Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > Tow Vehicles & Towing
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-27-2008, 09:51 AM   #1
otto0813
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: La Grange
Posts: 67
M.O.C. #5620
Tow Vehicle for 3400RL

Okay,we admit it - we've read so many articles about figuring towing capacity, etc., and are no wiser than when we started. So - gonna take another approach. Calling all 3400RL owners - what is your tow vehicle? We currently own Chevy'06 3500HD CC/8.1 Allison/4:10 and haul a 3000RK. Really would love to have this new 3400RL but truly don't want to have to buy new truck. Anyone out there using this truck with the 3400RL? If so, what is your experience?
 
otto0813 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2008, 10:37 AM   #2
5rvers
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Manassas
Posts: 562
M.O.C. #4327
I don't see any problems with you pulling a 3400RL with the Chevy 3500HD. I pull my 3400RL with a 2000 F450.

Lou
5rvers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2008, 10:48 AM   #3
richfaa
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
We now pull our 06 3400 13K plus all over the country with a 08 6.4l Diesel,CC,LL 4X4 Dually. As of Sept of this year we pulled the same 3400 all over the country with a 05,CC,LB, Dually V-10 Ford Gasser. The new truck was more of a case of "new truck fever" and the diesel was more of a case of...."never had one and want one". The short answer to you question is.....NO you do not need a new truck..the 8.1 will be just fine it is even more motor than the 6.8L V-10 ..but when you get new truck fever you may consider a diesel. You will find however that most here will tow with a diesel....need it or not..
richfaa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2008, 10:59 AM   #4
Fire5er
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Port Orchard
Posts: 1,153
M.O.C. #3403
That truck should be ok, it should both pull it and stop it. You'll be fine. Enjoy the new 5er!!
Fire5er is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2008, 11:19 AM   #5
TLightning
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Kville
Posts: 2,865
M.O.C. #7871
A 3500/350 of any brand will do the trick...if you have a SRW, you'll be close on cargo capacity, but otherwise fine.
TLightning is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2008, 11:21 AM   #6
indy roadrunner
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Brownsburg
Posts: 1,186
M.O.C. #5634
I have a suggestion. Go to the Polls forum on the MOC and see what everybody else is using to pull Montanas. I think there are over 500 responses now on the poll.
indy roadrunner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2008, 11:49 AM   #7
Waynem
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Texas City
Posts: 5,736
M.O.C. #7673
F-350, King Ranch, Crew Cab, 6.0L Diesel pulling a 3400RL. Absolutely no problems. You should be able to pull a house down with yours.
Waynem is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2008, 01:13 PM   #8
bsmeaton
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Lone Tree
Posts: 5,615
M.O.C. #6109
The numbers work for that truck, and you'll love the 3400RL. Just watch your total cargo weight. If you max out the 15,500 lbs GVWR on the 3400 and the max on the truck, you'll exceed your Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR).



bsmeaton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2008, 02:31 PM   #9
clutch
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: St.Maries
Posts: 1,010
M.O.C. #7329
I think you are good to tow.
clutch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-27-2008, 04:12 PM   #10
DarMar
Montana Master
 
DarMar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Brandon
Posts: 3,944
M.O.C. #1034
Many, many people are towing the 3400 with less truck than you currently have! The 3500 is definately rated to handle the 3400 but as others have said watch your loaded weights.
__________________
Darwin & Maureen DeBackere
Minnedosa, Manitoba, Canada
2011/3500/Silverado/4x4/DRW/Duramax
2017/3721RL/Legacy Pkg./Pressure-Pro
DarMar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2008, 12:28 PM   #11
otto0813
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: La Grange
Posts: 67
M.O.C. #5620
Thanks to all of you for your responses! Feel a lot better about our current tow vehicle - now just gotta make the final decision on the 3400RL!
otto0813 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2008, 01:13 PM   #12
wswebster
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Three Rivers
Posts: 266
M.O.C. #1249
We tow with the 8.1 2500hd. Towed great from MI to MT a couple of summers back and we are now planning a trip this summer to alaska. Also I want to add (knock on wood) we have not had one problem with this truck, not even a burned out head light and I drive this truck everyday to work and for errands, 60,000 miles and counting. Stacy
wswebster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2008, 02:14 AM   #13
Larry
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Morgantown
Posts: 78
M.O.C. #8173
I don't know the weights of the 3400RL, but according to Trailer Life Magazine's '06 Tow Ratings, your truck is rated to pull 15,100 lbs.
Larry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2008, 04:18 AM   #14
TAKPAK
Montana Master
 
TAKPAK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Hillsboro
Posts: 593
M.O.C. #8238
We just bought our 3400RL and have a GMC K3500 to pull it. I asked both the Montana dealer AND the GMC dealer, and they both said it was fine. The caveat is......you MUST buy the diesel to tow the 3400RL. If you check the truck specs, the gas version is only rated at 12,000 pounds towing capacity, which would max out the gas version. But the duramax is rated at 14,900 which is well above the weight of the 3400. I plan on pulling my 3400RL with my K3500 Duramax for many years. Just drive sensibly, without your foot to the floor. Diesels don't like that too well............
__________________
Terry and Patsy
Vietnam Veteran, US Navy
2017 3810
2015 GMC Sierra 4X4 3500 SRW
TAKPAK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2008, 04:30 AM   #15
exav8tr
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Casa Grande
Posts: 5,369
M.O.C. #6333
UH OH!!!
exav8tr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2008, 10:14 AM   #16
sreigle
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Oceanside
Posts: 20,028
M.O.C. #20
You asked what we're towing a 3400 with so here goes. We're currently towing this 14,620 lb 3400RL with a 2007 Dodge 3500 MegaCab shortbed single rear wheel 4x4 with Cummins diesel and six-speed automatic and builtin exhaust brake, 3.73 axle. Does a beautiful job with little fuss.

We previously towed it with a 2005 Ford F250 Crew Cab shortbed with Powerstroke 6.0L and TorqShift 5spd automatic and 4x4 and 3.73 axle.It also did an excellent job but I installed airbags because the rear sagged about an inch and I prefer a level ride for the tow vehicle.

The 8.1L is a strong engine for towing. Several in this forum use that engine. The 4.10 axle will give you better low end grunt. I don't see any problem with you towing a 3400 with your truck. You will find the 8.1 will want to turn into those filling stations rather frequently but that's a whole lot cheaper than buying a new truck.

sreigle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2008, 06:34 AM   #17
Old GI
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Palm Bay
Posts: 423
M.O.C. #4308
I might as well add my two cents, I tow my 2007 3400RL with an F350 DRW long bed crew cab 6.0 liter diesel beast and I have to keep looking in the rear view mirror to make sure my Montana is till tagging along, the truck doesn't even break a sweat. Go get that 3400RL you will love it......Pete
Old GI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2008, 07:15 AM   #18
Waynem
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Texas City
Posts: 5,736
M.O.C. #7673
Ditto Old GI, but I have the King Ranch which is the SD Lariat with some extras
Waynem is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2008, 01:37 AM   #19
NASCARon
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Erie
Posts: 53
M.O.C. #4082
The truck will work great.
NASCARon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2008, 04:29 AM   #20
dsprik
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Fort Myers
Posts: 5,933
M.O.C. #4282
I'm towing my 2007 3400 with a 2002 2500HD D/A 4x4. Does a good job. You have to watch what you are doing anytime you are towing 15,000 lbs around, regardless whether it's a 3/4 ton or an MDT.
dsprik is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
new tow vehicle jimkottke Tow Vehicles & Towing 10 08-31-2012 08:27 AM
New Tow Vehicle billc1949 Tow Vehicles & Towing 24 07-25-2012 07:35 AM
New Tow Vehicle! Bill-N-Donna Tow Vehicles & Towing 17 10-17-2008 11:29 AM
Tow Vehicle for a 2008 3400RL muddflapp Tow Vehicles & Towing 21 08-26-2007 05:05 PM
Tow vehicle for 3400RL skyviewman Tow Vehicles & Towing 65 01-21-2007 01:22 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:30 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.