I'll stand with Lefty on this.
Morning Lefty,
Well said.
We've been full-time for about 14 months in our 3670, and have been very pleased and had zero warranty repairs/calls. We could have had probably 30 calls, except I'd rather take care of the minor stuff myself. That gives me something to do, understanding, and is far easier than getting the rig to a dealer and hoping they fix it without breaking something else.
We would definitely consider Heartland again and do feel like they do provide a better value than other manufacturers. Heartland needs to keep in mind however, that there are plenty of hungry competitors left out there and they will keep coming after you.
I've been through the basement wall several times and am ashamed that anyone would intentionally build a rat's nest like that. For $20 worth of tie-wraps and panduit and 15 minutes of additional labor, all the plumbing, wiring, and ductwork could have been properly routed and supported. That would have added 10 times the value to the owner, and provided for some level of ability to troubleshoot and service for the life of the coach. At this point, it is virtually impossible to correct it, we've seen that several other have spent weeks of their own labor in effort to do it.
The same for Heartlands engineering. This site has official ties to the factory. They should read all of the forums. The TimK's "Vent-Tent" saga reaches back for how long? Yet, here shortly as we approach warm weather season, you will see that thread resurrected with owners complaining that 2010 models A/C's are noisey and inadequate in 90 degree temps. Diito for the fall, when their water lines begin to freeze overnight below 30 degrees outside.
It also extends to the vendors and suppliers. Heartland is big enough that they can drive many of the supply chain issues. Like Sealand's toilet seals that fail every 4 months, China Bombs, and Tank Level Sensors that just do not work. Like, overhead light fixtures that are reminiscent of RV's from 30 years ago.
The factory and the engineers need to employ some simple QC and Continous Improvement philosophies into their daily processes. This site and Heartland's warranty claims should be the key means for feedback into that process. This provides the difference between a great product and one that looks great on the showroom floor.
Many owners perform "mods" to accomodate their own individual tastes and needs. Look at the countless threads on digital/programmable thermostats, adding satellite wiring to accomodate DVR's, and Networks, whatever. Maybe 50% of the owners would never want two satellite lines in the bedroom, but what is the costs during manufacturing, four bucks? Heartland can use the data from this site to find ways to provide more value in their products, for very little cost.
The Dealers and Service Netwoks are Heartland's front lines. The customers are Heartlands bottom line. It's always better to keep an existing customer than find a new one, particularly when the ones you lost are out there working against you. We all understand that there must be a balance between features and quality, and the marketability and affordability of the products. Many of these ideas could be implemented through waste reductions and lowered warranty costs. Many ideas could be offered as low cost options.
We've seen the changes in the industry in the last year or two. NuWa, Teton, etc. gone. Heartland product provide many of the features of these former competitors at a much lower price point in the market. That appears to be a good recipe for Heartland's success, but you can't stop there. You still have plenty of good competition at your current price point. Rest assured, they are hungry and they will keep coming.