We went Travel Trailer hunting and could not find a dealer who has the North Trail by Heartland, we looked at a Cougar Xlite 304BHS, but still wanted to see the North Trail. Then we stopped by Albany RV, they had Jayco's and were told that Heartland was closing up shop, we hope not we really liked several floorplans for their trailers. Does anyone know if this is true?
That's the first I hear of that- Keystone laid off people from their factories and Jayco is consolidating a few plant operations but a Google search shows no such story online about Heartland.
You can always tell when a salesperson is lying - just watch thier lips move.
Michael 2 DD's and my DW 6 Acre's of Maine 2009 Crossroads Cruiser CF31SB 2008 Chevy 2500HD Ext. Cab LT 4X4 Champion lil' yellow Chinese genset, 4000W Camping Pictures
After much research, the wife and I choose the 31BHD. WE LOVE IT!! The observation about the sewer hose is correct. But it's nothing that can't be cured with a piece of PVC and plumbers strap. The half time oven is small but cooks in half the time. Great for campers, not so great for full timers. There are things about every TT that someone hates and others love. It's all a matter of preferences. To sum it all up for you, if I were to buy a new TT today, it would be another North Trail. Good luck on your quest for the perfect TT.
I forgot to add about the rear ladder. The ladder supports are there in the back wall. So there is the option to have an after market ladder installed. Just ask the dealer to get you a copy of the blue print of the back wall.
We are pleased to hear positive things about the North Trails. I googled Heartland, I was relieved to see they seem okay. As for the LCD tv, we can buy one at a big box store and a quality one cheaper. DH said that he would make a PVC sewerage holder and mount it to the rear.
We will be at the Hershey RV Show on Sept.11th -Sept.13, so hopefully we can see one. I will be looking, while DH is investigating craftmanship and materials of each model, that's what you get for marrying a carpenter, locksmith, electrical, etc. LOL!
Coming home last night on The Northway (I-87) going north we seen several of them being pulled by light weight vechiles, made me jealous of them rving.
Hope to find a dealer
I wanted to comment on what you heard about Heartland.
Heartland is solid and is doing very well in this down market.
Some quick facts to set your mind at ease:
CATTERTON|partners has a substantial investment in Heartland. As such, Heartland is well capitalized, financially strong and continues to experience huge unit sales growth
Per the June report by Statistical Surveys (an independent research firm), Heartland is now the #3 selling 5th wheel manufacturer with a 9.2% market share (retail registrations)
For the same period, year over year, on a unit basis, Heartland 5th wheels are up 55.8%
In 5th wheels, Heartland is the only one of the top 5 manufacturers that are up, year over year
North Trail is just 1 year old but has already sold approaching 3,000 units, making it #38 in the Travel Trailer statistics and it continues to climb the charts
We also looked at them. Interestly, all the build details they seem so proud of appear to be copied from the Jayco Jay Feather. Honestly, we were not that impressed when compared to the Jayco.
Dick
2008 Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited TRD
2009 Cougar 268 RLS ~8400 lbs road wt
Equal-i-zer 12,000 lb hitch, Prodigy BC.
2006 Jeep Liberty Turbo Diesel.....TV in Training
2005 Jeep GC 5.7 HEMI,(retired)
2005 Jayco Jay Feather 25Z, 4" lift (Retired)
Actually, that's not true. The Jayfeather wall is 1/2" less thick, used a HSLA frame, had only perimeter framing (no on-center framing of walls) and uses wood to frame the end walls. The Heartland has a thicker wall, better R-value, 6 sided alum. and on-center framing.
mwebber78 wrote: Actually, that's not true. The Jayfeather wall is 1/2" less thick, used a HSLA frame, had only perimeter framing (no on-center framing of walls) and uses wood to frame the end walls. The Heartland has a thicker wall, better R-value, 6 sided alum. and on-center framing.
I am the OP. As said R values are R10 and R7. We are former owners of Jayco (Jayfeather) and the 09 North Trails are constructed far superior. Even the passthru compartment has finished walls and insulation. Hopefully, you got a Jayfeather that was well manufactured. We will never consider another Jayco product due to our negative experience with the company.
Thanks for all the comments.
* This post was
edited 08/30/08 09:04am by LakeN *
'08 Toyota Tundra 5.7L with tow package/Prodigy
'09 Heartland North Trail 26RKS
2 campers + 1 spoiled golden retriever, Daisy
Offline
The observation about the sewer hose is correct. But it's nothing that can't be cured with a piece of PVC and plumbers strap. The half time oven is small but cooks in half the time. Great for campers, not so great for full timers. There are things about every TT that someone hates and others love. It's all a matter of preferences. To sum it all up for you, if I were to buy a new TT today, it would be another North Trail. Good luck on your quest for the perfect TT.
