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Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the trailer come with a warranty?
Yes, Companion Trailers Inc. warrants each trailer free of defects caused by faulty workmanship or defects in materials, under normal use and service for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
During this period, warrantee repairs will be made without charge, either by Companion Trailers Inc. or by an authorized repair centre. It is the responsibility of the owner of the trailer to notify Companion Trailers Inc. in writing - of any defects, which may need to be rectified under this warrantee. All warrantee repairs must have prior written approval of Companion Trailers Inc. before repairs are commenced. Companion Trailers Inc. will not be responsible for the cost of repairs carried out without their written prior authorization.
Are there any exclusions from warranty?
Damage caused by accident or through trailer misuse
Normal wear and tear.Any action or failure to comply with actions as described in the user manual.
Is there a money back guarantee?
No, there is no money back guarantee and in our opinion you will not need it. Companion Trailers Inc will repair, or when in our opinion deemed necessary, replace defective parts or units in line with our guarantee. Before you purchase a Companion trailer - please contact us with any additional questions or visit the dealers who will gladly assist you in making an informed decision.
Does your trailer pass all road safety standards?
Yes, all trailer manufacturers must comply with the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Our Design Engineers are fully conversant with these requirements and use the latest in 3D computer assisted drawing software for the design work. Prototypes were built and tested for thousands of miles to ensure a safe and reliable product. Only on successful completion of these tests did production commence.
What material is used to build your trailer?
Companion trailers are manufactured from 18 gauge cold rolled American Standard 300 carbon steel. This material is thick enough to ensure strength and durability and to provide enough weight for your trailer to run smoothly behind your vehicle, even when empty. A trailer that is too light will bounce at the smallest hobble in the road resulting in a poor performance.
Will the trailer rust?
Yes, rust is always possible. To prevent rust, Companion trailers are powder coated and baked to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a good bond and smooth texture. In addition, the underside of the trailer is coated with a rubber compound as an extra measure against rust and chips from road debris. The same compound has been used to coat the front of the fenders as debris from the towing vehicle may chip the paint in this area.
To prevent rust from forming, touch up areas where the paint has been scratched or chipped off. Your local hardware store should have a variety of paint spray cans that will be suitable for this purpose. Just match the color to your trailer and follow the instructions on the can, then keep the can handy for the next time you may need to touch up. This is a small investment and a little bit of maintenance that will keep your investment in a good condition and prolong its useful life.
Do these trailers use special tires?
Yes, trailer tires are specially made for trailers and are equipped to resist sway caused by side forces to the trailer, such as wind. Do not replace the trailer tires with passenger or truck tires!
What size tires are on the trailer?
For your Companion use a 4.80 x 12 load rating B - also called 4 ply. Always replace with the same type of tire. This is indicated on the VIN plate.
Will this trailer flip or rollover?
In extreme cases, such as a very sharp turn combined with excessive speed, it is possible that your trailer might tip over - but if you travel at excessive speeds, so will the towing vehicle. Companion trailers are designed with a low center of gravity and a wide wheel base to make it as safe as possible. Wherever a passenger vehicle will go safely, the Companion will follow safely. It is always the best practice to follow the road safety rules, use caution and adhere to the recommended speed limits.
What happens if the trailer has a flat tire?
Your Companion is not supplied with a spare wheel. For those inopportune flats - we recommend that you keep a can of “Fix-A-Flat ®” or similar in your nose cone. The wheels are standard 12 x 4 JA and available at most trailer shops throughout the country.
What trailer hitch should I use?
The tow hitch on your vehicle must be suitable to accommodate the weight of the trailer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and adhere to the safe loads that the tow hitch was designed for. Overloading a tow hitch could result in failure of the components and the trailer becoming uncoupled from the vehicle. Injuries as a result of this action could have very serious consequences. The ball diameter you will need for your Companion is 2 inch. Ensure that your trailer is as level as possible by fitting a ball hitch with a suitable drop or raise.
What colors are available?
Initially we are offering the Companion Trailers in white. Should you wish to order a different color or decals - it can be done. Contact our Sales Department for further details. They will confirm the custom order with you and advise you of delivery date.
How should I store the trailer?
When returning from a trip we recommend that you clean your trailer thoroughly inside and out before storing. Hose off any mud from the under carriage of your trailer, as mud will accumulate moisture and eventually cause rust forming in those areas. For easy cleaning, your Companion is installed with a 1 inch drain plug in the nose cone and luggage compartment to drain water from these compartments. Remember to always replace the plugs before your next trip to prevent water from entering your trailer through these holes.
It is advisable not to store wet equipment or clothes in your trailer. Ensure that your trailer is completely dry on the inside before closing the lids and storing it for any amount of time. Your Companion is made of carbon steel and should you store it while wet on the inside, or with wet equipment on the inside - it may rust.
When storing your Companion outdoors, it is recommended that you protect it from UV rays and other adverse weather conditions. Select a car cover that “breaths” to enable the moisture to evaporate. Steer away from plastic car covers which tend to trap moisture on the inside and with prolonged storage, causes more harm than good. Most local Spares or Super stores keep a variety of covers for vehicles or boats and can assist you in selecting a suitable cover for your
Companion.
How could a compact car tow this trailer, as compact cars do not have enough power?
Companion trailers are small, lightweight and are aerodynamically designed to have very little wind resistance - making it suitable to be towed by most compact vehicles. You should, however, ensure that your vehicle is capable of accommodating the Companion you choose. A vehicle may have the power to pull a loaded trailer down a road but may not necessarily have the power to haul it up steep hills, or may not have the brake capacity capable of holding it on a steep incline. By law there is a certain vehicle to trailer ratio that cannot be exceeded. Follow your vehicle manufacturers' towing guidelines and never exceed tow limits. Too much trailer weight is dangerous and could cause an accident.
How will the trailer be shipped and packaged?
Due to the size and weight of the trailers, each trailer will be crated to prevent damage while moving through the outsourced logistical process. The front nose cone side of the trailer will have screws for easy disassembling. It should take less than 10 minutes to remove the trailer from the crate. The remainder of the frame is held together with nails.
We will use either Fedex or a local common carrier to deliver the trailer to the closest warehouse depot, unless the customer is able to provide a business address with a docking door and a forklift. The customer will have 24 hours from notification to collect the trailer from the depot before being charged a storage fee. The trailer can be uncrated at the depot and hitched to your towing vehicle and driven away. The staff at the depot will take care of disposing the crate. The trailer will have a temporary license plate to comply with road regulations.
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