towing behind montana possible? - Montana Owners Club

russd · 09-04-2006, 08:38 AM

are the frames on montanas capable of putting a receiver hitch on? i've seen pictures of some people towing a small enclosed trailer or some even a jeep behind their fivers. thanks

Glenn and Lorraine · 09-04-2006, 09:12 AM

First of all, welcome to the MOC family.

People do add a receiver type hitch but having such an addition could void the warranty on the trailers frame.

In my opinion it is totally unsafe unless you have specific driver training for towing 2 trailers.

It is also illegal to tow a second trailer in most states.

Glenn
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Cat320 · 09-04-2006, 09:36 AM

This site will tell you the legality of double towing by state:
http://www.wecamp2.com/size.html

azstar · 09-04-2006, 09:37 AM

Hello russd,

Welcome to the MOC. Always glad to see new folks.

Try the "Search" Lots of info there on this subject.

Please pay special attention to the technical info you'll find there not just the opinions.

Always "Safty First"

Again, Welcome Aboard & Happy Camping

Steve & Nina
03 Mountaineer TT 335RLBS
2000 Dodge 2500 Quad Cab LB V10 2WD Posi. Reese HP Dual Cam
Prodigy-K&N-Mobil 1

dieselguy · 09-04-2006, 11:21 AM

With no worries, I towed 2 jetskis on a double trailer behind a 2000 2850RK for 5 years and am on my second year of towing a SeaDoo sportboat behind my 2005 2980RL. I have a camera mounted on the top rear cap of my Montana to keep an eye on the boat. Some people wrestle with the fame warranty issue, but it's a chance I've chosen to take. A hitch designed to carry your load is a must. Sitting on the lake watching others play in the water gets pretty depressing and a second tow vehicle is not an option for me! West of the Mississippi, most any state allows triple towing ... As mentioned earlier ... you need to address your towing abilities and where your safety comfort zone is. I wouldn't figure on towing a 21' Baja or a Hummer, but my lil squirt boat tips the scales at 1870# trailer included. Tounge weight is #105. Make the decision you're comfortable with and apply common sense from there.

Kansas
2005 2980RL
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LonnieB · 09-04-2006, 02:18 PM

For what it's worth, here's what I found out. Three weeks ago when we bought our '06 3000RK, the dealer would not install a hitch on the trailer to work with my existing gooseneck ball unless I signed a waiver releasing them from any warranty on the frame. However, they installed the reciever hitch on the Montana without giving it a second thought. As stated above, it is illeagle in some states, and those where it is legal have length restrictions that vary from state to state. Use your own judgement, but do keep in mind SAFETY FIRST. If you are not completely comfortable towing two trailers, I would suggest you hold off until you are.

Lonnie
2006 Montana 3000RK, Reciever Hitch for Boat and Toy Trailer
2003 F250 CC PSD, LB, 6 Speed Manual Trans., 4X4, Air Suspension, Husky 15K Hitch

RKassl · 09-04-2006, 02:56 PM

Waiting for my warranty to expire, I want a receiver hitch so I can take our two bikes (lbs) with us.

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Hemlockusa · 09-04-2006, 03:47 PM

I think Keystone MONTANA would hit a home run, if they designed the rear for a small tag-a-long trailer that would accommadate a golf cart loaded from the side.
To answer your question, I don't know - but I think if you got a hold of the right welder he could put a hitch that would be safe off the frame. I would want a trailer that would carry 95% of the load with very little hitch weight placed on the MONTANA frame, You have to remember that adding weight will also require much heavier rated tire's on the MONTANA. I know there are pleanty of EXPERT's on this forum that could answer your question correctly, they will show up SOON.
Safe Travels John H

2005 Dodge 3500 4x2 Dually Cummins Diesel, Line X /2005 Montana/""MOC TRAVEL ASSISTANCE VOLUNTEER"" ""TOPEKA, KANSAS AREA"" 3650RK

stiles watson · 09-04-2006, 04:16 PM

I have no axe to grind or am I attempting to be sarcastic or accusatory or any of that stuff. I am simply expressing my opinion.

By Keystone's disclaimer, they are saying the Montana isn't designed to have a receiver hitch. Of course anyone can do as they wish as long as one is willing to face up to whatever consequences may come without whining. It is the freedom and responsibility tandom.

Personally, my assembled rig is 55' long. If I were to add a 10' to 15" trailer behind, then we are talking about 65' to 70'. While I have a great deal of confidence in my abilities, I would prefer not to tow that length and, further, I would choose not to be near someone who does. When the tandom semis are around, I arrange to move away from them as soon as possible, and they are the professionals.

I am glad to hear that those advocating the receiver hitch are making effort to address safety issues. I certainly wish you safe travel for yourselves and for those around you.

Stiles n Dianna
"Life is an adventure unfolding"
03 3670RL Big Sky
02 Ford F250 Lariat Longbox 7.3L PSD
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bsmeaton · 09-05-2006, 06:45 AM

Welcome to the Forum!

We did it - It was custom made at a hitch shop recommended by the Montana Dealer. I've used it for three years and it is quite common here in Colorado. Frankly I was a little shocked at the negative response when I joined the forum, but I guess I am getting a nationwide perspective.

Regardless, the frame should be heavy enough. Not inclusive but here is my list of things to consider:

State laws dictate length and configurations. We only triple tow to the local states here that allow it.

Hitch weight gets added to your GVWR for the Montana.

Account for the rear hitch weight in your load BALANCE to keep sufficient weight on the Montana pin (we don't carry water or waste).

The 5th wheel hitch must have sufficient rating for both trailers.

The total weight of both trailers and contents need to be considered in the total tow capacity of the tow vehicle.

Axle, tire, and wheel rating of the Montana should not be impacted unless you exceed the Montana GVWR by adding the rear hitch weight.

Stability of trailer - The length between the rear of the Montana and the axle is considerably longer than any Tow Vehicle. If your additional trailer doesn't behave behind a standard tow vehicle, it certainly won't behind the Montana as swerve and bounce gets exaggerated. Reconsider trying it with short trailers. Our two axle boat tows true and straight.

Brad & Dory

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ols1932 · 09-05-2006, 05:22 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by russd

are the frames on montanas capable of putting a receiver hitch on? i've seen pictures of some people towing a small enclosed trailer or some even a jeep behind their fivers. thanks

Welcome to the Montana Owners Forum. You'll probably get a lot of varying answers but right after my dealer installed a hitch on my Montana in order to use with a bike carrier, Keystone told the dealer not to install any hitches because it voids the warrany on the frame. So, my advice is don't do it.

Orv

Illini Trekker · 09-06-2006, 02:48 AM

I was told by the frame builder I could IF the hitch and the tung weight did not exceed 200#. With the frame flex problems I'm seeing with the Montana's like others I'll wait for the two year warranty to expire to put a bike rack on a hitch. Painful to write that but that's the way it goes?

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Ozz · 09-06-2006, 03:06 AM

Dennis, thanks, that makes me feel better, I made a bike holder and am having Croft trailer here in K.C. make me a receiver hitch for my 3400RL. They said they make them and install them on Montana's all the time, the frames are strong enough for the hitch, 4 bolt install. I will just have my carrier, and Two Trek bikes, so my 200# should be OK.
IF I have frame issues, I'll just see if my Lawyer can beat up their Lawyer, if there is a problem with the Warranty.
The stabilizer jack assembly has to be moved back a few inches to accommodate the frame mounted hitch unit.
BY the way, you could throw a Chicken through the holes around the stabilizer assembly, what's up with them going to the trouble of foaming around all the pipes up front, and leaving a 6" hole around the jacks?
Did the 'New guy' work on the rear of the Montana's? Bah Humbug.........
Ozz

'07 3400RL 2nd RTU
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Army Guy · 09-07-2006, 10:24 AM

I am waiting for my warranty to expire and then I will be putting a hitch on the back. The hitch will not be for towing but for a bike rack. I will be getting the hitch strong enough to tow if my needs/toys change down the road.

Rick & Jana with our
4 legged kids, Domino & Puck
2006 Montana 3400RL
2006 Ford F350, CC, 6.0 PSD, 2WD, DRW

Cat320 · 09-07-2006, 12:30 PM

Wonder why Keystone did not put the bike rack on the back that comes standard with the Mountaineer?

As for the hitch, I would not do it for the same reason I won't put any mod on my new D/A...warranty isssues.

Bert and Betty
Fort Smith, AR
2007 Silverado Classic 3500, DRW, D/A, CC
2007 Montana 3400RL

Mudchief · 09-07-2006, 02:19 PM

My unit came from the factory with the slide out bike rack which is connected to the frame. And will carry alot of weight.

Dennis & Linda
05 GMC 2500HD Duramax CC
Pullrite Superglide
05 Mountaineer 329RLS
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Ozz · 09-07-2006, 04:33 PM

I called the hitch company, (Croft) today, they said I should have my hitch tomorrow. They custom make them. I'll install it.

'07 3400RL 2nd RTU
2 Golf Cart batteries 3,000 watt inverter, automatic transfer switch
Honda 2000 Generator, Maytag's with 220 Dryer
Stationary domed Sat. dish, LCD 12 Volt Amp gauge, LCD Tank Monitor
3 added 120 volt outlets, On Board Air; 12 Volt Viair 450C compressor
2006 Ford PSD 4x4 Off Road Lariat, Hadley Air Horns, Truck inverter with 110 volts: laptop, Color Backup camera, Firestone air bags,Husky air ride roller hitch, Awning lock

Cat320 · 09-08-2006, 09:01 AM

The Mountaineer brochure says the bike rack will hold up to a max of 200 lbs.

Bert and Betty
Fort Smith, AR
2007 Silverado Classic 3500, DRW, D/A, CC
2007 Montana 3400RL

bsmeaton · 09-08-2006, 09:23 AM

Ozz,
Are you going to end up with that big box bumper sticking out the back like the brochure?

Brad

Ozz · 09-08-2006, 10:34 AM

Brad,
I just crawled out from underneath, measuring and figuring out the install, no, it's very compact, you will only see the receiver sticking out a little.
I made a bike rack holder out of a heavy duty tailpipe, had the muffler shop bend it, then I welded the cross pieces on, it will fit it securely.
Ozz

'07 3400RL 2nd RTU
2 Golf Cart batteries 3,000 watt inverter, automatic transfer switch
Honda 2000 Generator, Maytag's with 220 Dryer
Stationary domed Sat. dish, LCD 12 Volt Amp gauge, LCD Tank Monitor
3 added 120 volt outlets, On Board Air; 12 Volt Viair 450C compressor
2006 Ford PSD 4x4 Off Road Lariat, Hadley Air Horns, Truck inverter with 110 volts: laptop, Color Backup camera, Firestone air bags,Husky air ride roller hitch, Awning lock

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