First, I would like to say congrats on deciding to go with Heartland. My wife and I purchased our 3rd fifth-wheel unit last year and we decided to go with a 3 slider by Greystone (Heartland). We spent a long time looking at various manufacturers designs and kept coming back to the 29mk. As you are probably experiencing yourself, finding a local dealer on the East coast once you decide on a model or two can be challenging. We took possession of our 2012 29mk back in September; probably one of the first 2012s off the line from what we gathered from Heartland and the dealership we went through. We have already used it quite a bit and absolutely love it! We are very, very pleased with the quality of the unit. I have done a few things with the unit and have thoroughly looked at the construction.....it is so much of an improvement over the last units we owned (both Keystone). Ever since, my wife and I have enthusiastically recommended Heartland to anyone we have come across looking to purchase.
Now, having said this, I must forwarn you about my experience with Crossroads, in NJ. I was looking for a 2011 and hoping to find the best deal since the season was ending. I found a 29mk that was advertised as new, at Crossroads. Only when I called a couple of times and started asking numerous questions did the sales guy finally tell me that he had sold that unit to a retiree a few months earlier who came back to trade up to the larger 36' unit (29mk is 31'). Therefore, technically, the unit was "used". When we started trying to get a price, I was not very pleased at the offer and sales guy didnt want to work with me. My wife and I got irritated and tired of the seach. So we called Heartland directly and asked for assistance in locating a 29mk on the East coast. Cant remember his name but he was very helpful, polite, and prompt in helping us. We told us what we were looking for and it ended up that a 2012 was on the factory floor being built. We had the option of choosing some colors at that point and a couple of options we wanted too.
Anyway, Heartland told us it was going to RV Outlet, in Danville, VA. They called that dealership for us and worked out EVERYTHING! We got a brand new 2012 29mk, with our choices, for just under what Crossroads wanted for their used 2011 29mk!!!!!!! Had to drive 5 hours each way, but we are so happy it worked out that way.
Well, that's all. I saw this one and wanted to go ahead and give my 2 cents. Really, really pleased with Heartland both in terms of their product and staff. RV OUTLET was really good too. I believe our sales person was "Bill". Always was prompt returning our calls...and with answers. Upon picking up the unit, their shop guys spent 2 hours with me going over access to different things on the unit, etc. (I'm a bit of a do it yourselfer) Ironically, I havnt had a single problem with my Greystone.
Also, I have pulled heavy 5ers with a RAM 2500- in the Rockies, Canada, deserts of Utah, all over. You dont need to bother with a dually unless you plan on getting a heavy trailer riding on the hitch ball. For a fifth-wheel, a 2500 Chevy, Dodge, or Ford will do you just fine. I mean it! Oh, and 4:10 gearing on the dually will get you turning 3500 rpm just to go 55 down the interstate. My RAM 2500 has 3:73 gearing and we do fine. Ok, well best of luck!!!!! Bill and Sarah Neale