Horton Electrical problems

[dahlio]

In my squad, we have three Hortons. Two of which are on Frieghtliners (biggest mistake ever made), years 99, and 02. The recent one we bought is an 05 on an F450 chassis. I've liked using the boxes, and don't find them all that confusing. That aside, our newest rig has cameras in the patient compartment, as well as a camera for the back. Automatically puts a small screen in your rear view mirror. They lasted for a couple months, and when we called the company, the wanted a good amount of money to fix the wires. Yeah right. We're currently looking into a new ambulance, built probably on a GMC chassis, but we're looking in to other boxes such as PL. We're also not getting the camera option, and no tire chains (which came in handy a couple times this year). My opinion is to move away from the Horton's and give something else a try.

[Dale]

Sorry to hear about your squad's problems with wiring for the camera. I suggest that your leadership review the warranty documents that were provided (or should have been) with your new ambulance. They are probably located in the "owners manual" that should have been provided with your vehicle. If the manufacturer actually installed the camera system (and not your local dealer for that brand), then the manufacturer's standard conversion warranty should cover the necessary repairs if, in fact, it failed or malfunctioned after a "couple of months." Some warranties do have specific time limits and exclusions so read the documents thoroughly. If the problem is related to one of the camera components instead of a wiring/installation issue, then you may have to deal with the camera manufacturer directly but your local ambulance dealership should assist you with that problem (if they expect to keep your squad's business.) If the dealership installed the camera system, you may actually have more leverage with them since they should be a "local" firm and you usually have more potential avenues of applying pressure on them to resolve this issue. I have heard stories where some volunteer squads are really "taken" at times when a repair that really should be a warranty obligation is denied and the squad now has to pay more money to fix something that should be covered by a warranty because it "needs to be fixed."

If you have and written records that show the first notice of warranty problem (date, problem, etc.) with the camera, you may want to provide that along with the warranty documents and consult the legal counsel your squad uses for its legal issues. A simple letter from your lawyer may spur the necessary repairs (or even a refund if you paid to have this repair work done.) Don't accept some kind of offer such as a "credit" or other consideration when you buy another vehicle from them in the future- I guarantee you will "pay" for it. That is a silly way to negotiate- you simply want your existing vehicle to operate correctly in the manner as originally expected. Some vendors are expecting that changes in leadership over time will "forget" about that "generous" offer made in the past to correct a "wrong."

If you can't get a satisfactory response from the manufacturer and/or dealer, then I would not even consider them for another vehicle purchase the next time. And you should tell them that in written form, too! And you can always file a complaint with the local better business bureau, state consumer affairs agency, etc.

As for chassis selection, make sure that whatever chassis is "spec'ed" for your next vehicle is properly equipped. Too many folks are influenced (or sucked into) buying a "cheaper" chassis that is better suited for a delivery truck instead of a performance-based emergency vehicle. Take the time to review the available options for each brand of chassis. You may find it advantageous to visit with a couple of local truck chassis dealers (versus a car dealership that also sells some trucks) that sell the brands you are considering so they can review the options with you (ask for their vocational truck specialist or simliar person). Remember that they are not used to ordering ambulance chassis and there are some low-volume modifications that are done by speciality installers (i.e. rear air ride suspension) on a "ship-thru" basis after the chassis is actually built by the manfacturer.

[dahlio]

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely bring it up to the squad.

[ninjaemtff]

We purchased a horton in 2006 and we have had nothing but problems with it. From the paint job to the wiring to the air tank stuff.

[dahlio]

Yeah, we're having a few electrical problems with the Horton. It's a nice setup, just wish it wouldn't interfere with a bunch of things. We just ordered a new ambulance, and decided to give PL Custom a try. We're also letting them service our current Hortons as well.

[kyle308]

personally i think you should just ditch the hortons and buy an osage box on an F-450 chassis...we have two of them. 1 is 10 years old and is still a primary running great. Its only had a few very minor problems

[dahlio]

personally i think you should just ditch the hortons and buy an osage box on an F-450 chassis...we have two of them. 1 is 10 years old and is still a primary running great. Its only had a few very minor problems

Unfortunately it's not up to me.

I also was looking at my post from april, and realized I put F450, when I meant E450. Sorry bout that.

[island emt]

We had a horton once that was a certified hanger queen. The mechanics nick named her "up in smoke"

You will really like riding in a PL Custom. great trucks

[dahlio]

You will really like riding in a PL Custom. great trucks

I hope so. I'm assuming you have one of course, what chassis do you have a PL on? We recently ordered one on a GMC, since the Fords haven't been reliable, and the Frieghtliner is too big.