2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL vs 2024 Heartland ElkRidge 38RK
The 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL goes up against the 2024 Heartland ElkRidge 38RK in this detailed comparison. Each has distinct advantages worth considering.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL | 2024 Heartland ElkRidge 38RK | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Fifth Wheel | Fifth Wheel | — |
| Year | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL |
| Length | 31.5 ft | 41 ft | — |
| Width | 8 ft | 8 ft | — |
| Height | 13.5 ft | 12.5 ft | — |
| Dry Weight | 14,400 lbs | 9,300 lbs | — |
| GVWR | 17,400 lbs | 14,200 lbs | — |
| Sleeping Capacity | 4 | 7 | 2024 Heartland ElkRidge 38RK |
| Fresh Water | 72 gal | 55 gal | 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL |
| Gray Water | 55 gal | 47 gal | 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL |
| Black Water | 45 gal | 44 gal | 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL |
| Fuel Capacity | — | — | — |
| Horsepower | — | — | — |
| Engine | — | — | — |
| Slide-Outs | 3 | 3 | Tie |
| Solar | 200 W | 550 W | 2024 Heartland ElkRidge 38RK |
| Battery | 200 Ah | 200 Ah | Tie |
| Inverter | 2,000 W | 2,500 W | 2024 Heartland ElkRidge 38RK |
| MSRP | $129,000 | $140,000 | 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL |
Detailed Comparison
The 2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL goes up against the 2024 Heartland ElkRidge 38RK in this detailed comparison. Each has distinct advantages worth considering.
In terms of footprint, the Heartland Bighorn 3560EL stretches 31.5 ft while the Heartland ElkRidge 38RK spans 41.0 ft. Weight-wise, the Heartland ElkRidge 38RK is the lighter rig at 9,300 lbs versus 14,400 lbs.
The Heartland Bighorn 3560EL sleeps 4 while the Heartland ElkRidge 38RK accommodates 7. Slide-outs play a role in livability: the Heartland Bighorn 3560EL has 3 and the Heartland ElkRidge 38RK has 3.
For boondocking enthusiasts, tank sizes matter. Fresh water capacity goes to the Heartland Bighorn 3560EL at 72 gallons versus 55 gallons. Solar-wise, you get 200W on the Heartland Bighorn 3560EL and 550W on the Heartland ElkRidge 38RK. Battery banks are 200 Ah and 200 Ah.
At $129,000 MSRP for the Heartland Bighorn 3560EL and $140,000 for the Heartland ElkRidge 38RK, the Heartland Bighorn 3560EL saves you $11,000. With only a 9% price difference, the choice comes down to features rather than cost.
If you're traveling with a family, look for the model with more sleeping positions and better storage. Boondockers: look at the fresh water capacity and solar/battery systems — they determine how long you can stay out. For the full-time RV lifestyle, every gallon of tank capacity and every inch of counter space counts.
Both options have earned their place in the market. Your trip style and budget should be the final tiebreakers.
Individual Overviews
2025 Heartland Bighorn 3560EL
- Category: Fifth Wheel
- Length: 31.5 ft
- Weight: 14,400 lbs
- Sleeps: 4
- MSRP: $129,000
2024 Heartland ElkRidge 38RK
- Category: Fifth Wheel
- Length: 41 ft
- Weight: 9,300 lbs
- Sleeps: 7
- MSRP: $140,000