Montana vs Open Range

Heck, all of them have their problems. Like was mentioned before, you need to be handy in this game or everything is a major problem. Montanas and Open Ranges are both middle-of-the-road, price-wise and quality-wise. I'm happy with my choice. I feel I got what I payed for. That doesn't mean I won't look at an Open Range next time. Or a Grand Design, or....Visit the owner's web-sites and gain some information. Maybe it'll help, maybe not, because, ultimately, they're pretty much the same thing IMO.

We had a Montana for several years and it performed well. Not many issues. That said when we purchased a new 5er we went with a Jayco Eagle Premier. I liked the finished product better and they give you a two year warranty.

ChopperBill wrote:
You really have to read between the lines. Some folks have a "lot of trouble" but so think adjusting a loose shade, a door needing adjusted, cabinet knob coming off is a lot of trouble. They have to hook up and drive 200 miles that could be fixed by a ten year old. Go to each individual brands forum web site and get the real story.

This is what I have seen also. My 2016 Montana had a loose blade on the ceiling fan that was rubbing the motor housing. Took 1 minute to fix but you are right that many would pull it back to the dealer and come on here and talk about what junk they had bought. I do agree it should have been caught during the PDI and I agree quality is second hand when these units are built but you need to be pretty handy to own one or you may be in for a bad experience. First thing I did when I got the new unit home was tear into it to check plumbing, wiring, brakes and so on. Did not find much wrong that some additional zip ties and tightening did not take care of. Some units are bad and always will be, some are ok and have minor problems that people will say are junk and some like me have a good unit that they will maintain themselves and go camping.

goducks10 wrote:
Montana has been the #1 seller in it's class for 14 years running. At least that's what Keystone says. I suppose that says something. Not sure what, but I guess there's a reason they sell more than anyone else. Bang for the buck? Floor plans?

Randy Graber who started Open Range came from Keystone and went out on his own. Also Jayco bought Open Range although OR is still a stand alone company.

You really have to read between the lines. Some folks have a "lot of trouble" but so think adjusting a loose shade, a door needing adjusted, cabinet knob coming off is a lot of trouble. They have to hook up and drive 200 miles that could be fixed by a ten year old. Go to each individual brands forum web site and get the real story.

Montana has been the #1 seller in it's class for 14 years running. At least that's what Keystone says. I suppose that says something. Not sure what, but I guess there's a reason they sell more than anyone else. Bang for the buck? Floor plans?

Both are decent units with a loyal following. I preferred the interiors of the Open Range at the time I purchased however I believe Montana's are decent units for the price point as well.
Choose the model /floorplan you desire neither is superior to the other. It'sda matter of preference.
If I were buying today I would also give Grand Design a close look.
For the record I have been very satisfied with my OR bunkhouse unit.

Montana - Have owned 4 of them and no issues to complain about. Bought a 2013 Landmark and nothing but trouble. Traded for a 2015 Montana recently.

I'll throw in another vote for the Montana. We really like ours and have been happy with our choice. Ours has been a good, quality camper. There will be bumps in the road with any unit so it comes down to... you buy what you like best.

GibbsClan wrote:
Thanks for all the replies! Looks like Open Range over Montana about 10-2.

Let me throw in my 2 cents worth. We bought our Open Range in May of 2008. Took the maiden voyage in June of '08. Since then we have probably put over 35000 miles on it. Did have a few problems but considering ours was only the 162nd one they built I still feel good about them. They are in the 19,000 units now. The factory fo9lks are excellent to deal with if needed. FYI Open Rang is still a stand alone company but is now owned by Jayco. Randy Graber who started Open Range is still there. If you call them or go to the website it is called Highland Ridge dba Open Range. They also offer many more models now than when we got ours. Good Luck on your decision. Even though we had a few problems I would not hesitate to buy another one.