Brand vs. Brand

Bolo4u · 08-18-2019, 08:43 AM

Hi all, its been a while since i've posted here. We owned a 2016 Keytone Cougar 333MKS which we purchased new, and I lived in it about 80% of the time we owned, as it was parked at an RV park while I world out of town. We took a couple trips in it and really had very few issues overall with the unit. The few problems we did have, I was able to resolve myself. With that said, we sold it early this year to a Paradise Camp Fire victim.

We're looking at getting back into a 5r, and while the model we had, had a nice layout and was very suitable for a couple or family with a small child, it wouldn't have lasted long with my wife I and our 9 yo son and golden-doodle.

Im looking at a mid bedroom type of layout (vs. a rear bunkhouse), and we will likely go up a notch to a higher end model, since Ill be retiring at the end of this year.

With that said, I do like Keystone, but I'm not averse to a different brand.

For those of you who have had a different brand or may be looking at going to a different brand, what are some of your opinions. I know that not all the brands have a mid-bedroom type floorplan.

Also, as far as Keystone is considered, is it a fair assumption to say the Alpine and Avalanche are generally equivalent to the Montana and Montana HC?

Thanks in advance.

**chuckster57** · 08-18-2019, 09:02 AM

Do you mean a mid master bedroom? I haven't seen anything like that, I have seen rear master/front living. Mid seems to be for the kitchen. Grand Designs does make a Solitude with a mid "playroom" with a bunk above it. It's in the Solitude line, and as far as I know Grand Designs doesn't void the warranty for "extended stay" (full time).

Bolo4u · 08-18-2019, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Do you mean a mid master bedroom? I haven't seen anything like that, I have seen rear master/front living. Mid seems to be for the kitchen. Grand Designs does make a Solitude with a mid "playroom" with a bunk above it. It's in the Solitude line, and as far as I know Grand Designs doesn't void the warranty for "extended stay" (full time).

Thanks Chuck. I should clarify, looking for a mid "playroom" type layout (like the MONTANA HIGH COUNTRY 384BR). We won't be doing any full time... for a few years, as our son is just starting 4th grade.

**chuckster57** · 08-18-2019, 09:56 AM

Your welcome. There are lots of choices these days, I would probably just figure on a few trips to a few different dealers and look. We spent 3 years and countless hours/miles looking before we bought the present fiver. Good luck in your search, and please post up your short list when you get to that point.

gearhead · 08-18-2019, 11:52 AM

I'm thinking the Avalanche is a cut above the Montana High Country. Not sure which is considered top of line...Montana or Alpine.
You may look at Redwoods and Heartland Landmark 365 for some floor plans as well.

CaptnJohn · 08-18-2019, 06:38 PM

My neighbors have a Montana with a bonus room. Desk and cabinets plus a sofa bed. Also a loft above the room. It is a 2018.

Bolo4u · 08-18-2019, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

My neighbors have a Montana with a bonus room. Desk and cabinets plus a sofa bed. Also a loft above the room. It is a 2018.

Do they like it? It's one of the units were considering.

CaptnJohn · 08-18-2019, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bolo4u

Do they like it? It's one of the units were considering.

They are extremely pleased. Zero problems and tows great for them. I know they are overloaded pulling with a 2017 F250 diesel 4x4. He states it tows very good. They go often and stay long periods.

notanlines · 08-19-2019, 03:26 AM

Keystone still considers the Montana as the flagship of their company. The Alpine, High Country and Avalanche all seem to be just ever so slightly back grouped in 2nd place. All are fine brands, but I might put the High Country back as a little too light weight. YMMV

Alpine · 08-19-2019, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notanlines

Keystone still considers the Montana as the flagship of their company. The Alpine, High Country and Avalanche all seem to be just ever so slightly back grouped in 2nd place. All are fine brands, but I might put the High Country back as a little too light weight. YMMV

Are you speaking to quality/fit & finish... or units sold?

notanlines · 08-19-2019, 03:05 PM

Jeffrey, I tried a reply about 1:30 or so but the site was not good to me and after five years or so my password went haywire as did everything else. I just LOVE new systems invented just to keep people employed....
But I digress. I'm certainly not going by units sold, With the Montana being a relatively costly unit and having passed 100K in sales that alone speaks for itself. I'm simply voicing what we found was the message during our factory tour early last year. The people we talked to at the plant didn't talk down any particular brand, they just sort of flaunted the Montana brand more than the others. We have been in literally dozens and dozens of RV brands and models over the years from high dollar to 'Lord, I wouldn't be seen dead in that' models. My personal opinion came in when I said that the High Country seems to the lowest of the four we discussed. I simply believe that it was built
with lighter weight products, hence I put it last. Again, YMMV.

ChuckS · 08-19-2019, 06:11 PM

When we finally made out our first fifth wheel purchase we went with Alpine (2014)... we had looked at Montana line and also Jayco and GD..

Went with Alpine mainly because in 2014 the Montana units we looked at did not have HP on Zone 1 AC unit.

Both drop frame.

No regrets with our 2014 Alpine ... 4th Keystone unit for us. Love the hydraulic leveling system and all hydraulic slide outs

I am not fond at all so far with the new In Command system on new Keystone models... ASE Jensen and Keystone have some improvements to make. Thankfully ours didn’t come with that system.

Alpine · 08-19-2019, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notanlines

Jeffrey, I tried a reply about 1:30 or so but the site was not good to me and after five years or so my password went haywire as did everything else. I just LOVE new systems invented just to keep people employed....
But I digress. I'm certainly not going by units sold, With the Montana being a relatively costly unit and having passed 100K in sales that alone speaks for itself. I'm simply voicing what we found was the message during our factory tour early last year. The people we talked to at the plant didn't talk down any particular brand, they just sort of flaunted the Montana brand more than the others. We have been in literally dozens and dozens of RV brands and models over the years from high dollar to 'Lord, I wouldn't be seen dead in that' models. My personal opinion came in when I said that the High Country seems to the lowest of the four we discussed. I simply believe that it was built
with lighter weight products, hence I put it last. Again, YMMV.

Whoa what a coincidence... I could not get signed in either! "They" kept saying my "user name" & "password" were the same? They never were...ever!!! Every time I would type in my password, it would say is was wrong! So I had to jump through hoops and have a new password given to me through my e-mail.

belljo54 · 08-25-2019, 09:44 AM

I purchased a Cougar mid-bedroom model last year and love it. The extra storage in the room as well as the "attic loft" it provides were the main reasons we wanted this model - we live in it for 6 months at a time. It also provides a guest room when someone visits.

pdaniel · 08-25-2019, 12:30 PM

We looked at Cougar and Montana 5th wheels, along with Jayco. All had their strong points and shortcomings. But, Grand Design suited us. Sorry Keystone, we went with the Solitude.

itat · 08-27-2019, 09:40 AM

If you want to see other brands' offerings that are similar to the Montana you mentioned, I'd look at Forest River's Cedar Creek 37MBH.

ADQ K9 · 08-27-2019, 01:28 PM

We are currently doing homework for a full time 5er purchase. Looking for a front or rear kitchen layout. There are some Keystone floorplans we like but we want some thing certified for full time and are looking at possibly going custom Have researched DRV, and New Horizions. Gonna take a look at Luxe and Space Craft too. Yes these are high end units but the are also built for full time living.

Roscommon48 · 08-27-2019, 01:42 PM

the High Country is a little less overall from the Montana and the HC is lighter. Alpine and Avalance are about equal to Montana....in my opinion.

We have always gone with the Montana.

As for quality, it has been hit or miss on the trailers we've had. Luck probably has something to do with it.

travelin texans · 08-27-2019, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADQ K9

We are currently doing homework for a full time 5er purchase. Looking for a front or rear kitchen layout. There are some Keystone floorplans we like but we want some thing certified for full time and are looking at possibly going custom Have researched DRV, and New Horizions. Gonna take a look at Luxe and Space Craft too. Yes these are high end units but the are also built for full time living.

Might check out the Redwood line as well, same quality & similar floorplans as DRV for much less $$$$, both are Thor products. The Luxe is in the same category as far as quality as Redwood & DRV, all are advertised as full-time coaches. We had very good service with minimal issues for 6+ years full-timing in our Redwood & would/do recommend them.
As for the Spacecraft & New Horizons you'll need more truck than a 350/3500 or 450/4500, they'll require a heavy duty truck. As long as you're looking at HUGE HEAVY EXPENSIVE 5ers, check out Continental Coach also.

DrSmart1 · 09-08-2019, 06:14 PM

Jayco has a 2 year warranty and is warranted for full timing. The structure is 3 year warranty similar to some other manufacturers. If you have the opportunity to visit a Jayco dealer, here are a couple of mid room models:

https://www.jayco.com/products/fifth...point/377rlbh/

https://www.jayco.com/products/fifth...nnacle/37mdqs/

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