Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
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We had the opportunity to tour four factories this week. My DW and I toured the Airstream and DRV factories together, and we split up at Heartland. I toured the Landmark, Bighorn, and Big Country factory while she toured the smaller travel trailer factory. Most interesting! This is something that everyone should do. The Airstream and DRV factories were working as we toured, but we did the Heartland tours on Saturday while the lines were down. I suspect that Monday was spent getting things back in place to actually work.
Airstream didn't say or show us much about the chassis. Whether that was intentional, or just because they didn't happen to have one just starting out that day I don't know. They build the shell first and then test it with a huge shower for leaks. Only when it is completely dry inside after the hour-long spray for every angle do they put in the interiors. That means that everything inside fits through the door, which is certainly a help for those who buy a used coach and want to renovate.
At DRV we got to see a chassis that had just had the bottom insulation installed and they were pulling some of the floor wires. That particular one had the Level-Up system on it, so we got a good explanation of how that works. They made a big issue of how they don't use any OSB in the floor, only tongue and groove plywood. They also pointed out the box-beam construction, which is better than I-beam construction. They didn't tell us that their lower-level line, Select Suites, uses I-beam construction. They build from the bottom up, so many parts are installed before the walls go up. I suspect that in some instances it would be necessary to remove a slide in order to change a major assembly. They also didn't mention anything about a leak test.
I'll let my DW comment later on the Heartland line she toured. I saw mostly Big Country units in production, as Heartland runs a batch of one and then switches to another. The leader of the tour is a big shot for one of the three units there, and everyone on the tour owns a Heartland product, so he was very interested in hearing our comments, and we sure gave him an earful! Someone asked if the bedroom floor is insulated. He said it was not, and we all asked "why not?" He said he would find out, and insulate it. Another owner asked why certain electrical outlets seemed solidly mounted while others felt like the whole wall was coming out. We happened to be at a place where I could show him the reason. The big shot was amazed. He didn't offer to fix that, though.
Yes, factory tours are part of the sales pitch, but you can get plenty of good information from them. At DRV, for example, we found out that one can turn a Mobile Suites (their mid-level line) into an Elite Suites (their high end line) with the right options, but it will still say Mobile Suites on the front, and that's what the bank will look at for financing. Going the other way, the Elite has granite countertops, but those can be deleted (for credit) and replaced with the Corian of the Mobile Suites.
Good to read your report. As you know, I wish you had time to take the Heartland tour when the line was in operation. I admire and respect you for pointing out concerns to the executive. Consistent constructive consumer criticism is the only way the manufacturers will change.
Did you decide what to buy next time? Were most of the Heartland owners you talked with happy with their RVs? Would they buy another Heartland if they were going to change from their current use or location? Were many full-timing? Did you ask about warranty and full-time? What were most of their concerns and issues and had their dealers and/or Heatland handle issues and concerns to most everyones satisfaction? I was in a Landmark recently and really liked the full shower.
Happy to know you felt going there for the tour was worth it. We just sold our house and will buying again in the next six weeks. I have a lot of new research to to do and may go to DRV to see their changes in cabinet making and trim on the Elite.
Oh yes, I just recently noticed that the ceiling in the Elite does not taper down in the rear and that the slide inside height is higher. Our Moblie Suites had the Elite upgrades but was not close to the Elite, if only for the ceiling height. I'm 6'3" so it matters. Plus this time it is going to be my home. Twelve months, not 3+.
I look forward to more comments about your tour experience. Thanks for sharing.
Don't know if you ask at the tours but Drv will customize and make many changes !!!! We ordered our 2010 Mobile Suites and we had them do 17 changes and or Mods. Very few 5th wheel manufactors will make changes. This is our second Mobile Suites and we are very pleased. We have 3 different floorplans and things from the Elite but we would not go for the granite counter tops... We would highly recomend the Drv Suites... Keep in mind they are heavy, and will require a late model 1 ton Truck. Drv is also building 43 footers.... Good Luck with your research....
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Were most of the Heartland owners you talked with happy with their RVs? Would they buy another Heartland if they were going to change from their current use or location? Were many full-timing? Did you ask about warranty and full-time? What were most of their concerns and issues and had their dealers and/or Heatland handle issues and concerns to most everyones satisfaction? I was in a Landmark recently and really liked the full shower.
