Hi All,So out looking at 5th wheels and my main concern is the most well made and structurally sound units. While I lIke the build quality of the Arctic Fox's and especially the fact that they build their own frames, they do not have a floor plan that works for us. With that said, could I get some opinions/experiences with build quality and "ruggedness" between Grand Design, Keystone and Heartland? I know that they use Lippert frames but really nowadays who doesn't? Pros, cons, opinions...thanks!

I have a Montana Legacy and Love it but have friends with GD Solitudes and Heartland Big Horns and they are pretty much all the same IMO Now but a few years back I think Grand Designs Cheap'ed out on to many things like only 10 in frames lame sound systems and TV's and no Rear Caps and no central vac systems only 3 step entry etc.. compared to Montana and Heartland BUT they have stepped it up in the last 2 years and they have made up ground and they have good Customer Service so Now Just pick a floor plan you like from any of those(and many other brands) and buy from a good dealer and Go With it and Enjoy

We had a heartland cyclone, not many issues. Then a heartland big Horn Silverado, we had quite a few issues largest being the exterior was cracking at the top of both back slides. I tried to get simple communication with heartland rep and he would not even reply. Now we have a grand design reflection and have had very few issues. I did post on grand design forum and was immediately contacted by a customer service representative.

Short of finding someone who has owned all three brands, you will be hard-pressed to find an objective assessment of the comparative quality. Also, until you get into the really high-end lines (read heavy and expensive like DRV, New Horizons, etc.), there's also not a huge difference in build or materials quality. What I can tell you from having owned two other brands and now full-timing in a Grand Design (Reflection 337RLS) is that Grand Design has built a reputation for customer service that sets them a bit above the competition. I, too, am a fan of the Northwood Manufacturing products (Arctic Fox, etc.) and, like you, could not find a floorplan that would work for us. Most issues with new RVs these days are with the appliances and components supplied by vendors other than the RV builder - i.e. ACs, refrigerators, slide mechanisms, and the like. Other than problems with the solid axle suspension system (Lippert, of course), we've not had any major issues with our unit in two years of full-timing. We replaced the solid axles with the MOR/ryde independent suspension and disc brakes and are much happier campers, now.Rob

I was very interested in a GD but after looking very closely at their units, I found that they started saving a few dollars in the sneakiest places. Frames got smaller, no padding under carpet, etc.Plus, at the RV show their "Engineer" didn't seem to know how they were built or just flat out lied about the construction; "no luan in walls - solid fiberglass".Don't get me wrong, these are super nice trailers but I was looking for the best quality I could find without concern for added cost (within reason).

We're in the process of purchasing a new fiver. We've seen them all over the last few years unfortunatly with consolidation of manufactures the ones we liked have been dropped. Looked over the Grand Design but couldn't find a floor plan we could agree on. The two we had as top contenders were the Big Horn and Arctic Fox. After spending an hour or more going over a AF 35-5 DW didn't care for the layout so we were down to one but not quite yet. We've now decided move up to the same floor plan as in the BH but in a Landmark 365. For us/me the larger carry capasity is important and DW likes the finish much better although there are some things she still likes about the BH better. I keep telling her there is no perfect RV and she/we are already makeing plans for the upgrades. Gotta keep the DW happy.

Grand Design vs. Keystone vs. Big Horn | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

Ford_Man
Explorer
Aug 22, 2017
Me Again wrote:
stickdog wrote:
We're in the process of purchasing a new fiver. We've seen them all over the last few years unfortunatly with consolidation of manufactures the ones we liked have been dropped. Looked over the Grand Design but couldn't find a floor plan we could agree on. The two we had as top contenders were the Big Horn and Arctic Fox. After spending an hour or more going over a AF 35-5 DW didn't care for the
layout so we were down to one but not quite yet. We've now decided move up to the same floor plan as in the BH but in a Landmark 365. For us/me the larger carry capasity is important and DW likes the finish much better although there are some things she still likes about the BH better. I keep telling her there is no perfect RV and she/we are already makeing plans for the upgrades. Gotta keep the DW happy.

Bighorn and Landmark are built on the same assembly line, however the Landmark cost a lot more. We love our BH3575el. Chris

Bought a new 2013 Landmark Full Body Paint in 2013 and it sure did look good but I said it was a polished turd. Everything in the world went wrong with it. Traded it for a new 2015 Montana to make our 4th Montana with no problems at all.
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Aug 22, 2017
Expediter wrote:
Im a total newbie looking first RV, a 5th wheel, and asking for some guidance. Ive been told that Jayco, Heartland are some of the better manufactures however looking for input. It seems that every maker out there has some horror stories on units leaking bad slide assemblies etc.

Any advise as to the "Real" Top brands?
Heartland and Jayco as well as many others, build several lines. You can go cheap or top of the line..they aren't all the same.

B.O.
Arcamper
Explorer
Aug 21, 2017
Ordered a Keystone Montana 3100RL Legacy in March of 15, took delivery the end of April. 6,000 miles and 155 nights so far and no real problems at all and has never been back to the dealer. We have been very pleased with it. You take a chance with ANY manufacture no matter the price so the question is "Do you feel lucky?"
Expediter
Explorer
Aug 21, 2017
Im a total newbie looking first RV, a 5th wheel, and asking for some guidance. Ive been told that Jayco, Heartland are some of the better manufactures however looking for input. It seems that every maker out there has some horror stories on units leaking bad slide assemblies etc.

Any advise as to the "Real" Top brands?
eb145
Explorer II
Aug 21, 2017
My Bighorn has been solid once I got past a bunch of initial issues. Make sure you find the latest Bighorn "special build" sheet that offers more options, like upgraded axles tires and brakes. I found it on the Heartland owners forum.
ACZL
Explorer
Aug 21, 2017
Had a '06 Cedar Creek Silverback. Was very much intent on buying another CC Silverback but not happy w/ some things/layout or operation. CC line, we didn't like some interior designs. CC rep at a show didn't like me questioning him and to ask why on things when their sister divisions had the same thing CC dropped. Looked at HL and really liked what we saw and had items we wanted that CC dropped. Ended up w/ a Big Country. These units are not light as compared to CC (less cargo capacity), but it tows sooo much nicer than our old CC did. Have made 2-500+ miles trips since May and are pleased w/ it. Added a Reese 5th Airborne pinbox and that really smoothes out the ride. Switched hitches in truck from an older Reese 16k to B&W Patriot 18k. Won't go back!
ducksquasher
Explorer
Aug 21, 2017
When I was looking at travel trailers I really liked the Jayco's. I saw that they have a mid room...anyone have any experience with them on the 5th wheel side?
cummins2014
Explorer
Aug 21, 2017
phillyg wrote:
We looked at all three and settled on a Montana, mostly because my DW like the floor plan. I think all three are fairly comparable and nothing in their visible construction stood out..

I agree, on my second Montana fifth Wheel, and would get a third, if ,and when. IMO it comes down to floor plans, not much else with the three mentioned.
john_bet
Explorer II
Aug 21, 2017
Traded our 2005 Montana 2955 for a GD Reflection 337RLS in May. So far we are happy. Ask us again in Oct. after the trip we are currently on.
GHop
Explorer
Aug 21, 2017
We currently have a 35-5z and love it. I have read so much negative feed back regarding other fifth wheels and Northwood make a solid fifth wheel. I would like to say I do wish they did offer more in the way of a floor plan as other's manufactures. We will take a solid unit we can use rather then have it in the shop. Well, good luck and buy what's best for your family.