Sunshine Service Brake & Alignment
This place is WAY overpriced! So here was my experience. I made an appointment to have my travel trailer brakes inspected. No problems with them but it's been about nine years so I wanted them looked at. To set the table this is a dual axle, light 23 foot travel trailer. Usually a brake inspection on a trailer may have a slight charge since the wheel bearing needs to be removed and then repacked with a little grease before reinstalling. It normally takes maybe ten minutes max per hub. To my shock Sunshine wanted to charge me $550 to inspect the shoe wear. WTF! Seriously? If the shoes were worn I was told they do not replace the shoes but simply install an all new brake assembly with backing plate, new bearings and seals. Okay...this is way easier than even replacing shoes since you simply unscrew the backing plate and brake assembly. I was told by the manager, Rick, they charge $150 to $180 per hour. Why the variability I thought? This is more than most mechanics charge. Here's the upshot. As a former mechanic I know it takes no more than 25 to 30 minutes per hub to remove the brake drum, clip the elect lines, remove the backing plate(4 bolts), install new plate and assembly, attach new elect lines, pack both bearings and install rear seal, place hub with outer bearing and grease cap and then adjust the brake. Okay, so for about a two and a half hour job max they were going to charge me $1800.00 See below but this over a $ 1000 profit for under three hours of work. I'm a small business owner and understand profit and loss statements, insurance costs, employed expenses, etc but this is excessive. PLEASE bear in mind this is a simple job since you're not removing the shoes, just replacing the whole assembly. Top of the line Dexter assemblies on ETrailer(you can find cheaper elsewhere) is going to run you about $700 out the door including four new drums. I personally just take my drums to the local auto parts store and have them turned.