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Old 06-23-2015, 09:21 AM   #1
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Sierra vs Salem Hemisphere

I'm looking at a certain floor plan offered by both models (little differences) is the Sierra worth the little extra money? I assume they have similar quality, what really makes them different?
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Old 06-23-2015, 02:50 PM   #2
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Both are similar, look at the details such as slam latches vs. turn latches on the outside compartment doors. The quality of the cabinet hinges, fit and finish of the details like faucets, trim, etc.
the Sierra also offers some different standard packages, depending on your needs and wants, insulation, etc.
Take the time to look it over, check actual models if you can and walk through them.
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Old 06-23-2015, 07:14 PM   #3
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Thanks. Ya I've compared option wise. I guess my main concern is "quality". Is the Sierra built better? Would it hold up better for the extra money?
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Old 06-23-2015, 07:25 PM   #4
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We have a Hemi TT and haven't had any quality issues. We may be one of the lucky ones, I don't know. No experience or knowledge of Sierras first hAnd
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Old 06-23-2015, 07:35 PM   #5
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I don't know about the Sierra, but we have a Hemisphere and really like it. Ours is a TT and not a 5th wheel, but we have been in the 5th wheels and the inside finishes are the same. We have had ours since the end of March and are very happy with it. As suggested above, look at both. Don't just look at finishes though. Floorplans and other differences can make one more practical for you over the other.
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Old 06-23-2015, 07:55 PM   #6
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Ya the two I'm looking at are basically the same floor plan:



I'm going to be "full timing" as I travel for work so I need something that is "turn key" and from my research I've been reading a lot of mixed reviews from quality issues to ACs not working. But I hope I too will be one of the lucky ones.
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Old 06-23-2015, 08:03 PM   #7
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No experience with the Sierra line. We have a Salem 366rlt or 386rlt. Too late in the evening to remember. We love it. No issues. Just got back from a 2 week jaunt. Only issue we had was a leak on bedroom slide. Found problem and fixed it myself.
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Old 06-23-2015, 08:10 PM   #8
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Awesome thanks! I'm prepared to fix and upgrade it to perform as needed my main concern is if my wife and daughter come out to visit me and the AC stops working or something like that.
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Old 06-23-2015, 08:47 PM   #9
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We just bought a 2016 Sierra 376BHOK, and chose this over the Hemisphere 356QBQ for quality issues in particular. We are full timing in it, and found the Sierra quality superior to the Hemisphere. You will see it when opening drawers and cabinets in each model. We walked both the same day and were sold on the Sierra. Purchased at Jeff Couch's RV Nation near Cincinnati, OH. Very happy with dealer and the camper!
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Old 06-23-2015, 09:10 PM   #10
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Good to hear as well. I'm currently dealing with Brannon there. Camping world locally is a joke. They want 10k more for the same model hemisphere and they offered me 16% financing at camping world where as Jeff couch can get me the Sierra with more upgrades than hemisphere for less. And their communication is fantastic compared to camping world.
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Old 06-24-2015, 08:26 PM   #11
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I love our Sierra, but full disclosure....I don't know anything about the Hemisphere.
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Old 06-25-2015, 12:18 AM   #12
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Brannon was our salesman as well. He knows his stuff, he responds very quickly to all questions. We drove from northern IL to buy our camper there. He is a rock star...as well as all the others we came in contact with there. Highly recommend Jeff Couch's RV Nation in Ohio!
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Old 06-25-2015, 01:08 PM   #13
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Thanks. I opted to go for the Sierra since it's available sooner. We'll see what they say and I'll let you guys know how I like it. I haven't seen the Sierra in person but have seen the hemisphere.
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Old 07-09-2015, 06:25 PM   #14
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So I ended up getting the Sierra. I like it so far. Have been staying in it for 5 days so far here in North Salt Lake. Haven't had any major issues with it. Been through a major thunderstorm last night no leaks or issues. Only thing I have been trying to combat is the AC in the main living area. It doesn't seem to cool it down as much as I've hoped. It get it about 7 degrees cooler inside than outside. I've blocked a few windows with the reflective insulation but we haven't had a hot day since I put it in to see if there is a difference.
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Old 08-08-2015, 04:49 PM   #15
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Hey Static54, me and the wife are looking at the salem 371REBH. I know that sierra is pretty much the same. Since you saw both, I would like your opinion on both. is there a real difference in quality? Or is it like GMC and Chevy. Same beast, different badging.
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Old 08-08-2015, 05:21 PM   #16
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There's some more quality to it. Trim around doors added shelving and the basement cargo is carpeted. We got the upgraded kitchen appliances but generally it's a bit nicer. Depends on your use and budget. I would like the hemisphere for the tub shower combo and outdoor kitchen.
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Old 08-08-2015, 05:25 PM   #17
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Thanks for your input. I'll have to take a close look at sierra, but the wife likes the tan outside of the Salem.
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Old 08-08-2015, 05:31 PM   #18
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What kinda pricing are they offering on each. I like the darker color as well on the Salem and sandpipers.

I also like the LED lighting probably the most over the Salem.



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Old 08-08-2015, 06:49 PM   #19
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The dealer that we talked to had the Salem's and were selling them in the lower to mid 40's
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Old 08-08-2015, 07:42 PM   #20
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That's about what camping world was. I ended up going with Jeff couch TV nation I cincinatti. Their prices are great and they were real accommodating.
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