Been researching Montana's for a while and found the floorplan we like. Wife just saw a cardinal with similar floor plan and likes it. However salesman cannot answer any of my questions about the unit didn't seem to know much of his product. Any insight on a cardinal would be greatly appreciated, any known problems, looking at a 2014 model. From researching their site it looks like the Montana's and Cardinals are apples and apples. Specifically talking about the cardinal 3727re vs Montana 3625re.Thanks for any info

My Sister and her Husband traded their Montana in for a Cardinal last year. There were things they liked on the Montana but they love the Cardinal. I have to say it is a very nice looking coach.

Forest River is having a lot of problems with the outside bottom flooring of their slides that have the Darco wrap. It is being compressed and cut. After 6 months, they have not responded to concerns from the owners. Many are near or pass their warranty. If the Cardinal has the Darco wrap, I would pass.I have a Crusader and it has been flawless except the wear on the bottom.

I am a member of Forest River forums and have never heard of any issues with them other than normal new RV things. Where are you getting this from Charlie?My 2005 Cedar Creek has been nearly perfect since new. Right now I have two minor issues that will be taken care of this spring. Both I consider normal wear and tear. FR customer service, at least Cedar Creek division has been nothing less than outstanding.

jts140 wrote:Been researching Montana's for a while and found the floorplan we like. Wife just saw a cardinal with similar floor plan and likes it. However salesman cannot answer any of my questions about the unit didn't seem to know much of his product. Any insight on a cardinal would be greatly appreciated, any known problems, looking at a 2014 model. From researching their site it looks like the Montana's and Cardinals are apples and apples. Specifically talking about the cardinal 3727re vs Montana 3625re.Thanks for any infoWhat are you going to tow with? The newer Cardinals are pin heavy, as they moved the axles back. Duallie territory! Check out cardinalrvclub.org for more answers. Chris

Forest river cardinal vs keystone Montana ? | Good Sam Community

30 Replies

Me_Again
Explorer III
Jan 23, 2014
Endricken wrote:
You might want to check out/compare how active and useful each brand's Owners Forums are.
Back in 2007, based on much research regarding owner satisfaction versus complaints I narrowed my "upper" mid-range RV search to Jayco or Keystone Montana. At THAT time, Forest River did not seem to have as good of a "reputation". Montana Owners Forum (FREE) is great and due to many more Montana's available than Jayco's, I ended up with an 05 Montana Big Sky that has only suffered from non-Keystone component failures (like the Dometic Fridge and AC, plus many other more minor issues).

Cardinal has a very active user club www.cardinalrvclub.org. The head of the club regularly meets with people at the factory. They listen to his/our input. Cardinal brings new rigs to our rallies etc. Chris
B_Sjulestad
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2014
My Sister and her Husband traded their Montana in for a Cardinal last year. There were things they liked on the Montana but they love the Cardinal. I have to say it is a very nice looking coach.
- Retiredrecluse
  Explorer
  May 14, 2024
  We’ve been looking for a reliable 5th wheel to replace our “Montana.” Although it’s been a fairly good coach, the “Keystone” warranty is absolutely the worst we’ve ever experienced. They intentionally held us off on a roof repair until our warranty expired after approval, then denied the claim. “Cost us a bundle. We’ll NEVER purchase another “Keystone” product again and have spread the word about their customer support.
Endricken
Explorer
Jan 23, 2014
You might want to check out/compare how active and useful each brand's Owners Forums are.
Back in 2007, based on much research regarding owner satisfaction versus complaints I narrowed my "upper" mid-range RV search to Jayco or Keystone Montana. At THAT time, Forest River did not seem to have as good of a "reputation". Montana Owners Forum (FREE) is great and due to many more Montana's available than Jayco's, I ended up with an 05 Montana Big Sky that has only suffered from non-Keystone component failures (like the Dometic Fridge and AC, plus many other more minor issues).
Me_Again
Explorer III
Jan 23, 2014
goducks10 wrote:
For the price of either I'd be looking at NuWa.

Is NuWa back in business building trailers. Chris
richfaa
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014
Montana changed their Decal vendor 3 or 4 years ago and It appears the decal complaints have gone down on the Montana owners forum. We have a 13 big Sky full body paint. IMO it was a mistake as the paint is fragile and chips easily. I should have stayed with the decals.
goducks10
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014
For the price of either I'd be looking at NuWa.
steelpony5555
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014
One is Keystone's top RV and the other is Forest River's. Both are comparable companies and the RV's are comparable too. Probably boil it down to price and the colors you want. If you are worried about decals get the full body paint with a Big Sky. Worried about the slide floors rotting then just check them after heavy rains. They both will have problems as all RV's do. They are on the same level, if you want better look at the Landmarks, Mobile Suite or even Redwoods etc. Of course the price goes up..........
jaycocamper6230
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014
I've yet to find a Montana owner that hasn't complained of their decals
rattleNsmoke
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014
Unless Montana switched their decal suppliers in the past 5 years, be prepared to replace them after a few years sitting in the sun. Look at the older Montana's compared to the Forest River line.
2008Wildcat
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014
Buy what YOU like.....

Build is almost the same anymore, so pick the one you like better.