Sundance Dealer Concerns

[Bob Vaughn]

Thanks for this forum

I want to thank all who posted negative comments about the quality of Heartland products ....I have been purchasing RV's since 1965 and was impressed with my initial impression of their products when I went to the RV Super Show in Tampa in Jan . But as the old saying goes "Beauty is only skin deep". I had my heart set on a Sundance but after reading all the negative comments about the quality of construction I am having some serious second thoughts. One cannot see what is in the walls and under the floor and between the frame members. It is only after the purchase is made that the true buying experience them becomes a harsh reality. I like the floor plan, I like the weight but with the problems with the dump valves, the Chineese tires, and hot water going to toilets and slide in problems I am starting to question the QC of the units leaving the factory...I know there are lemons in all things manufactured because I had a Chevy Surburban that was a lemon from the day I took delivery when the side door would not close. It was stuck open and from that day the dealer had it as much as I did... I will need a lot of positive re-enforcement for me to risk such an expensive investment....Lets hear from people who are estatic about their purchase....

 

[gawelsh]

We have an '07 Landmark, which isn't perfect, but it's pretty darn close in our opinion. Our only problems have been very minor. There isn't a rig out there that won't have some issues after being dragged down a highway at 60 mph ! We did a lot of research for "mid high-end" 5th wheels and ended up choosing the Heartland product ....while it was exactly what we wanted, it also had what none of the others could offer: the support of the Heartland Factory.

Prior to our purchase, we were on this forum emailing questions to Scott, one of the owners. Then , at the recent Rally in Goshen, we spent time with Scott and Tim, another of the owners. We've heard - and seen in action - their philosophy and their straightforward, honest approach to their business. We've seen how they personally support their customers and stand behind their product. In our opinion, they represent the best of American enterprise : great design ideas, great execution and superior customer service. As I told Scott at the Rally - Heartland is the kind of company we want to do business with.

Would we buy another Heartland product ? In a Heartbeat (pun intended ). We get high praise and compliments whereever we go in it and it is so beautiful and comfortable. We absolutely love it.

Remember, too, that Forums like this one, by nature, will attract complaints and descriptions of problems.....one of the best things about this Forum is that other owners can help with those problems!! So, seeing
negative comments isn't necessarily a bad thing in that context.

Happy shopping.....if you do end up with a Heartland product, we hope to hear all about it right here on the Forum. And we'll look for you next year at the Rally in Branson !!

 

[Cheryl]

Go here and do some reading:
http://www.5thwheelforums.com/forums/index.php?c=13
I think you'll see just as many complaints on the brands that are active there as you see here. What you won't see is the factory support you get here. I don't know if any of there other brands out there have their own forum or not, I haven't been able to find any using Google, Yahoo, or any other search engine. And no, I'm not looking to replace mine - even though it has a few issues still to be fixed, I love it. When school is out and Nelson is still working, I sometimes have way too much time on my hands and get bored, so I play on the internet.

 

[katkens]

We have a BigHorn 3055RL 07 and we just love it , Had a SunnyBrook before this one and loved it to just was to small for us. We were looking to buy anther SunnyBrook but found Heartland and we new this was the one. We have not had any real problems with, our day night shade on the bay window was not right and at the rally they fixed it they got us a new one works great now. The hot water heater would not work on gas but did on elc. a wire had come off no more problems with that. Would we buy another in a heart beat. The support you get from the factory is great. Kathy

 

[jbeletti]

Hi Lindsey and Cheryl,

You're either not camping or you have Internet service while camping I'm cleaning the house and prepping stuff for a BBQ later today here at the house.

Thanks to both of you for pointing out some key things here. Heartland, while not perfect, makes a darned nice product and supports it very well. And yes, we are one of only a few forums with factory representation.

There are quite a few websites out there (clubs/forums etc.) that are related to a specific manufacturer.

Prior to beginning work on our yet to be fully launched club, I did quite a bit of research on other RV clubs. Below is a table with links that hopefully work, of some of these other clubs. Some of them are fully joinable so feel free to check some of them out.

Your points about how those with issues post the most (here and other brands on other sites) is a great one. Regarding 5thwheelforums, while Travis started that forum for all brands and types, he did so at a time when the Double Tree Mobile Suites owners were getting frustrated with their Yahoo! group site. Most of their discussion occurs there at 5thwheelforums now. Still a few posts a week on the Yahoo! group and even some on the private Suites Owners club website.

Personally, I monitor a lot of RV forums. Such great sources of information and ideas. And we invite anyone to do the same here.

Have a fun and safe Independence Day!<html>
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<a href="http://www.jaycorvclub.com/">http://www.jaycorvclub.com/</a></td>
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<a href="http://www.newmarkountryklub.com/">
http://www.newmarkountryklub.com/</a></td>
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<a href="http://www.tetoners.org/">http://www.tetoners.org/</a></td>
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<a href="http://www.trailmanor.com/WebDocs/Misc/TrailBlazers/Club.htm">
http://www.trailmanor.com/WebDocs/Misc/TrailBlazers/Club.htm</a></td>
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<a href="http://www.winnebagoind.com/clubs/wit/">
http://www.winnebagoind.com/clubs/wit/</a></td>
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<a href="http://www.alfaleisure.com/owners_club/">
http://www.alfaleisure.com/owners_club/</a></td>
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<a href="http://www.alpenlitetravelclub.com/">
http://www.alpenlitetravelclub.com/</a></td>
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<a href="http://streamers.gulfstreamcoach.com/">
http://streamers.gulfstreamcoach.com/</a></td>
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<a href="http://www.carriageinc.com/travel_club.php">
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<a href="http://www.bounder.net/">http://www.bounder.net/</a></td>
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<a href="http://www.hitchhikerrvclub.com/">
http://www.hitchhikerrvclub.com/</a></td>
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<a href="http://www.montanaowners.com/">http://www.montanaowners.com/</a></td>
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<a href="http://www.monacorvclub.com/">http://www.monacorvclub.com/</a></td>
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[Sol]

Prior to beginning work on our yet to be fully launched club, I did quite a bit of research on other RV clubs.

Jim, sincerely looking forward to the club launch.

Previous to ownership of a Heartland product, we had an R-Vision product (a division of Monaco, now). I throughly enjoy our participation in their online club site. It is by far, the most upbeat and sharing RV site I've been a member of. And, it's a privledge to be a member there, as I've been permitted to continue my association, as a charter former owner. I'm hopeful that once Heartland's club aspect is officially launched, that step will further enhance the experience, sharing, overall tone and enjoyment factor for one and all.

 

[Bob Vaughn]

I think my main concern is dealer support.....There is no Sundance dealer close to me and I am concerned if a Heartland dealer that sells the other brands (Big Horn etc.) would take care of the warranty work with the same zeal as the selling dealer?

 

[billd]

Bob,

What I have found with Heartland is if a local dealer can not or will not fix your coach, they will find one close by or authorize and independant repair person to do the repairs.

Bill

 

[Goldenwingers]

Bob, why not call or stop by your local heartland dealer, speak with the service manager, ask him what kind of service you can expect. Just see what kind of feel you get from him, the parts manager, etc. Sometimes nothing can replace a good ol' face to face.

Sheri

 

[Tom of Ypsi]

Bob,

My only comment to yours is about the Chinese tires. Take a look at the oher brands out there and you will find the same issue. There are posts daily on rv.net about tires. Do not take Heartland off of your list just because of the tires, work something out with your dealer to make a switch if possible. BTW I have had problems with my Landmark, frustratiing yes, but the factory support has made the difference and when needed a new Heartland product will most likely be hooked up to my truck.

 

[RugRat]

Well - I guess I am the first Sundance owner to chime in here. I have had mine for over a year and still have 1 issue outstanding from my initial walk through. Nothing major and more cosmetic, but even so I have to agree with most people on here that Heartland honestly cares about the overall service and quality of their products. We get complements on ours all the time. I have had a few issues and one took several attempts to resolve, but in the end the factory came through and fixed it and no problems since. The Sundance offers a lot of things that you will not find in other campers in the same class. Hope this helps.

 

[WesternNC]

We have had our Sundance for a few months now and we have really enjoyed it. Yes we have found some minor things but nothing major. We also bought from a dealer several hours away. (Three Hours) The dealer we purchased from were very helpful and I cannot say enough about them. ( RV's for Less in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com /><st1:City w:st=Knoxville</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">TN</st1:State></ST1) They really gave us a great deal and went far beyond any other dealer we had purchased from to make sure we were happy. This is our third camper and the second one we purchased from a non local dealer. The last camper we had was a KZ and we took it to our local dealer for warranty work even though we did not purchase from them. When we scheduled the service they asked if we had purchased from them and I when I said no, they said to just bring our paperwork with us when we came. Our unit was not a priority for them but they did do the work and did a good job. It really was not a big deal. After spending several weeks going over our camper I still feel it is a great unit.

 

[Walloongirl]

Love our Sundance 2900MK

Just got back from a 7 week rustic camping/fishing trip in the Hiawatha National Forest in upper Michigan. Our 08 Sundance 2900MK was a pleasure to camp in. With the large holding tanks and water capacity, we didn't need much. Only minor issue with the microwave steaming up, but the factory is going to fix that, and that is really not a Heartland issue. All the systems work well. We are really delighted with the unit. We went to the factory for a tour past January and ordered ours in February. Our first trip was to N. Carolina in April, and then from May until yeasterday we were in the UP of Michigan. That's a lot of days with no complaint. We would buy one again. Traded in a 05 Keystone Laredo and the quality of our Heartland really surpassed the Laredo. Bought from our local dealer, Petoskey RV USA, in Petoskey, MI.
They gave us a great deal, a fair trade, and so far, good service. Really like the owners forum, and the factory response. Happy as a clam! Oh, and we get 2MPG better towing than the Laredo, and our Sundance fits in our barn.

 

[bigdawgs]

Sundance-Prospective Owners

We are also prospective Sundance owners and have researched every single rv in our area. Sundance offers many little things that other rv's do not include. Butch and Karen at RV's for Less near us in Tn. are great folks to deal with and if we find we can tow a smaller model with our vehicle we will definitely purchase a Sundance.

Whether it be an rv, auto, boat, etc. I think people will always register a complaint rather than praise for their purchase. Based on consumer sales I think the poll results give Sundance an excellent rating.

Ed & Lori

 

[JJAK17]

We are also prospective Sundance owners and have researched every single rv in our area. Sundance offers many little things that other rv's do not include. Butch and Karen at RV's for Less near us in Tn. are great folks to deal with and if we find we can tow a smaller model with our vehicle we will definitely purchase a Sundance.

Whether it be an rv, auto, boat, etc. I think people will always register a complaint rather than praise for their purchase. Based on consumer sales I think the poll results give Sundance an excellent rating.

Ed & Lori

I agree with you on your point that people will complain rather than offer a praise (human nature I guess). We have owned our Sundance for about 6 months and we love ours. Just a few minor issues nothing big. Good luck on your choice.

 

[Bob Vaughn]

3300SK Sundance

A dealer close to me took on the Sundance line....On Christmas eve I drove over and looked at the 3300SK and was real impressed...I like the open space when it is opened up....I hope I am not making a mistake getting rid of my Holiday Rambler product...

 

[lwfox002]

We have a 2008 Sundance 2997 BHS. We bought it last in the spring of 07. We use it one occasional weekends and some extended stays. I have yet to have to take it in to the dealer for service. We have only had three items that concerned me.

1. The Coby DVD/Stereo system is junk. This is a very cheap item and Heartland should use a superior system, IMHO.

2. Once, the microwave shut off during use. It self reset and has been fine since

3. The plastic strap that holds the wiring under the main awning broke at the attachemnt point on the outer edge. I fixed it with a brass hinge and stainless steel screws. Should not ever be a problem now.

Other that these items, we are VERY please with our unit. It sounds as if Heartland had issues early and have made changes that provide their current customers with a good, affordable product. We would definitely look at Heartland RV's again.