After years of camping with a large family, our camping style has changed a lot. We went from owning a Sundance 294BH bunkhouse built around kids, extra sleeping space, and busy campground adventures to stepping into a Heartland Bighorn 31RL designed more for how Matt and I travel today, slow, relaxed, and centered around us.
These days, our travels look different. We spend more time on longer road trips, travel for work, write on the road, and settle into destinations for more than just a weekend. We wanted something that felt comfortable, solid, functional, and truly built for long-term travel.
For us, this was not about finding the flashiest RV on the lot. It was about finding the right fit for this season of life.
Moving From a Bunkhouse to a Couples Coach
The Sundance 294BH served our family well for years. Like many families, we loved the extra beds, kid-friendly setup, and all the storage that came with raising and traveling with a big crew.
But eventually, the kids grew up.
Somewhere along the way, the bunkhouse became storage instead of sleeping space, and our priorities shifted. We started looking for a layout that felt more residential and comfortable for two people spending a longer time on the road.
That is exactly what drew us to the Bighorn 31RL.
The rear living layout immediately felt different, in a good way. Large windows brought in 180 degrees of natural light, the seating felt comfortable rather than cramped, and the overall design gave the RV a more homey feel rather than a simple camping setup.
As travel writers, we also needed a space where we could realistically work while on the road. The kitchen, living area, and the floor plan’s overall functionality made it feel practical for longer stays and for working remotely while traveling.
Why Inspection Matters More Than Ever
After years of RV ownership, one thing we have learned is that delivery day matters.
Experienced RV owners know that even minor preventable issues can quickly affect a trip, especially on long-distance trips. One thing that gave us additional confidence with the Bighorn was learning about Heartland’s dedicated PDI facility.
The fact that completed RVs undergo an inspection process focused on both functionality and appearance mattered to us because peace of mind before hitting the road is important. When you travel often, confidence in your RV becomes part of the overall experience.
The Construction Details Experienced RVers Notice
One thing seasoned RV owners pay attention to is how an RV feels when you step inside it.
The Bighorn’s CoreShield construction stood out because the coach felt solid and well-built. Features like reinforced walls and upgraded insulation may not sound exciting at first, but experienced RVers know those details matter over time.
Better insulation helps during both hot summers and chilly spring or fall camping trips. Stronger construction also helps create a quieter interior experience and adds durability after thousands of miles on the road.
These are the types of things longtime RV owners tend to appreciate because they directly impact day-to-day comfort and long-term ownership.
Comfort Changes the Camping Experience
Another thing we noticed quickly was how comfortable the cooling system felt inside the coach.
The Whisper Quiet cooling system created more even airflow throughout the RV, and the operation felt quieter than some previous camping experiences we have had over the years. Trust me, this A/C doesn’t sound like an airplane taking off.
That may seem small, but when you spend extended time in an RV, quieter airflow, better temperature consistency, and comfortable sleeping conditions genuinely change the overall camping experience.
Especially during summer travel, those details become a much bigger deal than many first-time RV shoppers realize.
The Things You Cannot Always See Matter Most
One lesson experience teaches RV owners is that some of the most important features are the ones you never actually see.
The custom-engineered frame on the Heartland Bighorn gave us additional confidence while towing, as stability and handling matter on long travel days. Over time, RV owners learn to appreciate strong foundations and thoughtful engineering because those features impact durability and towing confidence mile after mile and trip after trip.
Those unseen details often become the difference between simply owning an RV and truly enjoying traveling in it long term.
Why Solar Matters to How We Travel Today
Camping styles have changed a lot over the years, and flexibility matters more than ever.
The PowerUp Solar options on the Bighorn were another feature that fit how we travel today. Having the ability to comfortably power essentials during overnight stops, while traveling, or during more off-grid experiences adds flexibility and convenience to trip planning.
For modern RV travel, integrated solar capability simply makes sense. It creates more freedom and makes travel days feel easier and less restrictive.
Why the Bighorn 31RL Felt Right for Us
At the end of the day, the Bighorn 31RL simply matched how we travel now.
We loved:
- The rear living comfort
- The residential feel
- The large windows and natural light
- The seating layout for relaxing or entertaining
- The practical kitchen setup
- The comfortable feel for long trips
- The workspace flexibility for writing and content creation
Most importantly, it felt like a space we could truly enjoy living in during our travels.
For us, the decision was not just about finding a new RV. It was about finding an RV that matched this chapter of life and gave us confidence for the miles ahead.
Content written by brand ambassador and travel writer Brandy Gleason from Gleason Family Adventure. (Purchased a 2026 Bighorn 31RL)
