Thanks, Montana

[bwney]

Really. In mid-June, we hit a terrible piece of highway coming out of Louisville, Kentucky. Heavy traffic, going speed limit, it felt like the truck lifted in the air and slammed back to the ground. There were car and truck parts spread over several lanes, and vehicles stopped on the sides of the road looking at their damage. I'm trying to say "It was bad". Went through same area the other way the next day, the state of Kentucky had lane or lanes closed with men working.

Yes, of course it was concrete.

We made it to our stop a few miles down the road. There was some minor damage on the sides of the front closet where it had been pushed up towards the roof. Latches holding the closet closed were broke, edges of the mirrored doors were slightly bent. A few other small things but nothing to end the trip- I hoped.

When we hooked up and left, it was obvious the 5er was damaged. The roads were OK, but any bumps would make the 5er "porpoise". Got on the phone with Montana, the next dealer was in Mayfield, KY.

Long story short, Montana stepped up and paid for all parts, and 1/2 the repair labor. This is a 3400rl we bought new in November, 2005.

The dealer( Youngbloods) handled all communication with Montana.

This was the first major problem (besides tires) we've had in 30,000 towing miles. This week, I'm going to crawl underneath and look at the spring shackles.

[KTManiac]

So, was the frame damaged or cracked? Is that why was it porpoising?

Nice to hear that Montana stepped up to the plate for something that really wasn't their responsibility. I'd be having a conversation with the KY DOT about footing the rest of it that you had to fork out.

[rames14]

Glad to hear Montana stepped up and helped out. We have heard numerous stories of Keystone helping out well after the warranty is over. But, more than that, we're glad you're okay. Hope you can let us know what they fixed. Good luck with your 3400RL. Our last unit was a 2005 3400 also, and we really enjoyed it. The Hickory Edition Big Sky pushed us over the edge or we'd still have it.

[MikeM]

We hit the same area in May and were lucky that we didn't lose control of the entire rig. Luckily there was no obvious damage to the Monty or TV, but that is a really, really nasty surprise when you hit it at the speed limit. I was surprised there was no prior warning!

[bwney]

Some of the weld areas had broken where the steel coming from the pin-box meet the frame rails. Not the welds, but the frame steel around the welds. Also, both frame rails were bent about 1/2" and had to be straightened slightly.

Just to be clear, it was the 2 frame rails under the front bedroom.

Montana sent heavier frame rails to weld around the existing frame, gussets and bolts. Montana did not have the parts in stock, had to wait for the parts to be made by an outside supplier and shipped. We spent a month in Paducah.

As for Kentucky DOT.....Life is too short. Cost us $450 out of pocket.

[Art-n-Marge]

How funny (ironic, not humorous). Kentucky is only one of eight U.S. states we haven't been too. When we get there, we'll have to drive slow.

Do you remember the route with the problem? I suppose it will be fixed by the time we get there, we hope.

[bwney]

I65- just south of the 264 intersection.