Appalachian Micro IV?

Discussion in 'Car Hauler and Auto Carrier Trucking Forum' started by 24kHotshot, Jun 15, 2019.

  1. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    Feb 19, 2019
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    Do any of you have any experience with the Micro IV? No reviews online or any youtube videos. i'm looking for the lightest 4 car trailer I can find and this seems to be it. Will be using a cab & chassis truck.
     
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  3. USMC '74-'78 Semper Fi

    USMC '74-'78 Semper Fi Light Load Member

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    Nov 13, 2013
    Mount Union, PA
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    I truly cannot sharing anything about the App Micro IV, however, I can discuss the App 3 Car Top Deck trailer.

    I purchased the Top Deck new in 11/2013 and was pleased with the unit until recently discovering some serious concerns with the quality of the trailer and how the company responded when I shared my concerns.

    App used a 3"x5" steel box beam for the frame rail on the Top Deck and in April this year I discovered that both of these frame rails were compromised by internal rust. The internal rust weaken the frame rail to a point that new metal was necessary to allow continue use of the trailer. Additionally, the design of the fenders caused both to have rusted through and needed replaced.

    While prepping the trailer for new paint via grinding rust throughout the trailer, I discovered that most welds on the trailer weren't prepared properly prior to the original painting at the factory causing about 65 to 75% to rust. Additionally, the paint prep throughout the trailer has shown numerous areas that weren't not properly primed and painted. In fact, several area lacked paint creating rust from the point of purchase.

    The process of paint prep has allowed me to note serious concerns with the factory wiring. The connector are subject to corrosion and the jacked wire is subject to being worn through as it enters and exits metal parts on the trailer. The entire factory wiring on my 3 Car Top Deck must now be replaced.

    I verbally shared the above with Greg, a representative at their factory/store in Salem, Oh and was basically told, "Too bad, so Sad." After the phone call, I submitted an email sharing the concerns via their website and have not receive a reply.

    I really thought I had purchased a quality unit in 11/2013 from a company that would stand behind their products. After 5.5 years, I have discovered that neither are accurate. I wouldn't accept a new trailer from Appalachian even if they gave it to me.

    The upside for me is, after a lot of work (Basically grinding/wire wheeling every section), new metal, paint, and wiring, I will be able to again transport autos.

    I cannot, nor will I ever, in good faith recommend any Appalachian product.

    Thanks,
     
    RomTon and 24kHotshot Thank this.
  4. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    Feb 19, 2019
    New York
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    Thanks for sharing.

    I have heard that the quality used to be bad on the older models and that since then the company has changed owners or something of the sort. Would you know if this is true?
    The truth is, I hear similar horror stories from kaufman and texaspride. I've also been told that these trailers simply don't or aren't built to last more than 3-4 years. These are the "cheap" trailers.
    I've found a couple of 2017 app micro iv for sale and can see some rust. Maybe there is something preemptive I can do to extend the trailers lifespan?
    Kaufman keeps putting me on hold till it goes to voicemail everytime I try to call to ask them questions about their 4 car hauler. They don't answer emails either.
    Texaspride's 4 car weighs about 1000 lbs more than the app and makes it my last choice. Does seem better built though.

    Are there other 4 car trailers that anyone can recommend?
     
  5. SoCalRed

    SoCalRed Medium Load Member

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  6. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    I like the Sun Country trailers a lot but it would have to wait till I upgrade my truck. My truck can only have a 5600 lb pin weight right now (4250 lb empty on the drive axle at the scale) or I overload the rear axle. Not planning to pass the 22-23k total trailer and load so that is why I am looking at the Micro IV, shows empty weight of 7860 lb. Can take 4 light cars or 3 heavy cars max. That metro 4 would "steal" almost 2k lbs from my load capacity.

    Bought my 3500 new before I knew I would be getting my cdl.
     
  7. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    New York
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    I've settled on a texas pride 4 car hauler. Seems better built and more bang for the buck and will hope for the best. At least the reviews for the customer service and warranty are ok.
    Anyone have any input?
    Very hard to find reviews for any of the 4 car haulers.
     
  8. Ziggy319

    Ziggy319 Medium Load Member

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    Most are not in business long enough to write the reviews. A 4 car on a 1 ton is not a long term business plan.
     
  9. USMC '74-'78 Semper Fi

    USMC '74-'78 Semper Fi Light Load Member

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    Nov 13, 2013
    Mount Union, PA
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    As noted in my original reply, when I recently contacted App (Bout 5-6 wks ago) I was told it wasn't their concern. I plan to share what I have discovered about their lack of quality and follow up when ever I get a chance. Tks
     
    24kHotshot Thanks this.
  10. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    Feb 19, 2019
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    After your comment I found others having the same problem. I have let App go and decided to get a texas pride instead. I appreciate your input.
     
  11. 24kHotshot

    24kHotshot Heavy Load Member

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    Feb 19, 2019
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    Understood, I'm already invested and can't back out so I'll see how it goes.
    I got the 1 ton because I thought I would be doing non cdl 3 car but realized my truck is heavier than a normal dually pickup and I don't have enough capacity left for three car without getting my cdl.
    Now I got my cdl so might as well max out the truck and save up for a single axle semi upgrade in a couple of years.
     
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