An Independent Look at the Cedar Creek Cottage
We do not sell the Cedar Creek Cottage, so this review is meant to be balanced: real strengths, real tradeoffs, and an honest read on who it suits. Forest River builds the Cottage as a premium destination trailer, and for the most part the build choices back that up.
Where It Is Strong
The construction is the headline. A 101-inch wide-body floor makes the interior feel less like an RV and more like a small cottage, and the 3M-bonded sidewalls over an all-aluminum superstructure are a step above stapled, wood-framed construction. The AlphaPly walk-on roof with a lifetime warranty is a genuine differentiator on a unit that will sit outdoors for years. Systems are sized for real living: three 15,000-BTU A/C units handle heat better than a single rooftop unit, the 60K on-demand water heater means fewer cold-shower surprises, and residential touches like a 19 cu. ft. fridge, king mattresses, power theater seating, double-pane windows, and a gelcoat exterior raise the everyday comfort level.
Where to Be Realistic
The premium build comes at a premium cost, and that is the central tradeoff. You are paying for residential finishes and oversized systems you will only fully appreciate if you actually live in the unit for long stretches. The size is the other constraint: at 40-plus feet you need a long, level pad, 50-amp service, and the patience to set it up well, because it is not a unit you move casually. Triple air conditioning and an on-demand heater are great in use but add more components to maintain. And as with any RV line, equipment and layout change year to year, so two units with the same nameplate can differ.
Who It Suits
The Cottage rewards the seasonal or long-term-site owner who values comfort and durability and will keep the unit parked. If that is you, it is one of the more compelling options in the category. If you tow often or want the lowest entry price, the value case weakens quickly and a lighter, less expensive trailer is the smarter buy.