Fulltiming in a 3400RL

[bigbob7777]

Howdy, all.

I am hoping to retire in september and just purchased a Dodge 3500 quad cab, DRW, diesel.

I have been seriously looking at a 3400rl and would like your input as to the pros and cons of this unit and also pulling it with this truck.

Are there any options you would add? We plan on staying south in the winter.

I would truly love any ideas/criticisms.

bob

[Montana_335]

Great choice! I just love everything about my 3400rl. Open space, lots of storage, counter space, fireplace, built in vacuum system. I love siting at the desk with my lap top (reading MOC of course) and looking out the window at the scenery. Many times campers have passed by and stopped and asked to see the inside. They see the four slides and are curious and I am only too happy to give them the tour!
I fell in love with this one the minute I saw it. Sold our 2955 Sprinter after just two years and purchased this one. You will enjoy every minute with this unit!
Good Luck[

Cathy

[stiles watson]

I feel certain you have enough truck to pull that Montana. If you like the floor plan, then that's the way to go. Trucks and floor plans are a matter of personal preference. Have a great RVing adventure....

[Montana Sky]

Bob,
I will have to agree with Cathy 100%. I use the coach as a lake cabin from May - October at the river and of course there are the summer vacation trips as well. There is so much room in this floor plan that I do not think space will ever be an issue. I use the Chevy Duramax 2500HD to tow this coach and have not had one bit of trouble yet. I am positive the new truck you bought will do just as well.

[sreigle]

Welcome aboard, Bob! The 3400RL is one of our favorite models. It's a beauty. I think you'll find the Montana tows beautifully. I tow with a Ford Powerstroke but there are numerous people here towing the same weight, and more, as you with the Dodge. I think you'll find it does a fine job for you. Good luck and please keep us informed of your experiences.

Are there any particular options you are wondering about? You'll find all kinds of opinions here on the various options and will get lots of good information to help you with your decision.

One, the fantastic fan option is one I'd highly recommend. We had it on our first Montana. When we ordered the second, we did not get it. But I added a FF about 6 months ago. It is kind of like having an attic fan in your stick home.

[Jim and Carolyn]

We have the 3400RL and it is wonderful. I think it is the best that you can do and still pull it with a pickup.
Agree about the fantastic fan; also need the fireplace for those cool mornings. We added the Washer/Dryer- now would not be without them.

Good luck- keep us posted on how it goes for you.

[carlson]

Bob,
Welcome,
Are you going to order a 3400RL?
If you are one word of advice.
Tell them to delete the sofa and recliners.
Go to a store or a furniture store that would deliver to the plant and order a 75" sofa and a good Lazy Boy chair.
Have them installed.
We just went down yesterday to the furnture store and got the couch put in, boy was it close, but we have a great couch accross the back, and I bought myself a Lazy Boy recliner.
We are going to run with the new 75" Sofa and one recliner.
I AM IN HEAVEN NOW!!!

[Sunshine]

Welcome and good luck on your search for the right Montana model for you. It's nice to see so many new members posting.

[pound99]

We have owned our 3400RL since June 2004. We spent three separate weeks in Jan Feb and March 2005 at Panama city FL In Jan The nights would be in the low 30"s. We were able to keep very warm with our furnace. We also used a space heaterto save on propane. We love our unit. Our grand kids love the fire place and entertainment center. Some day I plan to start pulling it to different locations, but now we love it just parked on a RV lot. I would make the same choice again.

Daryl

[Gene Chaltry]

We started fulltiming in our 3400 on April 11th 2005. We love it. The little lady loves the convience of the kitchen. I agree with cathynmel, Love to sit at the desk and be hooked up to MOC.

[bigbob7777]

Thank you all for your kind replies and wishes. Anyone know of the best place to get one? I've found a couple for in the high 30's, is this a good price for the 2005 model?

bob

[sreigle]

Bob, high thirties is probably a very good deal on a 3400RL. I'd snap it up at that price. I haven't seen a recent price list but I would guess the retail price is considerably over $50k. If you want to do a little searching, do a google search on 3400RL, then email all the dealers you come up with. Tell them precisely which options, etc., and ask for their best offer. In any case, my opinion is if you find what you want in the high thirties, grab it. If I'm wrong about this, someone please jump in.

[richfaa]

High 30''s are you sure..Price at the RV show Jan05 for a fully loaded 3400RL was 44,900.... MSVRP well into the 50's. High 30's if it is well equiped would be a bargain.

[RADHAZJOE]

We just started fulltiming in our 3400RL and love it. I retire the second time 31 May.

A couple of comments.
The finish on a lot of things dissappointed me. Lots of rough edges. Holes drilled slightly offcenter and loose shavings in holes. Cabinet and drawer latches not installed straight and not matching up. Finish tape on slide frame just ripped off and plywood edge showing in gaps. Carppet under kitchen slide raggedly cut and looks terrible when you come in the door.

For the first week, sawdust fell out of everything. Some still does everytime we move it.

By the way, I was told the 3400rl WAS 36 FEET LONG from rear end to pin box front. Well, this is very misleading and also wrong. With the ladder on the back to the front of the overbed section is over 39 feet, measured with a tape measure. We require a 40 foot or longer slot to park the "barge" as my grandkids call it. The spot at the house where I was goiung to park it it too small. Virginia Beach is very unfreindly to RV parking but with a 36 ft unit I would have been able to to meet the requirements.

Not complaining, well, maybe a little. We have sold the house so that is only a temporary problem.

VERY IMPORTANT. CHECK LISTS FOR GETTING UNDERWAY AND SETTING UP!!!!!

[richfaa]

When bigbob said he saw a 3400 in the high 30's I thought ..can't be..well it can be,,Took a School field trip down to the Akron, Ohio area today and while they were doing their thing I went over to Duncan Rv who happens to be the nearest Montana dealer to me to see what he had on the lot. Get this Montana 2950 $29,900 Montana 3500 $39,900 Montana 3685 $36,900..these prices are 30%+ off MSRP..that is unreal..Why is that, any ideas..end of model year??? early for that.Maybe big changes for 2006??????

[jrgwdenner]

We had a surprise with our length, too. Bought a 3380RL thinking it was 33' long. Sure had a lot of room for a 33 footer.....because it's really 37 feet long. Fortunately it hasn't been a problem for us.

[vickir]

Rich ... Steve doesn't have his computer on, so I read your post about the unbelievable prices on '05 Montanas to him. He asked me to post that the model year change is usually in June, so that could very well be behind those prices. Still, those seem to be really, really low prices.

[zzuroweste1]

I just purchased ours for 39000 in missouri...PM me and I will tell you who to talk to. My 3400 is loaded as well. Te place is a great dealer who has been in business for a long time.

[Sue]

Bob,
I have the 3400 & I believe the truck you are looking for (or mentioned) I use to haul our horses and you will have more than enough truck. ANY heavy duty truck will do the job.

You'll love the floor plan. I use ours for horse shows, and haven't used it for "vacation" yet, but I can still dream.