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Old 10-15-2018, 05:39 AM   #1
TK1
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Older Montanas

We recently purchased a 2008 3750RL from a private party who maintained it in pristine condition and gave us all the maintenance records with the unit. My question is that it seems like most of the reported problems are with newer units, are they any particular things that we should be keeping an eye out for on our unit?
 
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Old 10-15-2018, 06:16 AM   #2
Dave W
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Welcome and congratulations.


- Decals - they usually crack and peel


- Tires - check manufacturing date. 5-6 years old is cause to replace as they have aged out


- Brakes and bearings need to be serviced.



- Roof seams need to be checked and resealed as necessary


- Fridge - are the recalls done - both Dometic or NorCold



Everything else - just like your home, it needs some occasional attention and occasional work


Good luck and happy RVing
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Old 10-15-2018, 07:45 AM   #3
AZ Traveler
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TK1,

Welcome to the forum!

Dave gave you a good rundown. Take the time to learn how everything works and ask questions on what you don't understand. No reason it should not give you years of good service.
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Old 10-15-2018, 08:14 AM   #4
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we had just as many problems with our 2006 3400 as we have had with our 13 3402.
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Old 10-15-2018, 08:38 AM   #5
Kyle and Lisa
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Old 10-15-2018, 09:01 AM   #6
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We have had very minimal problems with our 2007 3075RL.
Front and rear decals cracked and peeled after about 6 yrs. But Keystone was still supplying new ones free then and I replaced them myself. Sides still look good.
Checked all caulking on roof and recaulked where needed.
Attic vent caps were looking chalky and brittle a couple years ago, so I replaced those. Bought two new ones, but bases were still good so I just unscrewed the caps off the new ones and screwed them onto the old bases.
Plastic dryer outside vent same condition as attic vents. So replaced it.
Black tank vacuum breaker valve leaked, so I eliminated it.
No name DVD/sound system died years ago and I replaced it.
Replaced old boat anchor TVs with new larger Samsung LED TVs.
Did same repair as noted in this discussion. http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=75667
Otherwise, just routine maintenance, tires, bearings, battery, water heater anode rod, etc.
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Old 10-15-2018, 09:51 AM   #7
Montana Man
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We had a 2004 2955 and that thing worked like a swiss watch. I wish our 2016 was as well built. Your issues will likely be age related, plastics and rubber items that deteriorate. Structurally probably ok if there are no water leaks.
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Old 10-15-2018, 10:37 AM   #8
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There are a bunch of great suggestions presented previously. All I can add is to check the spring shackles. The 2008 is before "wet bolts" and if the previous owner has not installed them, you should consider it. The stock plastic bushings wear out and the resultant metal to metal contact will wear out the holes in the shackle.
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Old 10-15-2018, 04:59 PM   #9
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The bottom 2 corners of the bedroom slide were prone to cracking the filon siding. Somewhere between 2005 and 2010, Keystone started putting an expansion joint near the lower front corner to reduce the cracking. On my 05 that expansion joint was a factory mod that turned into a joint in the filon added to most all units. Keep an eye out for the front closet paneling bowing when the fiver is sitting on the truck. Sometimes the fix is simply shortening the paneling vertical length … if it becomes really bad, then it's probably front frame area issues.
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Old 10-16-2018, 08:14 AM   #10
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We bought our 04 2955 from the original owners. It was very well maintained. They never boondocked, only stayed in campgrounds. We primarily boondock, so I found out very quickly how flimsy the leaf spring shackles and suspension were built. I spent some good $$ having leaf spring hangers boxed in and 1 1/2" square stock welded from side to side. I still have the original roof, But I reseal all seams and flashing (never leaked yet). We added 400 watts of solar and 4 6v golf cart battery's. The only problems we have is the screws for the cabinet doors occasionally come loose and strip out. I use wood glue and toothpicks for that problem. I also replaced the boat anchor TV'S with flat screens. The living room TV I put a 3/8" thick piece of plywood on hinges so it's on the outside of the hole where the old TV was. This allowed me to bolt a bigger flat screen then what would have fit in the hole, then it allowed for storage where the old TV was. I couldn't be happier with it.
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Old 10-16-2018, 09:21 AM   #11
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Two things I haven't seen mentioned. The bottom corners on the trim on the slides can have the caulk come out and need to be resealed or water will seep into the slide and you should check the seals around the windows. Like Rich, our 2010 had more issues than our 2017 has so far.
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Old 10-16-2018, 11:24 AM   #12
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IMO the problems and the number of problems are directly related to how you use these things. Full time, long time, weekenders ,low use . Example we are long timers. We put over 70K miles on our 06 3400 and over 40K on our 13 3402 thus far . We live in the Montana's at least 8 months plus a year. Our roads are hard on RV's. These things are Recreational Vehicles and we use ours for a lot More than that.
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Old 10-16-2018, 08:05 PM   #13
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In the middle of a 7,000 trip in our 2002 3280RL. We bought it about 2 years ago. In great shape but needed upgrading. Previous owner had installed generator.

I fitted doors where the boat anchor tv's were. Then installed flat screen swivels on the doors with Velcro to secure tv's when traveling. 43" in living room, 24" in bedroom. Winegard satellite dish, 200 watt solar, four 6 volt batteries, 1200 watt inverter, replaced refrigerator unit and board. Also new 3,000 pound leaf springs (factory installed 2,500 pound that broke), wet shackles, new brakes, tires and wheel alignment. Replaced faded graphics, replaced grey tank and repaired toilet.

Everything works great, and since I was able to do all of the work mysel, I saved a bunch of $$$. I am happy with the rig and can't justify spending money on a newer one, just to go through the same process to get the it sorted out.
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Old 10-21-2018, 03:50 PM   #14
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Our 2008 3000rk purchased new with 40, 000 miles towed and 400 nights slept in is still in great shape.
Problems? Shower drain wasn’t tightened from factory, DVD/radio player died after short time, but no other problems. Still have dry shackles with very little wear, got 20,000 on original mission tires. It’s been a very good unit.
In addition to that personal use we have even rented it out on location 5 weeks total. No complaints here!
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Old 10-21-2018, 05:37 PM   #15
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The thing I would suggest you take a serious look at are the tires. Most or all of that model had ST tires. Since you are new here, and welcome, those tires have caused more heart ache than anything else. They blowout without warning and many times do thousands of dollars in damage. You can keep them inflated properly not run over 65 do everything right and they will still get you. We call them China Bombs, get rid of them before it’s too late.
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Old 10-21-2018, 07:19 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mlh View Post
The thing I would suggest you take a serious look at are the tires. Most or all of that model had ST tires. Since you are new here, and welcome, those tires have caused more heart ache than anything else. They blowout without warning and many times do thousands of dollars in damage. You can keep them inflated properly not run over 65 do everything right and they will still get you. We call them China Bombs, get rid of them before it’s too late.
Lynwood
Why say that when the best application for his 5er may be Sailun. Made in China and has the best rep of all. Currently OEM on Montana and other heavy 5ers.
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Old 10-21-2018, 07:29 PM   #17
mlh
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Originally Posted by CaptnJohn View Post
Why say that when the best application for his 5er may be Sailun. Made in China and has the best rep of all. Currently OEM on Montana and other heavy 5ers.
You are certainly correct. Thanks! I didn’t mean the Sailun tires. I should have made that clear because they are the best trailer tires. The only problem he has 80 pound rims and can’t take full advantage of a G rated tire.
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Old 10-21-2018, 08:07 PM   #18
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According to Sailun the 235/80/16 are rated at 4080 @ 110psi. They provide a chart showing they can be run at 80 psi. I run the 235/85/16 rated at 440 @ 110 psi. At 13,900 I run them at 97 psi.
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Old 10-21-2018, 08:15 PM   #19
Razahoryin
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My 2007 3000rk has had springs and shakels replaced due to failed spring hangers... lippert frames had their issues..had the decals removed and painted .new tv,s 600w of solar weingard traveler sat dish with directv.. 4 6v lifeline AGM batteries and a 3000 watt hybrid inverter... the main awning material had to be replaced due to wear a few years ago and I’m replacing the slide toppers this year at quartzsite.. great rig with lots of life left in her..
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Old 10-21-2018, 08:58 PM   #20
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If he has all his maintenance records and you're still in touch, I'd pick his brain about issues he might have had and guidance concerning any maintenance you might be unfamiliar with.
My son-in-law was adamant about buying my old TT just because I'd maintained it and am perhaps a little OCD when it comes to maintenance. Every corner Jayco cut when they built it had been made right. I suspect you'll find a similarly delightful experience.

Then just pay attention as you go. My '10 3400RL was not well cared for (and it was NOT evident when I bought it) and I've been wishing a 7 month flea infestation on the previous owner and / or the service dept at the CW where he may or may not have had it serviced. For example, the rear axle still had the Dexter EZ-Lube dust caps but the first time I went to grease the bearings there were no ZERK fittings - upon removing the hubs I found two different spindles on the axle. For the life of me, I can't imagine someone installing two DIFFERENT spindles on the same axle. (When I convert to disc brakes, I'll likely replace the axle because I can only imagine the thought process behind and circumstance leading to this mess)

Again, a 10 year old well maintained trailer is (IMHO) worth a whole lot more than a new one with a warranty. All of the demons have already been exercised
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