Families RV Wish List featuring Heartland RVs

What Are The Best New Heartland RVs For These 3 Families?

With so many new Heartland models and floor plans rolling out in 2024, it’s a great time to reevaluate what makes an RV your ideal. A model that was perfect for you ten years ago might not be what you need now. Like some families, maybe your family has grown, and you need a model with more beds. Perhaps your kids have flown the coop, and you’re looking to downsize and upgrade your RV features. Or maybe you’re just hoping to find the kind of amenities you could only dream about in the past, like a bathtub, dishwasher, or a second bathroom.

Three of our favorite Heartland-owning families have found themselves in the same position for 2024. They’re shopping for new RV models with a wishlist of features, so we checked in with each family to get a better understanding of what they’re looking for. Then we paired them with the Heartland models that fit their needs best.

The Gleasons

Brandy and Matt Gleason are powerhouse RV owners. With an RVing blog called Gleason Family Adventure and a published book Brandy wrote called 100 Things to Do in Ohio Before You Die, the Gleasons know their stuff. They have eight adult kids, two sons-in-law, and three grandkids. Now that the Gleasons are empty nesters, they’re looking to swap in their Sundance 294BH for a model more suited to couples.

Their wishlist includes:

  • A coach designed primarily for couples
  • Large pass-through storage
  • An outdoor kitchen with a griddle and mini fridge
  • Lighter, brighter modern colors
  • A king-sized bed
  • A residential fridge
  • Washer/dryer prep
  • Space to spread out and have quiet time apart

The Gleasons told us they’re willing to upgrade from an ultralite travel trailer to a fifth wheel, and we’ve got suggestions for both types.

Travel Trailers
North Trail 33RETS

The North Trail 33RETS is a deluxe travel trailer with room to get comfortable. The bedroom in the front of the RV has a king-sized bed, washer/dryer prep, and an adjoining bathroom with a spacious corner shower. The living area has plenty of comfortable seating, with furniture that can transform into beds if the grandkids stay over.

The kitchen includes a full-sized, stainless steel fridge, an oven, a microwave, and a kitchen island with a sink – everything they need to cook up their favorite meals, just like at home. The light gray interior color palette maximizes all the natural light streaming through the windows, giving the coach an airy, serene feel that makes it easy to relax.

Exterior Highlights

Outside, there’s Super King Kong-sized pass-through storage to hold the Gleason’s favorite camping accessories: zero-gravity chairs, folding tables, patio mats, and extra seating for campground guests. A power awning will let them set up their outdoor patio space in no time, giving them room to spread out when they each want some time to themselves. The only item on their wishlist this North Trail model doesn’t include is the outdoor kitchen (although it is available on other North Trail models).

Moving into fifth wheels, we like the Bighorn Traveler 38FL and the Corterra 3.0 for the Gleasons.

Fifth Wheels
Bighorn Traveler 38FL

The Bighorn Traveler’s layout includes a living area at the very front of the coach with a bedroom in the back, providing options for togetherness or solitude. The spacious bedroom includes a king-sized bed and tons of storage, and there’s washer/dryer prep in the bathroom next door. These two features together are a perfect combo for campers who like to take longer trips or live on the road part-time. A French-door fridge in the beautiful kitchen provides tons of space for cold food storage, and there’s a full-sized pantry and lots of cabinets for everything else.

Exterior Highlights

Plus, with an additional outdoor kitchen with a sink and mini-fridge, they can always have cold drinks and snacks on hand outside. And because the front living area is set up a few inches, there’s plenty of room for the Store-More pass-through storage, which can hold 30 percent more cargo than other models. The interior color scheme is light, and tons of windows mean there will always be lots of natural light.

Corterra 3.0

The Corterra features a luxury, dual entry bathroom separating the kitchen and living room, creating a private retreat for the main bedroom. Generous floor place allows for easy movement, while cabinet spaces accommodates for a washer and dryer. The bedroom boasts a king-sized bed, two dressers, and a large front window offering VIP views.

Thoughtfully designed living spaces feature designated areas and discreet storage solutions, ensuring convenience for daily use items and seamless organization for Matt and Brandy.

The Bone Family

You may recognize the Bone Family as the full-time RVers behind The Adventure Bones. They’re a family of five, which includes mom and dad, Amanda and Darren; two boys, Dallas and Dawson (7 and 9); and one girl, Allianna (14). (And one dog.) Because they travel full-time and because Allianna is now a teenager, they’re looking for an RV layout appropriate for giving her some additional privacy.

Family Wish List

Darren & Amanda:

  • A large kitchen with a residential fridge and a residential oven
  • Multiple sofas or seating areas
  • Lots of windows
  • Large storage bays
  • A residential-style shower
  • MORryde steps
  • An all-season weather package, including features built to withstand winter weather
  • 14-ply G-rated tires (or better)

Allianna:

  • A private bedroom, or at least a space separate from her brothers
  • Air vents or a dedicated A/C unit for her room/space
  • Lots of outlets
  • A closet

Dallas & Dawson:

  • A second bathroom
  • A bathtub
  • A big loft, or two lofts
Fifth Wheel Options
Milestone 370FLMB

The Milestone 370FLMB only has one bathroom, but its enormous front living area might just make it worth the trade-off. With three separate seating areas, lots of floor space, a smart TV, a JBL sound system, and a 40-inch luxury fireplace, it’s the perfect place to play games, watch movies, and be together as a family.

Interior Highlights

In the kitchen, there’s a 16.2 cu. ft. residential refrigerator with a built-in wine cooler. It also includes a 21-inch oven and cooktop, a 30-inch over-the-range microwave, and an island with a large single basin sink that comes with a sink cover to create extra workspace. A coffee bar on one side of the kitchen makes mornings easy, while the walk-in pantry on the other side of the kitchen offers dry food storage.

The bunkhouse in the middle of the coach gives Allianna her own private space, with a closet that can be used for clothes or to hold a washer and dryer. The room has a vent for heat and A/C, so it will stay temperate, day or night. A loft over the bunkroom gives Dallas and Dawson a fun, separate space to sleep, study, play, and more.

The master bedroom holds a king-size bed, two wardrobes, and a dresser to store all of Amanda and Darren’s items. In the bathroom, there’s a glass shower, a medicine cabinet for storage, and an extended counter next to the sink.

Exterior Highlights

This Milestone model also comes with a SOL 380 solar energy package, which includes 2 x 190-watt microcrystalline solar panels, a 2000-watt inverter, and a 30-amp charge controller. A large pass-through storage compartment has three-sided access for easy loading, and the solid entry steps by MORryde include a quick-adjust system at the door.

Although this Milestone meets many of the criteria on the Bones’ wishlist, there’s another model we think is an even better match.

 

Bedroom Features

In the main bathroom, there’s a large glass shower with a skylight, a mirrored medicine cabinet, a toilet, and a sink with surrounding counter space to hold toiletries. The master bedroom has a king-size bed, a dresser, and a walk-in closet with washer/dryer prep. Bonus storage under the bed can hold off-season items, and there’s prep for a second TV Darren and Amanda can watch from bed.

Toy Hauler
Torque 424

The Torque 424, designed for hauling and accommodating families like the Bones, has a spacious 14' garage, allowing for Allianna to have her own bedroom with direct access to the rig's rear entry. The half bathroom in the garage is perfect for all three kids, while the boys can sleep comfortable on pull-out couches.

The U-shaped kitchen ensures Amanda has everything she needs for quick meal preparation, conveniently within arm's reach. Plus, the main bedroom features dual access points for added convenience.

Lahrs With Latitude

Have you heard of Lahrs with Latitude? Mel and Luke Lahr have been traveling full-time for the past eight years with their three youngest kids, Koen, Josie, and Rory, plus their cat Zeus, and their dog Apollo. They currently own a 2015 Torque which they’ve “almost towed to its very last mile.” They’re looking for another Heartland toy hauler that’s got big tanks for boondocking, and lots of separate areas to keep all three kids happy.

This is their full wishlist:

Adults:

  • Boondocking friendly with large tanks for off-grid camping
  • Filled with natural light
  • A big main living space for the family separate from the kitchen
  • A large fridge
  • Washer/dryer prep
  • Upgraded suspension including tongue and axles
  • Solar prep
  • High-quality construction over aesthetics
  • Bonuses: A bathtub for soaking and a built-in dishwasher

Kids:

  • A private or separate space for all three kids
  • The teen wants his own space, which could include a two-bedroom model with a big loft for the other kids
  • A/C and heat in the bedrooms or toy hauler garage
  • Lots of storage
  • Outlets or USB ports for charging devices
Fifth Wheels
Corterra 3.7
Interior Highlights

With a 98-gallon fresh water tank and an easily upgradable SOL 190 solar package, the new Corterra 3.7 is a great choice for people who love boondocking. The kitchen in the rear has a 16 cu. ft. fridge, tons of storage, and a combination pantry/wine bar/coffee bar. A separate living area includes three distinct seating areas, including two pairs of recliners, and a fold-out sofa that converts to a bed. All the seating has built-in USB ports, perfect for charging all the family’s devices.

There’s a second bedroom with a fold-out sofa, a wardrobe, a desk for teenage Koen, and a roomy loft above for Josie and Rory. The main bedroom includes a king-sized bed, two wardrobes and a dresser, and Corterra’s signature panoramic window that provides stunning views out of the front cap. Next door, the bathroom offers a closet prepped for a washer/dryer, a large corner shower, and a lighted mirror.

Construction

The construction of Corterra includes an eight-inch I-beam down the length of the coach, plus aluminum framed sidewalls for lightweight durability. The sidewalls are made from Azdel composite, a material that’s lighter than wood and insulates better against bad weather, extreme temperatures, and outside noise. A heated and enclosed underbelly protects tanks and plumbing from road debris and cooler weather, and our exclusive new Trio Airflow A/C system keeps the entire coach evenly cool with more powerful airflow and efficiency.

Exterior Highlights

As for towability, Corterra features robust 7000# Dexter axles and American-made Goodyear tires, already equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. The only thing the Corterra doesn’t have are the two bonuses the Lahrs hoped for, a built-in dishwasher and a bathtub suitable for soaking.

Bighorn 3880MD
Interior Highlights

All our Bighorn models come standard with built-in dishwashers, including the Bighorn 3880MD. Like Corterra, this model features a mid-coach bunkhouse with a fold-out couch, desk, and wardrobe below, and a spacious loft above. The living area includes seating for five, with two power theater seats offering heat and massage functions. A 55-inch LED television is installed on a televator, so you can just press a button and lower it into the cabinet when it’s not in use.

In the kitchen, there’s a generous 20 cu. ft. refrigerator, the standard dishwasher in the kitchen island, and a pantry big enough for a family of five. Tons of storage built into the kitchen and overhead cabinets in the living area offer room for everything the Lahrs will need in their travels, and the many oversized windows fill the interior with natural light.

Bedroom Features

In the main bedroom, Mel and Luke will get a king-sized bed, a roomy wardrobe, a dresser with TV prep, and a closet prepped for a washer/dryer combo. There’s private access to the bathroom, which includes a spa-style shower with a foldable teak seat, a skylight, a 6’4” ceiling, and a porcelain toilet with a convenient foot flush. Although there’s no soaking tub, the on-demand water heater can provide extra long, hot showers.

Exterior Highlights

For camping off-grid, there’s an optional 380-watt solar package that includes a solar panel, 30-amp controller, and 2000-watt inverter. Plus, there are options to add generator prep and a 5.5kW generator, providing a backup source of power to complement the solar package. Super Store-More pass-through comes standard and holds 30 percent more cargo, with three-sided access for easy retrieval.

Construction

The Bighorn has superior construction and suspension, featuring a 12-inch I-beam with rust-prohibitive coating, three-inch vacuum-bonded and laminated main and upper deck floors, and a double-welded, aircraft-quality aluminum superstructure cage. The suspension package includes MORryde CRE 3000 suspension, 7000# easy-lube axles, and 16-inch G-range tires. And the built-in dual Coleman Mach A/C units each provide 15k BTUs of cooling power, with an optional third unit available.

We’re only scratching the surface of the Bighorn’s many incredible features, but the one thing it doesn’t have is extra large tanks for boondocking.

Toy Hauler Option
Cyclone 4006

Our model with the biggest freshwater tanks is Cyclone, and the Cyclone 4006 with its 150-gallon fresh water tank would be a good fit for the Lahrs. The toy hauler garage space includes a heat duct, two queen beds on electric risers, and a separate loft, giving them options for how to arrange the kids. It also comes with a half-bath, a separate entrance door, and washer/dryer prep – a necessary convenience for a family of five.

Interior Highlights

There’s an 18 cu. ft., 110V/LP fridge in the kitchen, along with a convenient U-shaped kitchen layout that holds an impressive number of cabinets. The separate living area provides three different seating options clustered around the 50-inch LCD HDTV and electric fireplace.

The full bath doesn’t have a soaking tub, but it does have a luxury spa shower, with both heat and A/C vents keeping the room comfortable. The main bedroom has a king-sized bed and the requested washer/dryer prep in the oversized wardrobe.

Construction

Cyclone’s construction uses a 12-inch, powder-coated, steel I-beam frame and welded tubular aluminum construction. A heated and enclosed underbelly protects tanks and plumbing, and an optional Yeti Package is perfect for people who love to camp in winter weather. A MORryde 3000# CRE suspension and triple 7,000# axles provide superior towing, with 16-inch G-rated tires with aluminum wheels to keep the ride smooth.

A standard SOL 380 solar power package includes 2 x 190W microcrystalline solar panels, a 2000W inverter, and a 30-amp charge controller. There’s also a built-in generator box inside the Store-More pass-through storage, holding a 5.5kW generator with a 60-gallon fuel station and a timer. Together, the Lahrs will have everything they need to camp wherever they want without sacrificing comfort or features.


If you’ve outgrown your current RV, it might be time to take a look at what’s on the market this year. No matter what kind of camper you are – whether you love your little luxuries, or prefer a more minimalist rig that pushes you to spend more time outside – there’s a Heartland RV that’s perfect for you. Take a look at our RV Finder and get matched with your perfect model today.