[vickster]

Last May we placed our Monty up for adoption with the intent of upgrading to her cousin Big Sky. Over the summer we have been casually looking at other fifth wheel manufacturers, while trying to find a new family for Monty, but kept coming back to our dream coach, the Big Sky. A few weeks ago we drove to Monroe, WI to have the hitch installed in Ron's new truck (the beast). On our return trip home we stopped for a spur of the moment visit to a small, family owned RV dealer.

Well, wouldn't you know, we saw something that tickled our toes. It was dejavu for this nicely equipped coach reminded us so much of the Cambridge (which was our "super" dream). We returned home with lots to think about. For several days and a few restless, sleepless nights in Racine, we tossed and turned, and turned and tossed, should we or shouldn't we. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

After a great deal of thought, it made sense for us, at this time, to trade our Monty for another brand. For an additional few thousand dollars we felt the new coach had more to offer than the Big Sky, and the weight increase of l,400 lbs (GVWR) did not seem that significant. For example: 3 1/4" sidewalls, trail-air suspension and pin box, larger Goodyear tires, 8,000 lb. axles, electric over hydraulic disc brakes, stairwell lighting, double wiper seal gaskets on slide-outs, tougher solid surface counter tops, larger waste, gray and fresh water tanks, hydraulic front and rear jacks, larger and quieter heating/cooling system, painted exterior graphics, padded coach ceiling, etc.

We loved our Monty and she has given us many, wonderful happy memories. She was a big step up from the pop-up camper. Monty served us well with nary a problem. Keystone does build a very good product and felt very confident that if we ever would have had a major issue that Keystone would have stepped up to the plate. Guess we had very stong product loyalty, which contributed to our indeciveness.

So, now our faithful Monty is sitting on a dealer lot awaiting a new family, while our "beast" will be pulling a new "beauty" when we head for the Texas Valley in November.

We would like to reiterate, what has been said many times before, THIS IS THE GREATEST AND BESTEST WEB SITE on the internet. We have benefited so very much through member's willingness to share their ideas, knowledge and experiences. We thank everyone for that. And we hope others too have benefitied from our occasional comments.

The MOC has also afforded us the opportunity to meet many wonderful Monty owners making new friends and acquaintances along the way. Thank you new friends and acquaintances!

And lastly, we encourage those who have never attended a rally to do so - guarantee you will have a great time. The rallies are a wonderful gathering of RV enthusiasts sharing a common bond - MONTY's!

Old habits are hard to break so we will probably continue to blink our lights when passing a Montana on our by-ways and hi-ways. If you don't mind, we would like to continue to hang around this great web site and offer a comment or two when appropriate. Our wishes for continued happy trails and safe travels to all .......