External warranties for HiLo

[MikeFromMesa]

We just bought our HiLo new a couple of months ago. I never really thought that the company would close its doors, but in light of that I was thinking about buying a third-party warranty.

The dealer suggested a company they do business with and I also contacted Good Sam to get a price on their Extended Service Plan, but I was wondering if anyone on this forum had any experience with third-party warranties and could tell me which ones to avoid and which ones to consider. I think it is probably a good idea to have some kind of warranty. The question, of course, is whether parts will be available ...

 

[JackandJanet]

When we got ours, in 2007, we also purchased extended coverage through Phoenix American. When we had our "axle" problem last year, I called their toll-free number and they paid for the tow truck (haul) back to Tucson to Beaudry RV and I did not pay anything for the repairs.

- Jack

 

[vanwinkp]

Question?

Jack,
On your 17' 2007 can you tell me the problem with your "axle"? Just wondering.
Thanks

 

[MikeFromMesa]

I called their toll-free number and they paid for the tow truck (haul) back to Tucson to Beaudry RV and I did not pay anything for the repairs.

That sounds like a very positive endorsement. I tried googling Phoenix America, but I got so many different hits that I don't know if any is the right place. Do you by any chance have their toll-free number so I can call them?

Thanks.

 

[JackandJanet]

That sounds like a very positive endorsement. I tried googling Phoenix America, but I got so many different hits that I don't know if any is the right place. Do you by any chance have their toll-free number so I can call them?

Thanks.

This is the number on our contract: (800) 297-0256 This is also their "authorization" number if you have a claim. They're located at 6303 Blue Lagoon Dr, Suite 225, Miami, FL 33126.

pvanwink - For the "saga" on my axle, here's the thread: http://www.hilotrailerforum.com/f26/my-trailer-overloaded-412/

We were on our way with our grandkids to camp up on Mt Graham when a passing motorist motioned to me that there was a problem. I pulled off the interstate and discovered the right tire (door side) was rubbing against the entry step frame. The tires were 2 years old with about 5,000 miles on them. I limped back to the nearest town and a technician at the Ford place there said it looked like my axle had collapsed. Nobody there could fix it of course so I had it hauled back to Tucson.

Beaudry RV in Tucson also thought the axle was defective so a new one was ordered. The old one was sent back to Dexter for testing and they said it was out of spec for some unknown reason. They replaced it at no charge.

Later though, I found that BOTH OEM tires on that axle had failed due to tread separation. The swollen tire was what caused it to contact the step frame (I only have 3/8" clearance there which is another story).

So, I've now replaced those tires with Maxxis Load range D tires that are the same size as the OEM ones. So far, they're fine. I actually doubt the axle was really ever at fault.

I'm certain though that my trailer had the original axle mounted too far back. My tongue weight is 630# with a full fresh water tank and I think the load equalizing hitch is transferring too much weight onto the trailer axle and my truck axles. 630# actually exceeds my class 3 hitch rating! This, on a 17 foot trailer?

So anyway, when I get my trailer back from its latest visit to have a brake repaired, I'm going to calculate where the axle really should be. Then I just have to find someone who can move it.

- Jack

 

[MikeFromMesa]

Thank you. I will give them a call today.

 

[MikeFromMesa]

Just called them, but it turns out that they only sell warranties through the dealer at the time the trailer is bought. Cannot buy separately or after sale.

Thanks anyway.