Forum Discussion

four22's avatar
four22
Explorer
Feb 08, 2017

Narrowing Our Selection of Trailers

So we're nearing the purchase of our first trailer... We're looking at the following 3 trailers that are basically the exact same floor plan....

Forest River Vibe 308
Vibe

Heartland Mallard M32
Mallard

Heartland North Trail 32BUDS
North Trail


Does anyone have any experience or insight of why one would be better than the other? At this point were down to manufactures... All of the trailers are at a very similar price point.

Yes I know the mallard is a Camping World excluding and yes I know everyone's opinions of Camping World..... please put that aside and help me out please. :)

The vehicle I'll be using is fully capable of the weights of all of these trailers so that doesn't come into play either.
  • maknmem4life's avatar
    maknmem4life
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2017
    Have you made a decision? We have been looking at the M32 and NT 33BUDS as we want the outside door for the bathroom. Both M32 and NT32BUDS are manufactured by Heartland and are sister trailers. Mallard is exclusive to Camping World. I have only found cosmetic differences really between the M32 and NT32BUDS outside of the door. Cosmetic options such as a flip up storage tray, solid surface counter tops, porcelain toilet, stainless steel sink, etc. Heartland customer service has been incredible. If you call them they will put you in touch with their sales rep to answer any questions you may have about the 2 units.
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    Feb 08, 2017
    We were happy with the Heartland North Trail we had. And owners on the Heartland forum are as a group happy with their units.

    Holding tank capacity only comes into consideration if you do a lot of off grid or no hookup camping.
  • RwaSmith's avatar
    RwaSmith
    Explorer
    Feb 08, 2017
    We have the 308BHS and love it.

    There were some warranty issues at the start but Forrest River took care of us with no issues. Because of the service we received our next trailer will be a Vibe as well. When I called Forrest River to get a quicker fix for our Vibe they invited us to the factory the next day. They pulled 2 guys off the line and came out to work on our Vibe while we received a tour of the factory.

    We have the outdoor kitchen and use it all the time. The grill that comes with the trailer is not that great as ours rusted out in the first year. So now we have a stainless steel one back there.

    We purchased ours from Jeff Couch RV nation in Cincinnati.
  • TurnThePage's avatar
    TurnThePage
    Explorer
    Feb 08, 2017
    They all have pretty meager sized holding tanks, with the Vibe being best, but it's long! If I was buying a trailer that long, I would pay particular attention to the frame and suspension.

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