Warranties are often seen as a safety net—a promise from the manufacturer to fix things if something goes wrong. But warranties aren’t a one-sided agreement. They rely on a partnership between the owner and the manufacturer, with responsibilities on both sides. Too often, misunderstandings about these terms lead to frustration, disputes, and unnecessary blame.
At Thoroughbred Floats, we take pride in the quality and durability of our horse floats, and our warranty reflects that. However, we also believe in honesty: a warranty is not a “fix anything for free” policy. Instead, it’s a shared commitment to maintaining the float’s safety, functionality, and value.
How Warranties Work: A Partnership of Care
A warranty outlines what the manufacturer will cover if a product doesn’t perform as promised. At its core, it’s a two-way agreement:
The Manufacturer’s Role: To deliver a high-quality product and stand behind it when defects or failures arise due to workmanship or materials.
The Owner’s Role: To use and maintain the product responsibly, addressing routine care and servicing requirements to ensure longevity.
When either side neglects their responsibilities, the warranty relationship can break down. For example, a manufacturer who doesn’t honour legitimate claims is failing their customer. Likewise, an owner who neglects servicing or allows small issues to fester without intervention isn’t upholding their end of the deal.
Why Annual Servicing Matters
At Thoroughbred Floats, our warranty requires regular and at least annual servicing for good reason: horse floats endure a lot. They carry precious cargo over long distances, are exposed to weather, and often sit idle for months in damp conditions. Without regular care, even the best-built float will suffer damage over time.
Servicing ensures:
Safety Checks: Brakes, axles, couplings, wheel bearings and lights are inspected to assist in preventing accidents.
Preventative Maintenance: Small issues like stone chips, surface rust or loose fittings are addressed before they escalate into major problems.
Longevity: Your float will last longer, perform better, and retain its value with consistent care.
Failing to service your float is like skipping oil changes in your car—it’s only a matter of time before something goes wrong.
Common Warranty Misunderstandings
Many disputes arise from misconceptions about what a warranty covers. Here are some key points to clarify:
Warranty Covers Defects, Not Neglect
Warranties are designed to cover issues stemming from manufacturing defects or material failures under normal use. However, they do not cover damage caused by neglect, misuse, or the natural wear and tear expected with regular use. It’s important to differentiate between a defect and an issue caused by maintenance lapses or external factors. Here are some common examples:
Suspension Wear: Suspension components are subject to wear over time due to regular use, much like the tyres on your car. This is a normal maintenance item, not a defect.
Broken U-Bolts: U-bolts typically fail due to external stresses, such as hitting a pothole or uneven terrain. These impacts can create hairline fractures that worsen over time, leading to axle failure. Regular inspections can catch these issues early.
Stone Chips and Rust: Stone chips are an unavoidable part of towing, especially on gravel roads. If left untreated, they can lead to rust. Regular touch-ups and protective measures (like mud flaps or stone guards) are the owner’s responsibility.
Horse-Related Damage: Horses pulling back can cause tie-up points or panels to move, potentially compromising the structure. This is considered accidental damage, not a manufacturing fault, and is typically not covered under warranty.
Sealant Cracks and Water Damage: Sealant can crack over time due to road movement and vibration. If these cracks are not promptly addressed, water can seep in and cause rust or structural damage. Catching and repairing such cracks early is crucial.
In all these cases, the root cause isn’t a defect but either normal wear, external damage, or delayed maintenance. Addressing these issues early through regular servicing or care can prevent larger, more costly problems down the road.
Regular Servicing is a Condition, Not a Suggestion
Owning a horse float is an investment in both your horses' safety and your own peace of mind. But like any vehicle or piece of equipment, a horse float requires consistent care and attention to ensure it stays roadworthy and reliable. That’s why most warranties, including ours, explicitly require regular servicing the least being annual servicing. This isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a condition of coverage.
Why is Servicing Essential?Horse floats are subjected to unique stressors that make regular servicing critical. These include:
Heavy Use: Towing horses adds significant weight, increasing strain on axles, brakes, and couplings.
Environmental Exposure: Moisture from horses, road spray, and outdoor storage creates ideal conditions for rust and corrosion.
Road Conditions: Gravel roads, potholes, and uneven terrain can cause wear and tear, misalignments, and fractures over time.
Servicing isn’t just about keeping things running; it’s about catching small issues before they turn into big problems. For example:
Brake Pads & Bearings: Worn brake pads or dry bearings can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Suspension Checks: Weak or worn suspension components can compromise the float’s balance and handling.
Rust Prevention: Addressing early signs of rust on metal surfaces stops it from spreading and weakening the structure.
What Happens If You Skip Servicing?
Neglecting regular or at least annual servicing can have several negative consequences:
Voided Warranty Coverage:
Our warranty is contingent on proof of regular servicing by us or an approved provider. Skipping even one year means we can no longer guarantee the float’s condition and performance.
Escalated Costs:
A minor issue, like a loose coupling or a cracked seal, can grow into a major repair if not addressed early. These repairs are often far more expensive than the cost of servicing.
Reduced Resale Value:
When it’s time to sell or trade-in your float, a consistent servicing record reassures buyers of its good condition. A neglected float loses value and becomes harder to sell.
What Does Servicing Include?
Our comprehensive servicing process covers key areas to ensure your float remains safe and reliable:
Full inspection of brakes, axles, bearings, and suspension.
Tightening and alignment checks for all bolts, including U-bolts.
Inspection and reapplication of sealants where needed to prevent water ingress.
Notification of Cleaning and treatment of rust-prone areas.
Testing of lights, electrical components, and tie-up points.
For customers far from our location, we’re happy to work with an approved local provider to ensure the service meets our standards.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Condition Matters
Some owners may see the regular servicing condition as an inconvenience, but it’s there to protect everyone:
Your Safety: A well-serviced float minimizes risks to your horses and you.
Your Investment: Regular care extends the lifespan of your float and maintains its value.
Our Guarantee: As manufacturers, we can only stand behind our product if we know it’s being properly maintained.
Regular servicing is about more than meeting a warranty requirement—it’s about ensuring your horse float continues to perform as it should. By committing to regular check-ups, you protect your investment, your warranty, and, most importantly, your peace of mind.
Make servicing a priority—it’s a small price to pay for the long-term benefits.
The Manufacturer’s Commitment
As manufacturers, we take our responsibilities seriously:
We use high-quality materials and craftsmanship to ensure durability.
We stand by our warranty terms and handle valid claims promptly and fairly.
We educate our customers about how to care for their floats through guides, and clear warranty documentation.
The Owner’s Responsibility
As the float owner, your role is equally important:
Read and Understand the Warranty: Know what’s covered and what isn’t.
Follow Maintenance Guidelines: regular and at minimum annual servicing is not just a condition of the warranty—it’s the best way to keep your float safe and reliable.
Address Issues Early: If you notice a problem, act quickly. Small repairs now can save you from costly fixes later.
Keep Records: Maintain proof of servicing and repairs. This documentation is essential if a warranty claim arises.
Bridging the Gap: Working Together for Better Outcomes
When issues arise, it’s easy for frustration to lead to conflict. But instead of jumping to blame, let’s focus on solutions. At Thoroughbred Floats, we’re committed to working with customers to find the best path forward. Here’s how we can work together:
Transparency: We promise to communicate clearly about what’s covered under warranty and what isn’t.
Flexibility: For customers far from our location, we’re happy to coordinate with approved local service providers to meet warranty conditions.
Fairness: While we can’t offer free repairs for neglect, we’ll always aim to provide affordable solutions and guidance.
Let’s Share the Load
A horse float is a significant investment, and caring for it is a shared responsibility. When both the manufacturer and the owner take their roles seriously, the float performs better, lasts longer, and remains a source of pride for years to come.
At Thoroughbred Floats, we’re here to help you get the most out of your float—but we need you to meet us halfway. Together, we can ensure your float stays safe, reliable, and ready for the road ahead.
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