Wynand G

Expensive lesson: poor workmanship and an empty guarantee

I would strongly caution anyone considering using this company. Unfortunately, I only discovered the extent of other customers’ bad experiences after I had already gone through my own. Since then, multiple caravan owners in Wellington have told me they would have warned me not to use this business had they known I was taking my trailer there. I am writing this review in the hope that it helps someone else avoid the same situation. My trailer went in for a brake and bearing service, which I agreed to at a cost of approximately R28,000. Thereafter, I was presented with an additional charge of approximately R27,000 for a geyser and water tank / water system service, only after the work had already been done. During the process, I repeatedly asked what the cost would be, but my questions were never properly answered. Had I been told the amount upfront, I would never have authorised work at that price. In my view, the amount charged for that portion of the work was completely unreasonable, especially considering it exceed what replacement components could cost. When I raised concerns, I was told I was paying for “quality work” and the peace of mind of a guarantee, with assurances that anything wrong would be fixed. That assurance proved meaningless. After using the trailer for just one weekend, I discovered that: -the geyser was not working -the water system was not functioning properly, pipes routed through the break system -the brakes were not working correctly -the brakes locked after reversing only a short distance, something that had never happened before -there were also issues including loose wiring and what appeared to be poorly routed plumbing / installation work When I asked for invoices for the parts used, so I could verify what had actually been installed and whether original parts had been used, this was refused. When I then tried to return the trailer under the promised guarantee, I was met with excuse after excuse. Eventually I was told to bring it back on 16 March. From then until 8 April, I received no meaningful update. When I followed up, I was told the issues were supposedly not their fault, that I now needed a bigger pump, and that I would have to pay more. On top of the workmanship and pricing issues, the experience was also deeply unpleasant on a personal level. I experienced what I found to be unprofessional, rude, and intimidating behaviour, including being warned that if I posted a review, me and my business would be “attacked” on social media. That is unacceptable. He also badmouthed others that reviewed him. At this point, I will be taking the trailer elsewhere for an independent assessment and report, and I will be pursuing the matter further. Based on my experience: -pricing was not transparent -workmanship was poor -after-sales support / guarantee was not honoured -communication was evasive and unprofessional I regret using this company and would not recommend them.