RE: My first diesel! My first tow report!
I too, remember my first diesel. Brand new 1962 International Fleetstar with a 6-71N two cycle Detroit diesel in it. 238 HP. Also had a 5 speed box and 3 speed rears. My Cummins has more power and torque than that Detroit did. The exhaust brakes that Cummins put on the Dodges assumes that an INTELLIGENT driver knows enough to gear down on long or steep downgrades. It will most assuradly hold you back. I've taken max wt.(80,000lbs) down Cajon, Grapevine, Tahatchapi, Donner, Monteagle, and Sandhill without touching the brakes. Enjoy your ride.
-----------
Wow, 80,000 lbs. with an 05 Dodge Ram.
Some truck.... Actually some trailer... :B
RE: My first diesel! My first tow report!
This past weekend we pulled the TH with our 2006 Chevy 2500HD 6.0 and it struggled with it on the hills. We are now in the market for a diesel!!!!
---------------
Sorry to hear that, about your 6.0.... Yes the diesel will be an improvement.
Of course pulling your TH with a Dodge Megacab 3500 Dually ( 1-ton) with a Cummins is quite a big step up. And BTW the Diesel will run you an extra $6000 option.
BTW, what's a TH ??
Just wondering...
RE: My first diesel! My first tow report!
I see there are a couple people on here that should stay with a Hemi or similar gas engine. They're not good enough drivers to trust with a diesel. .......foot in the pump and it doesn't accelerate that you're lugging. As far as gas engines are concerned, unless you drive pretty regularly at Daytona Beach where you're turning 5000+ RPMs, you have only a fraction of the horsepower available. And as you go up from sea level, it drops even more. My Cummins about the same torque/HP on Wolfcreek Pass (11500') as it does at Daytona.
--------------
The new fuel enjection engines don't have a problem with H.P. loss at higher elevations.
But, remember all engines that use oxygen will have some loss due to the fact there's less oxygen to start with at higher elevations.
I've towed thousands of miles the past two years (through Eastern mountains and the Rockies) with a 5.9 and a 6.7 Cummins diesel. And don't let anyone tell you that the Cummins won't be downshifting plenty going 65 MPH up those mountains. You'll feel it real quick when that turbo kicks in. Been there done that.
And what's this remark about "good enough drivers to use a diesel? Come on get off your high horse. The engine brake on the 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins has little effect coming down those mountains. What really will slow you down is the "tow/haul" feature in conjunction with the engine brake.
My next vehicle just might be the 2009 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi. I'm getting real tired of fueling up my Dodge at $150 a pop for diesel.
RE: My first diesel! My first tow report!
Diesel prices versus gas prices are cyclical,. Right now where I live diesel is about 50 cents more than gas. If you switch to the Hemi, your biggest expense will still be fuel.
-------------
Yea, but less of it $$$....
Ever since we went to the Ultra Low Diesel the price is out of sight.
Happy trails,
RE: My first diesel! My first tow report!
Well, we started with a 2006 Megacab with the Cummins 5.9 and was happy with the performance.
Then we stepped up to a 2007 Megacab with the 6.7 Cummins and had a few issues that are now solved. My recommendation with the 6.7 is DO NOT BABY it. If the particulator clogs up you're in for some big repairs and down time.
Having said that we are now looking at the new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crewcab with the new 390 HP Hemi with 407 foot lbs of torque. What a beautiful truck. All redesigned and I like the dash much better than the 06 & 07 models.
Reason for the engine change?? Price of diesel and availability of diesel.On the road we average $1.00/gallon more for diesel than regular. Plus if you're not on the Interstates then sometimes you really have to look close to find diesel.
Have traveled 15,000 miles the last two years ( Nova Scotia to Texas and Oregon & back to Michigan) and the biggest expense is fuel.
Happy trails,
RE: Mount Washington
Was there in August 07.
Pulled up to the entrance and the kid kept telling me to pull ahead. Then I noticed he needed to see if our truck was too long or not. Then he said okay you can go but you will need to pull your mirrors in. I asked why, and he said otherwise I would hit vehicles coming back down the mountain. I asked him what the weather conditions were up there. He replied, " 40°, winds at 65 MPH gusts and visibility was 25 feet.
Needless to say we drove across the street and road up in one of their vans. I couldn't believe the drop offs on the way up WITHOUT any guard rails. The driver said there's always people calling down for a driver because they freeze up from fear and can't drive their vehicles any further. Boy, now I see why.
BTW, the strongest winds ever recorded on any mountain in the U.S.A. are at Mt. Washington ( over 200 MPH)!!!!
It's an experience you don't want to miss and one you'll never forget.
RE: Jayco black tank rinser???
Been using the one that came with our Jayco Eagle for two years now.
From experience:
I dump the black tank and turn on the rinser and run it till the water comes through clear.
Get one of these to check with;
Clear Connector
Even doing that is NOT enough. I then close the black tank valve and partially fill the holding tank and then open it. You wouldn't believe all the other stuff that comes out. I usually do this 3 or 4 times until all the drain water coming out is clear.
If you want the best & easiest drain hose system then get this one:
Rhino Hose Kit
The Rhino is NOT one of those wimpy hoses. It collapses to under 4 feet and is stiff enough to easily put into your bumper. Plus the end connections are soooo easy to thread on and off.
We also got an extension kit for those real far connections.
Rhino Extension
Happy trails,
RE: Looking for a new travel trailer
We are staying with Keystone for 2 reasons, our first rig was a Keystone and we had a wonderful time for 7 1/2 years in that rig, and our trade-in is at a Keystone dealer. This dealer happens to be the best dealer in our area, as well. The sales manager there is the guy that convinced Keystone that our Passport did not meet their quality standards.
-------------
Service is VERY important and if you are satisfied then I see no reason to change.
One thought, will your dealer allow you to purchase a different brand through his dealership or does Keystone require you to purchase another of their product to get the refund?
RE: Heartland Q's... And Specifically, the 31BHD.
We also looked at the Heartland line of TT. That was two years ago. After reading some of the comments the owners had (note below) we switched to a Jayco Eagle brand. Have had it two years and traveled from Nova Scotia to Texas and Oregon back to Michigan. Love the Jayco.
Possibly Heartland has addressed the issues but you should check.
Happy trails...............
Copied messages:
I've been on the Heartland Forum since back in January. The Bighorn was on our list. After some very long conversations we dropped the Heartland line and went to the Jayco line.
Keep in mind Heartland does not use exterior grade plywood in their floors and roof. It's an OSB board made by Weyerhaeuser Corp. Originally Weyerhaeuser had a 25 year warranty on it. Last year they replaced that with a one year warranty.
Following are some comments from Heartland owners from their Forum. Keep in mind there are others who like Heartland products. One final note there are some States where you can't find a Heartland dealer to fix your trailer. It's been a problem for some.
Quotes:
Crying in our beer
Joe & I ,spent much time in Florida for 3 months crying in our beer with a "Heartache" over all of the problems with our dealers and our 5th wheel RVs. We both talked about getting back home, having our units repaired, getting on with our old lives of being "Happy Campers" like it was with our old units. But promises where made to be patient, and it will be taken care of, sounds good but has yet to happen. After 6 weeks at Heartbreak Service, "oh", I met to say Heartland, I was told everything was fixed. But, I have since found things left unrepaired that where listed at the Dealer (of course the dealer has no record of this and I magically came up with this form & of course everyone involved with my sale have bee since fired by the dealer) during my delivery inspection and prior to service. I tell David that things where missed, and they write or call me that they have no record of that ever being a problem. and try to make me into a lair.
After finishing 2 weeks of repairs, with some up dates(will discuss on later forums, some are real safety issues), we where able to go camping for the second time in our unit (Rally doesn’t count) and actually had no problems and did not have to repair anything (even our pillows are in good shape).
During the 2 weeks of repairs, I needed more roof caulk, a skylight, & a light fixture, called David Parton for parts, and a light fixture. I am happy to say the next day I went to the parts center and they where setting there ready. I noticed that the wrong light was waiting for me, got correct light and went home to find that I was given Black Caulk instead of White. The first time I had caulk sent to me by Randy, it took 3 weeks too get to me because it was sent to Clarence Helzerman, Milan, Mi 48160, no street address.
And many of you with good units wonder why We are Pissed off (Sorry JP). At times its seems Heartland goes out of its way to upset us victims & rub more salt in our wounds. We did not get what we paid for or the repairs we where promised, and then they can't even get us the right parts to do our own repairs. Of course Heartland loves to have us do our own repairs because it saves them hassle, and $80.00+ per hour. Hey really do love me!
It was yesterday that a nosey owner announced on the forum that the factory never installed a dirt cover on the wheel hub to protect the wheel bearing, that was hidden under the hub cap, at lease the factory installed the cotter pin. This is a very bad thing, oh maybe that person should not have announced the problem and made Heartland look good. How many of you can trust your dealer or Heartland to find serious problems like that? Oh, but some of you still lead the Cheers hoping that Heartland will find these serious problems for you, before you break down on the road or you trailer burns up along the road.
I think the big Problem with Heartland, is they are too busy developing new models, pushing production #'s, making promises that they can't keep, and running in circles putting out fires in the units, without Quantity Control. David and Randy are so busy putting out fires, they can't keep up with the new ones.
A common reply to problems, is "call David Parton at Service".
Will, I believe that we need more fire fighters for now that are competent to get through this mess of fires, until Heartland decides that Quality is Job #1, output second. The only QC inspectors that Heartland needs are people from outside the local RV industry, who are given the authority to shut the lines down and get things done right, not good old boys that will let things slide to met production schedules, and do business a usual the good old Elkart RV Way. Heartland should build only the #'s that they can build right, and we will getting units that live up to their advertishing. I know, exactly what is going on at Heartland because I too was once stuck in the middle, at a new company putting out fires at the end of the line building 8 Modular Homes a day in the earily 70's.
Lets see if Heartland is up to the Challange or only focuses its fire exstingers on this post and putting out fires, many of which flair up later.
http://www.heartlandowners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1466&page=2&highlight=flooring
====================================
escalating problems
________________________________________
We took possession of our 2007 3055rl Bighorn on June 23rd. Since then we have documented over 30 deficiencies in fit and finish in our unit, some from
poor assembly, careless workmanship, and poor quality materials. In less than
2 months use we have trim pulling off the slide out , non stop leaks from the
shower and many more concerns. Our biggest problem occurred while returning home from a trip to the Oregon coast. On our last day while pulling out of our last nite stop the front axle snapped off approx 2" from the wheel. Needless to say we were somewhat surprised since the unit has less than 3000 miles on it
since purchase. Fortunately we were only 200 miles from home at the time but did have to abandon it at a RV dealership. We are happy that this did not occur 30 minutes later while we would have been traveling through a mountain pass on our way home. At this time we are waiting to meet with the selling dealership replacement or cancellation of our purchase.
=====================================
JoeW4300
Member Join Date: May 2006
Location: Massachusetts
With all the problems we all have had with our BigHorns we should be on the payroll. I am simply weary of fixing all the shortcomings in these units. All management has to say is "we will get on it" or " I will be on it Monday morning" and all is forgiven. Jeez guys get with it. There is no QC at Heartland, don't you get it yet? What will it take for you to catch on? We are QC for these guys. How much time do we spend fixing all this shoddy stuff? I have a life besides doing volunteer work for Heartland. Would I have another? Not in this lifetime!
======================
Wild Wind
Member Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Milan, Michigan
I agree with Jim too, I too have not got what I paid for, and have felt like a guinee pig.
I have given Heartland too much of my professional/vacation/retirement time fixing their problems. To many Heartland owners are turning their heads and saying oh well, etc.
Clarence and Pat ………………………
===============================
sailorand
Member Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Ladner, BC
I have to say that now I am at 93 problems that I have registered with the dealer. Most of these are QC problems and some are still outstanding still. We bought our Bighorn in April and we are awaiting parts to be shipped that arrive in better condition than the ones in the rig. This is stuff that was very apparent to anyone that walked through the unit. We bought it because we liked the layout and figured that it would not be a big problem getting it fixed. No problem with the dealer, but things that arrive there are damaged before shipping and in worse condition than what is in the unit. QC at Heartland has to be made top priority!!!
======================
RE: Frame failure
Last year's trip through Canada and back home through Maine showed me that many roads were very bad once we got back into Maine.
In fact we were traveling down highway 1 and without any warning at all the road turned to gravel. It did it in two places. Never want to travel Hwy. 1 ever again.
Now this year we went West to Oregon and back. Our Interstate 90 is a wreck in places. You can travel miles and miles and it's like a washboard. Sure glad that Mor/Ryde put their new CRE suspension system on our Jayco Trailer (FREE!!!). It makes a BIG difference.
Happy trails,
RE: Dealer put 3 holes in my roof
Holy cow. You have to have a 4 x 4 foot piece of plywood on the roof to walk on it???
To bad you weren't able to do more research before you bought it.
I walk on our Jayco Eagle's roof every camping trip to see if there is any debris on the slide roof and always check out the overall condition.
Good luck on your repairs.
Alaska- Earliest date to leave..
Was wondering what the consensus is on when would be the earliest practical time to go to Alaska. Don't mind the cooler weather but sure would hate to get snowed in for a week on the side of the road.
Thinking about crossing over the border in Montana.
We have a 2007 Jayco Eagle 322FKS- 33 foot travel trailer and was wondering if anyone lately has made that trip pulling a long trailer??
RE: Snowbirds in flight: how do you prep your nests?
Simple, my stepson who is single and 36 years old never plans on leaving home will watch over everything for us.
All I have to do is pay the
Mortgage
Insurance
Taxes
Gas
Electric
Water
Cable
Phone
Internet
And keep his sorry a$$ from complaining too much to his mother about how tough life is for him..:E
RE: Progressive insurance is no good
I think that the same would apply to homeowners in that if your roof is punctured you have to tarp it as soon as possible. If you would let your house sit around for a few months with a hole in the roof, I am sure they would balk at that.
bumpy
-------------
So if you're tranfered to Irag for a couple of months and returned home to find a tree limb stuck through your roof with water damage everywhere do you think you don't have an insurance claim?
If the RV roof leak was due to wear & tear then yes there may be some disputing the damage claim but if it's due to a sudden unknown cause then you have a claim.
I would go up the line at Progressive and if they still refused then I would tell them I filing a complaint with the Consumers Protection Division of your State's Attorney General's Office.
You would be very surprised how effective that is. Each Insurance Company that sells in your State must be licensed and complaints are looked into.
RE: Napanee to Mackinac..looking for good spots to stay
Nappanee IN?
Along Michigan's west coast try Ludington SP - Ludington MI, electric only but big sites and very beautiful.
Or if you need FHU try:
Silver Creek RV Resort - Mears, MI
--------------
Just there Sept. 12-16th. WiFi wasn't working and the staff said they have been having problems all summer long with it.
Paved roads and paved extra wide sites. Small trees- no shade. Very large pool and very small area for children to play. Not really a family type campground. Reminds me much more of a "seniors" type campground you would find in South Texas.
Happy trails,.
RE: Lake Michigan Seasonal Campgrounds?
Another vote for Silver Creek RV Resort. Very nice place.
Just there Sept. 12-16th. WiFi wasn't working and the staff said they have been having problems all summer long with it.
Paved roads and paved extra wide sites. Small trees- no shade. Very large pool and very small area for children to play. Not really a family type campground. Reminds me much more of a "seniors" type campground you would find in South Texas.
Happy trails,.
RE: storing tv's
LCD Liquid Crystal Display...........
Liquid Crystal can freeze. And it also thaws but why take the chance.
Bring it inside for the winter.
Happy trails,
RE: A story and a question????
You say you have the Polar Pkg. That means you have insulation underneath. If that gets wet then you will have mold to contend with. They will need to remove the underbelly cover and replace the insulation and check what caused the water leakage.
Good luck,
