Forest river cardinal vs keystone Montana ?

[jts140]

Been researching Montana's for a while and found the floorplan we like. Wife just saw a cardinal with similar floor plan and likes it. However salesman cannot answer any of my questions about the unit didn't seem to know much of his product. Any insight on a cardinal would be greatly appreciated, any known problems, looking at a 2014 model.

From researching their site it looks like the Montana's and Cardinals are apples and apples.

Specifically talking about the cardinal 3727re vs Montana 3625re.


Thanks for any info

[Me_Again]

Endricken wrote:
You might want to check out/compare how active and useful each brand's Owners Forums are.
Back in 2007, based on much research regarding owner satisfaction versus complaints I narrowed my "upper" mid-range RV search to Jayco or Keystone Montana. At THAT time, Forest River did not seem to have as good of a "reputation". Montana Owners Forum (FREE) is great and due to many more Montana's available than Jayco's, I ended up with an 05 Montana Big Sky that has only suffered from non-Keystone component failures (like the Dometic Fridge and AC, plus many other more minor issues).

Cardinal has a very active user club www.cardinalrvclub.org. The head of the club regularly meets with people at the factory. They listen to his/our input. Cardinal brings new rigs to our rallies etc. Chris

[B_Sjulestad]

My Sister and her Husband traded their Montana in for a Cardinal last year. There were things they liked on the Montana but they love the Cardinal. I have to say it is a very nice looking coach.

[Retiredrecluse]

We’ve been looking for a reliable 5th wheel to replace our “Montana.” Although it’s been a fairly good coach, the “Keystone” warranty is absolutely the worst we’ve ever experienced. They intentionally held us off on a roof repair until our warranty expired after approval, then denied the claim. “Cost us a bundle. We’ll NEVER purchase another “Keystone” product again and have spread the word about their customer support. 

[Endricken]

You might want to check out/compare how active and useful each brand's Owners Forums are.
Back in 2007, based on much research regarding owner satisfaction versus complaints I narrowed my "upper" mid-range RV search to Jayco or Keystone Montana. At THAT time, Forest River did not seem to have as good of a "reputation". Montana Owners Forum (FREE) is great and due to many more Montana's available than Jayco's, I ended up with an 05 Montana Big Sky that has only suffered from non-Keystone component failures (like the Dometic Fridge and AC, plus many other more minor issues).

[Me_Again]

goducks10 wrote:
For the price of either I'd be looking at NuWa.

Is NuWa back in business building trailers. Chris

[richfaa]

Montana changed their Decal vendor 3 or 4 years ago and It appears the decal complaints have gone down on the Montana owners forum. We have a 13 big Sky full body paint. IMO it was a mistake as the paint is fragile and chips easily. I should have stayed with the decals.

[goducks10]

For the price of either I'd be looking at NuWa.

[steelpony5555]

One is Keystone's top RV and the other is Forest River's. Both are comparable companies and the RV's are comparable too. Probably boil it down to price and the colors you want. If you are worried about decals get the full body paint with a Big Sky. Worried about the slide floors rotting then just check them after heavy rains. They both will have problems as all RV's do. They are on the same level, if you want better look at the Landmarks, Mobile Suite or even Redwoods etc. Of course the price goes up..........

[jaycocamper6230]

I've yet to find a Montana owner that hasn't complained of their decals

[rattleNsmoke]

Unless Montana switched their decal suppliers in the past 5 years, be prepared to replace them after a few years sitting in the sun. Look at the older Montana's compared to the Forest River line.

[2008Wildcat]

Buy what YOU like.....

Build is almost the same anymore, so pick the one you like better.

[Ford_Man]

Owned a 2003, 2006, and a 2010 Montana and had no major problems out of any of them. Traded last year for a Landmark in order to get the Full body Paint.

[abc40kids]

Bought my Cardinal new in 2006 and only a few minor issues. Mine is the 362BHS LE, 40' and pull it with a dually. I would by another Cardinal or Cedar Creek, I do like some of the Montana's too. Good luck with your search, they've made so many improvements since I bought mine.

[dixiejohn]

Had a Cardinal that was a great unit. I traded it for a Cedar Creek that we have fulltimed in for 3 years now with only the usual problems. So I guess you could say I'm partial to Forest River products.