So, the wife and I placed an order for a 2015 Heartland Sundance XLT 245 two weeks ago. I had them upgrade the rear axles, which I got for cost, and a fantastic fan installed in the front.I just got a call from Heartland. I was told that my unit did not make the production line and they are about to go down for about a month. He said I have two options:1) Keep my order as is, but I will not take delivery until mid-January to mid-February2) A similar 5th-wheel being made right now (off the line sometime next week), but will not have the upgraded axles or fantastic fan in the front.With option #2 I would have the unit sooner which would allow for unplanned winter camping.We do not have anything really planned until March, but would like some time to work out the bugs before a big trip.I plan on double-towing a boat behind the 5er (lets not go down that rabbit hole right now). The axles were upgraded from 4400lbs to 5000lbs dexters. I like the idea of the added capacity even though I do not plan on overloading the 5er with gear (coming from a TC). Do you guys think the upgraded axles are worth the wait and extra money?

Personally, I'd wait to get the rig I wanted.Lyle

Yes, wait. That will give you time to tweak your order a little more and get exactly what you want.

Wait....Otherwise EVERY TIME you go camping, EVERY TIME you look at other rig, EVERY TIME something goes wrong YOU will hear about it OR kick yourself.Could have had the one WE wanted, should have waited---this isn't what we wanted, etc/ etc / etc.WAIT......you've spent time/effort making a decision on which one which took some time....why get one you didn't want in first place.

I'd also wait for "the one". There will be other subtle differences between the 2 units that you will notice belatedly.

If you were planning to do some camping in the near future, I would say don't bother with the axles and they can throw in the fan as compensation for not getting the order out in a timely manner. I don't hear of a axles failing...ever.BUT, since you aren't planning to use it until march anyway, no need to rush. Plus presumably any warranty wouldn't start until march when you actually start using it.

Ordered 5th wheel delima | Good Sam Community

clotus
Explorer
Nov 22, 2014
Thanks for all of the replies. I shall wait!!!

Its going to be a long wait though :(
john_bet
Explorer II
Nov 22, 2014
I would see if the dealer will change out the axles and install a fan after they get the one on the line without extra cost. The one on the line should be cheaper so I don't see any problem other than dealer resistance to just doing it if he still wants the sale. JMHO.
AUwing2
Explorer
Nov 22, 2014
You did your homework and ordered what you want. . . . Wait
ventrman
Explorer
Nov 22, 2014
I absolutely agree. Wait for the one you want.
Water-Bug
Explorer
Nov 23, 2014
I'm wondering if that 600 lb axel upgrade, is actually a different axel or just an upgrade of tires and possibly rims. Seems like an actual axel upgrade would be at least 1, 000 lbs.
lenr
Explorer III
Nov 24, 2014
Get the axles either by waiting or being pushy now. We had 4400 lb Lippert axles on a similar size trailer, but never got adequate braking. Both Dexter and Lippert make these 4400 lb. axles but use 10” drums. 5200 lb. axles will come with 12” drums and should provide better braking. I got mine changed to 5200 but the pads are not set in yet. Being pushy would be as simple as calling Heartland customer service and asking for the product manage for Sundance XLT. Then tell him that this has already hit the web and you would like to report a successful outcome. Tell him that they already have 5200 lb. axles in the factory for larger units and that it would be easy for them to change them out before shipment. It is literally 8 bolt/nut sets and two electrical splices. If they baulk on the fan, go find a dealer that can install a Maxxair fan—they’re better anyway.

As a side note, because I was unhappy with the 4400 lb. axles on my Forest River product, the factory changed to 5200 lb. axles totally free—all I had to do was get the trailer to them in northern IN. Maybe you should mention that to the product manager.
ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
clotus wrote:
Thanks for all of the replies. I shall wait!!!

Its going to be a long wait though :(

Good choice - my vote also.

Pulling rabbits out of hats errrr.....holes -
Now you have the time to work on getting your Non-Commercial Class A (if you don't already have one) for the double tow - and figure how you're going to get away with not having the req'd 1T truck for same in CA...:W

~
Sturgeon-Phish
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014
Splashers3 wrote:
WAIT, WAIT - that way you won't get a rig that the workers were distracted, and took short cuts because they were rushing to finish before the shutdown...and yes, you'll get what you wanted.

The extra wait will make the anticipation even greater! LOL

Enjoy,
Mike

The builders are probably thinking more about deer hunting than building your camper
Jim
bpounds
Nomad
Nov 24, 2014
When I first read the OP, I thought the shutdown was a model year change. But that doesn't make sense, because he bought a 2015.

So they just screwed up their production scheduling, and they are trying to talk you into bailing them out.

I would wait like everyone says, and I would be complaining to everyone beginning with my dealer. Some compensation off the price would make me feel better about their screw up.

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