulty. They lopped off the spindles and rewelded new ones. Not sure if this fix it job is as good as a new one???
I wanted something in writing that he rewelded it. When I mentioned this he said "receipt, you didn't purchase anything, your lucky I fixed it for free, now get the hell out of here!" I have owned trailers my whole life. I usually expect a few years out of one without anything major. My last galvanized trailer was bought used and lasted another 7 years without any axle problems. I feel I have been totally wronged on this one!

I would probably be a slight bit annoyed as well. Strange that the Mfg. would make the axle repairs themselves. Why didn't they claim warranty on the axle Mfg.? Is the axle galvanized? If they welded new spindles on, I would be concerned that that area of the weld is no longer galvanized....
Why would they say you didn't purchase anything if in fact you were returning to the Mfg. that made the trailer?

I

I wish Fast Load would tell the other side of the story

I had a Fast-Load and it was very well made. Never had a problem. Good people to deal with. JMHO

If they welded on new spindles (hope they got them lined up)
If not you will get a lot of tire wear.

I don't know man, newbie user and first two posts are trashing a manufacturer?

Not cool.

Maybe we shouldn't paint all newbies with the same brush. Some complaints about products are justified, so whoever tells a true tale that warns people is okay by me.

FastLoad needs to chime in if there's another side of the story.

Even if the OP didn't wash his trailer off after dunking it, water inside an axle tube shouldn't be there.

Welding onto rusted metal is what's "not cool" to me. Sounds like major liability on the manufacturer's part, doesn't it?

Maybe we shouldn't paint all newbies with the same brush. Some complaints about products are justified, so whoever tells a true tale that warns people is okay by me.

FastLoad needs to chime in if there's another side of the story.

Even if the OP didn't wash his trailer off after dunking it, water inside an axle tube shouldn't be there.

Welding onto rusted metal is what's "not cool" to me. Sounds like major liability on the manufacturer's part, doesn't it?

Of coruse not, most noobs are looking for advice which this community is happy to share and provide. I know I certainly am willing to help when I can ... but this guy signs up, trashes a manufacturer and takes off.

For all we know, it could be the competition.

I find it hard to believe that a 1 year galvanized axle has rusted out that quick

to help when I can ... but this guy signs up, trashes a manufacturer and takes off.

For all we know, it could be the competition.I agree. I only belive what I've read if the poster has been active on the forum for at least 48 years. Otherwise, it's clearly a ruse.

Tipsy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwnanPuuCwk&feature=related

For all we know, it could be the competition.


Agreed, and that's why it would be good for the FastLoad people to chime in. Not only is it odd that an axle would rust out that quickly, but even odder that the shop would repair his fugly axle instead of reaching into the parts bin for a brand new (straight and true) axle.

I don't mind noob posts because the poster is new, but I start to mind them as spammers when they don't continue with the thread and answer questions that we ask.

I'm sure Fastload has no idea someone is on THT bitching about them. Call them and tell them about this thread, maybe they'll respond...but I doubt it.


From 2000-2005 I bought/re-sold 8 boats and bought 5 rather large trailers from Fastload during that time. It was a father/son operation and the one mistake they did make was recificed to my satisfaction. In 2006 I bought a personal boat and ordered another trailer. This time the elder's wife answered and although she was nice, she didn't seem to know alot. I ended up on the phone with the son who obviously knew how to build a trailer......but maybe not run a business.

Turns out the father wasn't involved with the business anymore. ;?

Getting that trailer built was a PITA. Delays and missed information caused the need for me to modify my brand new trailer.....keep in mind I had dealt with them a number of times before. Seems things fell apart and I haven't been back to see what there like now......but I've seen several of these types of posts on several forums the last couple years.