Is Heartland a Good Brand of RV? (Don’t Buy One Before Reading This)
If you’re shopping around for a new home on wheels, you’ve probably come across Heartland RVs in your search. As a full-time RV-ing family of eight, traveling the US in our custom Double Decker RV, we’ve seen and toured just about every make and model out there, including our fair share of Heartlands. If you’re wondering “Is Heartland a good brand of RV?” and whether you should trust them with your family’s adventures, this post breaks down everything you need to know—before you sign on the dotted line.
Whether you’re a first-time RVer or upgrading to something more family-friendly, there’s a lot to consider! From construction quality and customer service, to resale value and real-world user reviews, let’s get into the details to help you make the best decision for your family.
What Is Heartland RV and Who Are They For?
Heartland RVs is a major player in the towable RV market. Founded in 2003 and now part of the Thor Industries family (the same folks behind Airstream and Jayco), Heartland specializes in travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. If you’re exploring family-friendly RVs with enough bunkhouses and living space for a crowd, there’s a good chance you’ve seen floor plans like the Heartland Sundance, North Trail, Prowler, and the ever-popular Bighorn.
- Website: Heartland RVs Official Site
- Product Types: Travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers
- Popular With: Families, full-timers, weekend warriors, RV newbies and veterans
Heartland’s mission has always been to build innovative, feature-packed, and affordable towable RVs. But does that translate to actual durability, comfort, and value when it comes to real family adventures? Let’s dive in!
What We’ve Seen Firsthand (And Heard From Fellow Families)
Since we started sharing our travel life as the Double Decker Fam, we’ve met tons of other families living the RV dream—many of them in Heartland rigs. We’ve spent time in Heartland Bighorn and North Trail models and have done deep dives into online forums and Facebook groups for clues about Heartland’s real-world performance.
The Pros
1. Family-Friendly Floor Plans
Heartland offers layouts that go beyond the standard couple’s coach. Think bunkhouses, double slides, kitchen islands, and extra sleeping capacity—ideal if, like us, you’ve got a crew! Some models even have outdoor kitchens, bath-and-a-half floor plans, and pet-friendly features.
2. Affordable (Compared To Competitors)
Heartland’s pricing tends to come in lower than some high-end rivals like Grand Design or Keystone Montana. For budget-conscious families, you can often find new or gently used Heartland rigs that don’t break the bank but still offer a lot of features.
3. Lots of Storage
We’re always on the lookout for creative storage solutions (with six kids, you have to be). Most Heartland models have impressive pass-through exterior storage, walk-in pantries, and roomy wardrobes—not something you’ll find in every brand.
4. Easy to Find (And Service)
Because Heartland is a big name, there’s a widespread dealer and service network across the U.S. That means less stress if you need warranty repairs or just want a nearby parts dealer, especially if you RV full-time.
The Cons
1. Construction Quality: A Mixed Bag
This is the sticking point for a lot of people. Heartland, like many mass-market RV brands, sometimes struggles with inconsistent build quality. We’ve met families who were thrilled with their new Bighorn for years, and others who dealt with leaks, slide issues, or trim falling off in the first season. According to Consumer Reports, this is unfortunately pretty common in the RV industry right now.
2. Average Customer Service
We’ve heard both positive and negative stories about Heartland’s customer service. Some folks got things fixed quickly with no hassle, while others felt stuck in voicemail limbo during warranty repairs. Don’t forget that your dealership choice can be just as important as the brand itself for after-sale support.
3. Depreciation
As with most RVs, Heartland models depreciate faast. If you buy brand-new, expect a significant drop in value as soon as you drive off the lot. That’s why we often suggest looking at a gently used Heartland (maybe 2-3 years old) to avoid that new-RV depreciation hit.
4. Not Truly “Four-Season” in Most Cases
Most Heartland models are advertised as “extended season,” but only a few are truly four-season capable in harsh climates. If you plan to RV in cold or hot extremes, be sure to check insulation values, tank heating pads, and furnace capacity—or budget for some DIY upgrades later!
How Does Heartland Compare to Other Brands?
No RV brand is perfect, no matter how shiny it looks at the dealership. Here’s how Heartland stacks up against some of its biggest rivals in our experience and from what we’ve gathered from other families:
- vs. Grand Design: Grand Design wins for higher quality fit and finish, but you’ll pay more. You’ll also find more true four-season models at Grand Design.
- vs. Keystone: Keystone and Heartland are close in terms of price and quality, but Keystone’s Montana and Cougar lines often get higher marks for insulation and resale.
- vs. Forest River: Both are large, well-known brands with huge product lines. Quality is variable at both—research the specific model, not just the brand!
- vs. Jayco: Jayco (also Thor-owned) is known for sturdy frames and solid service, but expect to pay a premium on certain Jayco lines.
Pro Tip: Check owner’s forums like iRV2 or Facebook groups dedicated to each brand. Real-world reviews are worth their weight in gold compared to marketing hype!
The Heartland Models We Recommend for Families
From open bunkhouse layouts, to flexible living spaces and outdoor entertainment options, here are a three Heartland models we’d recommend if you’re RVing with a big family:
1. Heartland Sundance 294BH
A travel trailer with a spacious double-over-double bunk room, a U-shaped dinette, and outdoor kitchen. Sleeps up to 10 (if the kids are little) and isn’t too massive for towing with a big SUV or ¾-ton truck.
2. Heartland North Trail 33BHDS
This is a popular bunkhouse travel trailer that features two slides, a private bunk room, and a king-sized bed up front. Tons of storage and a family-sized outside kitchen.
3. Heartland Bighorn 3970RD (Fifth Wheel)
For families needing tons of space and storage (and capable of towing a fifth wheel), the Bighorn 3970RD is a favorite. Separate living and sleeping areas, theater seating, large kitchen, and room for everyone to spread out.
Real-World Tips for Buying a Heartland RV (What We Tell Our Friends)
Whenever we talk to families at campgrounds, RV shows, or online, these are the tips we share about Heartland (or any RV purchase):
1. Tour the Exact Model
Don’t buy sight unseen. Visit a dealership and inspect the actual unit—not just the floor model. Look for stapled trim, escaping screws, water stains, or poorly hung cabinets, and test every system (slides, water, lights, etc).
2. Get a Third-Party Inspection
A certified RV inspector can save you thousands down the road, whether you’re buying new or used. Check out the NRVIA for accredited inspectors.
3. Negotiate the Out-the-Door Price
Don’t get caught up in monthly payment tricks. Focus on the total “out-the-door” price, including PDI fees, delivery charges, and add-ons.
4. Read the Warranty Carefully
Heartland offers a 1-year basic warranty and limited structural (usually 3 years on eligible models), but some items have shorter coverage (and some major systems, like appliances, may be warrantied separately).
5. Join Heartland Owner’s Forums and Facebook Groups
The Heartland community is huge and active! You’ll find tips, DIY mods, tech fixes, and honest feedback. We love these for troubleshooting, mod inspiration, and campground recommendations.
Final Thoughts – Should Your Family Buy a Heartland RV?
Our honest answer: Heartland can be a good brand for families—but only if you do your homework, inspect thoroughly, and buy from a reputable dealer. For the price, they offer well-designed layouts with a lot of features for big families. But, like many RV brands, you’ll encounter some lemons and some hidden gems.
For full-time RV life, or if you’re planning coast-to-coast adventures, we suggest focusing on:
- A quality inspection before you buy
- Checking how the Heartland model you like has held up for other real families
- Planning for basic maintenance and occasional repairs
Remember: No RV is perfect, but the goal is to get out there, create memories, grow closer as a family, and see the beauty of the United States. That’s what we’re about—and if Heartland helps you do that, then it might be a great fit for you!
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