On Friday, April 30, 2010, I took my new 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan to Hitch House GA at 3733 Covington Highway in Decatur, Georgia for a pre-arranged appointment to have a trailer hitch and electrical harness installed. Prior to work beginning, the presence of an air conditioning line in the area of the hitch installation was discussed, twice, with Bob Hine at Hitch House. The job required unscrewing four (4) bolts and screwing them back in the same holes. I was assured they had installed ten or more hitches on this same model van and were well aware of the air conditioning line. During installation of the hitch, the air conditioning line was ruptured, leaving me with no air conditioning. Mr. Hine insisted I leave my van with him for repairs and take a rental car home. I refused. I attempted to pay for the hitch, which was already installed. Mr. Hine refused payment, telling me I was not leaving his premises until I agreed to allow him to fix my a/c. I just wanted to leave, take my van to the dealer from which I purchased it, and have it repaired. I informed Mr. Hine that he was holding me against my will, that I wanted to pay, and to leave. Mr. Hine continued to insist that I submit to his wishes. I told Mr. Hine at that point to let me pay and leave, or take his hitch off of my vehicle. Finally, not willing to just let me leave with my new hitch and no air conditioning, Mr. Hine insisted I leave with neither, keeping me there another half hour while he un-installed the trailer hitch. I am left with an a/c repair bill of unknown amount, other possible damage to my new van, no trailer hitch, and half of my Friday wasted. The digital thermometer in my new van read 89 degrees, as I sat in the Friday afternoon traffic on I-285 and I-75, during the two hour ride home. It seemed much hotter under my collar. Too late I learn Hitch House is not the 45 year old family business it advertises, but a newly bought ""under new management"" outfit trading on a trusted name and reputation. You can buy a business, but character doesn't come with the deal.
Pros: NONE - Amateurs All
Cons: MANY
more