Thinking about a purchase

[kwf904]

Hi everyone, First post on this forum. I am considering a Montana (2455SA) and would like to know. If you came from a lower quality fifth wheel, what are some of the big differences you noticed with your Montana. I guess I am just looking for opinions.
Thanks
Jim

[Ren]

2455sa or 3455sa?

The 3455sa was on our short list. But we liked the L shaped couch in ours which the 3455sa did not have.


Check this post that I just made for some differences between the 3 montana models.



http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...70&whichpage=2

Here is also a link to Keystones site about the Montanas standard features.

http://www.keystone-montana.com/inde...page=standards

[Art-n-Marge]

Depending on the model year the primary difference would be the weight. The empty trailer might weigh more because of the materials and options adding to the weight. Then if the trailer has 6,000 lb axles or even the higher 7,000 lb axles, the gross weight of the trailer could be a lot higher for some coming from a lighter, lesser quality trailer.

We picked the Montana because the same floor plans compared to lesser trailers provided better interiors such as more colorful patterns, more decorative molding, better trim packages, much better fabrics, decorative glass, corian counters and an overall more attractive look. The price difference seemed to be worth the upgrade. There were also many mechanical issues and construction that made this a good value.

That said, we also looked at luxury fifth wheels and felt that the price on what we saw wasn't as good a value to us. Whatever the case just make sure you have the proper vehicle to tow it when looking at the GVWR (not the shipping weight).

[HOOK]

After 2 years of research we narrowed down to 3455sa , 3400rl , 3750 fl. Chose the 3455 because we wanted recliners, and the desk away from TV. We are well pleased. Larry

[kwf904]

Thanks for the replies so far. Weight is definitely a concern, but I think I am ok with the truck I have. We have a 2008 Chevy 3500 Duramax. Our biggest reason for considering this is how long the trailer will last. The Montana seems to be built very well.

[DQDick]

To try and answer your original question, you are correct the Montana's are built well. They aren't the most expensive rigs out there, but they are an affordable choice for those of us who full time. That's the difference you should really notice. These rigs are built to be lived in everyday, not just taken out once in a while on the weekend. Storage is better, systems are generally better and design is better. In short most of us love our Montana's and if we aren't full time we spend a lot of time in them.

[HOOK]

I have an 06 Chev 3500 dually diesel. It does a grand job with our 3455sa. We have been across the Appalachians several times, no problem. Our first trip was from NC to Kansas and back, no problems. I believe the Diesel, Allison , Chev 3500, is unbeatable. JMHO Larry

[billc1949]

We have a 2011 3455SA and knock on wood, no major problems.

Bill C

[denandannie]

We moved up to the Montana 3150RL from a Cougar 5th wheel. The Cougar is a nice rig for a few weeks of camping. And, being made by Keystone, it has good quality and reputation. However, the Montana had been our first choice but at the time we did not have the vehicle to tow it. When we switched tow vehicles, we moved up to the Monty. Also, the Montana is a dream to camp in for extended periods--like, longer than a few weeks. We generally travel once a year for an eight week period. Having three slides, the large basement storage and the quality of the Montana makes camping seem like a 5-star hotel. If you move to Montana, you will not be disappointed.