Forum Discussion

PMiller228's avatar
PMiller228
Explorer
Aug 19, 2016

Agonizing Over Which 5th Wheel to Purchase

With our 3 boys getting older (16, 13 & 10), we're currently shopping for another 5th wheel. We've narrowed it down to 3 brands and a few floor plans. We like:

Grand Design Reflection 357BHS
Montana High Country 340BH or 362RD
Sandpiper 365SAQB or 376BHOK

Other than the 340BH, they all have half-baths in common along with several other things (i.e. outside kitchen, auto-level, large refrigerators, etc.). The Sandpipers use hydraulics for the landing gear and slideouts, the Montana HCs use electric landing gear and cable-driven slideouts, and the GD uses electric landing gear and geared slideouts.

We still don't have a leader in the clubhouse. We keep going back and forth on which one would best suit our needs and wants.

I guess I'm posting this to see what others have to say about these brands and any experience they've had with them. Price wise, they are all in the same neighborhood of upper-40s to lower-50s.
  • Each brand model have users groups. I'd go each to see what is being said good and bad about the models you are interested in.

    You may discover something that can help with your decision.

    Best of luck to you in your search

    Dave
  • We have had our Sandpiper 365SAQ for just under 3 years now and have had good service out of it. If you do go the Sandpiper route, spend the extra $150ish for the 2nd year warranty. You might not need it, but if you do it will be $150 well spent.
    We had the typical new trailer issues but between Forest River and our helpful dealer we had everything resolved.
  • We recently purchased a new bunkhouse. We came down to the Montana 340BH and the Open Range 367BHS. The decision maker for us was length. Wife didn't want to go over 40'. The 340BH is almost 42' IIRC.
    On edit: Another issue with some of the bigger bunkhouses was GVW of the fifth wheel and carrying capacity. I have a SRW and wanted to stay as close to if not under ratings as possible.
    The Open Range nailed that with a GVWR under 15,000 and around 3,000 CCC.
    I'm not trying to sell you on mine. Just two of the thoughts going on during our purchase and research.
  • We have Montana HC 305RL. No major issues just little things.
    If I had to do it again I would look at Northwood.
    I think the dealer is equally important. But trying to find a good one may be a challenge.
    I don't think Keystone has much a reputation for support since they are so big. Grand Design supposedly is good. For how long who knows, since they are ex-Thor execs.
    Just me, I would look for a smaller manufacturer and a small dealer. Both that have been in business a long time. Who that is I don't know.
  • MPI_Mallard wrote:
    Did you look at Cedar Creek? They have the BEST after-the-sale customer service in the industry!!


    Heartland RV ain't no slouch in support dept. Not familiar with any of the 3.
  • Cougar2005 wrote:
    We looked at all those as well but bought a Jayco bunkhouse. Out of the ones you have listed I would choose the high country 362. That was a nice camper except the washer and drier location


    I am so used to seeing the washer/dryer connections in the master closet, it was a shock to see it in the living area. It is a nice floorplan. Plenty of room for our boys, but a bit of a tradeoff on storage in the den.
  • We looked at all those as well but bought a Jayco bunkhouse. Out of the ones you have listed I would choose the high country 362. That was a nice camper except the washer and drier location
  • We saw a YouTube video on the CC Silverback 37MBH. It was a beautiful RV.
  • Did you look at Cedar Creek? They have the BEST after-the-sale customer service in the industry!!