difference in forest river 5th wheels?

We have zeroed in on the 385 bh.as for a dealer we may buy in northern indiana and save the $$ , the dealers around here are ok

Columbus is made by Palomino, a division of FR. It is their high line. Cedar Creek and Cardinal are brands made by FR. I would consider Cedar Creek the more expensive of the two, but that's me.
The Columbus is a nicely equipped rig. Depending on which model you choose, some have 10" frames and others have 11" frames; same goes for axles, some are 6,000# some are 7,000#. They have 2" walls and a rear cap is an option.
We've had ours for over 3 years. We have thoroughly enjoyed it. Pick a good dealer to ensure a happy ownership.
Good luck.

I would consider the cedar creek of higher quality of the fifth wheels mentioned. Don't know anything about the Columbus but the fact it has laminated walls and no rear cap is enough for me to pass on it. The cardinal would be my second pick. Download the brochures and compare features.

The Columbis line is suppose to be the top tier. With Cardinal and Cedar Creek below them. From whst I have read I would avoid the Columbus models and go for one of the others. Personally I believe the Cedar Creek is probably your best buy for quality for the price and outstanding factory support.

In a recent quest to upgrade from TT to fifth wheel, I was able to get a lot of info form the factories. If you call the manufacture, they will, or should get you in contact with a rep for each of the models. Some manufactures have different models and brands and may be direct competitor of each other. Also a lot of the same items are used in models, just trim may be different. Like a GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado, the same but different. Good luck & Be Safe ! ! !

There is a difference between a Wildcat and a Cedar Creek. They're built in different factories, but I don't know about the others.