Hi Rensberger,
Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum.
I don't recall any posts about problems with the side patio on a Gateway.
While we don't know why Heartland might have dropped that feature in 2017, it's often about how well a particular model sells, or sometimes it's just about what dealers think will sell. If the dealers think it won't sell, they don't order any and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
On side and rear patios, you'll want to see how heavy it feels to raise and lower the patio. Mostly on rear patios, there have been a number of cases in past years where water has gotten into the structure around the bolts that hold the patio together. When that happens, it becomes waterlogged and doesn't raise or lower easily. Whether this one is waterlogged, or in pristine condition, you should make sure you can raise and lower it without a struggle. And it might be a good idea to seal around the bolts to prevent future water intrusion.