rfournelle
Canada-East Region Directors-Retired
My wife and I were looking forward to our first extended trip (35 days through Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana) with our Bighorn 3055. The plan was to go through Goshen, Indiana to get the “level up” system installed at Trail Air. This was done and let me tell you that it is everything expected plus more. With the remote, not only can I level up the unit within 15-20 minutes but I can also open the slides remotely. I can adjust the pin height directly from the TV and hooking up or off is a breeze. I was the envy of the other campers. My experience with Dale Fenton, Bob Tiedge and Ron the installer was great, first class all the way.
Unfortunately, that was the only good side of our trip.
In Iowa (Stuart), the TV broke down (message was engine power reduced, check owner’s manual). Not very pleasant when travelling on Interstate 80 with very little shoulder room. We managed to get it “fixed” at the GM dealer on Friday afternoon. We got 50 miles of that “repair” and the same problem occurred again. Next was the GM dealer in Atlantic (Iowa) on Saturday morning. “Fixed again they said”. That was good for another 50 miles. The same problem came up. Monday morning, I am in Council Bluffs (Iowa) to get it fixed again. This time everything is okay and we make it to Gretna (Nebraska). The next morning we noticed that one of our fifth wheel tires only has 18 pounds in it (thanks for Doran TPMS). We get it fixed.
So now we’re only two days behind. No problem, we can make up the time by skipping one of our scheduled visits.
Then it happens! In Colorado, we must stop for fuel in Vail. Bad move! The fuel station is small with little room to manoeuvre and bang, I sideswiped a parked vehicle. Not much damage to that vehicle but their front bumper catches the rear end of the fifth wheel and rips the back panel. The back window is intact but the panel is ripped at about the middle on the left side. Also the left fender and “fender skirt” are damaged. The unit cannot be driven as is. The service station operator assists me in securing the back panel so that it does not break away from the unit. Fortunately, all the back lights are working. My plan is to drive back home (Ottawa, Ontario – 1750 miles) and get it fixed there.
Then, as I am stopped in Utica, Illinois and will be in the Elkhart area tomorrow, I wonder if it would not be preferable to get the unit fixed by someone familiar with the overall design (frame, etc).
Can I take it to the factory for repair or to someone in the area that are as knowledgeable? If so, who would that be?
Sorry for being so mouthy. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks, Bob
Unfortunately, that was the only good side of our trip.
In Iowa (Stuart), the TV broke down (message was engine power reduced, check owner’s manual). Not very pleasant when travelling on Interstate 80 with very little shoulder room. We managed to get it “fixed” at the GM dealer on Friday afternoon. We got 50 miles of that “repair” and the same problem occurred again. Next was the GM dealer in Atlantic (Iowa) on Saturday morning. “Fixed again they said”. That was good for another 50 miles. The same problem came up. Monday morning, I am in Council Bluffs (Iowa) to get it fixed again. This time everything is okay and we make it to Gretna (Nebraska). The next morning we noticed that one of our fifth wheel tires only has 18 pounds in it (thanks for Doran TPMS). We get it fixed.
So now we’re only two days behind. No problem, we can make up the time by skipping one of our scheduled visits.
Then it happens! In Colorado, we must stop for fuel in Vail. Bad move! The fuel station is small with little room to manoeuvre and bang, I sideswiped a parked vehicle. Not much damage to that vehicle but their front bumper catches the rear end of the fifth wheel and rips the back panel. The back window is intact but the panel is ripped at about the middle on the left side. Also the left fender and “fender skirt” are damaged. The unit cannot be driven as is. The service station operator assists me in securing the back panel so that it does not break away from the unit. Fortunately, all the back lights are working. My plan is to drive back home (Ottawa, Ontario – 1750 miles) and get it fixed there.
Then, as I am stopped in Utica, Illinois and will be in the Elkhart area tomorrow, I wonder if it would not be preferable to get the unit fixed by someone familiar with the overall design (frame, etc).
Can I take it to the factory for repair or to someone in the area that are as knowledgeable? If so, who would that be?
Sorry for being so mouthy. Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks, Bob
