trailer warranty and return policies

If you have any questions or issues about your trailer, you can contact us at any time.
All of the information concerning your Trailer may be found below.

Before operating your Trailer, we recommend that you read this guide.

WARNING

READ and FOLLOW all of these instructions before operating the trailer.

DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT or SERIOUS INJURY to you, your passengers, and others may result if you do not follow these instructions. Make sure all drivers read and understand all these instructions.

IMPORTANT TRAILER INFORMATION

PREVENT TRAILER SWAY by properly loading the trailer. Load 60% of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer box. Loading heavier in the rear will cause the tow vehicle and trailer “combination” to begin TRAILER SWAY, which is violent and uncontrollable. 

SIDE to SIDE MOTION (SWAY) THAT BEGINS as you reach a certain speed, will likely become worse at higher speeds. 

If you notice sway beginning SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY by letting off the accelerator pedal. Find a safe location to reload the trailer heavier in the front of the trailer as soon as possible. 

IF SWAY OCCURS, DO NOT steer, DO NOT apply your brakes, and NEVER speed up. Let off the accelerator pedal and hold the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position and apply the override on your electric brake controller.

MORE THAN ONE ISSUE A “combination disturbance” is improper handling, sway, over-steering or other deviation of the tow vehicle or trailer from their intended path, due to one or more causes (improper loading, steering inputs, excessive speed, crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.).

IF A COMBINATION DISTURBANCE OCCURS, DO NOT steer or brake. Steering or braking during a combination disturbance can cause a loss of control or crash. Apply the Trailer brakes and regain control.

If a WHEEL GOES off the paved roadway, DO NOT steer sharply and DO NOT brake. Let off the accelerator pedal and slow down below 40kmh. Then steer gradually back onto the roadway. Proceed with caution entering traffic.

LOADING YOUR TRAILER NEVER exceed the trailer's maximum gross weight, which is on the trailer's compliance plate. NEVER overload your tow vehicle. Do not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVM) which is on a label inside the driver's door opening. NEVER load cargo on the outside of the trailer, or extend cargo out the rear of the trailer. Secure all cargo inside the trailer. Unsecured cargo may: 

● shift and cause dangerous SWAY; or
● be ejected and cause a roadway hazard.

ON THE ROAD

Make sure your tow vehicle is properly equipped and maintained. Be sure all tires are inflated properly.

ALWAYS wear your seat belt. Be sure children are properly restrained.

DO NOT drive when you are fatigued, sleepy or distracted. Avoid driving at night.

NEVER TEXT while driving.

NEVER be distracted by using a mobile phone while driving. Distracted driving is a major cause of crashes.

NEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or any substance that might impair your vision, judgment or ability to control the vehicle.

NEVER allow passengers to ride in the trailer.



DRIVING

DRIVE DEFENSIVELY – anticipate stops, brake early, and never follow closely.

BEFORE GOING DOWNHILL, slow down and shift the transmission into a lower gear.

DO NOT RIDE BRAKES on downgrades.

WHEN GOING UPHILL, use lower gears and plan on slowing down. Stay in the slow lane. 

PASSING

Your combination is heavier and longer than your tow vehicle alone, and will require more time and distance to pass.

Passing by another vehicle in the same or opposite direction can result in a combination disturbance.

HILLS
SLOW DOWN BEFORE
starting downhill. Shift into lower gear and let off the acceleration pedal, this allows the engine to help you control your speed. Combination disturbances happen more frequently going downhill and at higher speeds.

DO NOT ride the brake pedal going downhill.
Prolonged use of your brakes results in overheating and possible loss of braking. When you need to slow down, apply the brake pedal and slow down below the intended speed. Then let off the brake pedal completely. Repeat as needed. Shift into lower gear to prevent your tow vehicle from jerking due to engine lugging when traveling up hills.

Centre lane
Sometimes the trailer is wider than the tow vehicle. Allow for this by driving in the centre of your lane.

Sharp corners
Avoid turning too sharp on corners, in petrol stations or car parks. Because the combination is longer the trailer will track inside the turn and may sideswipe a vehicle or object. Drive slightly past the corner before turning or turn wider than you would with a car to avoid this. Or simply plan ahead and avoid sharp turns where you can. Slow down for curves, adverse weather, hazardous road conditions, road construction and Freeway exits. Do not feel secure because your trailer tows easily at higher speeds. When driving at a lower speed you are less likely to lose control of any vehicle, than when driving at a higher speed. Excessive speed is a major cause of accidents.

Stopping and following distance Your combination is heavier and longer than your vehicle alone. This means it will take you longer to stop.

Allow at least 4 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. Start counting when the back of the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed object, such as a line or crack on the road. If the front of your vehicle reaches the object before the end of the 4 seconds, increase your distance. If you are driving in adverse weather, such as rain, snow, or fog, use at least a 5 second gap.

EQUIPMENT

Refer to the owner’s manual, decal instructions or an authorized automotive dealer for any specific handling characteristics of your tow vehicle.

Changes made to your tow vehicle after it was manufactured can affect its ability to tow. These changes can include different tires, suspension changes, etc. Check your owner’s manual or with an authorized automotive dealer to make sure any changes to your tow vehicle are approved.

DO NOT tow the trailer if your tow vehicle has changes that are not approved.

MAINTENANCE 
Maintenance and condition of your tow vehicle’s engine, transmission, steering, suspension, front-end alignment and tires may affect your vehicle’s ability to tow the trailer. Have an authorized repair facility inspect and repair your vehicle BEFORE towing.

To find the towing capabilities of the engine, transmission and axles of your vehicle, refer to the owner’s manual, or check with an authorized dealer.

Because the trailer floor receives the most abuse, it will most likely corrode before any other part of the structure. Using a power washer and a detergent solution, wash the floor and walls of the trailer. Rinse the trailer floor and walls. 

Inspect all of the fasteners and structural frame members for bending and other damage, cracks, or failure. Repair or replace any damaged fastener and repair the frame member. If you have any questions about the condition or method of repair of fasteners or frame members, get the recommendation of, or have the repair done by, us or an appropriate service centre. Broken or damaged fasteners or welds can cause injury or damage to trailer and contents. Inspect for, and repair all damaged parts at least once a year.

All welds can crack or fail when subjected to heavy loads or movement of cargo that was not properly tied to prevent movement. Any time that you know or suspect that the trailer has been subjected to heavy loads or movement of cargo, immediately inspect the welds and fasteners for damage. To prevent severe damage to your trailer, inspect all of the welds for cracks or failure at least once a year. Broken or damaged fasteners or welds can cause injury or damage to trailer and contents. Inspect for, and repair all damaged parts at least once a year.

Brake Shoes and Drums Properly functioning brake shoes and drums are essential to ensure safety. You must have your Brakes inspected at least once per year, or each 20,000kms. The brake shoes must be adjusted after the first 500 kilometers of use, and each 5000 Kilometers thereafter.

Within five (5) days after discovering a problem with your trailer, return your trailer for inspection to us.

TOWING EQUIPMENT

REQUIREMENTS Hitches and Hitch Balls
The coupler on the trailer connects to the ball attached to the hitch on the tow vehicle. The coupler, ball and hitch transfer the towing forces between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Before each tow, coat the ball with a thin layer of automotive bearing grease to reduce wear and ensure proper operation; and check the locking device that secures the coupler to the ball for proper operation.

Hitches must be able to tow the weight of the trailer and its cargo.

Your trailer is designed to accommodate a 50mm ball for under 3500kg or 70mm ball for under 4500kg. Never crawl under your trailer unless it is on firm and level ground and resting on properly placed and secured jack stands.

Tire pressure
Set all tires to the proper pressure. Find the recommended COLD pressures on the tire sidewall, owner’s manual, your vehicle’s door decal or on the trailer decal. DO NOT put more pressure in the tire than is indicated on the tire sidewall. Tire pressures go up during driving. DO NOT let off this extra pressure.

Safety chains
The purpose of the safety chains is to keep the trailer connected to your tow vehicle in the unlikely event the coupler comes off the ball or the ball comes off the hitch. DO NOT tow the trailer without the safety chains securely attached to the towing vehicle. DO NOT attempt to pull the trailer by the safety chains alone unless this is necessary to get the combination off the roadway to a safe place. The chains need slack to allow your vehicle to make turns. Make sure these chains attach securely to your tow vehicle and do not drag on the roadway.

Lighting connections
Make sure all tow vehicle and trailer lights function properly. The connecting wires need slack to allow your tow vehicle to make turns. DO NOT allow wires to drag on the roadway.

Loading your trailer

Failure to follow these loading instructions may result in sway and lead to total loss of control. NEVER unhook the trailer or loosen the coupler before loading or unloading.

Tongue weight
This guideline is to help you make sure the trailer is loaded properly by checking the tongue weight. DO NOT disconnect the trailer to do the following: 

Step 1: With the tow vehicle and trailer empty, and the trailer attached to your tow vehicle, measure the distance from the ground to the top of the trailer coupling.

Step 2: With the trailer fully loaded and the tow vehicle empty, measure the distance from the ground to the top of the trailer coupling

Step 3: Subtract the answer in Step 2 from the answer in Step 1. (Answer 1 – Answer 2)

If your answer in Step 3 is greater than or equal to 20mm your trailer has tongue weight. If your answer is less than 20mm, it is recommended that you reload your trailer, and put more weight in the front of the trailer. An answer less than 20mm can cause trailer sway and lead to loss of control of the vehicle. Take your combination for a short test-drive. If you feel the combination is not handling properly, reload your trailer.

CHECKLIST BEFORE TOWING
 Before towing always check:

 ● Are the towing hitch and hitch-ball are tight.
 ● Is the safety chain properly attached and secure.
 ● Are all lights are connected and working.
 ● Have I checked all tyres for correct pressure.
 ● What is the tyre wear on all wheels
 ● Have I loaded the trailer heavier in front.
 ● Is the load secure.
 ● Fasten seat belts.
 ● Adjust mirrors.
 ● Anticipate stops, brake early.
 ● Remember - crashes are caused by
 ● Driver error or Inattention.
 ● Do drive at excessive speeds.

OUR WARRANTY TO YOU 

Definitions
Buyer means you the customer that bought a trailer from us.

 Goods means the Trailer.

 Manufacturer means The Brick Business.

 Repairs means the repairs which are undertaken by The Brick Business for the Buyer.

Trailer means the trailer supplied by The Brick Business to the Buyer.

 Warranty means the warranty provided by The Brick Business on the terms set out below.

The Brick Business’s Warranty
The Brick Business warrants that the Trailer and Repairs are of an acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and free from defect for the following applicable periods:

 ● In the case of a Trailer Chassis, for a period of three (3) years from the date of

 ● manufacture of the Trailer;

 ● In the case of a Trailer component, for a period of one (1) year from the date of

 ● manufacture of the Trailer;

 ● In the case of Repairs for a period of three (3) months from the date of manufacture

 ● of the Repairs.

This Warranty is subject to the limitations and qualification set out below. Please read these limitations and qualification carefully. If you have any questions, please contact The Brick Business.

Rights of Consumers under the Australian consumer Law
This applies to the Buyer if:

● the amount paid or payable for the Goods does not exceed $40,000.00 (except where the Goods are not of a kind ordinarily acquired for personal, domestic or household use or consumption, and The Brick Business has limited its liability in a manner permitted by the Australian Consumer Law, in which case the Buyer’s rights are limited to that extent);

● the Goods are of a kind ordinarily acquired for personal, domestic or household use or consumption; or

● the Goods are a Trailer acquired for use principally in the transport of goods on public roads, unless the Buyer acquired the Goods for the purpose of re-supply or the purpose of using it up or transforming it in trade or commerce.

The Goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. The Buyer is entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. The Buyer is also entitled to have the Goods repaired or replaced if the Goods fail to be acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.

The benefits given to the Buyer by this Warranty are in addition to other rights and remedies that it may have in relation to the Goods.

Limitations on Warranty
The Warranty will not apply to any claim arising out of:

 
● misuse, including but not limited to using a Trailer with a load in excess of its structural or legal capacity as designated at the date of purchase;

 ● failure to maintain and service the Goods at appropriate intervals by an appropriate professional including (but not limited to): o regular maintenance and service; o regular greasing of all components on the Goods which require grease (including greasable hinges, wheel bearings and grease nipples etc); o regular inspection of wheel pressures; o regular inspection of all fittings and fasteners.

 ● maltreatment, inattention, or interference including but not limited to rust, or coating with any preparation not approved in writing by The Brick Business;

 ● wear and tear of components that require regular replacement including but not limited wheel bearings, seals, couplings, curtain straps, curtain buckets, tyres, rims, bumpers, dock rubbers and scuff strips;

 ● fair wear and tear, damage caused by improper use, misuse or abuse, defects due to modifications, accidents, damage caused by vandalism, rusting, acts of nature or any other event beyond the control of us;

 ● wear and tear of tyres;

 ● cosmetic appearance, including the galvanized surface and the paint becoming dull, faded or chipped and scratching, scuffing or natural breakdown of materials, including rust on the Trailer;

 ● use or improper use, adjustment, calibration or operation by the Buyer or any person on behalf of the Buyer;

 ● any modification which was not authorized in writing by The Brick Business or performed by an authorized service representative;

 ● use that is not in accordance with any instructions given by The Brick Business including loading the Trailer in excess of its structural capacity as designated by The Brick Business or exceeding the recommended speed limit;

 ● inadequate or improper storage, maintenance or transportation;

 ● exposure to heat and moisture;

 ● damage caused by the continued use of damaged Goods; or

 ● accidental or intentional damage by a person or animal. Subject to The Brick Business’s obligations under applicable law that cannot be excluded, modified or restricted, including as described in clause 2 and 3 The Brick Business’s liability:

 ● in relation to Goods is limited to The Brick Business’s choice of one of the following options:

 ● repair the Goods;

 ● replace the Goods; or

 ● refund the price paid for the Goods;

 ● in relation to Repairs is limited to The Brick Business’s choice of one of the following options:

 ● providing the Repair again; or

 ● refund the price paid for the Repair; and

 ● does not include or extend to labour costs associated with the transportation of defective Goods or Repaired goods.

Goods presented for repair may be replaced by refurbished goods of the same type rather than being repaired. Refurbished parts may be used to repair the Goods.

The Brick Business makes no representation or warranty in relation to any Goods not manufactured by The Brick Business, including but not limited to tyres, electric winches and hydraulic systems. The Buyer agrees to look solely to the warranties provided by The Brick Business of those goods.

Replaced parts become the property of The Brick Business. If parts are returned under this Warranty, the Buyer is not entitled to make any deduction from remittances or current accounts without The Brick Business’s consent. Nothing in this Warranty is intended to have the effect of excluding any applicable provisions of the Australian Consumer Law.

Goods Purchase for the Purpose of Resupply
The following provisions apply to Goods purchased for the purpose of resupply:

If the Goods are sold to the Buyer’s customers, the Buyer must ensure there has been no reliance by its customers on any promise or representation as the nature, quality or quantity of the Goods contrary to the Warranty.

 If the goods have been altered, modified, adjusted, converted, transformed or treated in any way whatsoever, the Warranty will not apply. The Buyer acknowledges that:

● if the Buyer sells the Goods to any person by reference to a sample, that sample is not supplied by The Brick Business; and

 ● any sale by sample by the Buyer to any person is not referable to the sale or supply of the Goods by The Brick Business to the Buyer.

Making a Claim The Buyer must:

● contact The Brick Business by phone or email with a description of the issue or defect;

 ● returns the Goods to The Brick Business as directed at the Buyer’s cost and risk;

 ● provide satisfactory proof of purchase, delivery docket, tax invoice or a copy of the receipt;

 ● not use the Goods once a claim is notified by the Buyer to The Brick Business an prior to the Buyer returning the Goods to The Brick Business for an inspection; and

 ● bear the expense of claiming under the Warranty.

Please note that any claim under this Warranty must be notified to The Brick Business within a reasonable time (and in any event within 14 days) after the Buyer first noticed or ought reasonably to have noticed the issue or defect. If The Brick Business is not notified of the claim within a reasonable time of the Buyer first noticing the issue or defect, The Brick Business may in its absolute discretion deny the claim.

The Goods must not be used by the Buyer once a claim is notified by the Buyer to The Brick Business until the Buyer has returned the Goods to The Brick Business for an inspection.

Where the Goods comprise a trailer, the Buyer acknowledges and agrees that the trailer is designed for use on sealed roads only and use of the trailer on an unsealed road voids this warranty.

CONTACT
—US

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