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

francheska
Explorer
Sep 22, 2013
We are on our 2nd Heartland TH which we live in 3-4 months yearly. Except for minor issues all fixed under warranty at no charge we have enjoyed our Heartlands.
ReneeG
Explorer
Sep 22, 2013
justme wrote:
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.

When it's warranted, it's fact.
justme
Explorer
Sep 22, 2013
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.
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Sep 22, 2013
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.
ReneeG
Explorer
Sep 22, 2013
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.
mwebber78
Explorer
Sep 22, 2013
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.
ReneeG
Explorer
Sep 22, 2013
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.

Forum Discussion

2009 or 2010 Heartland Big Horn or 2014 Coachmen Chapparel?

37 Replies

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