Cracking and frame issues in Gateway

[ketah777]

Hello, we have been full-time in our Gateway 3650BH for 3.5 years. It was a great unit until recently. The frame has started separating in several areas, there is a large crack in the sidewall going into the bunkhouse, another crack starting on the opposite side, and the wheels are sticking out on one side as if the whole frame has shifted over. It's no longer safe to drive. We filed a claim with our insurance company thinking that this happened by hitting pot holes in the road, but they seem to think it's actually a manufacturing defect. Has anyone else had frame issues with their Gateway? We really need some help. It's our home, it's not completely paid for yet, and we can't move it. If insurance doesn't cover it, what else can we do? I'm attaching pictures for reference. (I also posted this in the ATF: Gateway forum, but it doesn't look like that is used often so I thought I should post it here as well.)

 

[jbeletti]

Wow - that's the biggest gap I've ever seen. So sorry to hear about this. Your best bet here is to email your pictures, VIN and contact info to service@heartlandrvs.com Then follow-up with a phone call to 877-262-8032 and ask for Service.

You've got a lot going on, on your coach. Hard to say what the root cause of the crack/gap is but I'd venture a guess that it's suspension related, exacerbated by road forces. Just a guess.

See what Heartland says and possibly take another run at the insurance company. If an adjuster actually came out and looked at the suspension, unsure why they'd say it's a manufacturer caused issue.

 

[rhodies1]

Re: ATF: Gateway - Cracking and frame issues

I suggest you contact Heattland ASAP and have a discussion with customer service about your issue.Have your vin and year of your unit and puctures on hand at time if discussion.This is definetly frame flex and should be covered by Heartland. Based on your pictures I believe this will be a major fix ;IF they can fix it at all.
In your discussions with the customer service dept. ..use a pleasant voice and do not be aggressive,try the sugar tone versus the salt tone and see where it gets you..if you get no support then I would ask to speak to the Gateway Mgr and discuss your situstion...if after this you get no support I would then contact the NTHSB and discuss with them and forward pictures. This is definetly NOT safe to tow.

 

[wdk450]

Here is my old thread on the subject. My insurance adjuster (Progressive) was looking for a distinct accident or event that caused the problem. They declined to cover it. https://heartlandowners.org/showthread.php/48295-Badly-Bent-Frame-A-Trend?

 

[Bones]

I'm very sorry to hear this. I don't think it would be advisable to repair this. We have the same model and I caught ours with some condition of frame failure in the front neck area. We started having separation of the joints in the front. It was repaired at the factory last November. When the front started moving it also separated the roof membrane at the same time. I keep a close eye on the unit as best as I can.

It looks like the weight of the slides alone could have played a roll in the failure of the rear frame section from the bouncing of road travel and light pin weights. When it started to give and separate the slides forcing the frames to twist and twisting the suspension as well.