Heartland Recall

[JohnD]

Hey John D,
What kind of suspension problems are you having?
I have the 2013 22 FBS which is almost the same as your roadrunner. just wondering so I can be looking out for the same problems.
To date I haven't had no problems yet.......
Thanks!

Well, we had a wheel bearing blow at less than 5000 miles on the trailer (and 1000 miles from home), which took out the whole spindle and brake assembly, plus the springs are shot and the trailer is bottoming out on the tires.

Upon a recent look back at photos I have taken since the day we bought the trailer and comparing them to photos on the Heartland website and the brochure we got from our dealer, it appears that we purchased the trailer (brand new) with the bad springs.

Look at your springs . . . if they look like this, they are shot (they should be bent upwards on each end - called the smiley look):

 

[porthole]

That sure looks like someone was sleeping at the CAD desk.

There are other trailers that have that "perceived look" of the axles being to far forward.

Sure would be nice, for those that can do it, for an option to have a frame that is strong enough that the axles could be placed much further toward the rear and utilize the hauling capabilities of a MDT for towing.

It "was" an option with the DRV line to place the axles in positions that would benefit the intended loading of the coach. For example, adding a rear motorcycle lift. I wouldn't doubt now that DRV is under an industry bean counter that semi custom work will change.

That is probably the location that they were at on the 3755FL which was basically the same as the new 3750FL with some minor changes to the living room. Here are some photos of the axle location on the 3750FL

 

[rdufek]

Just an update, I just got off the phone with my dealer and was told not to drive the unit to them. Heartland does not want the customer transporting the unit, another grave concern as to the danger I was in when I brought the unit home. Heartland will be making arrangements to pick up my unit and have it transported to the dealer. You know while I love the front living room on this unit and the spacious rear compartments I see the potential danger in overloading the rear of this trailer. If you think about it you will be put you clothes, shoes, numerous thinks in the closet in the bedroom and then how you may use those outside compartments I can see this always being a problem of rearward weight. Certainly when packing for a trip some thought will have to be used while loading the trailer. I am suppose to take a 3000 mile round trip in a few weeks and am growing more and more concerned in taking it out on its maiden voyage for that trip. Again 3750fl floor plan.

Bob and Valerie

 

[dieseldogsdad]

Heartland called me back this morning and said they are going to send a release to do the work. After I sign this they will schedule a date to come get the trailer and haul it back to the factory for repair. I believe it has to go back to the factory due to my location. I don't believe there are any certified shops near me. I think I would rather have the work done at the factory than some shop anyway. The bad thing other than having my brand new coach cut up is I will end up having another 1000 miles on the expensive G rated tires before I even get to use it for the first time. I did ask if Heartland was going to do anything to compensate those affected by this recall for their inconvenience and was told no. I guess as long as it gets fixed correctly and doesn't look hacked up, all is good.

 

[dieseldogsdad]

Keep in mind that those numbers are unloaded weight and that the 3750FL has two large storage compartments in the rear. People could potentially overload the rear which would decrease that percentage even more. Also when I ordered mine there was not even a pin weight listed on there site, it just said TBD. I am not sure if the number you found is even actual pin weight, it could have been calculated. As I have stated my truck only squatted 1" with the B&W companion and the trailer hooked up. I know my truck will squat 2" with 3200 lbs in the bed so I would say the actual pin weight is definitely less than a ton. This earlier post lists what is probably a more accurate pin weight.

Interesting article in the latest Trailer Life magazine, they compared several 5th wheels side by side, including the 3750FL. Hitch weight of the 3750FL was listed at 1785# which is just over 11% of the GVW of the trailer. It was the lightest hitch weight of any by 500-1200#, but more importantly the percentage of the others listed ranged from 13.5 to 19% of the GVW. Not sure if the HL engineers tried to keep the pin weight low to make it towable with a 3/4 ton or if they tried to utilize a frame designed for rear living models. In any case I see now why they're moving the axles back.

I believe the the older 3755FL had a listed pin weight of 2795 lbs which is right around 17.5% of the 16,000 GVWR. By moving the axles back to this location it should help. I think they just tried to lighten the tongue weight so they could sell these units to those with 3/4 ton tow rigs and probably overlooked the fact that it had all that extra rear storage. It's a shame that this recall work has to be done on everyone's new coaches but at least they didn't wait until someone was killed in an accident. Trying to stay positive here.

 

[dieseldogsdad]

Ok, i must apologize to all for my messed up postings.. I transposed the model numbers.. i was looking at our 3570RS.. and just realized the recall involves the 3750FL.. Sorry to adding any confusion to this thread for the 3570RS owners.. I noticed my mistake after i saw posters mentioning the front living area and loading of the bedroom being an issue.. I thought how would loading the bedroom be an issue since that would just add more tongue weight..

Again, very sorry everyone.. and to those that have to deal with this recall, i am especially sympathetic. i know when i thought i was going to have to deal with this how upset it has made me.. 5 hours sleep last night tells the story.

Sorry was still typing when you responded

 

[Rddocatt]

Hi Guys,
If your having a problem go to the NTSB National saftey transportation board website and report the problem. I also has a leaf spring problem. Heart did make a small payment to me 300.00 for the cost. Not near enough but it was something and I thank them for it

 

[dieseldogsdad]

Just received the release form and this is how it reads.
"Subject: Release and Acceptance of Repaired Unit

Unit # (my vin #) will be returned to Heartland Recreational Vehicles (known as “HRV”), LLC or a designated facility for repairs.

(My name) agrees to allow HRV to transport Unit # ************ to their facility or designated facility for repairs. Once repairs have been made, HRV will return the unit to (My name)
whereupon it will be inspected and received by (My name).

(My name) agrees to remove as many personal belongings as possible and move all remaining items to the front of the unit. (My name) also agrees to not transport the unit from its current location until it is picked up by Heartland transport and the recall has been completed.

All units returned to the factory between the dates of 10-1 and 4-1 will need to be winterized by the dealership."

I assume this is what everyone with the affected units will be receiving.

 

[rdufek]

Attached is the procedure they are using to move the axle hangers.

 

[dieseldogsdad]

Nice work did the dealer give you that or Heartland? So moving the axles is supposed to be a 5 hour job. I wonder how long the replacement of the J panels and fender skirts is? Sounds like this could be done in a day.

 

[rdufek]

Nice work did the dealer give you that or Heartland? So moving the axles is supposed to be a 5 hour job. I wonder how long the replacement of the J panels and fender skirts is? Sounds like this could be done in a day.

My dealer was nice enough to supply me with that which they had received from Heartland. They are now authorized 8 hours for the job. As posted by another owner I too have received my release letter allowing Heartland to transport my unit. I definitely will be reconsidering what I put in those outside rear compartments even when my unit is returned to me.

 

[rdufek]

Just another quick update, Heartland already contacted a local transporter and the trailer will be going back to the dealer today.

Bob and Valerie

 

[rdufek]

Trailer arrived back to dealer, Heartland never told the transport company why trailer was going back. Just so all of you are are aware, please tell the transporters so they know of the potential danger.

 

[dieseldogsdad]

Rdufek. So the dealer is doing the repairs to your coach then?

 

[rdufek]

Rdufek. So the dealer is doing the repairs to your coach then?

Yes the dealer is able to do the repair, parts are to be at their shop next week.

 

[TravelTiger]

I went to the Dallas RV show today, and I saw a Big Country front living with side patio on display. I was nosey, and looked all over the frame to see if I could detect any work. I could not. A salesman saw me and asked if he could help. I asked about the recall, he said this unit was one of the first from the factory after the redesign had happened. He said Heartland picked up all the dealership had to return them to the factory. He had two sold, and he said Heartland picked up their units and took really good care of those customers. He was very complimentary of how Heartland was handling it.


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[dieseldogsdad]

I think Heartland needs to worry about the units they have already sold to customers first. They messed up and if their sales of one's sitting at dealerships has to wait so be it. I have a job out of town planned in a few weeks and if mine is not done because they are repairing unsold units I will not be very pleased.

 

['Lil Guy']

I can guarantee you that new sales takes priority at the dealerships. There job is to make money by moving units which is understandable. Not so good for the forgotten buyer. I'm dying to hear some reviews on their units after the job is done. I'm still amazed that HL let this happen. At least they owned up to it and are trying to make it right. If it wasn't for their liability concern, I wonder if this would have been addressed?

 

[TravelTiger]

I didn't go into details here, but it sounded to me HL was very accommodating with those owners.


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[danemayer]

In post #33 it says there are only 139 units to fix. Shouldn't take too long.