GULF STREAM - 2015 KINGSPORT 259RBS GULF STREAM - 2015 KINGSPORT 259RBS - A COMPANY WITH NO.... you just read to add your thoughts Nappanee IN

Purchased the trailer new December 2015 from a local dealer. They have made many repairs to the trailer out of pocket. The slide out failed 2 times and distroyed the carpet 2 times. Two times it would not stay in so I secured it and returned to the dealer. 2016 Took the trailer to Florida and came back in March, slide out failed to stay closed, everything was soaked on the way home, 1st time for this. Local dealer fixed it. July 2016 headed out to Newfoundland, made it to Kingston Ontario when a rear tire failed, I installed a spare and a new tire from Canadian Tire. 2nd tire Failed in Quebec, changed to a spare and purchased a 2nd new tire from Canadian Tire. Almost made it to Fundy National park when yup tire #3 let go, put on a spare and made it to the park. Found that the other 3 tires were comming apart, as the tread was not in line and some delts had broken, all were the same cargo make even the new ones from Canadian Tire. At this point no one had tires in stock to fit the trailer. I was referred to Princess Auto, They came to the rescue !!!

Sold me 4 tires on rims at a huge discount, allowed me to pull the trailer into the back parking lot so I could change all of the tires. They kept comming out with water and asking if they could help, from the manager to the floor people. At this point I was able to change out the tires in about 3 hours not bad as I had been able to change the other 3 on the highway in about a half hour each. Thank you PRINCESS AUTO !!!

as we were about to return home. The only difference between this trip on the others was that I added water to the holding tank as we were not booking places to stay at as we were taking our time. At this point I have spent around $1,000.00 for tires. We had no further issues and returned home after our tour. I took the trailer to the dealer and advised him what had gone on. They contaced Gulf Stream and advised them that the tires had failed and that the trailer had 3500LB AXLES and not the 5000LB axles as the stickers had stated, also the tire size was also smaller with a lower weight capicity. Gulf Streamed that the axles were fine, they wanted me to empty the trailer and have it weighed and they would print up new stickers for the trailer. I called them and got the same story.

The trailer weighed 6871LB, we added 2 12 volt batteries, 2 spare tires and mounts to the rear bumper, and a awinging cover to the slide out and 2 30LB propane tanks. As per the registeration, stickers on the trailer outside & inside and ownership, site info & documentation. The axles were to be 5000LB and the tires 225 series with a capacity over 2000lb each. However the 3500LB axles have a capicity of 7000LB. Add the trailer weight add the options and we exceeded the capicity.

As we were able to return home with no further issues nothing more was done. 2016 we took the trailer to Phoenix empty except clothes. trailer remain in AZ until we brought it home April 2018, okay we tried to make it home but only made it to Mt Plesant texas. Before leaving we checked the bearings, tires and everything looked good. I felt a pull from the trailer and saw smoke So I pushed on the brake only to have the trailer alarm come up on my dash with a electrical problem. The trailer brakes were not working so I only had the truck to slow the trailer down and stop it.

Luckley no onther vehicles were involved. I found a V dealer on the internet 15 miles away and got the trailer there. We stayed in the trailer for the night until the shop could take a look at it. The rear axle had failed and created a flat spot on the top of the bearing, this is also were the brake lines were attached and burned due to the heat build up from the axle. The entire hub was melted and in pices. The dealer found that 3 out of the 4 springs were broken, bowed flat or bent backwards.

I contacted USA NHTSA whom checked for recalls, none were found so they registered the occurance as it failed on a Highway. I contacted Transport Canada whom also have set up a file #2018-0885 and have also requested pictures of the original tires, original axles, and damaged springs. The only reason BOTH Transportation departments are looking at this is because the trailer was exported and imported lith false documents. They have advised Gulf Stream of the investagation by both parties.

I am looking at another $2500.00 USD repair to this trailer. I also am going to reregistar the trailer listing the correct axles. The repair shop is installing 4400LB axles as per the axle manufacture, whom advised that the 3500LB axles were not designed for this trailer. I would like the 5000LB axles but the additional work involved (cutting off the mounts, welding on new ones and cost of the larger axles makes it imposible for me at this time.

YES I am interested in being involved in a class action against them.

John McClean jmcclean58@gmail.com