Need advice re: 02 Montana 3670RL

[Kimber6]

Greetings,

I'm a mgt consultant who is considering purchasing a travel trailer or 5th wheel, so that I can have some of my personal things and my cat and dog with me when I go for a client engagement. I normally spend approx 1 year or more with an individual client. I have never been camping/glamping in my entire life. At my age I want to be able to have a W/D and enough space for my business and regular clothes, shoes, small kitchen appliances, stuff for the furbabies, etc. I recently came across an ad for a 2002 Montana 3670RL and while I haven't gone to see it in person yet, I love the layout and amenities. As someone who is new to this possible lifestyle, I am hesitant to put a lot of money into a unit not knowing if I can live in this small of a space for an extended period of time. What questions do I need to ask re: mechanics, when I look at this 5th W?

Thanks in advance,
Kim

[1retired06]

Can be risky to buy a 15 year old RV. Could be lots of wear and tear on it. Could be well maintained. Since you are new to RVing, recommend you hire a competent RV tech to do a complete inspection for you prior to purchase.

[DQDick]

As far as living in a small space that's a personal thing. Literally thousands of us full time with spouse or significant other fur babies and all and love it. Others have found it's not for them.

[drjjj]

Most decent sized cities have a rental pool of RV's. The way my wife and I decided that having one was for us-we rented one for a couple of weeks in our Texas winter. Got rained on most every day. At the end of two weeks we knew we would be fine. Investing in one is a big bite if you aren't sure you will enjoy it.

[WeBeFulltime]

We are seasoned full timers and there is no way I would consider buying a 15-16 year old camper from anyone other the closet of all family members and even then I would put it under a microscope before paying for it. Too much can and will go wrong. Not for the inexperienced!Proceed with CAUTION!

[cpaulsen]

We bought our 3670RL used and have had no problems except replacing the water heater. Has worked good for us in 100 degree weather and 12 degrees with snow. We liked the layout when we were looking and it fits us and our lab. Pull great with my Ford.
Get it checked out before buying.

[dieselguy]

I'd be a bit concerned with the age myself. I do understand you are totally new to this and probably don't want to invest a whole lot on a whim that may not play out like you'd hoped. No matter how well kept it might have been ... 15 years is a good chunk out of the better part of its life. When it was built, the frames were not as robust as they are now ... the insulation not as effective as late models, and just guessing at the condition of the decals and overall appearance ... it might not be best first impression for someone wanting you to manage their money. Surely something with a similar floor plan that is a bit newer could catch your eye. There are boat loads of floor plans to chose from once you really get to looking.

[h2ojocky]

I would not let the age discourage you. I bought a 2005 2955rl a few years ago and it was in great shape. I have read about lots of new units having many problems also. Would you be towing this trailer? I agree about having a mobile tech check it out first.

[Tfthorp]

I have an 02 that I bought in 2007 still in good shape there have been some issues but nothing that I couldn't handle myself.

[Mel B.]

2004 2955 we're the second owners. other then decals is like new but with a lot less 0's at the end of the price. But I know what to look for besides how pretty it is.

[shovelhead86]

We full time in our 2007 3475. We bought it used in '09. I have done my own maint. Presently I am converting to Hyd disc brakes and a sub frame. I wanted a little more tire clearance between top of tires and trailer. I noticed that the tires have rubbed some on the bumps but no real damage done.

[Kimber6]

I looked at the 3670RL and it was just too beat up for me. You never can tell until you look at it. But it convinced me that a Montana was definitely what I needed to consider going forward. I found a 2010 3455SA that I was seriously considering purchasing. It was in great condition and had the all-in-one combo W/D already in the unit. I absolutely loved the kitchen layout, but was concerned about the amount of closet space that I was losing because the layout had the W/D in the closet without anywhere else to put it. Then I found a 2012 3750FL and it was love at first sight! I will have to get a W/D for it, but it has a laundry closet in the bathroom that will allow me to install a stackable set, a gorgeous living room with fireplace, central vac, large fridge and a huge cedar-lined closet for all of my business clothes. And best of all, my furry kids will be able to come along with me.

It's being delivered this weekend and now all I have to do is to get a truck to tow it and go to 5th wheel driving school.

[h2ojocky]

Make sure to read on this forum about how big of a truck you will need to tow this trailer.

[gitrdun]

My old 2980 is 11 years old and the only problem I've had with it was the junk tires when I bought it and the graphics. I have travelled 11 round trips from California to Kentucky. With all the problems I hear people are having with the new ones don't think I want to spend $80,000 on a new problem. Like they say if it ain't broke don't fix it.