The Mobile Suites unit that I liked the looks of online, is not ready to be viewed, as they said that they are working on the slide mechanism. AND, after I have been made aware of their heavier than usual weights, I am continuing to cruise RV Trader for any other possibilities. I am seeing that the 2009 or 2010 Heartland Big Horn and 2014 Coachmen Chapparel are the same price. Obviously, Heartland is more high end, since the prices seem to reflect that.But, if comparing the Heartlands that are 3-5 years older than the Coachmen, how would the used Heartland compare to the Coachmen in terms of quality, longevity, etc.?I prefer the the newer style decor in the Coachmen, but we do not want to buy lesser quality just because it is new. We would rather have quality. We can always spruce up the decor in the used one. We plan to throw out whatever furniture comes with the used units and replace with new leather recliners and change out the window valences and recover the dining chair seats and backs. If we buy a unit with the natural wood cabinets, we may even refinish the cabinets to update to current trends...not sure on that, since it is a lot of work. Can anyone help with experience and/or info?

We have a 2011 Bighorn 3055RL that we purchased new in 2010 and are very pleased, three years later. No major issues, just minor, very minor ones when we bought it new (had to adjust a shade, replace screws in lamp and one cabinet). You may also want to visit the Bighorn Prospective Owners Forum to ask the same question and gather more feedback.

Lots of models you mentioned in one post - I suggest you spend some time in them all. Also, the Big Horns have had many upgrades since the models you looked at came out 4-5 years ago. Have you looked at some of the volume Heartland dealers on prices? I've seen them on sale for nearly used prices.

MookieKat - another thing to consider between the two makes you asked about is that the Bighorn is not only considered high end, but is a full timers model and they warranty it as such. I don't believe the Coachman is.

If you are going to change out the interior, why not just get a newer Big Horn or Big Country (they both come off the same assembly line) and use it the way it is. The Heartland products will have much better insulation, hydraulic slides and front jacks, more amenities. If you shop for new online you might find the prices aren't that far apart. You will get what you pay for..B.O.

I don't consider Heartland as high end. Price evidently is not the determining factor as to what is high end. Heartland does claim "full timer", but I could claim my tent is full time as well. It is more of a marketing claim than based on facts. I am not trying to bash Heartland, but simply expressing my observaton.

2009 or 2010 Heartland Big Horn or 2014 Coachmen Chapparel?

37 Replies

Ford_Man
Explorer
Sep 25, 2013
Well you mentioned 3 levels of RVs. Mobile Suites is Top, The Big Horn would be 2nd and the Coachman last. If you did not want to pay the price for the Mobile Suites I would buy the NEW Coachman instead of buying someone elses troubles.
I own a 2013 Landmark full body paint that I bought new and have had minor problems with it.
Us_out_West
Explorer
Sep 24, 2013
MookieKat wrote:
Us out West wrote:
If one already has a truck that is certainly part, a huge part, of the equation when looking for a rig.

You need to know the towing capabilities of the TV...then and only then...start looking for the rig that will work in the price range that you have.

Not going to be easy to satisfy all you want but you need to be ready to buy when you see one you like after doing your due dillegence.

Sweet spot? The rig that will work for you with the TV you already have.

Lot of good comments in your threads but now it's really up to you as you will know best.

Good luck.

Ahhh...sorry I assumed since you mentioned a pre-2011 F-350 would have problems pulling a 'heavy rig' that you already had that truck.

Again good luck in your searching...one will come along.

We will purchase the TV after buying the 5er.
MookieKat
Explorer
Sep 24, 2013
Us out West wrote:
If one already has a truck that is certainly part, a huge part, of the equation when looking for a rig.

You need to know the towing capabilities of the TV...then and only then...start looking for the rig that will work in the price range that you have.

Not going to be easy to satisfy all you want but you need to be ready to buy when you see one you like after doing your due dillegence.

Sweet spot? The rig that will work for you with the TV you already have.

Lot of good comments in your threads but now it's really up to you as you will know best.

Good luck.

We will purchase the TV after buying the 5er.
MookieKat
Explorer
Sep 24, 2013
Thank you!
Goldstalker
Explorer
Sep 24, 2013
You can get a really good deal on some Heartlands here.

http://www.wagnersrv.com/specials.php
ReneeG
Explorer
Sep 24, 2013
ReneeG wrote:
MookieKat wrote:
Geez....It has been brought to my attention that the heavier 5ers rated for full time are too heavy to be towed by a pre-2011 F-350. This adds one more kink to the mix of shopping for a 5er!

Where is the sweet spot for size, weight, durability, and price?

Well this doesn't make sense. We towed our Bighorn 3055RL with a SRW F250 V10 before we bought our F350 DRW Diesel. The F350 tows much easier. It all depends on the weight of the fiver. Ours is lighter than others of the same make, but ours is also shorter.
ReneeG
Explorer
Sep 24, 2013
MookieKat wrote:
Geez....It has been brought to my attention that the heavier 5ers rated for full time are too heavy to be towed by a pre-2011 F-350. This adds one more kink to the mix of shopping for a 5er!

Where is the sweet spot for size, weight, durability, and price?

Well this doesn't make sense. We towed our Bighorn 3055RL with a SRW F250 V10 before we bought our F350 DRW Diesel. The F350 tows much easier. It all depends on the weight of the fiver. Ours is lighter than others of the same make, but shorter.
Us_out_West
Explorer
Sep 24, 2013
If one already has a truck that is certainly part, a huge part, of the equation when looking for a rig.

You need to know the towing capabilities of the TV...then and only then...start looking for the rig that will work in the price range that you have.

Not going to be easy to satisfy all you want but you need to be ready to buy when you see one you like after doing your due dillegence.

Sweet spot? The rig that will work for you with the TV you already have.

Lot of good comments in your threads but now it's really up to you as you will know best.

Good luck.
MookieKat
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
Geez....It has been brought to my attention that the heavier 5ers rated for full time are too heavy to be towed by a pre-2011 F-350. This adds one more kink to the mix of shopping for a 5er!

Where is the sweet spot for size, weight, durability, and price?
kakampers
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
Brand loyalty has nothing to do with it.

It is fulltime rated based on it's insulation factor, build quality of cabinetry, appointments, etc. It is only your opinion that "other trailers" are built better...don't be shy, name them.

Just because other manufacturers aren't confident that their products can hold up to fulltime use that's their issue....Heartland products have proved they are very capable of being lived in fulltime, in all sorts of weather, and can hold up for the long haul...if they weren't Heartland wouldn't have added the full time rating or extended the warranty....