Heartland RVs introduces luxury fifth wheel model

ELKHART, Ind. (April 2007) - Heartland Recreational Vehicles has increased retail sales and growth thanks in large part to the Bighorn, a mid-priced fifth-wheel model on the market today.

On the heels of a 254 percent retail sales growth in 2006, Heartland reported that the Bighorn is even better for 2008.

"For 2008 we have totally redesigned the Bighorn fifth wheel so that more than ever it has the luxury, appeal and features that today's high-end buyers and extended stay campers are looking for," said Tim Hoffman, vice president of sales.

The 2008 Bighorn offers many of the features that made the Landmark, Heartland's flagship fiver, a leader in the industry patent-pending 88-degree turning radius, universal docking center, large pass through storage and drop frame storage, along with a remarkable degree of elegance.

Bighorn's elegant feel begins in the spacious living room which features a standard 26-inch LCD flat screen TV on a swivel mount with home theatre system. Space behind the TV holds shelving for DVDs, videos and CDs. The Bighorn's new rear entertainment models feature a 42-inch LCD TV standard. Other Bighorn features include its 100 percent stained hardwood cabinet doors and stiles, free standing dinette with storage in the chairs and table and elegant slide-out fascia. The upgraded sofa turns into a self-inflating air mattress bed at the touch of a button. Decorative glass inserts add a residential touch to the room.

Bighorn's elegance continues in the kitchen, where you'll find large islands and stained Amish-crafted hardwood cabinets with steel ball-bearing drawer guides with full extension. Among the new features are:

* Upgraded solid-surface countertops with magnificent waterfall edges
* Oil-rubbed bronze hardware
* Microwave/convection oven
* Upgraded kitchen sink with solid-surface inserts and pull-out sprayer faucet

The residential feel of the Bighorn's bedroom is carried out through a custom-built hardwood dresser with six oversized drawers and shelf storage. The king bed-sized slideout features a full-width walk-in front wardrobe with roomy built-in storage and stunning headboard with matching fascia. Two windows provide cross ventilation.

New to the roomy bathroom are a residentially inspired porcelain sink and one-piece fiberglass shower enclosure, which set it apart from the competition.

Bighorn offers four interior decors to choose from: camel suede, burgundy chestnut, emerald patina and majestic blue.

Bighorn comes in seven floor plans, with three new plans offering the roomy side-aisle bathroom design. Select Bighorn models offer a large linen closet designed to house a stackable washer/dryer, another feature usually available only in high-end fifth-wheels.

Outside, the universal docking center was made with a new configuration featuring an exterior shower; all tank pull handles; phone, satellite, cable, and TV connections; a black tank flush kit; and a liquid soap dispenser. "Our UDC (universal docking center) is a direct reflection of Heartland listening to what the fifth owners have to say. This design encompasses what the actual owners are looking for to enhance their camping experience," said Hoffman, "and it's just one of the many things that sets BIGHORN apart from the competition."

The redesigned Bighorn also comes equipped with an upgraded Trail-Air EquaFlex suspension systems which provides the smoothest ride possible.

Bighorn's new drop-frame design dramatically increases its exterior storage capacity. This industry-leading storage area features a new black diamond-vinyl floor with steel tie downs to better secure gear during travel. Initial feedback shows that customers love this new feature. In all, the Bighorn offers more than 145 cubic feet of exterior storage space.

The Bighorn offers a turning radius which provides up to 30 percent increased turning capabilities. You can achieve up to an 88-degree turn in today's popular short-bed, extended-cab trucks, without the need for an expensive slider hitch.

The Bighorn offers increased capacities for fresh water (75 gallons), grey water (90 gallons), black water (45 gallons), water heater (12 gallons), A/C (15,000 BTU), furnace (35,000 BTU) and LP (two 30-gallon tanks).

Options include aluminum rims, electric rear stabilizer jacks, dual pane windows, fireplace, a central vacuum system, and a 12-cubic-foot, side-by-side refrigerator with ice maker.

Models range from 33 to 38 feet and carry an MSRP of between $45,000 and $55,000.

"We are really starting to see a number of people take advantage of the Bighorn's affordability as well as experienced fifth wheel owners who are choosing the Bighorn's features and value over fifth wheels priced in the $70,000-plus range. So we are seeing people step up into a Bighorn, as well as save money by stepping down from the high-end fifth wheel market. When they hit the equal button, the Bighorn simply offers the best value for both sets of buyers," Hoffman said.