Forum Discussion

clotus's avatar
clotus
Explorer
Nov 22, 2014

Ordered 5th wheel delima

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-February

2) 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?
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Nov 22, 2014
    Yes, wait!!

    The heavier axles was a good idea, and this alone would be worth the wait!

    Jerry
  • Randu's avatar
    Randu
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2014
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    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.


    I have lived this-- Settled for something less than desired and regretted every minute of the 4 years that I lived with it.
    WAITING WILL BE WORTH IT !!! Randu
  • hermy's avatar
    hermy
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2014
    Yup- wait for the one you want. And axles do fail- on our Heartland Bighorn we had a ton of trouble for the first 3 years. After we finally got it all sorted out it has been fine but my point is that you would always wish you had the one that you ordered- not the "it'll do" one.
  • greende's avatar
    greende
    Explorer II
    Nov 22, 2014
    Wait for the one you ordered. I agree with everyone above. Since you don't have anything planned, go with your first order.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Nov 22, 2014
    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.
  • bucky's avatar
    bucky
    Explorer II
    Nov 22, 2014
    I'd also wait for "the one". There will be other subtle differences between the 2 units that you will notice belatedly.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Nov 22, 2014
    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.
  • TheAmRheins's avatar
    TheAmRheins
    Explorer
    Nov 22, 2014
    Yes, wait. That will give you time to tweak your order a little more and get exactly what you want.

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