ACZL wrote:
Another thought. Keep in mind the cargo weight capacity. Have seen many Rv's w/ a gross weight of close to 16k and cargo of 3k. IMO, sounds like the coach only weighs 13k. May say "Aw man that's awesome, I have room for all my stuff". However, read on here just last week/week before that a heavier RV w/ less cargo capacity tends to be a more rugged unit. That being said, Heartland's full luxury RV's, DRV's fit that bill. As for a hitch, if a dealer is willing to throw one in, ask what brand it is. Most throw in a cheapy. Do the research on hitches and price on 'em. If "dealer throw in" is 400.00 hitch and you want a B&W, tell them you'll pay the difference in price for the B&W. You should have plenty of truck.
Heartland Bighorns are in that category. Heavy and not a lot, but enough CCC. Yes, you are absolutely right on cargo. Ask DH and he'll tell you that I AM THE WEIGHT POLICE in this household! Everything we buy, we know the weight. Just because there are lots of cupboards and the marketing brochures show them full, you can't, absolutely can't fill it to beyond capacity. Know your weights with full tanks too. We periodically go through our stuff and remove items we haven't used in awhile.
As far as hitches go, I wouldn't have any other than what we've got, but some say it's a little too rich for them. For us, when all you own, including your safety rests on one pivot point, it's a no brainer on getting a quality setup. I'm not saying the B&W isn't, just get the best you can afford.
