Forum Discussion

The_Dogs_and_Us's avatar
Mar 18, 2014

Cut outs in enclosed underbelly (Heartland North Trail)

When we picked up our travel trailer last year, there were two places in the enclosed underbelly that had what appeared to be sections that were cut out and then taped back in place. The cut out pieces don't appear to fit very tightly (decent sized gap between the cut out piece and the surrounding underbelly). On our second trip with the trailer, we were flagged down by another motorist and told we appeared to be dragging something "metal" under the trailer. We pulled over and found that one of the cut out panel's tape had come loose and it was hanging down. We cut the tape off and, after setting up at the campsite, we went and bought some HVAC tape and placed it back in place. Are these cut outs normal from the factory, or were some repairs made after it was manufactured but before we purchased the trailer? I don't think it looks like something that would have shipped from the factory. Maybe the dealer had to make some repairs and they cut out the areas to access something under the trailer? Any ideas?
  • Maybe a dealer installed option like tank rinsers or something else? Did you order it or was it on the lot.
  • I wouldn't think so. They are both nearly center of the underbelly, one more forward and one towards the rear. I only have one small slide and it is more centered on the trailer. My wife (blush) made the tape repair. She is pretty awesome and smaller than me. LOL
  • When you taped it up, did you notice if the slide-out motors were there? It's possible the dealer cut holes to manually close the slides (provided you have slides). Either way, if your camper is still under warranty, I'd take it back and have them fix it right.
  • Call Heartland and tell them about it...they like to track things like this in order to help improve their customer service and build higher quality unites.

    Contact Heartland Customer Service at 877-262-8032
  • Yeah, it was bought new last July. Dealer is three hours away, so we are compiling a list to take to a closer authorized repair center before the one year warranty runs out. I tend to lean in the direction of your analysis. Thanks.
  • NEW trailer?

    Somebody has cut an access for repairs of some sort.
    Cutting a three sided window is normal to facilitate repairs with an enclosed belly.

    The mfg. or dealer may have done this..........more than likely the dealership.

    New.....take it back to them and have them replace the section of coroplast sheeting OR properly seal the windows.
    Repairs were necessary but they didn't finish the job correctly.

    I have two windows due to a slide out repair.
    I glued some 1" X 3" wood strips to inside edges then screwed the flap to the wood, caulked it and then after caulking dried I used gorilla tape over the edges. (Need to clean it with alcohol so that the material is clean and dry for tape to properly stick and stay stuck)