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Old 12-05-2016, 07:56 AM   #1
PPeppel
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Montana Lifespan

I can see where this may be a tricky question, but what is the average lifespan of a Montana?I spoke with the dealer but they are really there to sell. And I have seen so many different numbers on web sites. Which brings me to my question....when is it time to retire the trailer on average? Without any Act of God or accident happening to it with proper maintenance and care how long do I have, or best guess?
 
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Old 12-05-2016, 08:25 AM   #2
CORattler
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I believe this is a matter of opinion.
IMHO, I would say service life would be around 25 years.
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Old 12-05-2016, 08:49 AM   #3
kenneth e holman
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To many varibles. Depends on useage, whether parked or on the road conciderably, stored indoors or outdoors, maintinence, upgrades etc.I don't see why a person couldn't get 25 years out of one if well taken care of but some could destroy one in 5 years.
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Old 12-05-2016, 08:50 AM   #4
bw2
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My opinion, the major items are; frame, axles, shackles, springs (suspension), the roof membrane, then the frig, the air conditioners, and the outside walls/decals.

The suspension replacement I guess would be $4000 and up if changed to the independent suspension. The roof membrane is designed to last 15/20 years. My guess again for replacing the membrane would be $4000/$7000. The frig replacement would be as a guess, $1800/$3000. AC replacement as a guess $900/$1800.

Keeping up the maintenance on all of the items, minus a frame issue which could be a major expense, then replacement of these items over 10/20 years would not be unreasonable. IF you like your unit and are not looking to upgrade to the latest niceties.

My unit will be 11 years old in a few months and all of the major items are still hanging in there.

Again just my opinion and guesses.


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Old 12-05-2016, 08:56 AM   #5
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thanks for the input
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Old 12-05-2016, 10:03 AM   #6
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Ours is a 2002 the only thing I have replaced is the shower drain and toilet.My buddys is a 2000 he replaced the converter!
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Old 12-05-2016, 10:15 AM   #7
BB_TX
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I agree on the usage comment. A full timer who rarely moves and doesn't put a lot of miles on it would put more wear and tear on the insides (furniture, appliances, etc) and not much on the suspension, frame, etc. At the same time a sometimer who tows a lot of miles a year but not many nights may put more wear on the running gear and frame than the internals. We have not been able to use ours nearly as much as we have wanted and after 9 yrs have only used it about 130 nights and 23, 000 miles. Trailer is still in almost like new condition.
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Old 12-05-2016, 11:01 AM   #8
RKassl
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We traded our 2005 off in 2015 it was in GREAT condition and this was reflected in our trade in value toward our 2015 Montana.
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Old 12-05-2016, 11:15 AM   #9
DQDick
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I'm hoping our current rigs lifespan is somewhat equal to my own.
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Old 12-05-2016, 11:25 AM   #10
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I don't think anyone could answer that question. Too many variables. How much do you use it, how is it stored, how is it maintained. My brother had a 72 popup we sold it last year, still like new. My other brother had a popup, same model he gave it away last year, left outside didn't take care of it, JUNK. How long your camper will last it totally up to you.
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Old 12-05-2016, 02:59 PM   #11
richfaa
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As has been stated way to many variables. We used our 06 3400 hard over 80K miles in about 8 years literally plugged In and on line that entire time even when at our S&B. Never under cover. We lived in it 6 months of every year. We just about wore it out .Graphics, suspension, frame flex, failed holding tanks, hot water tank, fridge cooling unit three sets of tires Missions did not last long, Coopers were torn up with our suspension failure, Generals were on and in good shape when we traded it in. We added More Ryde IS after our suspension failure. By contrast there is a 2010 Montana here at our winter campground that has been under a RV shelter as a permanent and lived in by snowbirds every winter. Graphics are perfect .It looks like it just came off the showroom floor. I do not think it has ever moved.

Many of us use these things as full or long time residence and travel many, many miles a year . These are Recreational Vehicles and not designed for that kind of usage no matter what the marketing says. Considering how we have used our Montana's they have performed well.

We have done about 7800 miles this year in the 3402 attended 4 Rv rallies all over the country and are now in the Florida sunshine for the winter. We will not move till April 2017.As we have said before our Montana's have been our magic carpet taking us on incredible adventures. We have had many failures but way more good times. Extended warranties are our best friend.
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Old 12-05-2016, 03:25 PM   #12
1retired06
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Depends like everything else we use, how well you take care and maintain.
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Old 12-06-2016, 02:31 AM   #13
bethandkevin
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by DQDick

I'm hoping our current rigs lifespan is somewhat equal to my own.
X2
I wish there were a "Like" button for comments like this!!!!!!!
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Old 12-06-2016, 06:15 AM   #14
Justme44
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I bought my 2000 3280rl (manufacture date of Jan 2000)a year ago from Camping World of Idaho Falls. The unit was in good shape and I paid $11000. Andersen hitch cost $700 from CW. DW wanted washer/dryer ($1000). I knew I would have to do some work. I replaced the one very old 12v battery with 4 new 6v 110ah batteries ($85 each from Costco). The refer had a broken switch so I replaced the unit with an apartment (compressor) unit ($700 from Costco) that runs only 2amps plus a 1200w inverter ($210). The hot water heater was at end of life and pumped rust so I replaced it with same for $4oo. DW did not like the mattress so replaced with a $400 foam rubber mattress (love it, same as in home). Replaced two very old tires for $220 from Walmart and will replace the other two next season. Repacked the bearings for $20 in grease. Came with no TV so I have a 32in ($175)I will install in Spring. Put some sealant on the antenna to stop a very small leak. Wash and wax (Nu Finish). Will run the West and spend Winter in South AZ or TX. I did all the work. Hope to get 10 years out of the rig. I try to take care of our possessions. Dennis
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Old 12-06-2016, 10:49 AM   #15
chris199
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by richfaa

As has been stated way to many variables. We used our 06 3400 hard over 80K miles in about 8 years literally plugged In and on line that entire time even when at our S&B. Never under cover. We lived in it 6 months of every year. We just about wore it out .Graphics, suspension, frame flex, failed holding tanks, hot water tank, fridge cooling unit three sets of tires Missions did not last long, Coopers were torn up with our suspension failure, Generals were on and in good shape when we traded it in. We added More Ryde IS after our suspension failure. By contrast there is a 2010 Montana here at our winter campground that has been under a RV shelter as a permanent and lived in by snowbirds every winter. Graphics are perfect .It looks like it just came off the showroom floor. I do not think it has ever moved.

Many of us use these things as full or long time residence and travel many, many miles a year . These are Recreational Vehicles and not designed for that kind of usage no matter what the marketing says. Considering how we have used our Montana's they have performed well.

We have done about 7800 miles this year in the 3402 attended 4 Rv rallies all over the country and are now in the Florida sunshine for the winter. We will not move till April 2017.As we have said before our Montana's have been our magic carpet taking us on incredible adventures. We have had many failures but way more good times. Extended warranties are our best friend.

Excellent points here!!
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Old 12-11-2016, 07:41 AM   #16
parover74
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have our 02 big sky since nov. 01 wasused as a weekend vacation unit until we retired 2013. Now used more or less full time. no major problems. Replaced frig last spring,landing gear motor a couple years ago,other then that spring bushings every five or six years and other minor maintainance. LOVE our montana
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Old 12-12-2016, 02:02 AM   #17
timandsusan
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Our 2006 is still looking good and I have replaced items that have failed or we needed to upgrade (like TVs). I have been very careful with suspension upgrades--wet bolts but not IS/disk brakes yet and tires--because we tow about 4000 to 10,000 miles per year. What else--king pin, awning, both recliners, inside lights to LEDs, satellite TV, various latches on drawers, regularly clean the carpet, seals on toilet, grey tank leak at inlet pipe, wash and wax annually, batteries, and just pay attention to the rig and fix things along with repacking bearings and grease wet bolts! How long will it go? Same question applies to both my wife and I! We do really enjoy the Montana. I sound like others who have replied.
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Old 12-12-2016, 02:11 AM   #18
FordMan1966
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I personally like trading my Montana's about every 3 or 4 years. Not a big fan of having to do repairs on one.
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Old 12-12-2016, 03:07 AM   #19
Razrbk
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by FordMan1966

I personally like trading my Montana's about every 3 or 4 years. Not a big fan of having to do repairs on one.
My new one has been a series of repairs over the past year and a half. I can't imagine
going through that every 3 or 4 years....
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Old 12-12-2016, 09:46 AM   #20
Joe in Texas
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ours is a 2010.....
have not seen anything newer that I would trade up for....
put 6 point levelers on it ,
replace shower and toilet,
going to get IS system and disk brakes this spring.....
we love our 2010......


Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Razrbk

Quote:
quote:Originally posted by FordMan1966

I personally like trading my Montana's about every 3 or 4 years. Not a big fan of having to do repairs on one.
My new one has been a series of repairs over the past year and a half. I can't imagine
going through that every 3 or 4 years....
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