Comparing 2016-2019 Cedar Creek, Silverback is the quality of the units improving?

[RonCharles]

I got my new truck (2024 f350, 7.3 gaser, crew cab with 8 ft box and 3.73 gears. Payload Capacity is 4360lbs and GVWR rating is 18900lbs). Now I'm searching the my 5er, narrowed it down to either a Silverback 31IK or 33IK. Trying to stay under 36 feet and approx 14,000 lbs. We like the 2016-18's because the 2 peaked slides (bedroom and seating) provides extra head room. The 2019's did away with that option and they added a digital command screen vs all the buttons and lights. With that said, I'm looking for information from you all who own or owned these units as to whether or not the quality is improving and or are the changes they made better then before?
I have 2 units I'm considering, a 2019 31IK and a 2016 33IK. I've seen the 2019, at a dealer. The exterior appeared to be in good shape, it had slide toppers on all 3 slides and it an electric residential re fridge, which I'm not familiar with. Hoping purchase one before April.

 

[richp-FRF]

Can't speak to the new ones, and I'm slightly out of the range of years you're asking about, but my 2014 with three cathedral slides has been an outstanding unit. Cumulatively, we've lived in it for at least 2 years out of the 10 we have owned it, and have been delighted with the construction and performance of the subsystems.

We've had some maintenance/repair issues, as you might expect for a unit of this age. But based on our experience I would have no hesitation in recommending Silverbacks of this vintage.

 

[Reverse_snowbird]

I can't comment on the quality.
One thing you might want to consider is that residential fridge. If you do any 'boondocking', you might find that it drains the battery rather quickly.
If you always camp with shore power, it won't be an issue.

 

[dalford]

We own a 2016 33IK. We bought it new in October of 2015 and I’m writing this reply from the unit so we have owned it for almost 10 years.

We have had very few issues over the life of the unit. We have pulled it on trips totaling over 45K miles.

It does have a residential refrigerator and we are still on the original fridge. I did install a small 3 cubic foot freezer in the front basement and power it off the same a/c output from the inverter that powers the main fridge.

The major problem that many of these units with cathedral ceilings have is water intrusion to the slide floor due to production issues on some units. We had to have the bedroom slide floor replaced. Be sure to check the floor on the unit you are looking at. The problem there is water intrusion around the trim along the outside of the slide. Inspect the trim at the top for good sealant. We also had the to have the trim along the bottom side of the main slide removed and butyl waterproof tape added under trim. The cathedral ceiling causes water to run down the side of the unit and there was no butyl tape under the trim at the very bottom.

The fake leather furniture is junk and we went thru 2 couches from RecPro before we switched to the fabric couch. The 2 recliners also flaked and we replaced them with cloth recliners from Lazy Boy.

I’m don’t know how much these units were used or towed and not sure what suspension they have but I have to make a 90 degree turn getting to our house. I had to replace the e-z flex suspension for each axle. Just something to check.

Our unit came with the level up system. Best thing ever invented.

Not sure where you are located but there is a company close to the factory owned by Orvan called Orvan Amish RV or something like that. He is everything Cedarcreek. That is pretty much all he works on. I read on this forum a while back that he said the Cedarcreek units built around 2015 were the best quality and if you had one to hang on to it. If your close to Shipshewana I would suggest you take it to him to look at.

Anyway, my 2 cents. Any other questions just ask.. Don

 

[richp-FRF]

That would be Amish Family RV Service in Topeka, Indiana. A top-notch organization run by a guy who knows these trailers inside out.

 

[RonCharles]

We own a 2016 33IK. We bought it new in October of 2015 and I’m writing this reply from the unit so we have owned it for almost 10 years.

We have had very few issues over the life of the unit. We have pulled it on trips totaling over 45K miles.

It does have a residential refrigerator and we are still on the original fridge. I did install a small 3 cubic foot freezer in the front basement and power it off the same a/c output from the inverter that powers the main fridge.

The major problem that many of these units with cathedral ceilings have is water intrusion to the slide floor due to production issues on some units. We had to have the bedroom slide floor replaced. Be sure to check the floor on the unit you are looking at. The problem there is water intrusion around the trim along the outside of the slide. Inspect the trim at the top for good sealant. We also had the to have the trim along the bottom side of the main slide removed and butyl waterproof tape added under trim. The cathedral ceiling causes water to run down the side of the unit and there was no butyl tape under the trim at the very bottom.

The fake leather furniture is junk and we went thru 2 couches from RecPro before we switched to the fabric couch. The 2 recliners also flaked and we replaced them with cloth recliners from Lazy Boy.

I’m don’t know how much these units were used or towed and not sure what suspension they have but I have to make a 90 degree turn getting to our house. I had to replace the e-z flex suspension for each axle. Just something to check.

Our unit came with the level up system. Best thing ever invented.

Not sure where you are located but there is a company close to the factory owned by Orvan called Orvan Amish RV or something like that. He is everything Cedarcreek. That is pretty much all he works on. I read on this forum a while back that he said the Cedarcreek units built around 2015 were the best quality and if you had one to hang on to it. If your close to Shipshewana I would suggest you take it to him to look at.

Anyway, my 2 cents. Any other questions just ask.. Don

Thanks for that, that's the type of information I'm looking for. Especially the info on the slides! I had a slide problem with a previous trailer, it took a good bit of effort to figure out how to fix. I'm the type of guy that will fix it myself and only use the dealer as a last resort.

 

[NMWildcat]

We have been looking at many different fifth wheels. As far as quality, only one has stood out that is in our price range. Paradigm by Alliance. Sorry FR. We have looked at them in depth, and a friend just bought a 2024 35' model. I am impressed.

It does have a 12v residential, but at least it is better than the 125v version.

Doesn't hurt to take a look at them.

 

[RonCharles]

Personally I am looking for something Pre Covid! 2016- 2019 is where I'm looking. The Cedar Creek Silverback based on my research is the best bang for the buck in the size and weight trailer I am looking for. I am just trying to learn as much about the trailer in advance to buying.

 

[5picker]

Just weighing in as everyone wants to say everything post COVID is junk.
We bought new a 2022 Cedar Creek 345IK which is very similar to the ones the OP is considering.
Despite a few things that were issues, (that were not heart stoppers) we REALLY like this Cedar Creek.
We do have the FireFly touch screen and I really like being able to operate the slides, awning, water pump when standing next to them and being able to operate the lights and temperature all from the comforts of the recliner or before ever getting out of bed.
Our residential refrigerator (with factory INverter/solar) has been a really good fit for our extended stays and not an issue for weekend jaunts.
We pull ours with our new 2024 Super Duty 7.3L 10 speed 4.30 short bed and it handles it very well. (previously pulled with a 2017 SD 6.2L 6 speed 3.73 that did very well too)

As with EVERYTHING... there are good ones and bad ones.
You will just need to look over whatever you are planning to buy, really well and make a determination.

On a side note, our best friends here in the park in FL bought a new Paradigm Alliance last fall.
It is a floor plan almost exactly like ours and is a very nice rig. They have had (like ours) a few issues that needed worked through.
On the other hand, the folks in the site across the road from us bought a new Alliance in December and are in the process of trying to get the dealer to trade them out of it as it has major slide/roof issues and there has been a mobile mechanic at their site every week since we've been here.

Again, my point... there are good ones and bad ones in EVERYTHING.

 

[RonCharles]

Just weighing in as everyone wants to say everything post COVID is junk.
We bought new a 2022 Cedar Creek 345IK which is very similar to the ones the OP is considering.
Despite a few things that were issues, (that were not heart stoppers) we REALLY like this Cedar Creek.
We do have the FireFly touch screen and I really like being able to operate the slides, awning, water pump when standing next to them and being able to operate the lights and temperature all from the comforts of the recliner or before ever getting out of bed.
Our residential refrigerator (with factory INverter/solar) has been a really good fit for our extended stays and not an issue for weekend jaunts.
We pull ours with our new 2024 Super Duty 7.3L 10 speed 4.30 short bed and it handles it very well. (previously pulled with a 2017 SD 6.2L 6 speed 3.73 that did very well too)

As with EVERYTHING... there are good ones and bad ones.
You will just need to look over whatever you are planning to buy, really well and make a determination.

On a side note, our best friends here in the park in FL bought a new Paradigm Alliance last fall.
It is a floor plan almost exactly like ours and is a very nice rig. They have had (like ours) a few issues that needed worked through.
On the other hand, the folks in the site across the road from us bought a new Alliance in December and are in the process of trying to get the dealer to trade them out of it as it has major slide/roof issues and there has been a mobile mechanic at their site every week since we've been here.

Again, my point... there are good ones and bad ones in EVERYTHING.

 

[RonCharles]

Does you truck have the 2k generator and if so, how much of your trailer will it operate?
In regards to my search, I'm just trying to find out about as many of the known issues that can be specific to this model. So I know what to look for and previous owners offer a wealth of information.

 

[5picker]

Does you truck have the 2k generator and if so, how much of your trailer will it operate?
In regards to my search, I'm just trying to find out about as many of the known issues that can be specific to this model. So I know what to look for and previous owners offer a wealth of information.

If you were asking me, no I do not have the truck generator. (ProPower)

I apologize if my suggestions weren't specific to your model but many of the systems (you mentioned digital command center/residential refrigerator/etc.) are not model specific. They use them on many models. I'll bow out and let those with only the model you referenced, chime in.

 

[RonCharles]

are you happy with the B&W Companion hitch? Do you remove it from your truck and how easy is that? By chance did you look at the Anderson Ultimate hitch?

 

[dalford]

I use the Ultimate Andersen hitch on my 2016 33IK. I have a 2018 F350 SB SD. I can make a 90 degree turn if I need to. I love the hitch plus I can take it out by myself. I don’t need the SIL when I need my truck bed back.

I used to have a slider hitch but never used the slider but maybe one time. I used the 5th wheel hitch rails mounted in the truck bed to mount the Andersen. I do not have pucks or a ball mount.

 

[dalford]

I thought of a couple more things. They have to do with the front cap. One is a plus and one is a negative.

Start with the negative, depending on what the others owners did the front cap paint will fade and start to peel off. The factory replaced mine free of charge with a new cap with a clear seal paint. That was probably 9 years ago and no problems.

The plus is how the front cap is molded. If you notice on both sides the cap is indented and also curved across the front edge. This allows for tighter turns, especially on a short bed truck. My buddy bought a Montana and figured since I could he could and blew out his trucks rear window. Just some more thoughts..

Oh, and a correction.. I’ve trailered this 5th wheel over 60K miles…

 

[jobdude]

I got my new truck (2024 f350, 7.3 gaser, crew cab with 8 ft box and 3.73 gears. Payload Capacity is 4360lbs and GVWR rating is 18900lbs). Now I'm searching the my 5er, narrowed it down to either a Silverback 31IK or 33IK. Trying to stay under 36 feet and approx 14,000 lbs. We like the 2016-18's because the 2 peaked slides (bedroom and seating) provides extra head room. The 2019's did away with that option and they added a digital command screen vs all the buttons and lights. With that said, I'm looking for information from you all who own or owned these units as to whether or not the quality is improving and or are the changes they made better then before?
I have 2 units I'm considering, a 2019 31IK and a 2016 33IK. I've seen the 2019, at a dealer. The exterior appeared to be in good shape, it had slide toppers on all 3 slides and it an electric residential re fridge, which I'm not familiar with. Hoping purchase one before April.

I have a 2015 33IK that I got couple years ago and love it! It’s the perfect size for me and my wife. Like you, I like peaks on the slides. It is a solid RV. I made some modifications so we can boondock a little easier. If you get it, I’m sure you’ll love it!
I’ve talked with others who own newer models and the newer they are… the more complaints

 

[jobdude]

We own a 2016 33IK. We bought it new in October of 2015 and I’m writing this reply from the unit so we have owned it for almost 10 years.

We have had very few issues over the life of the unit. We have pulled it on trips totaling over 45K miles.

It does have a residential refrigerator and we are still on the original fridge. I did install a small 3 cubic foot freezer in the front basement and power it off the same a/c output from the inverter that powers the main fridge.

The major problem that many of these units with cathedral ceilings have is water intrusion to the slide floor due to production issues on some units. We had to have the bedroom slide floor replaced. Be sure to check the floor on the unit you are looking at. The problem there is water intrusion around the trim along the outside of the slide. Inspect the trim at the top for good sealant. We also had the to have the trim along the bottom side of the main slide removed and butyl waterproof tape added under trim. The cathedral ceiling causes water to run down the side of the unit and there was no butyl tape under the trim at the very bottom.

The fake leather furniture is junk and we went thru 2 couches from RecPro before we switched to the fabric couch. The 2 recliners also flaked and we replaced them with cloth recliners from Lazy Boy.

I’m don’t know how much these units were used or towed and not sure what suspension they have but I have to make a 90 degree turn getting to our house. I had to replace the e-z flex suspension for each axle. Just something to check.

Our unit came with the level up system. Best thing ever invented.

Not sure where you are located but there is a company close to the factory owned by Orvan called Orvan Amish RV or something like that. He is everything Cedarcreek. That is pretty much all he works on. I read on this forum a while back that he said the Cedarcreek units built around 2015 were the best quality and if you had one to hang on to it. If your close to Shipshewana I would suggest you take it to him to look at.

Anyway, my 2 cents. Any other questions just ask.. Don

Agreed! Amish Family RV is the best. Orvan went through my unit and bullet-proofed it to mitigate any potential problems. I changed out pretty much the entire electrical system. Put in a Xantrex 3000W inverter and 400AH of LiFePO4 batteries. I can run my residential fridge for almost 2 full days without a problem

 

[Mcgyver2112]

I got my new truck (2024 f350, 7.3 gaser, crew cab with 8 ft box and 3.73 gears. Payload Capacity is 4360lbs and GVWR rating is 18900lbs). Now I'm searching the my 5er, narrowed it down to either a Silverback 31IK or 33IK. Trying to stay under 36 feet and approx 14,000 lbs. We like the 2016-18's because the 2 peaked slides (bedroom and seating) provides extra head room. The 2019's did away with that option and they added a digital command screen vs all the buttons and lights. With that said, I'm looking for information from you all who own or owned these units as to whether or not the quality is improving and or are the changes they made better then before?
I have 2 units I'm considering, a 2019 31IK and a 2016 33IK. I've seen the 2019, at a dealer. The exterior appeared to be in good shape, it had slide toppers on all 3 slides and it an electric residential re fridge, which I'm not familiar with. Hoping purchase one before April.

2016 33ik pulled with 2013 f-250, 6.7 diesel. We've had the rv for 7 years. We put 8k miles on it last year alone. Upgraded the suspension to mor-ryde. Everything working great still.. The fake leather furniture is starting to peel on the loveseat. Couch looks brand new still. We'll keep using it for the next few years. If we start getting turned away because of age, we might have to trade up or stick to state parks and harvest host. Time will tell. Whatever you choose, have it inspected. Money We'll spent up front.

 

[Splashes3]

for those that recommended Orvan to the OP - his reservations are about 7-8 months out. So you won't get to see him right away.
Orvan is the BEST for CCs. We see him every other year with our 2019 Hathaway.
OBTW - we still have our original furniture, and no issues.

 

[dalford]

2016 33ik pulled with 2013 f-250, 6.7 diesel. We've had the rv for 7 years. We put 8k miles on it last year alone. Upgraded the suspension to mor-ryde. Everything working great still.. The fake leather furniture is starting to peel on the loveseat. Couch looks brand new still. We'll keep using it for the next few years. If we start getting turned away because of age, we might have to trade up or stick to state parks and harvest host. Time will tell. Whatever you choose, have it inspected. Money We'll spent up front.

Ours gets a year newer every year as we approach the 10 year rule..lol. As long as you keep your rig looking nice there will be no problem.

Ours came with Dexter ez-flex suspension. We had to replace it a few years back as we live on a cul-d-sac and it puts a lot of strain on it making the turn. Replaced with Dexter and really like it.

Pulled ours with F250 from new until we upgraded to a F350 (both diesel) in 2018. Could not tell any difference in performance but I did not have to add air bags to F350 and I wasn’t 1000 lbs over GVWR of truck. The pin weight on our 33IK is ~3000 lbs.