Forum Discussion

JCGibson's avatar
JCGibson
Explorer
Dec 05, 2013

Big Country 3070RE vs Silverback 29IK

Hello Forum,

We have recently sold our toyhauler and are looking to get back into a traditional FW. We have narrowed it down to the Big Country 3070RE and Silverback 29IK. We would like to hear from respective owners with pros/likes and cons/dislikes about these models. Thanks!

John & Cheryl

19 Replies


  • Good info....one correction....Heartland introduced their first coach, the Landmark, in late 2004...for model year 2005. They have been in business for 9 years...


    Correct!
  • fordsooperdooty wrote:
    Big County is a Heartland RV which has moved to being the 4th best selling 5er company even tho Heartland has only been around for 4 years! When they started, several guys from other RV companies canme over to Heartland and hit the ground running. Innovative floor plans and unique building technics made customers sit up and buy! And customer service was supurb! Thor owns Heartland...and usually screws up the companies they buy...but Heartland was allowed to run as a competely seperate division and is one of the best.

    The Silverback is Forest River product, the 2nd largest RV manufacturer and owned by Billionare Warren Buffet. The tremendous buying power of Buffet means that quality is not cut back and name brand equipment is used, and shortcuts are not taken. Buffet even has his Forest River Managers meet once week in his factorys and pull an RV off the line..and do a random quality audit on it. Every inch!

    You've got a good eye for great RV's...and I'm biased towards Jayco!
    Both companies FR and Heartland build high quality, well equipped and well made RV's with a LOT for your money. :B

    So it would boil down to interior decor you like, floor plans and amenities that you like best!


    For example the FR Silver back has as standards...

    •LED Lighting w/ Lifetime Warranty *****
    •10 Gallon Water Heater
    •12 Volt Heating Pads on all Holding Tanks
    •Roof and Underbelly - R38
    •Sidewalls - R9
    •30" x 48" Rectangular Shower w/Glass Doors
    •Ducted 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner
    •Attic Vents
    •Brace and Wire for Second Air Conditioner
    •Digital Thermostat for Heat and Air Conditioner
    •Braced for Optional "Level-Up" Six-Point Hydraulic Level System
    •Bathroom Breeze Fantastic Fan
    •Create-A-Breeze Fantastic Fan w/Rain Sensor in Kitchen
    •Cathedral Slide Rooms
    •Congoleum® Diamondflor™
    •Docking Station w/Easy Access Bypass Valves
    for the Water Heater Systems
    •Enclosed and Insulated Underbelly w/Heating Pads on ALL Tanks
    •Dexter E-Z Flex Rubber Equalization System
    w/Greased Zerks and Bronze Bushings
    •Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Brakes
    •Dexter E-Z Lube Hubs
    •16" Tires and Aluminum Rims
    •Front Storage for Spare Tire
    •LED Tail Lights and Lower Front Lights
    •Lighted Entry Step
    •55 Amp Converter w/Charger
    •50 Amp Power Cord
    •Radius Ceiling
    •New Interior - Hickory Glazed Maple Hardwood
    •Solid Wood Fascia - No Wrapped Foam - Try the "Tap Test"
    •Serta® Residential Dreamscape Mattress
    •Porcelain Toilet w/Top Swirl Flush
    •Shaw® Carpeting
    •"Soft Top" Vinyl Storm Doors Silverback Explorer Package (Mandatory Options)
    •LED, Flat Panel, HD Ready Television in Living Room and Bedroom
    •12 Volt CD/DVD, AM/FM Stereo
    •Two (2) Exterior Waterproof Patio Speakers
    •8 Cu. Ft., Wood Front Refrigerator
    •Hide-a-Bed Sofa
    •30" Over the Range Microwave w/ Vent
    •LG Hi-MACS Classic Solid Surface Countertops
    •True Nobel Classic "Pearl" Gel Coat Exterior
    •Black Tank Flush
    •Bathroom Breeze Power Fan
    •Rear Stabilizer Jacks
    •Front Hydraulic Jacks
    •Entire Water Filtration System
    •Cedar Creek Switch Control Center
    •Winegard HD Roof Satellite Prep


    ______________________________________________________________________
    HEARTLAND-

    WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM
    Secondary wireless control system on key fob
    Controls slide rooms, electric awning,
    front and rear jacks, and outside lights
    HAND CRAFTED BORDEAUX CABINETRY
    All Cabinet Frames are Pre-Drilled and screwed together - not stapled
    Euro style spring loaded on each cabinet door Hidden Hinges
    Deluxe Ball-Bearing Drawer Guides
    UNIVERSAL DOCKING CENTER
    12V light
    Tank drain pull controls with enclosed gate valves
    Hot / Cold Exterior shower sprayer
    Black Tank Flush
    Water hook up – city and tank fill *ALL IN ONE*
    RG-6 coaxial cable hook up
    Dual Satellite Hook Up (Roof OR Tri-Pod)
    Winterization valves and water heater bypass
    BIGGEST EXTERIOR STORAGE In Class: Over 145 Cubic Feet of Storage!
    Large Insulated Slam Style Access Doors on compartments
    Unobstructed Pass-Through Design
    110V Outlet &Cable TV Plug
    12V Trunk Lights
    BEDROOM
    Large Walk-In Front Wardrobe
    Two Windows in Slide for Better Air Flow
    Over 6’-4” full profile Bedroom Ceiling Height Throughout
    Reading Lights Over Bed
    Speakers in Bedroom
    EXTERIOR FEATURES
    Exterior Speakers
    12V Sound System
    2 Molded Security Lights
    Light at Entry Step
    LAMINATED FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
    Strong Aluminum Framing
    Block Foam Insulation
    3/8” Seamless Decking (No squeaks)
    Thermo-Board Luan on the Bottom
    LAMINATED ROOF CONSTRUCTION
    5” Laminated - Block Foam with Aluminum framing
    Fully walk able Roof
    One-Piece Seamless roof protection
    LAMINATED WALL CONSTRUCTION
    High gloss gelcoated exterior walls
    2” thick, 6 layered sidewall
    Double-Welded Aircraft Quality Aluminum throughout
    FRAME & LANDING GEAR
    Strong 12” I-Beam Frame
    w/Drop Frame (most models)
    Hydraulic Front Jacks
    Heavy Duty Rear Stabilizer Jacks
    TIRE/AXLES/SUSPENSION
    Correct Track alignment
    Heavy-Duty E-Rated 16” Radial Tires
    Dexter EZ Flex Suspension with shocks
    Aluminum rims
    7,000 lb. Axles
    2¼” x 12” Nev-R-Adjust Brakes on each hub
    ABS Fender Skirts
    UNDERBELLY
    Seamless Corrugated Underbelly Material
    Heated, enclosed, and insulated underbelly, holding tanks and gate valves
    PLUMBING
    Color-Coded Plumb-PLEX™ Water Lines
    75 Gallon Fresh Water system
    90 Gallon Gray and 45 Gallon black tanks
    (2) 30# LP bottles
    POWER
    80 AMP/12V DC Power Converter with charge wizard
    50 Amp Detachable Marine Cord
    110V Exterior Electrical Receptacles
    HEATING
    40,000 BTU Furnace
    Heated Stool Room
    COOLING
    15,000 BTU ducted Air Conditioner
    Air Conditioned Stool Room
    Wired and Prepped for 2nd A/C
    INSULATION VALUES
    Walls – R11 Insulation (calculated)
    Roof – R38 Insulation (calculated)
    Floor - R38 Insulation (calculated)
    Slide Rooms Floor - R38 Insulation
    MAIN SLIDE ROOMS
    7’2” Slide Room Ceiling Height
    Cabinets Above Sofa
    Hydraulic Operating System with manual override
    Triple Sealed
    w/One-Piece Weather-proof Floor Pan
    LIVING ROOM
    Decorative Glass Inserts in Overheads
    110V Ceiling Fan
    with Light Kit (most models)
    Hard Valances

    FOR YOUR PROTECTION & SAFETY
    Smoke Detectors on Ceiling
    Fire Extinguisher by Entry Door
    LP Gas & CO2 Detectors inside Unit
    Exterior Security Flood Lights
    Break Away cable Switch
    Deadbolt Lock on Entrance Door
    120V GFI Protected Outlets
    Fire Escape Windows
    All Safety Glass Windows
    12V Hitch Light

    KITCHEN
    Stainless steel appliances, sink, and hardware
    Room for Large Trash Can
    Residential Sized Cabinets with euro
    style hidden hinges
    Residential Size under mounted Stainless Steel Sink
    Deep Residential Size Drawers
    Large, Deep Pantry w/Adjustable Shelves plus pull out pantries
    Standard Fantastic Vent with Wall Mounted Thermostat and Rain Sensor

    BATH AREA
    6’-4” Bath/Bed Ceiling Height Throughout
    Large Medicine Cabinet
    Vanity Light Bar and Wall Mirrors
    Vessel sink with added countertop

    SHOWER
    One-Piece Fiberglass Shower
    Mega-Bath (select models) with Glass Shower Surround
    Adjustable Shower Head
    Skylight over Shower

    COMMODE ROOM
    Power Roof Ventilation
    Porcelain Commode w/Foot Flush
    Storage Shelf
    110V Outlet

    And Heartland-Unusual for a RV Manufacturer...will do custom stuff during construction.

    Good luck!


    Good info....one correction....Heartland introduced their first coach, the Landmark, in late 2004...for model year 2005. They have been in business for 9 years...
  • OpenRangePullen_Ford wrote:
    Go with the Big County!!!


    Why would you choose Big Country?
  • donn0128 wrote:
    Big Country is a Keystone/Thor product right? Cedar Creek Silverback is a Forest River product. After 8 years of ownership (11/04 build date) my cedar creek has been perfect. I currently have two issues that need taken care of. Both I really consider normal wear and tear issues. Both I have parts for when the weather warms. Both parts I got from CC after one phone call. They are easy to deal with and still have parts for my 2005 fiver. Today it is 29 degrees outside with a light east wind. We are sitting full time with our back window facing east and the river. We have a oil heater and with that we can maintain around 67 degrees inside with occasional use of the furnace. Not perfect but insulation value of the Cedar Creek is pretty decent considering age and conditions. The difference between a regular CC and the Silverback is mostly fluff. Options on the SB are standard on the CC. In reality if you load up a Silveback you can buy a CC loaded with the same features plus more for nearly the same price.


    Thanks for the info. We like CC, but don't have one under 35' to fit in our garage nicely.
  • Big County is a Heartland RV which has moved to being the 4th best selling 5er company even tho Heartland has only been around for 4 years! When they started, several guys from other RV companies canme over to Heartland and hit the ground running. Innovative floor plans and unique building technics made customers sit up and buy! And customer service was supurb! Thor owns Heartland...and usually screws up the companies they buy...but Heartland was allowed to run as a competely seperate division and is one of the best.

    The Silverback is Forest River product, the 2nd largest RV manufacturer and owned by Billionare Warren Buffet. The tremendous buying power of Buffet means that quality is not cut back and name brand equipment is used, and shortcuts are not taken. Buffet even has his Forest River Managers meet once week in his factorys and pull an RV off the line..and do a random quality audit on it. Every inch!

    You've got a good eye for great RV's...and I'm biased towards Jayco!
    Both companies FR and Heartland build high quality, well equipped and well made RV's with a LOT for your money. :B

    So it would boil down to interior decor you like, floor plans and amenities that you like best!


    For example the FR Silver back has as standards...

    •LED Lighting w/ Lifetime Warranty *****
    •10 Gallon Water Heater
    •12 Volt Heating Pads on all Holding Tanks
    •Roof and Underbelly - R38
    •Sidewalls - R9
    •30" x 48" Rectangular Shower w/Glass Doors
    •Ducted 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner
    •Attic Vents
    •Brace and Wire for Second Air Conditioner
    •Digital Thermostat for Heat and Air Conditioner
    •Braced for Optional "Level-Up" Six-Point Hydraulic Level System
    •Bathroom Breeze Fantastic Fan
    •Create-A-Breeze Fantastic Fan w/Rain Sensor in Kitchen
    •Cathedral Slide Rooms
    •Congoleum® Diamondflor™
    •Docking Station w/Easy Access Bypass Valves
    for the Water Heater Systems
    •Enclosed and Insulated Underbelly w/Heating Pads on ALL Tanks
    •Dexter E-Z Flex Rubber Equalization System
    w/Greased Zerks and Bronze Bushings
    •Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Brakes
    •Dexter E-Z Lube Hubs
    •16" Tires and Aluminum Rims
    •Front Storage for Spare Tire
    •LED Tail Lights and Lower Front Lights
    •Lighted Entry Step
    •55 Amp Converter w/Charger
    •50 Amp Power Cord
    •Radius Ceiling
    •New Interior - Hickory Glazed Maple Hardwood
    •Solid Wood Fascia - No Wrapped Foam - Try the "Tap Test"
    •Serta® Residential Dreamscape Mattress
    •Porcelain Toilet w/Top Swirl Flush
    •Shaw® Carpeting
    •"Soft Top" Vinyl Storm Doors Silverback Explorer Package (Mandatory Options)
    •LED, Flat Panel, HD Ready Television in Living Room and Bedroom
    •12 Volt CD/DVD, AM/FM Stereo
    •Two (2) Exterior Waterproof Patio Speakers
    •8 Cu. Ft., Wood Front Refrigerator
    •Hide-a-Bed Sofa
    •30" Over the Range Microwave w/ Vent
    •LG Hi-MACS Classic Solid Surface Countertops
    •True Nobel Classic "Pearl" Gel Coat Exterior
    •Black Tank Flush
    •Bathroom Breeze Power Fan
    •Rear Stabilizer Jacks
    •Front Hydraulic Jacks
    •Entire Water Filtration System
    •Cedar Creek Switch Control Center
    •Winegard HD Roof Satellite Prep


    ______________________________________________________________________
    HEARTLAND-

    WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM
    Secondary wireless control system on key fob
    Controls slide rooms, electric awning,
    front and rear jacks, and outside lights
    HAND CRAFTED BORDEAUX CABINETRY
    All Cabinet Frames are Pre-Drilled and screwed together - not stapled
    Euro style spring loaded on each cabinet door Hidden Hinges
    Deluxe Ball-Bearing Drawer Guides
    UNIVERSAL DOCKING CENTER
    12V light
    Tank drain pull controls with enclosed gate valves
    Hot / Cold Exterior shower sprayer
    Black Tank Flush
    Water hook up – city and tank fill *ALL IN ONE*
    RG-6 coaxial cable hook up
    Dual Satellite Hook Up (Roof OR Tri-Pod)
    Winterization valves and water heater bypass
    BIGGEST EXTERIOR STORAGE In Class: Over 145 Cubic Feet of Storage!
    Large Insulated Slam Style Access Doors on compartments
    Unobstructed Pass-Through Design
    110V Outlet &Cable TV Plug
    12V Trunk Lights
    BEDROOM
    Large Walk-In Front Wardrobe
    Two Windows in Slide for Better Air Flow
    Over 6’-4” full profile Bedroom Ceiling Height Throughout
    Reading Lights Over Bed
    Speakers in Bedroom
    EXTERIOR FEATURES
    Exterior Speakers
    12V Sound System
    2 Molded Security Lights
    Light at Entry Step
    LAMINATED FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
    Strong Aluminum Framing
    Block Foam Insulation
    3/8” Seamless Decking (No squeaks)
    Thermo-Board Luan on the Bottom
    LAMINATED ROOF CONSTRUCTION
    5” Laminated - Block Foam with Aluminum framing
    Fully walk able Roof
    One-Piece Seamless roof protection
    LAMINATED WALL CONSTRUCTION
    High gloss gelcoated exterior walls
    2” thick, 6 layered sidewall
    Double-Welded Aircraft Quality Aluminum throughout
    FRAME & LANDING GEAR
    Strong 12” I-Beam Frame
    w/Drop Frame (most models)
    Hydraulic Front Jacks
    Heavy Duty Rear Stabilizer Jacks
    TIRE/AXLES/SUSPENSION
    Correct Track alignment
    Heavy-Duty E-Rated 16” Radial Tires
    Dexter EZ Flex Suspension with shocks
    Aluminum rims
    7,000 lb. Axles
    2¼” x 12” Nev-R-Adjust Brakes on each hub
    ABS Fender Skirts
    UNDERBELLY
    Seamless Corrugated Underbelly Material
    Heated, enclosed, and insulated underbelly, holding tanks and gate valves
    PLUMBING
    Color-Coded Plumb-PLEX™ Water Lines
    75 Gallon Fresh Water system
    90 Gallon Gray and 45 Gallon black tanks
    (2) 30# LP bottles
    POWER
    80 AMP/12V DC Power Converter with charge wizard
    50 Amp Detachable Marine Cord
    110V Exterior Electrical Receptacles
    HEATING
    40,000 BTU Furnace
    Heated Stool Room
    COOLING
    15,000 BTU ducted Air Conditioner
    Air Conditioned Stool Room
    Wired and Prepped for 2nd A/C
    INSULATION VALUES
    Walls – R11 Insulation (calculated)
    Roof – R38 Insulation (calculated)
    Floor - R38 Insulation (calculated)
    Slide Rooms Floor - R38 Insulation
    MAIN SLIDE ROOMS
    7’2” Slide Room Ceiling Height
    Cabinets Above Sofa
    Hydraulic Operating System with manual override
    Triple Sealed
    w/One-Piece Weather-proof Floor Pan
    LIVING ROOM
    Decorative Glass Inserts in Overheads
    110V Ceiling Fan
    with Light Kit (most models)
    Hard Valances

    FOR YOUR PROTECTION & SAFETY
    Smoke Detectors on Ceiling
    Fire Extinguisher by Entry Door
    LP Gas & CO2 Detectors inside Unit
    Exterior Security Flood Lights
    Break Away cable Switch
    Deadbolt Lock on Entrance Door
    120V GFI Protected Outlets
    Fire Escape Windows
    All Safety Glass Windows
    12V Hitch Light

    KITCHEN
    Stainless steel appliances, sink, and hardware
    Room for Large Trash Can
    Residential Sized Cabinets with euro
    style hidden hinges
    Residential Size under mounted Stainless Steel Sink
    Deep Residential Size Drawers
    Large, Deep Pantry w/Adjustable Shelves plus pull out pantries
    Standard Fantastic Vent with Wall Mounted Thermostat and Rain Sensor

    BATH AREA
    6’-4” Bath/Bed Ceiling Height Throughout
    Large Medicine Cabinet
    Vanity Light Bar and Wall Mirrors
    Vessel sink with added countertop

    SHOWER
    One-Piece Fiberglass Shower
    Mega-Bath (select models) with Glass Shower Surround
    Adjustable Shower Head
    Skylight over Shower

    COMMODE ROOM
    Power Roof Ventilation
    Porcelain Commode w/Foot Flush
    Storage Shelf
    110V Outlet

    And Heartland-Unusual for a RV Manufacturer...will do custom stuff during construction.

    Good luck!
  • Heartland products have a great owners club and forum plus nobody has better customer service than Heartland. Very easy to contact anyone in the company including, Brand Managers, Parts managers and and on up the line. Nothing wrong with the Cedar Creek products but I think Heartland is a cut above..Besides that 3070 model with the high ceilings is MIGHTY NICE!

    B.O.
  • Big Country is a Keystone/Thor product right? Cedar Creek Silverback is a Forest River product. After 8 years of ownership (11/04 build date) my cedar creek has been perfect. I currently have two issues that need taken care of. Both I really consider normal wear and tear issues. Both I have parts for when the weather warms. Both parts I got from CC after one phone call. They are easy to deal with and still have parts for my 2005 fiver. Today it is 29 degrees outside with a light east wind. We are sitting full time with our back window facing east and the river. We have a oil heater and with that we can maintain around 67 degrees inside with occasional use of the furnace. Not perfect but insulation value of the Cedar Creek is pretty decent considering age and conditions. The difference between a regular CC and the Silverback is mostly fluff. Options on the SB are standard on the CC. In reality if you load up a Silveback you can buy a CC loaded with the same features plus more for nearly the same price.