Gatormade trailers still gets C grade

[TK industries]

I bought one of the elite goosenecks back in December. Problems to date

1. 2 lights went out in the first weeks. I called gatormade they said stop by they would give me lights. Problem I don't live next to the factory I ask if they could ship no response. (I bought more lights and replaced them I haul equipment cannot run with lights not working).

2. Wiring is subpar scotch connectors color code do not match the pin color on the plug in connector. No light for license plate

3. Brake light position that was the first thing broke off the first time bobcat slid off ramps. (we relocated the lights to in the back of the fenders where they should have been to start with).

4. Ramps would not extend out on the side to match the trailer width causing loading and unloading issues with equipment. (we move the ramp pins out to the edge of the trailer so the ramps are the same width as the trailer.

5. Tires first one happened in January knots on each side belts broke less than 300 miles. Had to send tire back to California and wait a week for a new one Downtime.
Yesterday second tire knots on the sides and this one blew out on interstate 75. Trailer started jumping I slowed down you could see the knot on the side I slowed down in emergency lane and the tire Popped.

6. Tires are rated at 3520 lbs. but trailer is 16000 GVWR. I think tired are not strong enough for the trailer weight. They are Freestar load range E tires. They are made in china.

I called gatormade on this tire talked to Ernie alexander he said he would get back to me but I have not heard anything from him called again today left message but no return call. I don't think $6,000 is cheap for a equipment trailer do why is there customer service so poor after the sale. This is not my first trailer I have had towmasters, big tex and hurst. I will go back to one or the other.

 

[PapaPerk]

I dislike GatorMade trailers. They use China components and have a lot of labels and junky accessories in an attempt to sell them at high prices.

I would trade the GatorMade in on a CornPro or Moritz trailer. :thumbsup:

 

[MasseyWV]

I dislike GatorMade trailers.

Same here.

 

[PapaPerk]

Gator Made Elite Gooseneck are the best

Bet you work for the the Gators... with your big one post on this forum.

Gatormade is not the best or we wouldn't be having this discussion. :confused2:

 

[jeffsw6]

I don't think $6,000 is cheap for a equipment trailer do why is there customer service so poor after the sale. This is not my first trailer I have had towmasters, big tex and hurst. I will go back to one or the other.

How much is a similar trailer from a better manufacturer?

When I bought my Gatormade box trailer I compared the cost of it ~$8000 to the cost of Haulmark and Wells Cargo ~$13000 and realized I was saving enough money that I can afford to spend some time replacing wiring and correcting any other small problems that arise.

I am extremely pleased with what I got for the price I paid. I still have a few wiring issues I have not had time to get to yet (connections that will eventually fail but is fine right now) and the tires I got from the factory are not radials, they are cheap bias ply, which I know will not last very long. So I will spend $500 on tires within a year, and an afternoon to correct the remaining wiring issues I have not got to yet. That is a lot less than paying $5000 more for a Wells Cargo!

I think it is good to be aware that Gatormade is a budget trailer but if you want everything to be perfect, don't buy a budget trailer, buy a top brand.

 

[TK industries]

I did compare my trailer to other companies that sold the same style very little difference in price. Don't advertise your the best then use poor quality material and even worse poor customer service I have filed a complaint with the BBB.

 

[strum456]

I did compare my trailer to other companies that sold the same style very little difference in price. Don't advertise your the best then use poor quality material and even worse poor customer service I have filed a complaint with the BBB.

Not to sound negative, but th BBB is a complete joke. Unless Gatormade is an accredited business, the BBB wields virtually no power. I dont care to get into it, but I am talking from experience.

I had my own dealings with Gatormade. Ernie is conveniently unavailable, isnt he. For the price I paid, I am happy with my trailer. It seems to me that they could make some inexpensive changes to their manufacturing process, and their trailers would have rave reviews.

 

[bm3]

I was already to drive 90 miles one way to buy a gatormade 18ft equipment trailer , they brag about how great the paint on their trailers are . I would save about 700 bucks but after reading these post think i'll just pay and get a better one . I bought a enclosed diamond cargo trailer 8 months ago , frame is all rusted already , no paint

 

[bm3]

Wow , My trailer guy in Waynesboro VA just started selling gators , he told me they are great trailers , he sold me a diamond cargo enclosed 8 months ago and I ain't happy with the lack of paint on the frame , at 64 dont want to deal with it ,lol .. I am in need of a 18ft equipment to replace my horton 16ft that has been a super good trailer , just need the extra 2ft

 

[TK industries]

A update I did get a hold of Ernie at gatormade. He did inform me that they could not swap out my tires at the factory because the warranty is with the tire maker, but he would get a hold of them and see if they would swap all my tires out for Another brand. The tire company did call they are swapping out for another brand all my tires. The new brand is Towmax I am sure they are still china tires. Has anyone had experience with this brand. I want to say thank you Ernie at gatormade for helping me.