Buying NEW 2018 Bighorn 3500SE

[Dkierspe]

Not new to Rv's or 5th wheels but one can always learn. We're in the process to purchase a new, never titled 2018 Bighorn 3500SE. Wednesday we spent 2.5 hours going over everything. Usual minor fit and finish punchlist items you find with a new unit. There was one major job they have to complete before we do the deal. The caulking between the roof and rain gutter had A LOT of cracking. There was also a lot caulk around the slides that needed touching up. Our 1st 5th wheel went 7 years uncovered and crossed the country 4 times and the caulking was in better shape than this new unit. Of course they explained it as sitting for 2 years and are going to reseal everything. No sign of water damage or penetration anywhere. My question, does anyone know of any caulk application issues for 2018 builds. I'm satisfied with our PDI and that it will be repaired to our satisfaction. Just seemed odd that it was already starting to deteriorate.

 

[boatto5er]

After two years in the sun, roof caulking cracking and separation is not unusual. Take a thorough look after the dealer reseals it. You’ll want to use Dicor Self Leveling sealant once a year afterwards to keep it sealed.


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[donr827]

After sitting for that amount of time I would look very close at the tires for cracks etc.

 

[TravelTiger]

After sitting for that amount of time I would look very close at the tires for cracks etc.

I’d ask for new tires. Those tires could be 3 years old. Tires deteriorate even with with non-use and UV exposure, so I would want brand new, less then 6mo old Sailun tires put on it. I know Heartland may have switched to Westlake or some other brand by 2018, but I would insist on Sailuns as they have a very good track record.


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[maldds1981]

We bought a 2018 that sat in the dealer's lot for less than a year with the slides out. The rail on the lower edge of the slides did not have enough butyl tape on it to stop water penetration into the slide floors. After a year of use by us the floors began to delaminate. Right now the unit is at the repair shop getting the dinette slide and kitchen slide floors replaced. Fortunately, Heartland is bearing the cost because of their three year structural warranty. I'd be sure and check the edges of the flooring on the slides very closely.

 

[Dkierspe]

I’d ask for new tires. Those tires could be 3 years old. Tires deteriorate even with with non-use and UV exposure, so I would want brand new, less then 6mo old Sailun tires put on it. I know Heartland may have switched to Westlake or some other brand by 2018, but I would insist on Sailuns as they have a very good track record.


I know a lot of people use the 637 truck tires for 5th wheels with 17.5 or larger wheels but Heartland says these Bighorns come with 16". Is there a recommended Sailun for that size? The tires on it are Westlake 2018, can't remember the month, and look very good. 3.5 hours away and they're closed now so can't ask about size. It was raining when I checked the date so didn't look at the size.

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We bought a 2018 that sat in the dealer's lot for less than a year with the slides out. The rail on the lower edge of the slides did not have enough butyl tape on it to stop water penetration into the slide floors. After a year of use by us the floors began to delaminate. Right now the unit is at the repair shop getting the dinette slide and kitchen slide floors replaced. Fortunately, Heartland is bearing the cost because of their three year structural warranty. I'd be sure and check the edges of the flooring on the slides very closely.

Done, thank you

 

[Flick]

I’d ask for new tires. Those tires could be 3 years old. Tires deteriorate even with with non-use and UV exposure, so I would want brand new, less then 6mo old Sailun tires put on it. I know Heartland may have switched to Westlake or some other brand by 2018, but I would insist on Sailuns as they have a very good track record.


I know a lot of people use the 637 truck tires for 5th wheels with 17.5 or larger wheels but Heartland says these Bighorns come with 16". Is there a recommended Sailun for that size? The tires on it are Westlake 2018, can't remember the month, and look very good. 3.5 hours away and they're closed now so can't ask about size. It was raining when I checked the date so didn't look at the size.

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Done, thank you

As you stated what Heartland said, 16” is pretty standard and generally will be found as standard equipment according to what most of us know and have seen. Sailun 16” tires are definitely available.

 

[NYSUPstater]

As you stated what Heartland said, 16” is pretty standard and generally will be found as standard equipment according to what most of us know and have seen. Sailun 16” tires are definitely available.

Funny thing is that my tires covers from our last RV which also had 16" tires don't cover the 16" tires on the Big Country.

 

[Dkierspe]

Funny thing is that my tires covers from our last RV which also had 16" tires don't cover the 16" tires on the Big Country.

Nice, I see we have the same rig. (or will next week) Yours come with the Westlakes and if so how many miles do you have on them?

 

[NYSUPstater]

Nice, I see we have the same rig. (or will next week) Yours come with the Westlakes and if so how many miles do you have on them?

The floorpans are close in some areas, but overall, ours is different. In answer to your question, ours came w/ Sailuns. It was part of the purchase or it was a no go and dealer we bought it from was 500 miles 1 way.