Community Forums

Fawny43 · 06-23-2019, 08:59 AM

For what its worth, our 2014 Bayhill is considered a 4 season unit. It has thicker walls , less windows for heat or cool to escape from, and weighs in at #13500 Empty, and #16,000 Gvwr.
Also be aware that the BigHorn Traveler is a step DOWN from the BigHorn. Traveler has fewer bells and whistles and is now considered an Entry level higher end unit by Heartland.

Justjamie83 · 06-23-2019, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fawny43

For what its worth, our 2014 Bayhill is considered a 4 season unit. It has thicker walls , less windows for heat or cool to escape from, and weighs in at #13500 Empty, and #16,000 Gvwr.
Also be aware that the BigHorn Traveler is a step DOWN from the BigHorn. Traveler has fewer bells and whistles and is now considered an Entry level higher end unit by Heartland.

I see, well Traveler is out then. I certainly don't want a step down!

Sask Farm · 06-23-2019, 09:20 PM

Dropthejacks take a good look at the Redwood, I was thinking trading my solitude in on one. Redwood is 6in narrower than solitude and for full time that extra width in hallway and over all is huge. But the redwood was nice.

Smlranger I agree 100% with Your thoughts on insulation in the solitude as well as larger furnace. We use another electric heater at night when temps get down.

I also looked at Forrest-river cardinal that would probably be my pick. I really liked things they had including pull out dish washer. Less windows and there exterior paint seemed richer or better. I never measured but I think exterior walls may have been a bit thicker as well. But then price was higher as well, and a heavier rig. All goes back to wants and needs and budget. I do like our solitude but I think they are more entry level full time units. But that said maybe one of the better entry level brands. I may get strung out from the Solitude fans for that but I have one so I’m entitled to opinion.

Sask Farm · 06-23-2019, 09:36 PM

Should proof read I looked at the Riverstone legacy Forest River. Not the cardinal!! Sorry for the omit response!

smlranger · 06-24-2019, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sask Farm

Should proof read I looked at the Riverstone legacy Forest River. Not the cardinal!! Sorry for the omit response!

If we had seen the Riverstone before deciding on the Solitude, I believe that's what we would have now.

RAM 6.7 4x4 · 06-24-2019, 06:44 PM

We're thinking about upgrading to the Riverstone Legacy 34SLE. The legacy line is built well. Only uncertainty is the hung vs. laminate walls. Have read that the insulation in the hung walls can sag. I like the 3.25inches of wall thickness and extra insulation plus that FBP job is sweet.

Sask Farm · 06-25-2019, 01:13 PM

I think if you could get a Riverstone for the right price it would be a great unit. They claim there built to go head to head with the DRV but a little less money. Not sure on that but that’s there statement. It is definitely a class above the solitude, if nothing else in just the upgrades. Tires, axles, brakes, larger furnace, paint. If you put a price on that the difference in price isn’t to bad. I added hyd brakes and suspension alone was $5 and I still only have 7,000lb axles and basic tires. So after pages of pros and cons the solitude is a good choice for the money but for a bit more if that’s a option there are some better full time units. This depends on where you winter a bit as well, for the insulation involved. Just my thoughts on it.

Justjamie83 · 06-25-2019, 05:03 PM

It looks like we will be going with the Montana at this point. It's still about 6 months out so that could change.

If we get Montana we can get some upgrades like dual pane windows, generator, solar and Legacy package. Solitude doesn't offer the full time warranty or solar.

Dropthejacks · 06-25-2019, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justjamie83

It looks like we will be going with the Montana at this point. It's still about 6 months out so that could change.

If we get Montana we can get some upgrades like dual pane windows, generator, solar and Legacy package. Solitude doesn't offer the full time warranty or solar.

If you're serious about full-timing, you owe it to yourself to actually walk onto some of the ones mentioned about prior to making a final decision. I think you will be shocked by the difference in fit and finish between the Montana and other full-time rated RVs out there. Montana is riding on it's reputation, and their quality has suffered. Not saying don't go with the Montana, but since you have several months until you make a decision scope out the other options. For the price there are better models to be had out there. But that said, most full-time models are made with couples in mind. They are not made for needing to sleep 6 kids. So not sure how wide your choices will be as far as "bunkhouse". Having a couple of overnight guests on a foldout queen I can see. But remember, this is your house, and space counts in an RV. The grand kids might have to suck it up for a few nights, but I'm going to have my space, because this is all the space I have, whether they are there are not.

Justjamie83 · 06-26-2019, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dropthejacks

If you're serious about full-timing, you owe it to yourself to actually walk onto some of the ones mentioned about prior to making a final decision. I think you will be shocked by the difference in fit and finish between the Montana and other full-time rated RVs out there. Montana is riding on it's reputation, and their quality has suffered. Not saying don't go with the Montana, but since you have several months until you make a decision scope out the other options. For the price there are better models to be had out there. But that said, most full-time models are made with couples in mind. They are not made for needing to sleep 6 kids. So not sure how wide your choices will be as far as "bunkhouse". Having a couple of overnight guests on a foldout queen I can see. But remember, this is your house, and space counts in an RV. The grand kids might have to suck it up for a few nights, but I'm going to have my space, because this is all the space I have, whether they are there are not.

I will be walking through them first of course. Right now there are no dealers within 100 miles with the ones I'd want to look at. We full time in a non bunkhouse model right now, our 2yr old still sleeps with us so it's not terrible. I know in the near future he will start sleeping in his own bed, so we really want that space for him. My husband thinks no matter what we get, we will be getting a new one in 5yrs or so. He thinks after as much travel as we do, nothing would last. That may be true, but the Bighorn isn't made near as well as the Drv and higher end brands.

GoBama84 · 06-27-2019, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justjamie83

It looks like we will be going with the Montana at this point. It's still about 6 months out so that could change.

If we get Montana we can get some upgrades like dual pane windows, generator, solar and Legacy package. Solitude doesn't offer the full time warranty or solar.

Full Time warranty shouldn't matter and you can add solar to any unit.

Dropthejacks · 06-28-2019, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoBama84

Full Time warranty shouldn't matter and you can add solar to any unit.

The warranty part not mattering is somewhat true, to a point. Warranties don't last all that long, the RV generally will outlast it. Course if they find out you are full-timing in one not rated as such, they will void your warranty. Says so in the fine print. BUT, the point is if you buy a Diawa fishing rod that Diawa says is rated for ultra-light tackle but you disregard their advice and take it saltwater fishing for Tarpon, don't be surprised when it breaks. They told you it isn't designed for that use, and they built the thing. They should probably know best.

jsp911 · 06-30-2019, 03:45 PM

Last fall we were looking for a mid-bunk unit. It came down to the Solitude vs the Montana. Overall we felt that the Solitude was better built and Grand Design had a better reputation so we have our 377MBS and don't regret our decision at all.

MTK46 · 06-30-2019, 04:08 PM

Here's something else to think about. We were thinking of a new G.D. after selling out 02 Monaco DP. We had a Teton before the MH that lasted us 15 years. We looked at the G.D. & they would work. Then my wife said why don't we look used. Well for the cost of a new G.D. which was nice but sure no Teton we found a DRV. Disc brakes, generator, select comfort king bed, hyd. leveling & the option list goes on.
To us the DRV is built better than the Teton which back in 03 was $75k.
I'm glad I listened to my wife. The G.D. would of worked but for the $ we got a much better RV. Oh and we have owned a Montana 5th wheel in the past also. Montana & G.D. are nice but they aren't a DRV.