3210 or 3010???

[rtataryn]

I'm planning on buying either an '09 3210 or a '10 3010 in the next few weeks. I love both of the floorplans and the size/length is perfect at 35 feet with a 10' garage. I do like the loft in the 3210, but I love the all enclosed bathroom of the 3010.

My biggest question/concern is that even though they both have similar size, length and dry weights of around 11,500, the 3010 is a dual axle with a gross rating of 14K and the 3210 is a triple axle with a gross rating of 18K. Big difference. It seems with a few options, full fluids, and my toys/gear I'll be pushing or possibly even exceeding the 2,500 lb loading capacity of the 3010, but would have nothing to worry about with the 3210 . . . as it is able to take on 6,500 lbs if needed. Any thoughts on this??? Am I right on my loading math?

Also, would the triple axle tow smoother, steadier than the double. It just seems like a more solid set-up with three axles. . . especially for a toy hauler. Love to hear some comments on this. I'm sure Heartland wouldn't have gone to a two-axle system if it wasn't capable to handle the load, but why the change? Was the triple axle overkill for the 3210?

Thanks for your comments.

 

[thomasinnv]

2500# cargo capacity is nothing. just some camping gear and one quad and your maxed out. remember, the 2500# includes all your dishes, food, fresh water, propane etc. and if you have any dealer installed options that takes away from the cc as well. 2500# just isn't enough in my opinion, even without loading any toys.

 

[crazybanshee]

We went from a double to triple axle. Triple rides alot smoother with less bucking. Plus more weight capacity.
Doug

 

[Detmer]

I own a 2009 3210 and I can say that I love this trailer. It tows straight as an arrow. No problem doing 65-70 on the highway. Stops good.
I might be biased but I would go with the 3210. Can never have enough capacity. Would rather have it and not need it.
My Own opinion about the bathroom is that the enclosed bathroom is very nice looking but it appears to make the bedroom look and feel a bunch smaller. My bedroom is nice and roomy when you get out of the bed on that one side. So unless having the enclosed bathroom is a privacy issue, I think there is actually more room in the open plan like the 3210.
Remember, Just my own opinion though.
Good luck on whatever you decide. Heartland makes a nice product.

 

[rtataryn]

Thanks for your thoughts and replies. I had a very good conversation with Mike Aplin at Heartland on the phone the other day on this subject. The quick rundown on the change to 2 vs. 3 axle for the 3010 was to create a mid-profile Toy Hauler in their lineup and avoid be too repetitive in floorplans among their models - which is why the 3210 was canceled. The design and CCC is meant to be more suited to a small family or couple rather than a larger family that would need more space and hauling capacity. Many of the "competitor's" "smaller" (35 foot - 10 foot garage) units are dual-axle and there seems to be a strong market for this length, cost, and CCC hauler. In comparison to them, Cyclone uses dual 7K axles, rather than 6K like the others, and for it's intended purpose is a very capable unit. But of course, if you need more capacity and load needs you can certainly bump up to a larger unit with triple-axle. Makes good sense to me. He did say that he doesn't worry about sharp turns with triple axles, he rides them pretty hard without issues, and the stopping power of a triple is better. But the dual-axle for this 3010 unit keeps the costs down and is appropriate for its purpose. Mike was awesome to talk to. He really knows his product and loves to talk about it. I was impressed . . . and that's saying alot. )

 

[LGBBusDriver]

We have had our 2008 3210 for two full seasons and couldn't be happier. I saw the new 3010 and liked all the changes EXCEPT the loss of the loft!! That loft has proven soo useful, that I would never consider a rig without one. Granted we have three kids and sometimes as many friends along for the weekend. Also we do some long trips where we spend a quick night and don't even open up the garage so the added sleeping area in loft works out great!

 

[rtataryn]

We have had our 2008 3210 for two full seasons and couldn't be happier. I saw the new 3010 and liked all the changes EXCEPT the loss of the loft!! That loft has proven soo useful, that I would never consider a rig without one. Granted we have three kids and sometimes as many friends along for the weekend. Also we do some long trips where we spend a quick night and don't even open up the garage so the added sleeping area in loft works out great!

Yea- great point, I agree. I love the loft in the 3210 and it's too bad it's gone in the 3010. I didn't think of that, but I can see how useful it would be on longer trips, even with a couple of kids, where you don't want to unload the garage just to sleep a while, especially at a rest-stop or Wal-Mart.

If you look at the two trailers, the 3210 has a flat, level roof, while the 3010 slopes down just behind the kitchen door. So there is about a foot less ceiling height in the cargo area of the 3010 than the 3210 - and the rear cargo door is only 7' instead of the larger 8' door on the 3210. That sloping roof-line obviously restricts the height needed for a loft. Quite a bit different design altogether. Two axle, 10 inch I-beam instead of 12". Some significant differences. They did, however make the water tank larger. 110 gal vs.75. That's a nice improvement.

 

[TNT]

We just purchased 2009 3210. We had a 2 axle 32' toy hauler from another mfr. before that and love how the 3210 tows and brakes much better compared to it. We love how the loft makes the living space seem more open and love the 8ft door versus the 7ft. We high centered our Harley on our old one that way. Good luck with your decision. Calling Heartland was a great idea and his comments were good, but we will never have a 2 axle again if it means we don't have to have a unit longer than 36 ft. in length.

Tom & Tina

 

[rtataryn]

Thanks for all these great replies. Well, it was a tough choice, but I finally went with the 3010. Even though I wish it were a triple axle, the dual 7K's will hopefully be enough for my needs with the loads I'll be hauling. Ultimately, even without a loft, this floorplan won me over. I'll post more thoughts later, once I get some time in it. My first impressions are very, very good though so far - this is a very well-built unit with a lot of great features. Happy to be a Cyclone owner. )

 

[porthole]

I too had spoken with Mike a few times and then went to the plant for a visit.
Was able to see the 3010 in every stage of production - from a bare chassis to a sealed and ready to ship item. Sealed = after he trailer leaves the last bay, final touch ups cleaning etc someone checks the trailer - locks it - and then puts a seal over the keyhole.
Jim Hickey did my escort tour and had to make arrangements to get the unit unlocked and resealed for m e see the finished item.

I had been comparing all the SOB mid size units and a couple of triple axles trailers.

I ordered my 3010 2 days ago and we are now awaiting confirmation and a VIN number - and making plans.

Duane