Court House Rent All You are responsible for the tires even though they have insurance on the vehicle! SCAM! W.C.H., Ohio

My brother, Seth, rented a 5X10 trailer to move me from NYC to Ohio. He rented the trailer from Court House Rent All. On our way home 6/28/11 around 5pm the tire blew out. We found a place in PA, Wingfoot Commercial Tires) to replace the tire for 114.42 (including tax)however, they wouldn't put the tire on for less than 119.00 because it was after hours and it was closed. So we found assistance at another nearby Semi truck repair garage.

After the tire had been fixed we traveled the rest of the way to Ohio. Upon trying to return the rental on 6/29/11, the gentleman told us we were responsible for the tire. He accused us of driving to fast (actually when it blew we were getting off of an exit SLOWLY or we wouldn't have been able to get the tire at all)and told us the tire was our problem. After disconnecting the trailer we went inside to discuss the issue.

Three gentleman stepped up to the counter as my bother and I stood on the other side. The told us we were responsible for the tire as they continued to accuse us of driving to fast or running over something. We told the salesmen how the fender is rusted out on both sides (I have pictures as proof) and may have contributed to the blown tire. They asked for the receipt for the tire and scoffed and accused us of getting the wrong tire for the trailer, which is stated on the receipt.

I told them this was a scam and didn't understand why they would allow someone to take a trailer with faulty old tires. They then said they wouldn't have rented the trailer if they would have known how far he was going. I asked if that was stated in the contract and they said they always ask. Which they didn't. However, why would they rent any kind of machinery when they know it may have problems regardless of the distance?

I realized I should have combed over the entire small print contract before renting from this company however, it worries me that other people may be seriously injured because of this companies, Court House Rent All, negligence. I asked my brother how they could get away with this kind of small business practice and he said they get away with it because they have no competition. I am writing to you because they may be putting people at risk.