We liked the 2003 Everest 343L because of room it had and did some serious thinking about buying it. We also came very close to buying the Everest 364Q earlier this year, again, because of the floor plan. We liked the workmanship and the oak trim throughout the coach. However we really like the front living room that the Montana offered. So that was why we went with the Montana. Also the Montana dealer was only 50 miles from home.
At the January RV show The Montana was priced at just over 44K at the dealership where we purchased ours. The Everest was around 37K. Quite a bit of difference. The dealership that carried the Everest was located in Maryland and would have been about 110 miles from home. We had pretty much settled on the Everest 364Q. It did have some items on it or sold as options that the Montana didn’t offer or was only available on the Big Sky. Both are made by Keystone, although in different manufacturing plants. We still liked the front living room idea and after some negotiations the Montana dealer lowered his price to $35,800.00. That was what I was looking for, a good price and a dealer located fairly close to home. If he hadn’t come down we probably would be in the Everest right now.
As for the Challenger Division of Keystone, my sister and brother-in-law bought a 32TKB in 2001. They have had only a couple minor problems in their coach and it gets well used between April and November each year. They bought it from the same Maryland dealer that sells the Everest. They love it.
I think Keystone builds quality coaches. All models have a problem unit or two that is turned out. So I wouldn’t say that the Everest or Challenger are not built as well as the Montana. I think they’re all pretty equal.
After speaking with the dealer I learned that Keystone will not build the same floor plan for either of the three models. You can’t buy an Everest or Challenger with the front living room. You can’t get a Montana or Challenger with the sunken rear living room. Keystone wants to keep them separated.
Hope this helps some or at least sheds a little light on the subject.
Happy RVing
Bill