The following post is from July 2014 but may still have some valid information. Posted by Olbird
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9674&p=107458&hilit ... ge#p107458
It says
"As we try to make a good decision while shopping for anything in todays market place it is always best to have a comparison.
Below is a comparison list of the major differences between the two brands, let me start out by saying that both Cardinal and Blue Ridge are built side by side with the same high construction quality.
In the late 90's Forest River started building the Cardinal model, around 2003 - 2004 FR had the Cardinal Standard, Cardinal LE, and the top of the line Platinum Cardinal ( call by FR Luxury you can afford), in 2005 the Platinum Cardinal went away.
For years after 2004 the Cardinal Standard was considered by FR the top of the line Luxury model, while the LE was considered by FR their (Luxury you can afford model at a affordable price), at that time you could order most all the options that was standard on the Cardinal Standard.
Sometime in 2009 FR introduced the Blue Ridge and dropped the Cardinal LE, the first Blue Ridge was Red, White and Blue with Black border outlines on all the doors etc.
Blue Ridge
Floor - 2" Thick Wood Laminated
Cabinet Frames - Vinyl Wrapped Wood
Cabinet Hinges - Exposed
Slide Fascia Trim- Vinyl Wrapped
Frame / Axles- 10”/ 6K under 39’ long
Bath Sink - Molded 2 Piece Plastic
Shower - Plastic Hose with Solid Mount
Kitchen Sink - Standard Size -Low Faucet
Closet / Drawers - Non Cedar Lined
Hot Water Heat - 10 Gal.
Rear Outside Wall - Vacuum Bonded
Tanks - Non Heated ( optional)
Slides - Individual Slide Control Block Operation ( optional)
Paint Package - No Options
Bedroom TV ( optional)
Standard Awning
Cardinal
Floor - 3” Thick Aluminum Laminated
Cabinet Frames - Solid Cherry Hardwood
Cabinet Hinges - Hidden
Slide Fascia Trim- Solid Cherry Hardwood
Frame / Axles- 12”/ 7K Over 35’- 6” long
Bath Sink - Solid One Piece Intergrated
Shower - Flex Hose with Slide Mount
Kitchen Sink - Super Large - High Faucet
Closet / Drawers - Cedar Lined
Hot Water Heat - 12 Gal.
Rear Wall - Molded Fiberglass Cap
Tanks - Heated ( Standard)
Slides - Includes Individual Slide Control Block Operation
Paint Package - Two Options ( Full with clear coat & Partial Paint Stripes)
Bedroom TV ( standard)
2nd Awning
Metal wrap awning covers
As you can see not many differences but both will provide attractions for all buyers in the market, Blue Ridge floor plans include units for more family camping at a slightly lower price range, Cardinal floor plans are catering to more full time folks wanting the larger units.
Both units will make you happy and proud owners with full access to the Cardinal Club benefits."