If you exit I-70 at exit 112 to the Flying J beware of Goober's (Tire) Service. It is the tire shop on the west side of the parking lot by the RV diesel pumps.
On a recent trip I stopped for fuel and an employee told me of a tread separation on my trailer. I checked and the tire had gone bad, one other was questionable. Was told to pull beside the shop. Purchased two tires at $190 each (more than the $150 I had paid for 10-ply tires, but it's the middle of nowhere and who am I to quibble?).
As they were removing the two bad tires they showed me the equilizer and shackles attaching springs was wobbly and shackle bolt holes were nearly worn through. They showed me a Dexter Axle Eqilizer kit that was much heavier than stock equipment. When asked the price I was told $900 plus $150 labor. Yes, $900 for two equilizers, 8 shackles, 16 bolts/nuts with grease fittings, and 8 shackles. I questioned the high price and was told there was very little mark up. Also told the kit didn't come complete and they had to add to it.
I made the purchase (got labor down to $75) to avoid problems on the road, but looked up the kit when I got to my destination. Www.dexteraxle.com/inc/sdetail/18096/18100 listed the very kit I bought for $186.88, on sale from regular price of $278.04 (more than a 300% mark-up).
I had to stop at Goobers on the way home because one of the bolts wasn't properly tightened and and saw there next to the shop was another 5th wheel trailer getting the exact same kit installed. I looked for the owner, but they weren't around. My bolt issue was caused by them stripping the nut when they installed it. I guess $975 doesn't guarantee the job will be done right.
I spoke to the guy who had originally told me of the tire problem. He was a manager, but said he couldn't do anything about the price and told me to call the next day to speak to his boss.
I spoke to the tire shop where I had purchased the defective tire. He told me a 30% markup was standard on most parts.
I called once I got home and called their business office. The guy there said he had to do some checking and called me back the next day to discuss "making it right". He finally agreed to return $350 to my credit card, which they did.
TWO PIECES OF ADVICE for RV'ers with 5th wheel trailers: 1) Check your axle mounting hardware and 2) BEWARE OF GOOBER'S SERVICE IN BEAVER, UTAH.
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