chuggs wrote: If I could retire today...and had the money --- It would be a Big Sky edition Montana for us!
There's nothing wrong with the Cedar Creek. In my opinion...they're both very nice 5th wheels.
It's funny the salesman pulled a punch like that. I had a salesman tell me when I was looking at the Outback v. the WildCat... Oh, you don't want the wood truss that the Forest River has...you'd be better of with the Galvanized Steel trusses that Keystone uses.
They just love to plant an idea in your head.
I'm sure you'll find weaknesses to exploit in ANY make or model if you go looking for it.
I would be more concerned with the running gear, layout, creature comforts... The high end units have lots of cool devices... Automatic Hydraulic levelers, Generator Option, Zone A/C control, double sized refrigerators, Island Kitchens, Larger showers, sinks, Slideouts w/ wireless remotes, self storing sewer hoses, receiver hitches, leather sofa/chairs, Satellite prep, cushioned pinbox, full body paint, washer/dryer...
When the dust settles...it's what you FEEL is a good fit. Afterall...it's going to be your HOME!
Enjoy the hunt!Welcome to RV.NET!!
Chuggs I think the big difference is that a Cedar Creek is not a Wildcat(Cedar Creek has an all aluminum superstructure) and what the salesman said to you is NOT TRUE and what the salesman said to the OP is an OPINION.
It may well be the deceding factor as to what the OP wants in a trailer and is pertinent.
* This post was
edited 05/13/12 01:36am by rmalik1 *
mobilcastle wrote: I have looked at both and my personal preference is Montana. That said I feel both are good units with pros and cons. Montana 3402 has two sinks in master area-my wife likes that. Cedar creek offers a two year warranty for a small amount of money $200 last time I looked. Good luck-Happy hunting!
Robin'n'Marian wrote: They all look nice, but of the ones you mentioned, the only one actually rated full time is the Redwood, if I can afford it, that is the one I would buy! If you look at the fit and finish, Redwood is the best, and according to the Redwood forum, a lot of the owners upgraded from Montana's. But they do cost more! Redwood has the 2+5 full time warranty. Unless they have changed their warranty in the last few months, the others don't, but then they are rated as snowbird, not for full time.
Their frame is also built by Lippert,as are the others you mentioned, but theirs is a custom design specially built for Redwood (they call it a Falcon or FIT) Heartland is also a Thor company, Cedar Creek is Forest River. Also look at Open Range, they have some rigs in the same category as most of the ones you mentioned, only the Redwood would be not comparable. I have not looked at the Dutchman Infinity, as it has too small capacity in the water/holding tanks for us. But if you will always be on full hook-ups that may not be a problem for you
For full time, you want the best quality you can find, for the price you can afford. Large heated and insulated tanks, well insulated (for reduced heating and cooling), good galley design, well built, constructed to withstand living in full time. Check the fit and finish. Make sure the floor plan will work for you on a long term basis. I am sure you already know this, sorry I rambled on so.
On edit: As pointed out by others, most manufacturers will not honour the warranty if you live in the trailer full-time, some even if it is an extended period, because of the wear and tear of everyday use.
You stating Redwood is the best of the OP's list is Opinion! I for one would wait making statments about a company with such a short history.
There are all kinds of full timing.There are folks who follow the jobs around the country and full time. They may never know where the job is or in what climate.They need if affordable true full time rig. There are work camper full timers and they may take a job anywhere in any season. Most full timers are able to choose their climate so may not need a true full time rig. We are not full timers but long timers but still live in our rig up to 9 months of the year.We stay in moderate climates and do not need to spend the $$ on a true full time rig.
Folks full time in all brands all price ranges. The INTERIOR of our 06 3400 Montana has held up very well over the last 6 years of long timing. Carpets, cabinets, appliances. Out fridge just lost the cooling unit after 6 years of continuous use except for defrost time.Our 1/2 time oven oven failed under warranty.
Examine your needs and style of rving carefully. Purchase what you need and will use..
In the first year
LostinAZ wrote: It is wise to look for a longer than 1 year factory warranty if you intend to fulltime
That is very true. It is also wise..IMO ..To purchase a extended warranty (service contract) Our Extended warranty has served us well .
Remember the one year warranty is the Rv manufacturers warranty. Many of the vendor provided items have longer warranties.
Extended warranties DO NoT cover items if they are still under the vendor provided warranty.Also check your insurance policies to see
what if any Rv failures they will cover.
Our new unit have the one year manufacturers warranty and our ex tended warranty that can be transferred to the new one will have 6 months left on it after the end of the one year manufacturers warranty. We will then purchase another extended warranty.
The good sam product...I think..
A longer factory warranty is much more valuable than an extended warranty
A two year or longer factory warranty is an indication of how proud the manufacturer is of their manufacturing quality. Anything less than a two year warranty should rule out any RV manufacturer for full time usage. IMO
LostinAZ wrote: A longer factory warranty is much more valuable than an extended warranty
A two year or longer factory warranty is an indication of how proud the manufacturer is of their manufacturing quality. Anything less than a two year warranty should rule out any RV manufacturer for full time usage. IMO
Think what you want, but I wouldn't say it is pride. It's just marketing to get the edge over the other manufacturers.
If you look at the auto history, it was the underdog that was the first to jump on the market with the longer warranty (Mopar). As I remember just before Yugo died they had the best warranty out there - I don't remember pride being part of that equation, it was more desparation.
Not saying any of this holds true to those RVs that market a 2-year warranty, but just don't assume it's confidence in the product.
2006 Ford F350 4X4 SB CC SRW Powerstroke 6.0
2013 Redwood 36RL - full paint - disk brakes
"Comparison is the thief of joy! - Theodore Roosevelt"
Quality is sometimes a perception and not reality! Keep in mind a two year factory Warranty's cost is built into the price, I can assure you. From what I have learned, its the components that fail most often our RVs. I would really need to read what "Redwood" covers to be sure its worthwhile. Pride IMHO has little to do with offering extended Warrantys in manufacturing, it's all based on risks. I do believe, Thor must get a good chuckle at people defending one brand over another in lines they own. Great marketing in my opinion!
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