High Countries in general and 343RL in particular

[DQDick]

We have some friends we worked with several years ago that are looking at a 2015 343RL. They tried to access the forum, but ran into problems. What they asked me to find out is:
1. Do the High Countries hold up?
2. What problems should they look for, if any?
3. What's the good and the not so good about the 343RL?

Thanks in advance, High Countries are one of many areas where my ignorance would show

[HOOK]

Dick,
The HCs have proven to be good units for us. They are built to be light weight. They are shorter also. The longest being 36 feet, the heaviest being just above 10,000. That may all change with the 100 inch frame. We don't have much info on the new production. Mark Krol is heading the HC dept and will be at the Mid Atlantic and I plan to pick his brain. I'll let you know.

[tomd]

I hope they prove out to be a reliable unit. We pick up our 2015 Montana High Country 343 RL tomorrow(Wed.) in Lexington at Bluegrass Rv.

[grayghost03]

Dick, we have loved our 2012 343RL, no issues what so ever, with the exception of the cap fade, that has been addressed on current models. We have about 16000 miles on ours. Has been a joy to own. We are currently switching models due to a need in a change of floor plan. We are praying that the new one is a solid as our HC was. This HC owner gives it 2 thumbs up.

[mlh]

Dick I have a 323 HC. My thoughts. The HC is a traveling trailer the Montana is a full time unit. The HC is not as nice as the Montana. The slide outs aren't flush with the floor. The cable slides are great. They are easier to pull they weigh much less than a Montana. They don't have as much storage space. The cabinets aren't as nice. Over all it is a very nice unit. If you travel a lot and stay in an area a short time get the HC. If you stay in an area for extended periods get the Montana. Of course that doesn't always hold true but that is the way I see them.
Lynwood

[2Shays20]

We love our 2014 343RL High Country! Only have had for about seven months. Traded up from a Cougar 318SAB due to floor plan issues. Love the space at the entry door because of the Golden Retriever waiting at the door was a pain. We are part-timers and park at elevation to get out of the heat. The second AC in the bedroom is a step up from the Fantastic Fan in the previous 5er. Love no step up in the bedroom and the basement is only 1/3rd full compared to the full Cougar basement. Lots of kitchen countertop space which DW loves. Only thing we miss from the Cougar is the back bumper is flush with the coach and we don't have a place to put our adult refreshments. Bought a small table to solve minor problem! A little concerned about wire slide system, but couldn't upgrade to a "real" Montana due to the Dodge 2500. No issues towing, truck responds very well. Hope that helps. We are satisfied so far!

[DQDick]

Thanks for the help everyone! I've passed the info on.