Sundance or Montego Bay?

fulltimecanada wrote:
Hello! My girlfriend and I will be full-timing starting this spring and we are looking to purchase a fifth wheel. We're in talks with two dealerships regarding models that we think will suit us well. Because we're new to rv'ing, we dont know much about the brands and what may be issues with certain models. Here are the two models we're looking at:

goo.gl/ceaP7R
goo.gl/dE3r4F

Just wondering your thoughts on either model/brand or anything you might be able to offer with your previous experience.

Thank you!

Honestly I don't know who make the Montego Bay. We have a 3200RE and are very happy with it.
Our Sundance is manufactured by Heartland. I will tell you that there is a Heartland owners site that has a lot of good info and folks to help you with any questions you have!
I will testify that after seeing the complaints by owners of other brands are really hard pressed to get good customer service from the manufacture! I have gotten great results from Heartland and on the Heartland owners site, you will find lots of happy people with Heartland.
Any problems by a new owner is resolved almost immediately I believe.
As for which brand is better, well that will be what you see in the unit you decide on! Its my opinion that all of your cabinets, flooring etc. are from just a few companies. The construction as to how it is built and welded studs or riveted or some other means of building the thing!
If your going to full time in it, then look for an artic package and most of all get the floor plan you like!
Maybe others will give you some ideas but these are my opinions and would buy a Heartland product again!

If you have not done so, I would suggest you check out Escapees Forum: http://www.rvnetwork.com/index.php?act=idx Most of the members are full-timers or former full-timers and have a wealth of information about the life style.

Sorry, I can't comment on the two fivers you mention. I don't have experience with either. We full-timed in an Arctic Fox and loved it.

The Montego Bay was produced by the ORIGINAL Kz company and was a quality unit. I have owned 2 KZ products and found them good units and the manufacturer great to deal with....HOWEVER they are now owned by THOR. From personal experience with KZ and friends with Heartland I would go with the Montego Bay. You do not give the agees....if the MB is a 2007 or 2008 I suggest checking for a leak at the roof. There was an issue back then with TPO material used by several manufacturers that caused leaks. I would say if it is good now there would be no issue in the future if well maintained....same goes for the Heartland. Keep in mind NEITHER was designed to be used full time

Thanks for the replies so far. I do appreciate the insight. For those who cant click the links, these are the two models we're looking at:

-2007 Sundance 32RL
-2007 KZRV MONTEGO BAY 30KSB3

Spadoctor: When you mention that neither unit is meant to be used full time, can you elaborate on that and why? Are there specific 5th wheel brands that are designed for full time use?

Thanks!

I have a 2008 Montego Bay and it has been a great unit. The thing I like the most is the montego bay is a hung wall unit which means its very resistant to delamination and some what easier to fix if it does. I also liked that everything that usually require attention is contained in a single space. To the rear of the basement is a compartment behind sliding doors that contain the inverter, water heater, furnace, vacuum, water pump.

Mine came with a lot of items that I really like, G rated G614 Goodyear tires, disc brakes, mor-ryde pin box, 40lb gas bottles, 75 watt inverter, 15 gallon water heater, and fiberglass rear cap.

I don't know anything about the sundance but I really like the Montego-bay but as another poster has already warned, the TPO roof used a felt backing is that is bad to wick water if you have a leak so you would need to be diligent in roof maintenance, and inspect carefully for water damage. Most likely places of water damage is the front and back corners of the camper.

fulltimecanada wrote:
Thanks for the replies so far. I do appreciate the insight. For those who cant click the links, these are the two models we're looking at:

-2007 Sundance 32RL
-2007 KZRV MONTEGO BAY 30KSB3

Spadoctor: When you mention that neither unit is meant to be used full time, can you elaborate on that and why? Are there specific 5th wheel brands that are designed for full time use?

Thanks!

I don't know about being designed for full time use but will they maintain the warranty if used full time. Many don't.

I don't think you are going to be concerned about a manufacturer not giving you warranty if you are looking at 7-8 yr old stuff.
I would recommend you google/research Carriage and DRV Suites (Doubletree RV) if you truly want something rated for use as a full time residence.
Whatever you buy make triple sure it has no rot issues.

We had a 2005 KZ Durango and it was a great fifth wheel.

lots of things to consider. Will you be staying in 70 degree weather if not then insulation r value,dual pane windows.If traveling alot tires and suspension and pin boxes. Will you be on full hookups or boondocking most of the time.And storage is a big thing for fulltimers.Go hangout at some campgrounds and talk to some of the full timers there.Simply saying do lots of homework.

The MB would be a step above the Sundance,similar to a Bighorn,Montana,etc.