So, I'm looking at replacing my Class A with a 5er. I've pretty much made the decision TO do it, the only remaining is with what and when. I live in it full time, but don't move it much - the last time I moved my Class A was a year ago. So I'm paying for something that has a lot of things that need maintenance and can break (engine, trans, etc.). I'm looking for a 5er with a good full-time living plan and storage. (I had a 5er before and it was more livable than my current coach.)I went to a Camping World, and to a local place in PA (Tom Schaeffer's). I found two 5er plan "types" I Like. One is a raised rear living room with a shelf that pulls out from behind with a bunch of storage (Grand Design Solitude 375RES, or Keystone Montana 3791RD). The other plan is a raised rear-bedroom with a small garage under the bed (Grand Design Solitude 374TH, also related but I don't like as much, Raptor 427). The good thing about this plan is if I decide to get a motorcycle in the future, it would accommodate it. The bad part about this plan is it gives me the option of getting a motorcycle......Comparing the Montana to the Solitude, what are your opinions of quality? Which is better? Anything else I should look at? Remember, storage is important, but I don't want a traditional toy-hauler where the garage takes up living space. My current location is Augusta GA area, where I'd like to make the purchase (within a reasonable distance), if it makes a difference.I'll be getting a truck to match the 5er, already started a thread about that (thanks for all the great info there!). So consider the tow vehicle a non-issue. (Leaning towards a RAM 3500 Megacab DRW.)Thanks!!!

Ot sort of depends on your wants, needs and what you can afford.Grand design I understand makes a decent product. But as any other brand they have a range of models to fit a lot of budgets.Northwood Mfg also has a line of trailers that offer a lot for the price. Starting with the in house built frame vs Lippert products. Their sister company OutdoorsRV are also a good product.

Believe it or not, we compared the Grand Design and the Montana, both front living room. Check my signature block below and see which one won.

Dutchman - which GD model line did you compare to your Montana? Reflections or Solitudes??? there is a difference.

Not Dutchman, but I’m the OP. I compared Solitude to the Montana.

Splashers3 wrote:Dutchman - which GD model line did you compare to your Montana? Reflections or Solitudes??? there is a difference.Grand Design Solitude 379FLS - Here's a video on it too: Click here.opposed to the Montana High Country 375FL: Click here.What we DID NOT like about the Grand Design:With all the slides in, the kitchen and passage from front to back was completely blocked. Access to the upper living area is blocked. Although it had 2 doors for accessing both ends of the camper, both doors were are on the same side, passenger side.What we DID like about the Montana:With all slides in, the kitchen is still 100 percent accessible because it has no center island and it had much larger kitchen counter space, even comparing with the Grand Design with that center island.The center island took too much away from the open space, felt cramped, claustrophobic. The Montana, kitchen is wide open, even with slides in, can still site at the kitchen table, and access everything except the one cabinet beside the steps. The Montana has a rear back on the drivers side and a front door on the passenger side. With the kitchen slide in, access from front to back is still blocked. But the feature of doors on both sides was the "Wow" factor that threw us over the edge. My dealer had the Grand Design front living room in stock and we were able to see it. But I really wanted to see the Montana. He told me a Montana was due to arrive and when it came in, he'd let me know. Well, 6 weeks later I had actually forgotten about it as we decided to just settle on our current TT and not switch.Then I got a call the Montana came in. So, that Saturday we went and looked at it, not really expecting to actually take it. By now, I was just curious to see the one I wanted to see, based on floor plans and videos. It was everything I anticipated and more! The back drivers side door and the completely 100 percent accessible kitchen and access to the bathroom with slides in (although from the drivers side) was all it took. Actually, we signed the dotted line that same Saturday. We were actually camping that week-end, and when we got back to the campground, we couldn't believe what we just did.3 days later, we had the Montana sitting in our drive way.Both are very, very similar in craftsmanship, use of products, like the steps, the appliances, the fixtures, the woodwork, everything. Even the frame is the same. Both have the dropped down frame under the overhang.The Grand Design had the gas/electric refrigerator. The Montana 375FL had the electric only refrigerator. The Montana 374FL is the same identical floor plan. The only difference is, it has a gas/electric refrigerator. We also look at the Alpine 3711KP. Actually, that was the first front living room model we looked at. We absolutely loved the front living room and the bed room bath was something to die for. But it had only 1 door and with slides in, everything was blocked, including everything in the kitchen because of that island in the middle. We ruled that one out immediately, but absolutely loved the huge master bath and front living area.Keystone Montana 375FL:Grand Design 379FLS:Keystone Alpine 3711KP:The issues we've had with the Montana since taking delivery?Stink bugs invaded the water heater oraface causing the water heater to fail. I finally figured this out, blew them out, and everything has been fine since.The rear closet shelf fell on our second trip out. I rebuilt it, reinforced it, and it's now stronger than anything in my house!There is a quick connect gas valve for hooking up an external stove or appliance outside. The valve was angled too high, not straight to the ground, making it impossible to plug in anything. In my attempt to rotate the pipe so it would be straight out, I broke the valve. it's been a nightmare getting a new one and all the parts to fit. Also, picked up a Coleman camp stove, and the very, very frustrating part is, Coleman and Keystone don't play together at all. I'm still attempting to fabricate something to connect the 2 together.Everything else has been great! I haven't hit my head on the king pin for a couple weeks now, so I guess I'm adjusting to everything.And yes, we picked the best floor plan that works for us. That rear door on the opposite side is absolutely great! At home parked in the drive way, that back door is actually our front door. I can back the camper in the drive way now instead of pulling forward and have the door facing the house. For us, this is absolutely perfect, being able to have doors on both sides. It fulfilled a need 100 percent!

Brand Questions and 5er Choices | Good Sam Community

philh
Explorer II
Oct 23, 2018
I was looking for a legacy model...

why would the quality of a package be better than the same model without the package?
topjimmy
Explorer
Oct 23, 2018
Legacy Pkg is :
Shoreline® Low Profile Power Cord Reel (N/A 3130RE) - LEGACY PACKAGE
Wireless Rear View Camera with in Vehicle Mobile Display - LEGACY PACKAGE
Keystone In-Command Control System - LEGACY PACKAGE
Solid Hardwood Cabinet Framing - LEGACY PACKAGE
Rear fiberglass cap with automotive paint and 2 layers of clear coat (N/A 3700, 3701, 3790, 3791) - LEGACY PACKAGE
Day and night roller shades in living area (night roller shades in bedroom and hallway) - LEGACY PACKAGE
philh wrote:
I didn't see a "legacy" on Montana's site.
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Oct 23, 2018
Congrats irollman on your decision! That's a nice looking "camper" there! I hope you have many, many, many years of happiness with it.

Images here.

You will absolutely love that rear living room with opposing slides and windows all around! Our Outback TT was like that and it was fabulous! You'll really enjoy this camper!

Congrats again!
philh
Explorer II
Oct 23, 2018
I didn't see a "legacy" on Montana's site.
irollman
Explorer
Oct 22, 2018
Well, I decided on the Montana 3791RD. The GD direct comparison ended up being $20K more, which I couldn't justify. Although there were a couple of things I liked better in the GD, the Montana also had some things I liked better than the GD, so all in all, I think it evens out. I get it delivered on November 2 (to my full-time spot). So I don't even need a truck to pull it with yet.

Thanks again everyone for an informative and lively discussion!
topjimmy
Explorer
Oct 22, 2018
High Country's are nice mid level 5er's but compared to Montana's Legacy or non Legacy line that is a direct Competitor to the GD's Solitude there is a big difference like standard 12in frames , 6 point auto level ,better insulation better TV's and Sound systems, cherry wood cabinets AND frames on mine,Mor-Ryde 4100 suspension and Mor-ryde pin box 7K axles,G rated tires,nice rear cap on the Legacy option,Fantastic fans thru out, gel coated slide outs and the list goes on , a High Country is a great unit with the best bang for the buck that can be hauled by a alot of 3/4 ton trucks but for us Fulltimer Folks or extended stay people The Montana Legacy or (non Legacy) is the way to go but they are heavy and need a 1 ton truck (Dually preferred) to haul them,If I was not a fulltimer I would buy a High Country in a heartbeat But like I said The Montana High Country is not a direct competitor to the GD Solitude the Montana Legacy and Non Legacy model is
brirene
Explorer
Oct 22, 2018
sayoung wrote:
Thread creep, anyone have experience with Redwood 5ers ?

Only what I've seen in my research. Supposed to be high quality, "luxury" fifth wheel. I believe they're warranted for full time use. Local dealer had one for a short time, looked very nice. Would have considered it but not the floorplan we wanted.
sayoung
Explorer
Oct 22, 2018
Thread creep, anyone have experience with Redwood 5ers ?
DutchmenSport
Explorer
Oct 22, 2018
Flintstones wrote:
... After a year of traveling, we are totally satisfied with our purchase and would buy the exact same model again without hesitation.

That's a testimony worth posting!

FYI, our sales people did tell us the High Country, at least the one we purchased ... front living room, is designed for full timing and warrantied by Keystone as a full-time RV. Comparing front living rooms between brands, they all have the huge front window now, and windows on all 3 sides of the opposing front living room slide outs. It has a residential refrigerator with an inverter when not hook up to shore power, and the 12 inch frame.

I think in the end, there's not much difference between the Montana-Montana and the High Country now as far as build and amenities. They both have the same bells and whistles now. I remember the sales lady telling us, "You are in the big league now. And since you are in the big league, you can expect big league repair bills if anything needs repair." (We got the 6 year warranty which covers bumper-to-bumper, except repacking bearing and tires. But we ended up getting tire protection, which also protects the tires of the tow vehicle too).

Having had our High Country for a month now, it seems to be OK. We've spent every night in it since we took delivery.

We also made the right decision for us.

When you decide to make the jump "to the big league", you really do have to split hairs with a microscope and figure out what actually works best for you and your unique lifestyle. The "big league" brands are so similar now.

For the OP. Good luck! Come back some day and let us know what you decided on. I don't think you are making the "wrong" choice by picking either brand.
Flintstones
Explorer
Oct 22, 2018
We own a Grand Design Solitude 375RES, and side by side compared it with the Montana 3791RD. We chose the Solitude for a variety of reasons, mostly for the reputation of great customer service from Grand Design, and no so great Keystone customer service which has been mentioned numerous times on these forums.

Overall, the Solitude is a wide body coach, it's 101 inches wide and that shows on the inside with more room to roam. We like the really tall slide outs, the wood trimmed window treatments, and the generous use of LED lighting through out the coach.

On the outside, the Solitude has superior rear storage beneath the living room, it has a completely open storage area with much larger baggage doors. The outside rear storage can swallow up two 11 foot kayaks comfortably, or three if you stuff em in.

On the inside, Solitude has more windows and bigger windows, and a large panoramic rear living room window where Montana offers two tiny windows. The Solitude kitchen area offers a buffet area with a spot for a tv, not the Montana. The Solitude bathroom has a deeper shower than the Montana for more elbow room. In the bedroom, we love the horizontal window over the headboard and the walk in closet with all the shelving perfectly fits our needs.

We got two calls from Grand Design BEFORE we ordered our unit, calls to answer questions we had. After a year of traveling, we are totally satisfied with our purchase and would buy the exact same model again without hesitation.

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