Montana 5th wheel

We looked at Montana, Cardinal, and Cedar Creek when we were shopping for new in 2007. All pretty much looked the same as far as fit and finish and overall build quality. Ended up buying the Montana as it just kept pulling us back. Never a regret as it has been more trouble free than I could have ever hoped for in the 8 years we have owned it.

Reading these brand postings on these forums for years, there are people who are very pleased, and there are people who have been disappointed, with all three of the brands.

The Montana Owners Club forum is a very active forum with lots of friendly and helpful owners for all your questions.

My prospective is somewhat limited since I have only owned 2 Montana fivers, one used and now one new. However, I never was a part time RVer, we started right off as full timers.

The first unit was a 2008 3400RL. Very well taken care of and nothing ever needed fixing while I owned it. The present unit is what is in my signature.

We compared 3 or 4 other brands before purchasing the new unit. We honestly thought that the interior was better in the Montana, plus some of the other options we liked for full timing.

It has served us pretty well. We purchased from the biggest dealer in the nation. Problem is we travel all year so it was hard to get back to the selling dealer more than once a year. The things that did need fixing were certainly a struggle getting fixed at other dealers. IMHO the factory doesn't honor their 1 years warranty all that good also.

Fit and finish, and if you are actually going to pull the thing down the road for 10,000 miles or more a year than you probably can't go wrong with the Montana. I would shop for an extended protection plan though.

I don't own either brand so I tell you about what I do own. And it's towable with my truck. It's a NorthRiver StoneMountain. Have had very few minor issues with it. Overall happy campers heading into our 3rd season. It's a 4 season rated unit so it should be good for 4 seasons of camping.

Hey, thanks for the input so far. I always thought the Montana was not a well built product and the Cardinal was the better of the 2 units. After looking at them both very closely, I am slowly changing my mind. I realize that any brand can have a bad unit show from time to time, so I don't get to excited when only one person has problems. But when many owners are disappointed, then I take that as a warning.
As I said before, the fit and finish on the Cardinal just wasn't what I would expect for a higher end unit. The Montana is loaded with options: 12" frame, self adjusting brakes, artic package, double pane frameless windows. etc., etc. The prices are very close. The Cardinal has roll-up blinds in place of the normal day/night shades.

Before I spend 50 to 60 thousand dollars, I want to be really sure I like what I am buying.

I look forward to more cards and letters.

Denverdale

We bought a Montana High Country in 2012 and have been very disappointed in the interior quality. Cabinet door panels fell out, blind tensions were incorrect and had to be adjusted by me. The list goes on and on.

And then to aggravate the situation, we parked the unit for 2 1/2 months after we bought it (not camping situation after all) and then when we took it in to get things fixed, the dealer told us that Keystone only reimbursed them for fit and finish problems for 90 days and they really didn't want to fix those problems at their cost.

We were told by friends not to get a Montana because the workmanship was second rate. I wished we would have listened.

It amazes me that no matter what the OP's ask on this forum the responses are most always about what their truck can or can't handle.

OP, we looked at Cardinals and Montana's and Cedar Creeks this pass go round and we thought the Cardinal and Montana we pretty close as far as build quality and options. The Cedar Creek seemed to use to be the better unit of the three. We didn't end up with any of those because we are just going to hold out to see if the Cedar creek will come back with the darker wood work. Again though, if only the two options (Cardinal/Montana) I don't believe there is much difference you are just going to have to choose the one you like better.

Our current 2012 Montana 3585SA is our second Montana. The first one was a 2008 3400RL. We are full timers and couldn't be happier with both units. Only a couple minor issues and they were taken care of promptly and properly to our satisfaction. Just like any of the others I feel that the most important part is dealer...dealer...and dealer. Our dealer has his techs do a PDI over a 3 day period with all systems connected and tested and a detailed check list completed. When that is completed, you do your own PDI.

If any particular questions feel free to PM me.

BTW, the Montanas are now built on a 12 " frame and I'm sure the 2014s were too.

Me Again wrote:
Go to www.cardinalrvclub.org to ask questions on the 3030. 3030 pin weight might be to much for a 2500. Chris

Same could be said for the Montana 3150.
Both could be 3000# or so.

Don't know what 'actual payload' for OPs 2500

Go to www.cardinalrvclub.org to ask questions on the 3030. 3030 pin weight might be to much for a 2500. Chris