Ordered 5th wheel delima

[clotus]

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?

[bpounds]

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.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

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

[ol_Bombero-JC]

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

~

[lenr]

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.

[Water-Bug]

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.

[ventrman]

I absolutely agree. Wait for the one you want.

[AUwing2]

You did your homework and ordered what you want. . . . Wait

[john_bet]

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.

[clotus]

Thanks for all of the replies. I shall wait!!!

Its going to be a long wait though 😞

[ScottG]

I'd wait as well.

[Golden_HVAC]

Everyone else says wait, and so do I. The upgraded Fantastic fan only takes about an hour to install, so that is not a problem.

I plan on having the axles upgraded to disk brakes and 6,000 pound capacity when I order a trailer! I don't care about the wait nearly as much as the stopping time when going down a hill! While I could take "Any" unit and then upgrade the brakes later to disk brakes, I might as well have them factory installed and covered under the warranty, and not pay for drum brakes that will never get used.

I guess like you - I want what I want, and am willing to pay for it, and wait a few weeks too.

Somehow I think that they might still be able to 'fit' your order into their production schedule, even if it is the last one before the Christmas break and shut down.

I ordered my RV without the dinette, and with two captains chairs in it's place. I built a table to fit between the rearward captain chair, and the passenger chair, so that it is about 29" wide and 40" long, and will fold into the wall. It only took a couple of extra weeks, and I needed the time to sell my old class C anyway.

Have fun camping!

Fred.

[larry_barnhart]

MFL wrote:
Yes, wait!!

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

Jerry

I would say the same as you, wait.

chevman

[rhagfo]

Looks as close to unanimous as possible, Wait!

[lillyputz]

laknox wrote:
Personally, I'd wait to get the rig I wanted.

Lyle

X2 Don't get pressured.

Lillyputz