Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > General Discussions about our Montanas
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-30-2008, 04:32 AM   #1
PackersBackers
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ogdensburg
Posts: 55
M.O.C. #8100
Montana 3485SA

We are in the process of choosing our first Montana and we like the floor plan of the 3485SA. If you have one, what do you like and dislike about it???
We found out that our 2008 Ford F250 6L V8 gas, would not be adequate to pull any Montana, so have been looking to upgrade. After looking at a 2008 Ford F250 V10 with towing package, we also checked with our GMC/Chevy dealer and found one in the showroom that we think will work for us, and it will cost us less than the Ford upgrade we had already looked at. The 2008 GMC Sierra, is a 2500HD 4WD Duramax Turbo Diesel V-8, with a 3.73 gear ratio and Max. Trailer Weight of 15,500#. 9200# GVWR. It is equipped with the Z82 H.D. Trailer Equipment. It has an Allison 1000 6-spd transmission. Extended cab and short box. Does this sound like it would be able to pull and stop the 3485SA without difficulty, even through the mountains?? We had initially looking at the 3000RK but the hitch weight is 410# heavier. Thanks for any and all input on these two subjects.
 
PackersBackers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2008, 06:56 AM   #2
bsmeaton
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Lone Tree
Posts: 5,615
M.O.C. #6109
Judy,

That truck will push pull and stop just fine. The 3485SA has one of the lighter pin weights, but you will still be very close to the limit on the 2500 (considering truck cargo and estimated actual pin weight). I personally would go with a 1-ton but I also realize that GM does not make a 1-ton shortbed.

Nothing's perfect, but it sounds like you're close.
bsmeaton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2008, 12:00 PM   #3
Mudchief
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Paola
Posts: 5,739
M.O.C. #4961
judyann54, as you can see my rig below is pulled with a GMC 2500 and it does a great job. No problem in the mountains.
__________________
Dennis & Linda Ward
Paola, Kansas
Montana 3735MK Legacy Edition
1200 watts of Solar
Mudchief is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2008, 10:13 PM   #4
Glenn and Lorraine
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Clearwater
Posts: 10,917
M.O.C. #420
We have an 07 3485SA yanked around the US of A by an 05 GMC 2500HD D/A without incident. This past summer we traveled thru the Appalachians from Florida to northern NY and west thru the Rockies to Calif and back from Washington to Indiana. No problems going up or down and always came to a safe stop.
By going to the 3500 you gain a about 600 to 700 extra pounds on the hitch but the rest of the TV is the same as the 2500. The power train is exactly the same as the 2500HD but the cost is not.
As far as the 3485SA, we absolutely love it and to be honest the only thing we dislike is that Montana discontined it in 08. The 3605SA is about as close as you can get and has many many extras the 3485 did not. We came within a small deposit of ordering a new 3605 just 2 weeks ago.
JMHO
Glenn and Lorraine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2008, 12:13 PM   #5
lcarter
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Madison
Posts: 131
M.O.C. #7240
Judy, The DW and I have a 2007 34852SA. We love it! The space in the living area is outstanding. We also like the enclosed bathroom. It does occupy a little more space but provides some privacy without getting trapped in the small potty only closet. We tow with a 2006 F-350 6.0 turbo diesel. It works, tows, and stops great! We've towed from Virginia to San Antonio and back as well as through the mountains of West Virginia on I64 without any problems stopping or climbing or keeping up with the flow of traffic when necessary.
Enjoy,
LCarter
lcarter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2008, 03:23 PM   #6
randye
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Lakeside
Posts: 606
M.O.C. #7139
Judy, We have a 2007 3485SA.we like the front room and the enclosed bathroom and the king size bed. The only things we don't like is the day and night shades and cheap recliners. Others models have trouble with the shades and recliners. We pull the tana with a 2007 1 ton Dodge with 6.7 Turbo Diesel and 6 Sp Auto with tow haul and exhaust brake no problems. It tows and stops like a dream. Randye.
randye is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Graphics for a 2007 3485SA embraceatrend Repairs & Service 9 04-14-2013 08:27 AM
Comments on Montana 3485SA?? barmar General Discussions about our Montanas 14 05-23-2008 03:15 AM
Our steps on our new 3485SA Chuck and Carol General Discussions about our Montanas 8 06-05-2007 01:53 PM
3485SA alboy General Discussions about our Montanas 11 06-03-2007 05:22 AM
Our 3485SA photos Glenn and Lorraine Member News 24 02-10-2007 04:51 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:54 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.