Spending the exact amount of $$$ which is the better buy? Cedar Creek or Montana?
Thanks
Al
blijil said
07:12 AM Sep 12, 2006
Al,
Even though I own a Cedar Creek I couldn't answer that for you. I know very satisfied owners of both. You will hear pro's and con's and even a few horror stories for both. My observation is that most horror stories are dealer inflicted which can be avoided.
Choose the rig you think you like the most, meets your needs, and matches your expectations. And yes if you are going to stick to your location consider dealer support but with that said I have heard of excellent support by both dealers and manufactures of both.
I would focus on making sure you get the features and rig you want.
Hard decisions but oh so rewarding.
Larry
Darrell and Judy said
08:41 AM Sep 12, 2006
Hi Al,
You've heard my argument for the construction methodology, but I agree with Larry. It is very important to have a dealer who will stand behind the unit and be willing to do warranty work that maybe required. We have that in our Dealer who has been surburb in taking care of our issues (even the minor ones). We have friends that have a Montana and the workmanship appears to be good although I haven't been over it like I would if I was looking to buy. If the workmanship meets your requirements and the features of the coach meet your needs then select the one you are most comfortable with.
Just one other thing. Unlike Howard, I accomplish most of my own maintenance work and repairs whenever possible, so you might want to look things over to see how accessible they are and if you'll be able to work on them yourself.
Anyway, it sounds like you are getting closer. I'm happy for you and look forward to hearing about your decision.
Good luck, Al.
Darrell
Tom N Gina said
10:55 AM Sep 12, 2006
Hi Al,
IMHO maybe write down a list of the pros and cons of both choices. Both of you make a list then compare them and see which one works the best for both of you. Then when all that is done and if it is still up in the air resort too: "If mama isn't happy no one is happy.........." This usually works the best for me!
My sister's family have a Cedar Creek and Gina's parents have a Montana. Been around them both and liked them equally so I tend to believe that you will be happy either way.
As far as warranty issues I have done most of mine account not near the place I purchased. All I have ever done is give them a call to let them know what the problem was and they shipped me the parts. Then I returned the old ones for their credit. Nothing major nit picky things like bad sound system and some broken plastic parts. A screw gun with a square bit and you can almost rebuild the whole interior. The Forest River company, I have now, has been great never given me a problem when I needed something.
Good Luck,
Tom N Gina
poweredbytheholyghost said
04:45 PM Sep 12, 2006
Darrell,
Well, we made a decision....lol...
We are not going to buy new. We will buy used. So now the search for used begins. Do you have any opinion/knowledge about Coachman's Somerset product?
Thanks Al
poweredbytheholyghost said
04:48 PM Sep 12, 2006
Tom,
You are so right when you say...if mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy. We have made the decision not to purchase new. We will now begin the search for used.
Do you have any opinion/knowledge/experience about Coachman's Somerset Fiver? For fulltiming?
Thanks
Al
Darrell and Judy said
05:34 AM Sep 13, 2006
Al,
I do not like to bad mouth any product, but I do not like Coachman. The reason is silly, but every older unit I have been in has had an odor that I can't stand. I think it is the glue they use. Beyond that, I have never looked at their construction or floorplans.
I think used is a good way to go, but I would recommend going through a dealer that will give you some sort of inspection check list. Also, negotiate a warranty into the deal. There are probably a lot of excellent units out there since 2003 and 2004 were record years in the industry. Keep in mind at Hurricane Katrina drove the industry into high product in late 2005 and 2006 which could mean some corners where cut to increase production.
Take a little time to search for the higher end models (rvsearch.com), you just never know - you just might get a luxary coach at a good price.
Darrell
Don and Lois said
12:35 PM Sep 14, 2006
AL, MY DH AND I BOUGHT A USED '02' 35 FT. MONTANA 5TH WHEEL IN 2004. WE LOVE IT. THE ONLY THING WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DIFFERENT IF WE BOUGHT ANOTHER USED 5ER WOULD BE TO HAVE A REAR LIVING ROOM AND A BOOTH/TABLE INSTEAD OF THE TABLE WITH CHAIRS. HOPE YOU AND DW FIND WHAT YOU WANT. IF POSSIBLE TAKE YOUR TIME AND SHOP, SHOP AROUND. GOOD LUCK, LOIS
Spending the exact amount of $$$ which is the better buy? Cedar Creek or Montana?
Thanks
Al
Al,
Even though I own a Cedar Creek I couldn't answer that for you. I know very satisfied owners of both. You will hear pro's and con's and even a few horror stories for both. My observation is that most horror stories are dealer inflicted which can be avoided.
Choose the rig you think you like the most, meets your needs, and matches your expectations. And yes if you are going to stick to your location consider dealer support but with that said I have heard of excellent support by both dealers and manufactures of both.
I would focus on making sure you get the features and rig you want.
Hard decisions but oh so rewarding.
Larry
Hi Al,
You've heard my argument for the construction methodology, but I agree with Larry. It is very important to have a dealer who will stand behind the unit and be willing to do warranty work that maybe required. We have that in our Dealer who has been surburb in taking care of our issues (even the minor ones). We have friends that have a Montana and the workmanship appears to be good although I haven't been over it like I would if I was looking to buy. If the workmanship meets your requirements and the features of the coach meet your needs then select the one you are most comfortable with.
Just one other thing. Unlike Howard, I accomplish most of my own maintenance work and repairs whenever possible, so you might want to look things over to see how accessible they are and if you'll be able to work on them yourself.
Anyway, it sounds like you are getting closer. I'm happy for you and look forward to hearing about your decision.
Good luck, Al.
Darrell
Hi Al,
IMHO maybe write down a list of the pros and cons of both choices. Both of you make a list then compare them and see which one works the best for both of you. Then when all that is done and if it is still up in the air resort too: "If mama isn't happy no one is happy.........." This usually works the best for me!
My sister's family have a Cedar Creek and Gina's parents have a Montana. Been around them both and liked them equally so I tend to believe that you will be happy either way.
As far as warranty issues I have done most of mine account not near the place I purchased. All I have ever done is give them a call to let them know what the problem was and they shipped me the parts. Then I returned the old ones for their credit. Nothing major nit picky things like bad sound system and some broken plastic parts. A screw gun with a square bit and you can almost rebuild the whole interior. The Forest River company, I have now, has been great never given me a problem when I needed something.
Good Luck,
Tom N Gina
Darrell,
Well, we made a decision....lol...
We are not going to buy new. We will buy used. So now the search for used begins. Do you have any opinion/knowledge about Coachman's Somerset product?
Thanks Al
Tom,
You are so right when you say...if mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy. We have made the decision not to purchase new. We will now begin the search for used.
Do you have any opinion/knowledge/experience about Coachman's Somerset Fiver? For fulltiming?
Thanks
Al
Al,
I do not like to bad mouth any product, but I do not like Coachman. The reason is silly, but every older unit I have been in has had an odor that I can't stand. I think it is the glue they use. Beyond that, I have never looked at their construction or floorplans.
I think used is a good way to go, but I would recommend going through a dealer that will give you some sort of inspection check list. Also, negotiate a warranty into the deal. There are probably a lot of excellent units out there since 2003 and 2004 were record years in the industry. Keep in mind at Hurricane Katrina drove the industry into high product in late 2005 and 2006 which could mean some corners where cut to increase production.
Take a little time to search for the higher end models (rvsearch.com), you just never know - you just might get a luxary coach at a good price.
Darrell
AL, MY DH AND I BOUGHT A USED '02' 35 FT. MONTANA 5TH WHEEL IN 2004. WE LOVE IT. THE ONLY THING WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DIFFERENT IF WE BOUGHT ANOTHER USED 5ER WOULD BE TO HAVE A REAR LIVING ROOM AND A BOOTH/TABLE INSTEAD OF THE TABLE WITH CHAIRS. HOPE YOU AND DW FIND WHAT YOU WANT. IF POSSIBLE TAKE YOUR TIME AND SHOP, SHOP AROUND. GOOD LUCK, LOIS