Bighorn NAME (Traveler)

[Bones]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

We looked at the Bighorn Traveler at the ExploreUSA lunch event, during the North Texas Rally in Canton this weekend.

I am not saying I am "for" this, but trying to explain the concept behind it.

The Traveler does not compare AT ALL to a BigHorn, but I think it is definitely an upgraded "look" compared to an Oakmont.

In this case, ExploreUSA, one of the largest dealer networks in Texas, carries Landmark, BigHorn, BigCountry, Gateway, Sundance and Prowler. I think they did carry Oakmont. Now they'll be carrying BigHorn Traveler. At this location, they only had the Mid-Bunk style Travelers, but they are also carrying the rear den plan.

I think if you see how different they are, you'd understand they aren't "dragging down" the name, but creating a trust-factor. If an un-educated consumer sees "BigHorn" and has seen many other "BigHorn" trailers in parks and on the road, or read about them in Trailer Life, there is brand recognition, which hopefully builds a bridge to future investigation.

Personally, I don't have a clue about any of the "levels" of Montana. But when I hear it's a "Montana" it creates a reaction specific to that brand. In my case, a negative one, because I've never liked their interiors.

I too walked into a traveler. I noticed a considerable difference. The front bedroom felt smaller.

 

[TravelTiger]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

Hi Erika,

Can you provide some bullets about what you saw that is different between the full profile Traveler and the luxury Bighorn?

Thanks.

Tim

Tim, the Traveler is essentially the same as the Oakmont, if you ever looked at that. What they've done is add some of the same features found in a full Bighorn.

We went to the Dallas RV Show, and they of course were showing this new line off. I saw a family with a teen getting their pic taken as they had purchased the mid-bunk model. The salesman said "Say Bighorn!" as he took their picture.

It showed really well when all lit up on display, but to the knowledgeable eye, it's not a Bighorn.

A few things we saw:
The kitchen countertops (except for the edge), cabinetry color and style look like a Bighorn. However, I noticed that other surfaces that would be solid surface are instead formica.
The woodwork details in columns around the entertainment center were different.
The bathroom sink is plastic drop-in, not a smooth undermount. (countertop was formica)
The closet and other doors are not the quality of the Bighorn.
Not as much bedroom cabinetry as a BigHorn.
The slideouts are not as tall as in a Bighorn.
No paneled ceiling or wood coffers like the Bighorn.
The bedroom ceiling slopes more towards the front cap and the bed slideout was much shorter. (reminded us of our ElkRidge)
Some of the high cabinetry (above seating, etc.) did not have lift shocks.
NO Whisper quiet AC, so you see the big white grate on the ceiling.
Chair rail is simpler looking.
Cabinetry "glass inserts" are different.
Smaller residential fridge.
Single bowl sink in kitchen.
No carpet in the living room (all vinyl).
I think they have same carpet in the basement that are on the walls of the basement.

Remember that this unit is 3 steps below a Bighorn on the hierarchy:

Bighorn
BigCountry
Gateway
Bighorn Traveler

 

[StrongJava]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

Thank you Erika. I asked because, as I've posted before, we're looking for a new coach but it has to have the desk or a layout that we like AND that lets me put in a desk. And I really would like to avoid >40'. When I saw the Traveler, it caught my eye. However, I think the lack of whisper quiet AC is a show stopper for me, especially being in South Central Texas as much as we are!

 

[TravelTiger]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

Thank you Erika. I asked because, as I've posted before, we're looking for a new coach but it has to have the desk or a layout that we like AND that lets me put in a desk. And I really would like to avoid >40'. When I saw the Traveler, it caught my eye. However, I think the lack of whisper quiet AC is a show stopper for me, especially being in South Central Texas as much as we are!

I think if you want a fulltimers RV, I would stick to those designed and warranted for it: BigHorn, Big Country, and of course Landmark.

I can vouch for our rear den configuration as one that adapts very well to adding desk. (BigCountry 4010RD) But it is 42' I believe.

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[StrongJava]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

Hi Erika,

Yes, we exchanged some messages early this year or last fall about this. While a possibility, we don't like the length or the fact that there isn't a rear window. I'd be okay with the rear TV if it was on a lift and we could have the light and view when not watching it.

I went through the 3D view online, and did not see a designated pantry?

Right now, if Heartland doesn't come out with a desk option in one of the top three brands, we'll either go with the Bighorn 3760 and heavily modify the desk area or we'll search for a brand that better suits our needs. I'm not crazy about either path.

That said, we have some other high priority things right now, like selling our Virginia house and some health issues.

Tim

 

[TravelTiger]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

Hi Erika,

Yes, we exchanged some messages early this year or last fall about this. While a possibility, we don't like the length or the fact that there isn't a rear window. I'd be okay with the rear TV if it was on a lift and we could have the light and view when not watching it.

I went through the 3D view online, and did not see a designated pantry?

Right now, if Heartland doesn't come out with a desk option in one of the top three brands, we'll either go with the Bighorn 3760 and heavily modify the desk area or we'll search for a brand that better suits our needs. I'm not crazy about either path.

That said, we have some other high priority things right now, like selling our Virginia house and some health issues.

Tim

The BigHorn 3950RD might be more to your liking. A true pantry and the tv on a lift with rear window.



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[WBG]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

Hi Erika,

Yes, we exchanged some messages early this year or last fall about this. While a possibility, we don't like the length or the fact that there isn't a rear window. I'd be okay with the rear TV if it was on a lift and we could have the light and view when not watching it.

I went through the 3D view online, and did not see a designated pantry?

Right now, if Heartland doesn't come out with a desk option in one of the top three brands, we'll either go with the Bighorn 3760 and heavily modify the desk area or we'll search for a brand that better suits our needs. I'm not crazy about either path.

That said, we have some other high priority things right now, like selling our Virginia house and some health issues.

Tim

We have the 3570 and it had a super great pantry, a slide out desk surface that works great to me and is only 38" long

 

[jmgratz]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

I guess I look at the Bighorn issue like GM and Ford marked some of their vehicles. Example, the Ford Crown Victoria was not much more than a stripped down Mercury or the Chevy Impala was a Stripped down Cadillac. The biggest difference is both vehicles like in the Ford example were made by Ford and the Chevy example made by GM. Now in the Bighorn example both products are made by Heartland so to follow the same line of thinking the Oakmont was a stripped down Bighorn? Not.. Seems to me like after awhile the brands compete against themselves such as the Bighorn has gotten into the Luxury RV market so much it compete with the Landmark. The Big Country has been upgraded to the point it takes away Bighorn customers. At one time there was a real distinction between the brands. No more. Maybe it is time to go back to the distinction and not compete against itself.

 

[StrongJava]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

Hi Jim--

I think what you're saying make sense. I'd rather see less lines and more variety in floor plans. There are five different lines in the Full-Profile class, and three in the Luxury class. I don't get it.

Apple, Inc, under Steve Jobs, really drove that point home. Simplify the product line, lead the customer (innovation), and knock the quality out of the park. You do that, and you can charge a premium.

It is disappointing to me that even though there are so many lines and floor plans, I would still have to "settle" on a new RV. Baffles me.
Tim

I guess I look at the Bighorn issue like GM and Ford marked some of their vehicles. Example, the Ford Crown Victoria was not much more than a stripped down Mercury or the Chevy Impala was a Stripped down Cadillac. The biggest difference is both vehicles like in the Ford example were made by Ford and the Chevy example made by GM. Now in the Bighorn example both products are made by Heartland so to follow the same line of thinking the Oakmont was a stripped down Bighorn? Not.. Seems to me like after awhile the brands compete against themselves such as the Bighorn has gotten into the Luxury RV market so much it compete with the Landmark. The Big Country has been upgraded to the point it takes away Bighorn customers. At one time there was a real distinction between the brands. No more. Maybe it is time to go back to the distinction and not compete against itself.

 

[SNOKING]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

Except premium price trailers, think Hitchhiker, Excel, Carriage and others could not make it in the long run. We felt that the Bighorn was a nice balance between cost and what you got for it. When we bought it after a lot of research and looking we planned to just snowbird. Then someone offered to buy our home which was not on the market. So now we are living in it and may buy a park model in Arizona park and just sunbird in it.

 

[Bones]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

Why does the Bighorn Traveler have a dropped frame?

 

[TravelTiger]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

Why does the Bighorn Traveler have a dropped frame?

Probably for storage. It creates a bigger basement.


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[Bones]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

Probably for storage. It creates a bigger basement.


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I'm asking because none of the other trailer has a drop frame in the same category

 

[Shortest Straw]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

So I am guessing the Oakmont line is going away completely?

 

[TravelTiger]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

So I am guessing the Oakmont line is going away completely?

Yes, I believe Tom Montague said the Oakmont is discontinued and the Bighorn Traveler is taking its place.


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[JohnD]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

So I am guessing the Oakmont line is going away completely?

Yes, I believe Tom Montague said the Oakmont is discontinued and the Bighorn Traveler is taking its place.

I believe that Jim B. talked about this at the Mountaindale Rally as well.

 

[Shortest Straw]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

Yes, I believe Tom Montague said the Oakmont is discontinued and the Bighorn Traveler is taking its place.


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That's unfortunate. We get compliments on ours all the time. Strangers asking to look inside. The most common comment was that folks didn't know the even existed. If you look on the Heartland Facebook page I don't think they know either.


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[dkelly243]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

Good evening to all. I just purchased a traveler yesterday. 37ss model. I was in the same boat as most of you guys about 3 weeks ago. Had a deal worked out on a BH3875FB model. The intres rate came back higher than we agreed upon and I backed out of the deal. Here was my reasoning for going with the traveler. I will not be retired for 3 to 5 years. Hence we will probably use rv about 8 to 10 times a year for weekend trips. So instead of spending xx,000 I spent yy,000 knowing I will be upgrading in 4 years or so. Make know mistake, I am fully aware my rv is not the hogh end bighorn. I didn't buy it to try to fool myself into believing I hAve a bighorn. I bought it because it's a nice rv and we love the extra slide in the bedroom. I promise if ever parked next to a real "Bighorn" while camping I will tape a towel over the Bighorn name on the front cap.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

.... I promise if ever parked next to a real "Bighorn" while camping I will tape a towel over the Bighorn name on the front cap.

You can PROUDLY park your Bighorn next to mine anytime.....and leave your towel in the trailer!

 

[Mrsfish]

Re: Bighorn. NAME

You can PROUDLY park your Bighorn next to mine anytime.....and leave your towel in the trailer!

amen!! Welcome aboard- hope to meet you down the road!