Forum Discussion

Hedgehog's avatar
Hedgehog
Explorer
Sep 04, 2014

Montana 3610RL vs. Big Horn 3160 Elite

A few weeks ago I posted in regards to Montana vs. Big Horn in general. Now I have narrowed my choices to two and would like any input if you have knowledge of either. Pros for the Montana is I like the interior and counter space a little better and I like that the bathroom door opens in. Cons for the Montana is that I didn't really want to go 38' in length , the mattress is horrible, the dealership is further away and the tires are only E rated.
The pros for the Bighorn is it is just under 36' in length, , it has a available residential fridge, I believe it has G rated tires and the mattress feels plusher. The cons for the Bighorn is it doesn't have a king bed option in this floor plan, the bathroom door opens out towards the hallway making it ackward and the counter space isn't as well thought out as the Montana.
I have owned a Montana back in 2004 but they both seem comparable as far as build quality.
Any input is appreciated.
  • ReneeG's avatar
    ReneeG
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2014
    Don't want to throw another kink in your decision making but how will you use it? In other words, when we were trying to decide between the two, one of the factors was that for the Bighorn floor plan, with all slides in, we could easily get to the bed, bathroom, and kitchen. This has come in handy for us to be able to eat lunch and relax at truck stops en route or during one really bad windstorm, we brought all the slides in and waited it out playing cards at the kitchen table.
  • B_O__Plenty's avatar
    B_O__Plenty
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2014
    Look at a Cedar Creek 36CKTS. Same price but it will include 7,000# axles, Goodyear G614 tires, Genuine Lazy Boy chairs, Quality Donald Trump mattress, individual water shut offs on a manifold, optional 2nd year warranty for about $150.00, a bunch more standard features. About the same insulation factors. Probably will be my next rig..

    B.O.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2014
    6000lb axles on the Big Horn means you could be at your limit. Not sure if there is an option for 7000lb axle. Dry weight at 12,000 with a 2100lb pin means that you have 9900lbs on the axles before you load anything and that's using brochure weights.

    I wonder if it's a typo on the web site since the Big Country 3150RL which is similar has 7000lb axels.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2014
    I wouldn't let a bad mattress affect my purchase. it is easy to replace.
    bumpy
  • Sandia_Man's avatar
    Sandia_Man
    Explorer II
    Sep 04, 2014
    If you have it narrowed down to just 2 rigs go with whatever DW wants most and from a dealer that is known for quality customer service after the sale. You can always sell the tires and get a set that you feel more comfortable with, hard to get a king bed if there is only space for a queen.

    As stated above, you're making the purchase and ultimately you will have to make the call regardless of whatever advice you get from this forum. Basically they are the same type and category of 5ers produced by two of largest RV manufacturers so not much difference there either. Good luck and enjoy your new 5er!!!
  • Hedgehog's avatar
    Hedgehog
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2014
    One more fact, the pin weight is approx.700 #'s heavier on the Montana than the bighorn.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Sep 04, 2014
    Sounds like you have reviewed both to the point that only you can make the decision on which pros outweigh which cons, or vice versa, and which one you think you would be the most happy with. Things that may seem insignificant to one person may well annoy the heck out of another.

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