Cedar Creek Champagne vs. Riverstone

[Jim1521]

It’s wonderful being married. My wife and are are 99.44% locked in in our decision to go with the Riverstone 39FK - until today.

Today she discovered the Champagne 38EFK. Both have nearly the same identical layout, except for the bedroom. She has never been happy with the bedroom layout on the Riverstone. Today she saw the Champagne model and is now wanting more information about the 38EFK.

I’m more interested in the build quality of the two. My personal choice is the Riverstone, but I’ve got to do my due diligence, so can anyone give me some information regarding quality differences between the Riverstone brand vs. the Champagne brand?

We’re about a month from closing on the sale of our home, and ordering for full time living.

[dblr]

Both are built the same way but the River Stone is 102" wide the Champagne I believe is still at 96" wide, the RS comes with more standard feature that might be a upgrade on the Champagne. Yes the floor plans are similar due to the personal change between the factories plus the RS was considered a spin off from Cedar Creek as a lot of the workers came form Cedar Creek. Build time on a RS is around 2 weeks unless ordered with the full body paint where the Cedar Creek is usually around 2 1/2 days. Now don't get me wrong both are very nice units but it might come down to what fits you best plus as always remember Happy wife equals Happy life

[lcv800]

Make sure to compare frame size, wall and roof thickness. Pretty sure the RS is either 3 or 3 1/4" and the roof deck is 5/8. Forgot frame size since I compared. I bought same model as dblr this year (Rivertone Legacy 38MB) and have traveled non-stop in it since 10/13/18. Other than some very minor fit and finish issues that will be warrantied, next month, the unit has been great. On top of that, I always get a quick response when I call the factory or warranty department. Can't say enough about my RS.
Rusty

[spock123]

If it was me I would get the RiverStone. The unit comes standard with disk brakes plus the Goodyear 17.5 H rated tires. The disk brakes are awesome. The 102 wide doesn’t seem like much but it’s more room. It comes standard with front and rear caps. You will need a dually to pull the campers with.

[tomkatb]

When we looked at the CC Champaign the DW liked it very much.

We opted for the smallest Hathaway as the smaller size gets us in more state parks. .37’

The Champaign had all electric appliances. Gas is available as an option. With the gas stove and convection oven we can be without 110 better.

My wife liked the front kitchen as well. If we go bigger likely that would be our choice. Same as you the river stone or Champaign.

Some folks have stated the front kitchens are harder to sell. Less popular. Likely does not really matter.

We are still in the thinking about full time mode. Spent 8-9 weeks in the Fiver last year. Our first year. The DW, the chemistry teacher, has 321 more days with the urchins before retirement. Would have retired last year but, her pention was terminated. The replacement changed the age requirement by 5 years. $20,000 difference. No grandfather clause.

[GL1800Rider]

My 2 cents. Similar sized unit but look at the difference in weight. That should tell you something about the build. 14354 for the Champagne and 16099 for the Riverstone. Also, the grey tank on the Riverstone is has a 43 gallon higher capacity than the Champagne.

[spock123]

Champagne or RiverStone I would have to have a dually something I don’t really want. My Cedar Creek is 35.8 foot long, usually when I ask for a spot I say my camper is 40 foot. I have looked at RiverStone and they are very nice but if I traded for a RiverStone I would have to trade my SRW. DW wants to keep what we have

[Jim1521]

Originally Posted by GL1800Rider

My 2 cents. Similar sized unit but look at the difference in weight. That should tell you something about the build. 14354 for the Champagne and 16099 for the Riverstone. Also, the grey tank on the Riverstone is has a 43 gallon higher capacity than the Champagne.

Great point about the weight and gray tank.

I already have the dually to pull it, so G2G there.

I converted my Grand Design 313RLTS over to disc brakes; will never be without them again.

Wife loves cooking with gas, so we’ll be going with gas stove and oven.

I also think the RS is better suited for full time use, although I cannot prove that one way or the other.

The bedroom in the CK is a beautiful layout though.....In the end I think it’s gonna cost me a custom closet in the RS to make her happy.

[dblr]

Keep in mind that with the River Stone line disc brakes are a upgrade along with the Good Year Tires, standard on the Legacy but no front kitchen in the Legacy line. I think if you order what they call the traveler package those upgrades are included in that package but double check for yourself I don't want to mis-lead you

[heavynlori]

We love both but prefer the pocket door in bathroom of the Cedar Creek (silly but it matters to a bigger guy like DH)

We like the front kitchen plans as well as rear kitchen....our first 5er was a Dutchmen RK and we still comment about how much more open that layout is.....

We have no use for desk option in rear kitchen models and would option in a real full size ( not a loveseat sized) sofa in its place

Good luck with your shopping...post pics when you get “the one” [emoji3]

[Jim1521]

Originally Posted by dblr

Keep in mind that with the River Stone line disc brakes are a upgrade along with the Good Year Tires, standard on the Legacy but no front kitchen in the Legacy line. I think if you order what they call the traveler package those upgrades are included in that package but double check for yourself I don't want to mis-lead you

Yes, you are correct. In our case, because we’re going with the Traveler Package (“Blue Thunder” full body paint), they come with it.

[Jim1521]

Guys, am I reading this right? The Cedar Creek only has 2” sidewall thickness?

From the brochure: Handmade 2” x 2” - 16” on center (or less), sidewalls with individually fastened custom “L” brackets combined with 3M® Silaprene adhesives for a stronger frame without welding or lamination. (475 PSI at 2” per minute)

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Jim1521

Guys, am I reading this right? The Cedar Creek only has 2” sidewall thickness?

From the brochure: Handmade 2” x 2” - 16” on center (or less), sidewalls with individually fastened custom “L” brackets combined with 3M® Silaprene adhesives for a stronger frame without welding or lamination. (475 PSI at 2” per minute)

That's how they all used to be built, isn't it? And wouldn't you rather have that than a sheet of styrofoam sandwiched between two very thin sheets of plywood?

Larry

[Jim1521]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

That's how they all used to be built, isn't it? And wouldn't you rather have that than a sheet of styrofoam sandwiched between two very thin sheets of plywood?

Larry

True, but I’m not willing to move from 3 1/4” sidewalls (RS) to only 2”. All of the Champagne line has been 3”. I’m hoping this is just a typo.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Jim1521

True, but I’m not willing to move from 3 1/4” sidewalls (RS) to only 2”. All of the Champagne line has been 3”. I’m hoping this is just a typo.

Is the 3-1/4" wall also wooden studs or is it 3" of styrofoam sheet with 1/8" wood sheathing on both sides and no studs at all?

Larry

[dblr]

As per the brochure:
" 3" Exterior Walls w/ High Gloss Full Gel Coat Exterior"
then I know aluminum studs 16" on center with household fiberglass insulation, now I believe the Cedar Creek is also built the same way but not the 3 1/4 walls.

[dblr]

Originally Posted by Jim1521

Yes, you are correct. In our case, because we’re going with the Traveler Package (“Blue Thunder” full body paint), they come with it.

Very nice that blue really stands out.

[Jim1521]

Originally Posted by dblr

As per the brochure:
" 3" Exterior Walls w/ High Gloss Full Gel Coat Exterior"
then I know aluminum studs 16" on center with household fiberglass insulation, now I believe the Cedar Creek is also built the same way but not the 3 1/4 walls.

Yeah, I can’t believe that they wouldn’t use 3” studs. I’m going to confirm that with my sales guy tomorrow. Thanks.

[Retired JSO]

Originally Posted by Jim1521

Yeah, I can’t believe that they wouldn’t use 3” studs. I’m going to confirm that with my sales guy tomorrow. Thanks.

Their online brochure clearly states 3” wall. That doesn’t say they use 3” studs.

[tomkatb]

You know in the wood business now a days. That a 2x4 ain’t 2”x4”. Been a long time.

I suspect a 2x3 is not either. So a 3” wall makes sense.

We were kind of surprised how well insulated our 2018 Cedar Creek Hathaway is. In 40 degree weather our fireplace and a 1500 watt cheap heater heat the fiver well. The central gas furnace generally does not run until the temperatures are in the 30’s.