Order New or Buy off Lot
Getting ready to buy a new Bighorn fifth wheel. My question is do I order one or buy off the lot? If I order, what options are must haves for snowbirds?
Forum Discussion
For my new life of full timing, I ordered a Bighorn 3010RE last year. I ordered it because I wanted to choose the colors and options. It showed up quick - only took about a month or so to get it.
You are almost at model changeover time - RV manufacturers change over much earlier then the car manufacturers. If you buy a 2014 model off the lot now, it will be a year old in about 2 months. I would delay for at least a month and order a 2015 model.
You should ask your dealer about the 'secret' options that are currently available. Don't laugh - it's real. When I asked about this I was told that the Bighorns and Landmarks go down the same line so sometimes you can get some of the Landmark options on a Bighorn - if the dealer asks.
Also go to the Heartland Owners club web page and ask questions.
I ordered the following items on my 3010 off the secret options list even though they were not official options:
electric hose reel for the 50 amp electrical cord. Especially nice in cold weather.
metal cover for the awning
7000# axles (Not for sure on this one)
There were other items on the list.
Regular options I would recommend -
6-point Leveling system. Takes all of 1 1/2 minutes to get your rig totally level - After using it, would not have a rig without this.
Stackable washer and dryer. Very nice but you will lose closet space.
Yeti option. Tank pad heaters, heat tape on water lines, and extra insulation.
MorRyde kingpin - Minimizes chucking. My air hitch pretty much gets rid of the up and down motion.
2nd air conditioner. If you're going where it's hot, don't even think of not getting this.
Toy lock. Lock up your grill, bikes, genny, satellite dish, etc.
slide awnings
Get the big fridge. Mine works great. Dual freezers which seem especially large.
I'll pass on the residential fridges as they operate only on 110 volts. Can't run them when you are moving unless you run a genny or have lots of batteries and an inverter. Same for boondocking.
Tim
You are almost at model changeover time - RV manufacturers change over much earlier then the car manufacturers. If you buy a 2014 model off the lot now, it will be a year old in about 2 months. I would delay for at least a month and order a 2015 model.
You should ask your dealer about the 'secret' options that are currently available. Don't laugh - it's real. When I asked about this I was told that the Bighorns and Landmarks go down the same line so sometimes you can get some of the Landmark options on a Bighorn - if the dealer asks.
Also go to the Heartland Owners club web page and ask questions.
I ordered the following items on my 3010 off the secret options list even though they were not official options:
electric hose reel for the 50 amp electrical cord. Especially nice in cold weather.
metal cover for the awning
7000# axles (Not for sure on this one)
There were other items on the list.
Regular options I would recommend -
6-point Leveling system. Takes all of 1 1/2 minutes to get your rig totally level - After using it, would not have a rig without this.
Stackable washer and dryer. Very nice but you will lose closet space.
Yeti option. Tank pad heaters, heat tape on water lines, and extra insulation.
MorRyde kingpin - Minimizes chucking. My air hitch pretty much gets rid of the up and down motion.
2nd air conditioner. If you're going where it's hot, don't even think of not getting this.
Toy lock. Lock up your grill, bikes, genny, satellite dish, etc.
slide awnings
Get the big fridge. Mine works great. Dual freezers which seem especially large.
I'll pass on the residential fridges as they operate only on 110 volts. Can't run them when you are moving unless you run a genny or have lots of batteries and an inverter. Same for boondocking.
Tim
