2013 Heartland Bighorn recalls
Reported May 7, 2013 · 890 vehicles affected · Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC
Problem: Heartland Recreational Vehicles is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Big Country, Bighorn, Elk Ridge, Elk Ridge Express, Landmark, Prowler, Sundance, Sundance XLT, and Silverado fith wheel and travel trailers manufactured February 13, 2013, through April 16, 2013. If the awning installation sequence was not completely followed, the awning motor may unknowingly become damaged.
Risk: If motor damage has occurred, it is possible that the awning can unfurl unexpectedly, either while the trailer is at rest or while in transit, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.
Fix: Heartland will notify owners and Dometic staff will replace the affected motors with a design that is not subject to an out-of-sequence installation error. The recall began on May 20, 2013. A notification schedule has not yet been provided. Owners may contact Heartland Recreational Trailers at 1-888-262-5992 or Dometic at 1-888-447-0003 for more information. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicle until repairs can be performed. Heartland's recall campaign number is 99-01-11.
2013 Heartland Bighorn problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Tires | 5 | |
| Wheels | 3 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 2,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2013 Heartland Bighorn complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Tires · at 2,000 miles · reported Aug 2, 2015
2013 heartland 3610 re 5th wheel rv. Oem tires. Power king tow max st235/80r16 str tires. Checked tire pressures with tire gauge before trip. All at 80 PSI cold. Installed tps sensors and checked monitor. Working. 6 miles into trip after pulling out from a red light at around 20 MPH the rear left axle tire blew out throwing plastic trim pieces across the road. Top of thread blew apart. Replaced with spare tire. Went about 23 more mile and right after checking tire pressure monitor, for pressure and temp. Both ok. The right front axle tire blew out while driving 55 MPH, throwing fender trim…
Wheels · at 2,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2014
Traveling approximately 60 MPH on route 78 west just outside of allentown pennsylvania, the left rear tire -power king towmax st 235/80 r 16 load range (E) on our heartland bighorn 3185 (2013) sustained a blowout causing severe damage to the left rear end of our 5th wheel trailer including but not limited to cosmetic damage (Fenders etc) rear axl damage, brake damage, hydraulic lines, brake lines, undercarriage damage etc. Thankfully all passengers were unharmed and no other vehicles were involved with this incident. Further inspection of the tire suggests either tread separation or a side…
Tires · at 2,000 miles · reported Jun 15, 2014
Purchased my heartland bighorn 3670rl 5th wheel new in january 2013. The rv came standard with power king towmax str tires, st235/80r16 lr "e". My first blowout occurred in may 2014 with fewer than 2000 miles on the tires. Luckily no damage to the trailer. Sent the tire to the distributor who claimed that it was a road hazard issue and would not warranty the tire. I know I hadn't hit anything in the road to have caused the problem. Then two weeks ago we were returning from a trip to the texas hill country back to the houston area when the second blowout occurred. Because I was on a major…
Wheels · at 3,900 miles · reported May 4, 2014
Bought this camper in january of 2013 from camping world of calera alabama on way to florida .went on then back to wisconsin. Came to florida again and now on way home an hour in to trip the tire begins to fail! Looks like inner cords failing. Fortunately my son was following and warned me of what he could see happening.called sales people but were left hanging, can't believe these tires don't last more than 4000 miles and no one takes responsibility, someone could get killed .
Wheels · at 6,500 miles · reported Dec 22, 2013
We purchased our 5th wheel nov 4, 2012 - experienced our first tire bubble 12/10/2013; second tire bubble 12/19/2013. We had been advised by several bighorn owners that they replaced their "china" tires prior to hitting the road, but casual inspection on my part indicated that the power king tires installed were sufficient for the application - I was incorrect. There are numerous posts online that these tire mfg misrepresent their tire's adequacy. The tire dealer that replaced my tires ( They are a dealer and install power king on smaller rigs ) confirm that these tires are overstating their…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2013 Heartland Bighorn have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Heartland Bighorn: 13V-181 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Heartland Bighorn?
Owners report tires problems most often (5 reports), followed by wheels (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 2,000 miles.
Are Heartland recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Heartland dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.