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Old 03-18-2006, 04:15 PM   #1
mjflora
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Cascade
Posts: 52
M.O.C. #5556
Hello from Montana!

John & I just purchased a 3500RL - we take delivery 3/30. Also coming is a new F350 to haul it around. We're trading in our Airstream MH and neither of us has towed anything this big before! Any helpful hints, tips or suggestions? I'm so nervous about driving this rig around.....

We live in the mountains in Montana and plan to spend a few of the winter months in AZ, along with some traveling.
 
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Old 03-18-2006, 05:00 PM   #2
rak
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Overland Park
Posts: 155
M.O.C. #5481
You will find it easier to tow than you think. Just remember to take wide turns around corners. You will find pulling a 5er much easier than the tt. The F350 is a great tv.
Have a great time and enjoy and don't wory.
Dick
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Old 03-18-2006, 06:18 PM   #3
dchafer
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Madoc
Posts: 130
M.O.C. #4203
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Congratulations on a beautiful rig. Good advise for wide corners and plan ahead for gas stations. Some are pretty tight to get into. Other than that enjoy the ride.
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Old 03-18-2006, 08:39 PM   #4
Montana Sky
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Down the Road
Posts: 5,627
M.O.C. #889
The best advice I can give when it comes to towing a coach of this size is remember 1 thing. Slow and easy is always a good way to start as you learn to handle your new coach.
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Old 03-18-2006, 11:27 PM   #5
stiles watson
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Leona
Posts: 6,382
M.O.C. #2059
Many have given the following advice. Go to a big parking area and practice. Practice backing, practice cornering both right and left. Get a feel for how different it handles. Just remember, slow down. Welcome aboard and Happy RVing....
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Old 03-20-2006, 07:55 AM   #6
Wordsmith
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Statham
Posts: 1,410
M.O.C. #3215
I find a fifth wheel much more stable when towing that a TT, so I would not be overly concerned about that, though I have noticed some “surging” on concrete highways. I have been able to counter that with adjusting speed.

As far as backing goes, go to an abandoned—preferably—or empty parking lot and practice. Pull up further than you think and then back slowly. Do not be afraid to pull up to keep the truck straight with the 5er. You might also want to invest in a set of walkie talkies; they are easily worth the price you pay. A truck driver gave me the best advice, which was to take advantage of your mirrors. Since I started doing this, I have found backing much easier.

These Montanas truly loom large when you look up at them or when you hitch up, but they can be easily managed and I have found they behave well, unlike some animals and small children!
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Old 03-20-2006, 09:04 AM   #7
Glenn and Lorraine
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Clearwater
Posts: 10,917
M.O.C. #420
Welcome mjflora to the MOC family AND to the world of the 5th wheel. Once you have the towing figured out I know you will be happy you swapped out that MH.
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Old 03-20-2006, 11:11 AM   #8
jrgwdenner
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Wetumpka
Posts: 4,936
M.O.C. #1105
Congratulations and welcome to the forum. After a little practice, you'll forget that the Montana is behind you. Sounds unbelieveable but it's true. They really tow nicely.
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Old 03-20-2006, 03:35 PM   #9
Kathi
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Kalispell
Posts: 937
M.O.C. #3113
Welcome Neighbor, we live in Kalispell....I (female) pull our 5ver and have never had a problem with it. You will find there are a very large number of women that do the same. You will find that you WILL forget that you are even pulling that albatrose. It just hangs back there and tails ya. I find myself looking in the mirror and doing a double take because I forget that it is that close...This past weekend our friend helped me hook it up (my husband is ill) and he pulled it away from the house and around the corner just to see what it was like. He is a truck driver, he came back and couldn't believe how incredibly easy it handled...So again the advice is WIDE TURNS, WATCH YOUR MIRRORS, and easy does it.....You will love it...TRUST US! They told us the same thing when we first started out with ours, we were so scared that first time bringing it home..After that it became second nature...
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Old 03-21-2006, 04:35 AM   #10
Sunshine
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: La Pine
Posts: 2,654
M.O.C. #2018
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the new Montana. We just upgraded our TV to a F350 Super Duty crew cab, which pulls our 3255RL like it wasn't back there. Our '96 F250 Powerstroke did the same. Slow and easy and practice and you will master towing the Monty in no time!
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Old 03-22-2006, 03:27 PM   #11
Northstar
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 1,740
M.O.C. #1757
Welcome to the forum. You have a great rig there.
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Old 03-24-2006, 01:35 AM   #12
Just148
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: none
Posts: 1,566
M.O.C. #1043
Welcome to the forme! Enjoy your new unit.
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