Most popular floor plan of all time?

[Narnia]

Hi Everyone! I was wondering what has been the most popular model / floor plan for full-timing?

Thanks for your input!

[WeBeFulltime]

We have full timed for going on 9 years and are on our 3rd Montana a 3791RD. We liked the previous 3400RL and 3585SA but the current one is the best for full timing in my mind because of the massive storage. I can't say which is most popular.

[DQDick]

We've been full timing for 9 years now in two different rigs. Don't go by the most popular. Some years the most popular has also been the most quickly sold after they got into it and found the issues hidden by the flash. Pick the one that you both can see yourself living in.

[jsb5717]

Nearly impossible to answer. Most popular to who? Family of 5? Retired couple with 2 dogs? Travel Trailer? 5th Wheel? 1/2 ton towable? Larger?

There are so many subjective variables in family size, tow vehicle, experience, personal preference. There are full-timers here living in any thing from light-weight half-ton-towables to large, spacious mansions requiring serious towing weight considerations.

We are not full-timers but have been trailer camping for over 35 years. What works for us today is very different from 35 years ago. We are both retiring in the next year so our trailer usage will be increasing. Our preferences have evolved along with what is available in the market place and our budget limitations.

What works for you? How much experience do you have with towables? If you're relatively new to it the one thing I can promise you is that whatever you get will likely help you determine what you next one should be like. If you're experienced then I bet you already have a good idea.

Rear living? Mid or front living? Big kitchen and storage? Big bedroom and bathroom storage? Big television? Power recliners? Something that allows you to sleep indoors while spending most of your time outdoors?

I enjoy the process more than my wife does but she definately has strong opinions about what she wants in a rig. What are yours?

[mlh]

The 2955 probably was the most popular now maybe the 3400 or 3402.
Lynwood

[BB_TX]

Rear living has been far more popular simply because there have been far more rear living floor plans made. But front living plans have made great strides in recent years. But it still all comes down to each individual’s personal preference.

[jeffba]

My first choice was the 3791, DW did not like the island and stove on the slide (cramped kitchen and has to reach for cooking on the stove). So we comprised. So what people have is not always their choice

[jsb5717]

So true. How do you sum up the perfect mobile living arrangement in 350 sq ft or less? Especially when you have to merge opinions

[CarWin]

My Motto : Happy Wife = Happy Life

Whatever she chooses, I`m content with for the most part. We have had 2 rear kitchens in our last 2 units we've owned, and enjoyed them both. To me they are just another materialistic item,that we enjoy utilizing every chance we get. I don't really care either way.

I CHERISH the time and memories we have made together with each other and the kids/grandkids!!!

[dhuhn]

I would look at all floor plans and pick the one that works for you and not the one that is necessarily the most popular floor plan. In the end you have to live in it and be happy with it. What works for one doesn’t always work for another. Good luck on your search.

[jetskier]

We looked the 3701LK online and like the layout on screen initially, but walked away after seeing it in person at a local dealer. The corner cabinet hit the hood and the wine rack ate up upper cabinet space. Then we walked over to a front living model. Nice, loved the rear bedroom but I didn't want the front door-side slideout (head injuries). Then we saw the 3790RD. It had a nice layout and the storage was insane and usable. A few minutes after we looked through it, it was hauled away---sold. We saw the 2018 model, but they changed to the 2019 20th anniversary model after we placed our order. The changes for the most part were positive. I still walk into the corner of the three higher slides occasionally, but I'm getting better at ducking.

[jsb5717]

Ha, those slides can be real head bangers. About 8-10" of thick wall pipe insulation on the edge can be a real skull saver.

[mtlakejim]

My recommendation is to go to about a dozen RV shows. Make sure you go to a couple of really big ones like Hershey PA or Tampa FL. Then make a list of what you consider the most essential elements for YOU. We had two lists: Must haves and deal breakers.


You might want to consider buying a used rig first so you can get a little experience and decide what is really important to you. A used Class A helped us decide we didn't want to go that route. A used 5th wheel helped us decide it was what we liked (also help us decide we wanted a 1 ton diesel dually).

We originally bought our new 5th wheel as a weekend warrior with the full intent of using it for several years to pursue only fun with our toys. The HC 381TH with it's garage was ideal for that. Now that we are unexpectedly full time we find the front living room design essential for our lifestyle and that garage comes in extremely handy as a mega storage area that beats any other floor plan for storage area! However the lower quality build and less insulation of the High Country is a concern particularly in the desert heat where we are stuck full time (due to job).

One thing I can say with fair amount of certainty is get the biggest camper you can afford if your going full time! Don't worry about the length being difficult to park or get a site for. Trust me you will regret not having the extra room far more than having to hunt a little for a campsite.


In the end, only you can decide what is right for you!

[mtlakejim]

Oh and I bet the HC 380/381 is the most popular model in the 40'+ class right now. The average lot time of most models ranges in the 4-8 week range. The 380/381 are flying off the lot with an average lot time of less than a week!


Granted they have not been out long enough to be the all time #1 seller but I bet over the last year they are the leading model.

[klewis6787]

Yes we have also bought the 381 TH and are taking it out for first time this weekend we love the lay out and the garage.
Kurt Lewis

[Arkware]

The most popular one to me is the one the DW likes and is in my driveway, and (partly) paid for...

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by mlh

The 2955 probably was the most popular now maybe the 3400 or 3402.
Lynwood

I think I read somewhere that the 3400RL was the best selling in its day, but no longer built.

[rollingdownthehighway]

Most popular? Too many variables, for us, we looked at so many from front baths, to front LR and Front Kitchens, to rear living and at the end of the day 99% of all floor plans are the same, we saw the 3700LK at a show, and loved it and ordered one. It works for us overall, bigger kitchen then most, plenty of storage, etc. It really comes down to what you like and what will work for you and your family.

[BB_TX]

Originally Posted by PSFORD99

I think I read somewhere that the 3400RL was the best selling in its day, but no longer built.

I did an unofficial poll years ago and the 3400RL was the most popular at that time. The 3400RL was replaced by the very similar 3402RL and was also popular. But most of the floor plans at that time were rear living, with a few rear kitchen, and only one front living. Current plans are mostly some variation of rear living, with some front living, and only one rear kitchen.

The problem with a poll is that the floor plans are discontinued after only a few years, sometimes only 2-3 years, and replaced by new floorplans, mostly variations of the previous floor plans.

Here is that old poll.
http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...highlight=poll

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by BB_TX

I did an unofficial poll years ago and the 3400RL was the most popular at that time. The 3400RL was replaced by the very similar 3402RL and was also popular. But most of the floor plans at that time were rear living, with a few rear kitchen, and only one front living. Current plans are mostly some variation of rear living, with some front living, and only one rear kitchen.

The problem with a poll is that the floor plans are discontinued after only a few years, sometimes only 2-3 years, and replaced by new floorplans, mostly variations of the previous floor plans.

Here is that old poll.
http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...highlight=poll

I think the 3400RL was probably built more years then any of them, because of the popularity . Or at least it seemed that way .