Montana vs. Arctic Fox vs. Grand Design

[Leo_Smith]

My wife and I currently own a Cougar TT that has served us well for weekend camping trips and week-long road trips. As we get closer to retirement, we are looking at fifth wheels for extended road trips. Looking ahead to our next RV (a fifth wheel) we have narrowed down our search to 3 brands: Montana, Arctic Fox, and Grand Design.

The Montana Dealer in our area has a good reputation (also the same dealer where we purchased our Cougar). The Arctic Fox dealer in our area has a stellar reputation. The Grand Design dealer in our area has a so-so reputation.

At the risk of starting the Ram/Ford/Chevy debate, I would appreciate the perspective of current owners of these three brands. Has the quality of Arctic Fox gone downhill with the passing of Ron Nash? Has the quality of Grand Design gone downhill since they have been acquired by Winnebago? Should I put the quality of the dealership ahead of the quality of the fifth wheel?

[southernsky]

We have a 2016 GD Solitude. It's never been back to the dealer. We use a mobile tech or independent rv repair shop. You have to get GD ok first. The support after the sale is one of the best. They even paid for work done on our trailer 2 yrs out of warranty.

[hondapro]

We are also considering moving to a 5th wheel soon.
At the last rv show in Hershey,Pa we compared the Grand Design Solitude and the Montana and also the Reflection and the Cougar.
All were the rear living floor plan.
We liked both Grand Design units alot more than the Montana or Cougar.
We thought the fit and finish was better and they just seemed to be put together better.

[B_O__Plenty]

Don't worry about how good the dealer is, if you go full timing you won't see them again. I would put the Montana on the bottom of the list. Arctic Fox is decent but not the best on the market. Grand Design has a good reputation and is well liked by their owners. of the three that would be my choice.
B.O.

[rhagfo]

We are looking at the GD Solitude 344GK, we have looked at this unit at a couple RV shows. Impressed with design, layout and quality. Arctic Fox would be my next choice. One of the little things I noticed in the Solitude level, NO Floor heat vents, all in walls or under cabinets. Our current unit has floor vents, and if metal they bend quickly, unless you buy the higher quality units. They still bend, but take longer.

[ScottG]

No, from what I saw at this years Seattle RV show, if anything the 2020 AF's are better quality than they my 2018 was/is.
Although that grey interior is enough to make a person need to slam vitamin D.
I think there are other choices though (hope).