Uncategorized

Model Year 2026 Preview: Thor Motor Coach & Heartland RV

Thor Motor Coach

Thor Motor Coach (TMC) says it has observed customers trending toward smaller vehicles.

“The mix of smaller vehicles is creating quite the buzz among consumers,” says Jon Krider, vice president of marketing and product development. “We are finding new buyers for these types of vehicles.”

Customers are also looking for affordability.

“The market is capitalizing on affordable products,” Krider says. “To be competitive, there needs to be enough buyers in a segment who can afford the offering. We continue working on more affordable options in all product lines. Targeted models and layouts to meet the expectations of the new buyers are coming in each of our products.”

2026 Delano 24RW Exterior20
2026 Delano 24RW

For 2026, Thor Motor Coach is offering new Class C floorplans in the Four Winds, Chateau and Quantum. There are new Class B floorplans for Sequence, Tellaro, Rize and Scope, and new Super C floorplans for the Inception and Pasadena.

The 2026 Four Winds, Chateau, Quantum and Echelon ESpec models have all received a major refresh. A more residential look and feel, with modern cabinet doors, upgraded drawer designs and eye-catching two-tone color palettes are featured. Exterior-wise, enhanced partial paint packages and optional full-body paint add bold style and curb appeal.

2026 Gemini 24KB Exterior37
2026 Gemini 24KB

New to the Four Winds and Chateau lineups is the 28G floorplan. This under-30-foot ESpec layout delivers a roomy interior with a walk-around queen-size bed, a split shower for added space and plenty of seating with a Dream Dinette and jack-knife sofa. It’s the perfect step up from smaller ESpec options for those who want more room to relax without the hassle of a larger unit with slideouts, TMC says.

For outdoor enthusiasts heading off the beaten path, the 2026 Compass AWD and Gemini AWD are now equipped with an expansion solar port. The flexible, new feature allows you to connect portable solar panels, so you’re not limited to rooftop sun exposure. Whether tucked beneath the trees or adventuring deep into remote terrain, staying charged is simpler than ever. Additional solar options are available this year, as are new paint and interior decor packages.

2026 Floor Plan 28G91
2026 28G floorplan

The 2026 Tiburon and Delano Mercedes-Benz Class C motorhomes include the new expandable solar port connection, premium standard features like hydraulic leveling jacks and a rear ladder receiver. For added peace of mind, the optional blind spot detection system available on these Sprinters has been enhanced to include both audible and visual alerts.

Krider reports that Thor Motor Coach found success in 2025 with the traditional Class C market. For 2026, dealers will likely be interested in the new Ford Transit-based Palladium and Talavera vans and the more affordable floorplan options for Class Cs.


Heartland RV

Changes at Heartland RV have been fast and furious since parent company THOR Industries announced in March that Heartland would be integrated under the Jayco brand. Since then, there has been a wave of construction upgrades. That effort will culminate with Heartland reintroducing its top brands at this year’s Open House.

“We’ve upgraded a lot of our construction materials and processes to Jayco’s standards,” says Kyle Miller, Heartland RV’s general manager. “We have upgraded the core materials used in all of the brands.”

As an example, Miller cites the switch to plywood instead of oriented strand board (OSB). All of Heartland’s production has been brought into Jayco’s facility in Middlebury, Indiana.

“Taking on our production was a big endeavor,” Miller explains. “A lot of work and sweat equity went into it from the Jayco staff to get it done and get it done in a timely manner.”

Prowler 9
Prowler

Heartland is also bringing back the Sundance brand, which at one time was a top seller for Heartland, but was shelved a few years ago. Miller describes the new Sundance as a luxury travel trailer and mid-profile fifth wheel.

“To bring Sundance back into the space where it was when it was originally released is pretty awesome,” Miller says. “We’re going back to the basics of Heartland. We’re giving our dealers a better experience with the products being delivered. It’s a higher-quality product with a much more robust service and warranty team.”

Under Jayco, Heartland is reintroducing models the company says built its legacy. These include Prowler, North Trail, Sundance travel trailer, Cyclone toy hauler, Sundance fifth wheel, Bighorn and Milestone, plus the newly added Mobile Suites and Cyclone travel trailer toy hauler.

Heartland says it is keeping its name, trademarks and reputations, but streamlining its product offering to remove redundancy and building a stronger, more focused lineup under the Heartland umbrella. Each brand is being “reimagined” with:

  • All-new interior and exteriors, upgraded finishes and smarter floorplans
  • Customer-driven innovations grounded in decades of real-world use
  • Modern, lifestyle-first design

The following is a look at some new features for Heartland’s brands:

  • Prowler: Interior upgrades including Drift Stone, upgraded graphic design, integrated A-frame, roof system rated for 4,500 pounds, 5/8-inch tongue and groove plywood floor, a full queen bed, MorRyde Step Above entry steps, power awning and optional fiberglass siding.
  • North Trail: Upgraded graphics package, vacuum-bonded laminated sidewalls, a tankless on-demand 60,000-Btu water heater, hidden storage nightstands, a porcelain toilet and a weather shield package. The optional Caliber package includes a molded and painted front cap, a Norco 5.1 power stabilization system and a MaxxAir vent fan.
  • Sundance: A Dune Gray interior, new and upgraded graphics package, vacuum-bonded laminated sidewalls with Azdel 2-pound density foam (including slide end walls and rear wall), an Ultra LED 4K Smart TV entertainment system and roller shades throughout.
  • Bighorn: A Stonewall Gray interior, an updated graphics package, a 102-inch-wide body frame design with a 6-point hydraulic auto leveling system, a solar package with dual 200-watt panels and 1,800-watt inverter, and upgraded residential GE kitchen appliances with a Smart Sink.
  • Cyclone: A Stonewall Gray interior, updated graphics package, an upgraded roof system with Alpha roof membrane system with limited lifetime warranty, a solar package with dual 200-watt panels and an 1,800-watt inverter, HappiJac electric lift queen beds/convertible sofas with three-season removable garage door and patio kit, and a residential king bed with MORryde bed lift system.
Sun Dance 4
Sundance

To see all of RV PRO’s Model Year 2026 preview, click here.

Related Articles

Back to top button