New member on tax day 2005

[Montana_3574]

My wife and I are soon to retire and have purchased a 2004 GMC HD Crew cab diesel 4x4. We are looking for a new or used RV and like the Montana. Given the fact that the earth is not flat, what is the heavest 5W rv that I should try to tow and still be able to maintain speed and control on a grade. This truck is rated for 15,500 max. I am thinking of 10-11000 lbs. for the trailer. Can I go bigger?

[DHenry]

Welcome, join in on the fun. Check out the signatures of the members. Alot of us have gone bigger than the 10K lbs.

[stiles watson]

First, welcome to the MOC Forum. There is a lot to be learned and shared here. I am assuming you are discribing a 3/4-ton as you TV. There are many Montana owners pulling with that size vehicle. Many who do also add a little here and there. If the rear sags more than is desireable, we add air bags. Some of us add "chips" or use programmers to enhance horse power and torque. Many add exhaust brakes to facilitate easier, safer decents on the slopes. I have an extra leaf in the rear springs and use larger, higher load rated tires.

I don't think I answered your question, rather gave you more to question. Happy RVing...

[Parrothead]

You have the truck that we are planning to buy to pull our 3400RL Montana. We are waiting until retirement (9/2006) because I will have to give up my GMC Envoy and I want it as long as I'm working.

[palebluedot]

Welcome to MOC and congrats on the GMC. To answer your question we need a little more info on your truck. Is it a 2500 or 3500, SRW or dually? Just keep in mind there are several weight capacites to consider. I assume the 15,500 figure is the maximum trailer weight. You also have GVWR (wt. of truck with passengers, fuel, pin wt. of trailer, hitch, and everything else in/on truck). If your GMC is a 2500 this is the capacity you are most likely to exceed with a 30+ ft. 5er. Then there is GCWR (total wt. of truck & cargo plus wt. of trailer. 4WD trucks are actually rated lower than 2WD because you have to subtract the extra wt. of the 4WD axel and Xfer case. Finally there is the GAWR ( max. wt. that can be on the axel). Check your manual to see what your wt. ratings are, this should give you an idea of what size unit you can safely tow. Happy camping !!!

[Sunshine]

Welcome to the Forum and good luck in your search for the Montana that is right for you. As you have probably seen, if you have questions on anything you can post them here and everyone jumps in to try and give you the information you need.

[sreigle]

Welcome aboard, amafyrechief! You already have received lots of good advice. As Dhenry said, take a look at the signatures throughout the forum and that will give you an idea of what's being done out there. I believe the highest GVWR of any Montana is the 3685FL, front living room model, at 14,340 lbs. Second is our 3295RK at 14,300 lbs. Few will load to that weight in either model so of more interest is probably the UVW. GVWR is the max the trailer is rated to weigh when fully loaded. UVW is the weight as it comes from the factory, with "standard options.". If you weekend/vacation you can probably figure yours will weigh 1000-2000 over UVW. If fulltiming you may go 1500-3500 over UVW. Not included in UVW is high gloss exterior, battery, propane bottles, any fluids in the tanks, and options above and beyond whatever "standard options" means.

As an example, the published UVW on our 3295 is 10,360. The UVW per the sticker on the cabinet door is 10,760. Actual weight last time I weighed it was 13,980, including 2/3 tank of water, full propane, and lots and lots of gear (we're fulltiming).

I hope this doesn't muddle the picture for you. If you look at signatures you'll find 3/4 and 1 ton trucks towing each Montana model. My F250 is rated for 15,400 as equipped. I'm extremely happy with its performance and I think you'll find those owning the other mfr's trucks are equally pleased with theirs.

[Northstar]

Welcome to the forum. This is one of the best places to research Montana questions.