General 5th Wheel Brand Question

[Ron3rd]

How does Forest River's Cedar Creek compare to the Keystone Montana? I know it's a subjective question but any input would be appreciated. We're looking at both brands.

[cummins2014]

Splashers3 wrote:
I would consider Montana and Cedar Creek as high MID-level units.

I agree, at least high mid level, as well as the Bighorn.

[Splashers3]

I would consider Montana and Cedar Creek as high MID-level units.

[justme]

..and when considering, don't forget to evaluate how easy it is to maintain and repair the hydraulic system, slide-out mechanics, water system, underbelly, roof water intrusion, electrical system, and etc. Some manufacturers make things more difficult than need be.

[ReneeG]

When we were in the market to purchase a FW, we looked at Montana, Montana High Country, Cedar Creek, Bighorns, Coachman, Jayco's, as these were available in our area. We narrowed our selection down to the Montana and Bighorn. At that time, Bighorn was second in popularity to the Montana and surpassed them the following year. Comparison between the two was very similar, but the Bighorn came with slide-out awnings, Fantastic fans, and had a nicer floor plan, so we opted for the Bighorn. Glad we did, we've had it now 10 years, paid off, and excellent quality.

[JAC1982]

way2roll wrote:

TXiceman wrote:
Montana or cedar Creek....neither one are considered higher end units. They both take their basic unit and add some bling to make it pretty. Nothing in particular is done to make the unit better except for heavier tires.

Same Lippert frame and components.

Ken

This isn't really accurate. While I will agree they aren't high end (which is a fairly loose definition as you could spend a TON of money) they certainly aren't entry level. Hung wall construction, real gel coat, residential insulation, real ducted air, screwed frame construction 16" OC, higher end suspension, the list goes on. These things aren't "bling" and you won't find them on entry level units.

Having looked at nearly every make and model from $35,000 up to $80,000 available over the span of 6 months before deciding on a Montana High Country (which is not as nice as regular Montana), I can attest that Montanas and Cedar Creeks are both definitely nicer than most unless you're getting into the rigs that are $100k+ even after the normal discount off MSRP.

[way2roll]

TXiceman wrote:
Montana or cedar Creek....neither one are considered higher end units. They both take their basic unit and add some bling to make it pretty. Nothing in particular is done to make the unit better except for heavier tires.

Same Lippert frame and components.

Ken

This isn't really accurate. While I will agree they aren't high end (which is a fairly loose definition as you could spend a TON of money) they certainly aren't entry level. Hung wall construction, real gel coat, residential insulation, real ducted air, screwed frame construction 16" OC, higher end suspension, the list goes on. These things aren't "bling" and you won't find them on entry level units.

[Ron3rd]

Thanks for the inf6

[TXiceman]

Montana or cedar Creek....neither one are considered higher end units. They both take their basic unit and add some bling to make it pretty. Nothing in particular is done to make the unit better except for heavier tires.

Same Lippert frame and components.

Ken

[Retired_JSO]

When I look at campers, first place to check is the bathroom. Look for porcelain toilet, glass shower doors and a real fiberglass one piece shower. The rest of the camper will be constructed better. Now, the floor plan.

[NJRVer]

B.O. Plenty wrote:
I bought a Cedar Creek 2016 Hathaway model. Here's what I like: Hung walls with residential insulation. Walls have studs on 16" centers and are screwed in place. Cannot delaminate, have room to allow electrical boxes and plugs on outside walls. Hydraulic leveling and slide out mechanisms. Room on each side of the bed even into the slide-out. Making the bed is a breeze. Very quiet and efficient ducted A/C. "I" beam frame also has a square tube stiffener welded along the length for reinforcement. Brand name appliances, carpet, furniture and mattress. Very happy with ours. Factory has been very receptive about sending me parts for things I can fix or okaying mobile service for other repairs.'

B.O.

So with a "hung wall" how is the fiberglass attached to the studs. I don't see any outside fasteners on any of the photos I see.
I am actually looking at Cedar Creeks now. Don't want a new one as it appears they dropped the rear fiberglass cap after 2018. I really like the look of the rear fiberglass cap.

[klr650goldwing]

You are looking at a couple nice brands there. Grand Design Solitude is another of similar quality.

[B_O__Plenty]

I bought a Cedar Creek 2016 Hathaway model. Here's what I like: Hung walls with residential insulation. Walls have studs on 16" centers and are screwed in place. Cannot delaminate, have room to allow electrical boxes and plugs on outside walls. Hydraulic leveling and slide out mechanisms. Room on each side of the bed even into the slide-out. Making the bed is a breeze. Very quiet and efficient ducted A/C. "I" beam frame also has a square tube stiffener welded along the length for reinforcement. Brand name appliances, carpet, furniture and mattress. Very happy with ours. Factory has been very receptive about sending me parts for things I can fix or okaying mobile service for other repairs.'

B.O.

[cummins2014]

azdryheat wrote:
I once heard there were more Montana's on the road than anything else.

They were the #1 selling fifth wheel for many years. You still see a lot of new ones ,I suspect they still are . I have owned 2 of them, and they served me well .

[ReneeG]

justme wrote:
When someone says "better built" I wish they would be more specific. Otherwise, it simply is an opinion based on hearsay. Newer materials and construction techniques can cause that comment when in fact they are better in many ways. Manufacturing problems are a concern though because RVs are essentially hand-built. And then we have difficulty to work on aspects.

Are you referring to my comment?