Dutchmen Colorado Travel Trailer 280BHC vs Heartland North Trail 260DB
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Two bunkhouse travel trailers, two different tow-vehicle plans. The Dutchmen Colorado 280BHC measures 33 ft, weighs 5,668 lb dry with a 7,600 lb GVWR (1,932 lb of cargo capacity) and is rated to sleep 10. It is the lighter and longer of the pair, hitch weight 755 lb, and runs 44 fresh / 39 grey / 28 black gallon tanks.
The Heartland North Trail 260DB is 32.75 ft, sleeps 8, and weighs 6,485 lb dry on an 8,200 lb GVWR (817 lb heavier, with a meaningfully larger structural rating). Hitch weight is 815 lb, only 60 lb higher than the Dutchmen Colorado 280BHC. Heartland's ultra-lite travel trailer spec sheet does not publish tank gallons.
Verdict for the travel trailer shopper: the Dutchmen Colorado 280BHC wins on dry weight (lower-trim half-ton or capable mid-size pickups), declared tank volumes and sleep count (10 vs 8). The Heartland North Trail 260DB wins on GVWR headroom (8,200 lb gives more margin for full tanks and gear) and a slightly tighter overall length. MSRPs are nearly identical at $45,976 (Colorado) vs $46,493 (North Trail), a $517 spread.
Side-by-side specs
| Dutchmen Colorado Travel Trailer 280BHC | Heartland North Trail 260DB | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $45,976 | $46,493 |
| Length | 33' | 32'9" |
| Dry weight | 5,668 lbs | 6,485 lbs |
| GVWR | 7,600 lbs | 8,200 lbs |
| Sleeps | 10 | 8 |
| Slides | — | — |
| Fresh tank | 44 gal | — |
| Grey tank | 39 gal | — |
| Black tank | 28 gal | — |
| LP | — | — |
| Solar | — | — |
| Inverter | — | — |
| Generator | — | — |
| Bath | — | — |
| Bed | — | — |
| 4-season | No | No |
| Off-road | No | No |
| Outdoor kitchen | No | No |
| Washer/dryer | none | none |
| Residential fridge | No | No |
Where Dutchmen Colorado Travel Trailer 280BHC wins
- Sleeps 10 vs 8 on the North Trail
- 5,668 lb dry weight (817 lb lighter)
- Published 44/39/28 gal fresh/grey/black tanks
- 1,932 lb cargo capacity documented
- $517 cheaper at $45,976 MSRP
Where Heartland North Trail 260DB wins
- 8,200 lb GVWR (+600 lb structural margin)
- Half-foot shorter at 32.75 ft
- Ultra-lite designation on the Heartland line
- Manufacturer pedigree for resale in the lightweight TT segment
- Solar prep and 30A shore ready
Pick the Dutchmen Colorado Travel Trailer 280BHC if…
Pick the Dutchmen Colorado 280BHC if you have a half-ton with a working but not generous payload, or a capable mid-size truck. The 5,668 lb dry weight and 755 lb hitch weight keep you inside ratings that the heavier North Trail erodes. The 10-sleep count actually matters when a third bunk plus dinette and sofa convert; published 44-gallon fresh and 28-gallon black tanks make this travel trailer practical for weekend boondock pulls when the campground is full.
Pick the Heartland North Trail 260DB if…
Choose the Heartland North Trail 260DB if you already tow with a properly equipped half-ton (Ram 1500, F-150, Silverado 1500) and want the extra 600 lb of GVWR headroom for gear, e-bikes, generator and full tanks. The 815 lb hitch weight is well inside any standard weight-distribution hitch's range, and the 8-sleep layout is more than enough for most families. Pay the $517 premium when payload margin and Heartland dealer network matter more than the Dutchmen's slightly lower curb.
Frequently asked
Which travel trailer is lighter dry?
The Dutchmen Colorado 280BHC at 5,668 lb is 817 lb lighter than the Heartland North Trail 260DB at 6,485 lb.
How many can sleep in each?
The Dutchmen Colorado 280BHC sleeps 8-10, the Heartland North Trail 260DB sleeps 8.
Are the MSRPs close?
Yes. The Colorado 280BHC is $45,976 and the North Trail 260DB is $46,493, a $517 difference.