Need help choosing a new fifth wheel: Bighorn vs. Montana

[kacol]

My wife and I are going to buy a new 5th wheel. From what we have been able to glean from our internet search so far, it seems that the Heartland Bighorn and the Keystone Montana both rate high. However, nobody knows like an owner so we are seeking input from owners of these rigs regarding quality, reliability, livability, etc. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Its Paid For]

My neighbor has a new Heartland Bighorn. I wish I did as well. You cant go wrong with it in my opinion as it is shweeeeet!

[NLOVNIT]

The year we bought our coach, we had a Keystone Cougar 5-r & we were in the market for a bigger 5-r. I had a Montana FL all picked out. Then we shifted gears deciding we'd rather drive something huge that got crappy gas mileage (i.e. motorhome) only occasionally rather than as a daily driver (1T DRW truck). I really liked the Montana's quality when it came to cabinetry & furniture, it had an air-ride suspension & pin box & the FL was to die for (I see they've brought back that floorplan).

If you like both equally, go with the one with the floorplan you like best & the dealer that will service you best after the sale.

Oh, & let us know what you get.

Lori-

[Cat320]

We just sold a Montana 3400RL to purchase a MH. The Montana has been the best selling 5th wheel in the country for the last eight or nine years. We loved ours, very few problems, great support from Keystone and our dealer, and the best floor plan we saw.

Bottom line...get the one the wife likes.

[tickranch]

Heartland makes a good product, and has great factory support. They have an owners forum and you can go there & talk to some of the owners & see what they have to say about the Big Horns, I think you'll be pleased! We own a 2011 Elk Ridge and for the most are pleased with it. But still working out the little bugs in it, like all new RV's, autos have.
Heartland Owners Forum

[mhs4771]

We looked at both. Big Horn had some nice features we liked, but we felt the Montana offered more storage space. And in our case the Big Horn dealer was pretty firm on price and not willing to deal, while the Montana dealer (CW) was out to make a sale. Got two slide topper included, 20K Reese hitch and installation all thrown into the deal. We couldn't be happier, presently in Florida for the past month researching places to return to for next winter. As said, find a dealer will to work with you and a floor plan you can live with. PS, there is a Montana Owners Forum also with a great bunch of folks willing to give you their opinions.

[ron55]

my two neighbors, one has a bighorn and was has a montana. the bighorn has a lot leaks, the back window fog up and the gray holding tanks overflowes to the ground some other things to. I would not buy a Heartland rv

[glend]

I also just did a 5er upgrade. Went from a Grand Junction up to a Cedar Creek. I looked at the Bighorn and Montana and item for item, with same quality it look like the Cedar Creek was the best for my dollar. The Montana dealers seem to think the name don't cut no slack on pricing.

[tooblue]

I believe Heartland is now producing the Titanium, great floor plans, solid rig. Might want to look at that.

Jerry

[bljl]

We have a keystone cougar and I think keystone makes a good 5th wheel. We have been looking at Montanas. The quality is some of the best.

[jackattack]

Thor who owns keystone bought heartland a few months back. I had 2 keystone products, thought the first was a lemon so I mistakingly bought the second, both were junk. I now have a Wildcat by Forest River and think it is far suoerior the heartland or keyston JMHO Jack

[mhs4771]

Keystone Montanas can't be too bad, been the top selling 5th wheel for the past 9 years. You don't do that if you're junk.

[Marker365]

We recently closed a deal on 2011 Montana 3585SA. We were very impressed by the quality visible in the unit. That said, we are very please with our Cedar Creek. We started full time in our rig beginning in July. After successfully completing the winter without issue, we decided that the floor plan worked well for camping, but, not so well when full-timing. After some research and walking through several units, we settled on the rear kitchen floor plan of the Montana 3585. Better flow than our current floor plan. Guess I didn't answer your question Heartland v. Keystone. I can only say do your research, ask questions of owners and poke around in a lot of rigs at dealers. Good luck.

[rdcd]

Teton, Travel Supreme, New Horizons, Nu Wa. Only one left New Horizons. But starting at 100k up! Best Fifth Wheel today as of 3-2011 is DRV. Beauty is only skin deep with rv's. Quality rv's (as mentioned) will have 5/8"T&G ply wood floors and 3/8" - 1/2" ply wood roof decking, not OSB or Structure wood. Carriage Carri Lite comes close to DRV quality Or Royals wich is a Carriage product. Research for yourself, check the construction. This is not my opinion this is a fact based on research! OSB is a big no no, it's a sign of saving a few bucks, but is a major flaw in an rv that will not last if it every got wet, even so slightly. It swells up and mold will grow. Ext grade plywood will not! Many more facts of quality if researched. There is a reason they cost more. The bitterness of poor quality lasts years after the sweetness of price is forgotten! Respectfully.