Considering Heartland North Trail 24BHS

[Gaffer222]

We currently have a 2005 Keystone Zeppelin Z11 Hybrid that we bought new in 05. We have done extensive research on moving into a TT with queen bed and bunks with a slide. NT 24BHS looks like it fills most of our wants and needs but a little longer than we were hoping for. We have not actually looked at one other than online as it's a new floor plan and not many out there yet. One dealer 1.5 hours away has one on order and should be coming soon. Another dealer 2 hours away has one and we need get over there to take a look. RV wholesalers can order and we have a quote. Hoping the local dealer will come close to the RVW pricing but willing to go 11 hours to OH or have it shipped if price is right.

Our TV is a 2007 4x4 Expedition with HD tow package, 3.73 Rear end. Any opinions on this TT with this TV. I think we will be good, just need to watch the cargo weight on the Expy.

I asked the dealer(over the phone) some of these questions but I never trust a sales guy's answers. Anyone have info on the Pearl Package? It says Upgraded Fiberglass? Is it better fiberglass or just different color? Premium Graphics Package, better quality or just different from standard? Upgraded Black trim, better or just different looking? Does the Pearl package include the painted/molded Front Cap or is that a separate upgrade.

Light Weight Package: HL website says Azdel sidewalls included in this package, is this new to HL/NT or have they been using Azdel for a while. It says sidewalls so I assume the Azdel is only in the 2 sidewalls and not the front, back, roof & floor?

Mattress upgrade: Looks like this goes from standard 74" foam to a 78" pillowtop. I'm 6' so 78" is better. My question is "does the bed frame change" or does it stay the same. Curious if the in stock model at the dealer has the standard mattress can they just order the upgrade or do they need to change the bed frame also.

Any opinions on the upgrade to black fridge insert or leave standard wood grain?

Caliber Edition: Must have for us(love the pull out bumper rack)! Not sure we want or need the power jacks but we will see. I have read some stuff about them bending etc. Any opinions?

[Speedogomer]

lerchrv.com/listing/new-2014-keystone-rv-outback-250rs-new-travel-trailer-rv-camper

If you're driving that far, check out the dealer I bought mine from... They have an Outback 250rs. Same Floorpla as the Terrain, but a few nicer features.

[Gaffer222]

The King bed in the 260 and 250 are 72 x 75" and I wanted the 80" bed as I am tall also. I was surprised that I felt comfortable in the 250TRS 75" bed but I thinks it's due to the headboard is straight up and down unlike front Queen bed models where your head is up against the sloped front. 250 & 260 have no entertainment center crowding your feet. At first we really wanted an entertainment center with swivel TV separating Bed and Galley. We now agree the ent center is claustrophobic and confining.

[Gaffer222]

Speedogomer wrote:
What about the Outback Terrain 230trs.... Yes it's a toy hauler technically... But that just means easy storage of large items while traveling... I believe the bottom bunk in that unit is oversized... It's an option to think about.

I looked hard at some toy haulers, they toy area opens up a huge room that can be used as a porch, or living area. They really interested me.

I tossed that idea around but we currently have a HTT with no side slide and it's tight. We want the dinette slide and a couch under 28' so it looks like the 250TRS is the one. The wider king bed slide is a bonus. Two local dealers are stalling at dealing price over the phone since yesterday. Would like to have it before Memorial Day but that may not be possible if it has to be ordered. May have to drive to Michigan or Ohio to get a good deal in the right time frame. Maybe make it into a trip to visit family in Chicago area.

[Speedogomer]

What about the Outback Terrain 230trs.... Yes it's a toy hauler technically... But that just means easy storage of large items while traveling... I believe the bottom bunk in that unit is oversized... It's an option to think about.

I looked hard at some toy haulers, they toy area opens up a huge room that can be used as a porch, or living area. They really interested me.

[Speedogomer]

Gaffer222 wrote:

dinimaus wrote:
Mmmm interesting. Looked at the Outback but didn`t like the bunk size. We had a TT with small bunk but my son was never comfortable, thats why we need to change to bigger bunks.
Good luck to us, hope we will find what we are looking for.
Did you do any research on how the Sunset Trail 240BHS is built and quality?

I have not spent much time on that one as the wife decided she really wants a couch. We have one now and she does not want to give it up. The kids said they like the Outback the best even though it had the smaller bunks. They have not actually slept in them.

Here is a LINK to the CrossRoads Forum.

In my Outback Terrain 260trs, I can lay comfortably in one bunk, the other is a bit shorter and I can't stretch out. I'm 6'1" 225lbs.

In a smaller trailer, the only way you're going to get a King sized bed is in the Outbacks... I'm not sure any other smaller trailers have them.

This is one of the big reasons why we went with the Outback Terrain. Short queen beds just weren't cutting it for us.

[Gaffer222]

dinimaus wrote:
Mmmm interesting. Looked at the Outback but didn`t like the bunk size. We had a TT with small bunk but my son was never comfortable, thats why we need to change to bigger bunks.
Good luck to us, hope we will find what we are looking for.
Did you do any research on how the Sunset Trail 240BHS is built and quality?

I have not spent much time on that one as the wife decided she really wants a couch. We have one now and she does not want to give it up. The kids said they like the Outback the best even though it had the smaller bunks. They have not actually slept in them.

Here is a LINK to the CrossRoads Forum.

[dinimaus]

Mmmm interesting. Looked at the Outback but didn`t like the bunk size. We had a TT with small bunk but my son was never comfortable, thats why we need to change to bigger bunks.
Good luck to us, hope we will find what we are looking for.
Did you do any research on how the Sunset Trail 240BHS is built and quality?

[Gaffer222]

One more FYI, A friend of our's purchased a Keystone Passport 2300BH last fall. Keystone documentation/website states it has 60 x 80 bed. Guess what.. We measured and the mattress is actually only 78" I guess some of the manufactures label the beds like lumber is labeled. 2x4 does not measure 2" x 4"!

Bottom line is if a bed stated at 80" and is right up against a wall etc you may have issues if you are tall.

[Gaffer222]

dinimaus wrote:
We are interested in the North Trail 24BHS. Ordered one without seeing it and the mattress space between mattress and entertainment center is really important. They called the rep and he called the product manager and they assured us there is space. They are starting production on it in a few days. I did a lot of research on build, quality and value. I looked at Kodiak 240, Sunset Trail ST240, Apex 259, Jayco White Hawk 25 and also the Creekside 23BHS from Outdoors RV. Loved the Sunset Trail long 60x80 bed and lots of storage, but was not convinced of how it was build. Love how the Creekside is build but small 36X74 bunks. My husband is 6ft4 so if there is no extra room for his feet then this is a no go. We requested they put into the purchase agreement, if that unit has not the foot room we are not obligated. I don`t know what to do now after reading this. What are your opinions on Crossroads Sunset Trail lite 240?
Maybe some advice? Thanks

Sorry to be bearer of bad news but....Below is a thread post(LINK to Heartland Forum Post) response from the Heartland North Trail Product Manager from the Heartland Forum. We drove a 4 hour round trip to look at it after we were informed by the product manager the 78" mattress fits. Guess what NOPE.. Heartland has really not been reliable with information so far in my experience. Seeing I did not fit in the bed and there is no storage in the bathroom other than the small med cabinet we are done looking at Heartland products. We are now looking at the Keystone Outback Terrain 250TRS. Looks like we may go with that. Has some outside storage issues but I think we may have figured that out. Getting prices from a few dealers now. Here is a linkto thread I having going on that unit

We looked at the Cross Roads Sunset Trail Super Light 2014 ST240BH at the RV show and liked it a lot. I don't have my notes with me but the off the top of my head the issues I have are the small gray and black tanks. No front window in the slide due to the cabinet. That may be our #2 choice right now.


You are correct on the mattress, the 78" pillow top will not fit in this 24BHS. I was just informed by my engineer after I questioned him about it. Sometimes information doesnt alway flow or we start to assume thing. I'm sorry about the confusion. Also, with this particular floorplan, we used every inch of this floorplan, to give you double bunk over bunk, outside kitchen, U-shape dinette and a 40" TV box all in a 24ft living space, that there isn't much room to put the mechanicals.

Please let me know if I can do anything for you.

Mike C

[dinimaus]

We are interested in the North Trail 24BHS. Ordered one without seeing it and the mattress space between mattress and entertainment center is really important. They called the rep and he called the product manager and they assured us there is space. They are starting production on it in a few days. I did a lot of research on build, quality and value. I looked at Kodiak 240, Sunset Trail ST240, Apex 259, Jayco White Hawk 25 and also the Creekside 23BHS from Outdoors RV. Loved the Sunset Trail long 60x80 bed and lots of storage, but was not convinced of how it was build. Love how the Creekside is build but small 36X74 bunks. My husband is 6ft4 so if there is no extra room for his feet then this is a no go. We requested they put into the purchase agreement, if that unit has not the foot room we are not obligated. I don`t know what to do now after reading this. What are your opinions on Crossroads Sunset Trail lite 240?
Maybe some advice? Thanks

[Gaffer222]

We looked at the North Trail 24BHS today at Flagg RV. The unit had the standard 74" mattress. I measured the distance between the headboard to the pocket doors and there is no way a 78" mattress will fit. Maybe something changed in the 24BHS build to accommodate the optional 78" mattress since this one was built as the 78" is listed as an option. Short mattress may be a dealer killer for us along with there is no storage in the bathroom except a small medicine cabinet. The bathroom seemed large compared to most similar floor plans and all the others have at least some storage under the sink. The 24BHS vanity has no door or storage. The unit seems to be interior storage poor compared to similar floor plans by other manufactures. Interior storage limitations and to short of a mattress were really our only issue with this unit. On a positive note the construction quality seems to be much better than most. We had a good experience at Flagg Rv in Uxbridge MA as we were greeted immediately and offered drinks while we awaited for the salesman etc. Very nice building, parts store, clean bathrooms etc. The lot was well kept and setup nicely. Can't comment on purchase experience or service but first impressions were better than most!

[WoodGlue]

They probably tried to vacuum bond the Azdel which is a no no iirc.

WoodGlue

[Gaffer222]

WoodGlue wrote:
Azdel is good! Worth the price difference!

Finally, a "mainstream" mfg starts using Azdel! It's about time!!!

WoodGlue

Maybe not......... Looks like they had issues and halted the Azdel for now. That's the issue with perceived improvements. You never know if it's really better until it is proved through the test of time.

[JJensen79]

Gaffer222 wrote:
I called Heartland back this morning as they have not emailed or called me back after several attempts.

Spoke to a rep who told me:

They not using Azdel anymore as they had delam problems. I asked if they were back to using Luan and he said they never stopped using Luan. I told him I thought Azdel replaces Luan and he said no Azdel replaces Filon. Either I am confused or he does not really know how their walls are constructed.

I asked about the upgraded mattress being 78" and did the bed frame get adjusted for that. He said the upgrade was just to pillowtop and stays the same as the foam 74". I said the website etc says it's upgraded to a 78" Pillowtop. He said yes it is. I questioned that he just contradicted himself and again he said it will be 78" I'm not confident with his answer.

He said the Pearl package includes a smoother higher gloss exterior(Filon) but was Azdel before they stopped using Azdel(correct me if I'm wrong I don't think this is correct.
I questioned the upgraded graphics, skirt & black trim and diamond plate as stated in the Pearl package description. He said all the North Trails have the same graphics, skirt, trim and diamond plate now. How is this listed as an upgrade and charging extra for it?

This may all sound like I was being rude but I was very polite and just looking for accurate info. I'm not impressed with Heartland's customer service as I am more confused than I was before I spoke with them.

I think the rep you talked to was confused. I stopped by my dealer yesterday to pick up a couple things and looked at one of there pearl packages. It specifically stated that they use adzel. It also has black skirts, trim and diamond plate. The designs (swirls) are the same and in the same spots, however the look like marble or granite instead of the solid colors. I did not look that closely at the actual exterior surface to see if was smoother or glossier than the standard walls.
Not sure on the bed.
The other thing I noticed was that all of heartlands 2014 models had the correct track wheel alignment system on them.