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09-02-2017, 11:19 AM
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#1
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New Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Bass Harbor
Posts: 4
M.O.C. #20426
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A little worried about doing the driving...
Hi, All,
My husband and I are shopping for a 5th wheel (probably Montana!!) and a short-bed, crew cab, DRW. I have test driven the trucks we're considering; great fun! I do 99% of our vacation driving -- 1000's of miles -- New Zealand, U.S. -- my husband gets back spasms so I have to be ready to drive at any time.
So here's the thing --- we're seriously considering a Montana model (3810MS, among others) that are all around 40 feet in length. Would any of you please share your experience with driving/towing such a big rig? I understand that there are RV driving schools which sounds terrific. But I'd really like to hear from some new friends here. Thanks!
We will be in Hershey in September!
__________________
Al & Kathe
No rig yet.
Still learning and shopping...
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09-02-2017, 12:06 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New Bern
Posts: 4,387
M.O.C. #8728
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Kathe,
Several of us will be at the Hershey show on opening day, Wednesday. Call me at 252-671-3591 so you can meet up with us. I'm an RV driving instructor with the RV Driving School. With a lesson and a bit of practice, you will be surprised how easy it is to pull a fifth wheel. I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Jim Fischer
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09-02-2017, 02:06 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,363
M.O.C. #6433
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When we bought our 3075RL new in 2007 and started to pull out of the dealer lot, I turned to my wife and said "Wow that thing is long". Had never towed any thing but a short utility trailer. But once I got over the initial uneasiness it was no big deal. Main thing I found was to always be aware on your turns. So easy to jump a curb if you are not careful. And of course the occasional low overhang, especially trees in a campground. Otherwise it is really no problem.
If a long travel day the wife will drive part of the time and is not intimidated by it. Although she has never tried parking it.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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09-02-2017, 02:18 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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Nothing to worry about, with a little experience. Remember when I went from a tagalong to our first fifth wheel, and thought what did I get myself into. 30 minutes down the road, piece of cake. Difference with the longer trailers is need for wider turns.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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09-02-2017, 03:08 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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As stated by those above our last two 40' Montana's have been easier to pull and maneuver than the 18' pull behind we had before that.
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09-02-2017, 03:21 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,671
M.O.C. #2283
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These things are long. After the first day you will forget its back there. It's really a piece of cake. Watch your turns and low limbs while you are off the road, nothing to it. The main thing ENJOY it.
Lynwood
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09-02-2017, 09:17 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2017
Location: new caney
Posts: 1,050
M.O.C. #19873
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It's easy for some people to be intimidated by these long trailers but going down the road you won't notice any difference between 30' or 40'. As has been stated by others on this forum, allow for the extra length when turning and be cognizant of the height as with all rv's whether 30' or 40' rv's. The big advantage with long rv's is that it is harder to jackknife the longer trailers than the short ones.
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09-03-2017, 06:16 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Hixson
Posts: 3,436
M.O.C. #11397
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This retired trucker says it makes no difference what the length is...they all tow the same. Just be careful of the tail-swing when making tighter turns.
__________________
2018.5 Montana 3791RD
Full Timers 9/1/2010 through 1/16/2020.
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09-03-2017, 07:12 AM
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#9
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Richmond, TX
Posts: 109
M.O.C. #20452
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We bought a 36' Montana, not as long as yours but here are my observations:
1. If you are alert driver with good spatial awareness, you will be fine with lane changes, turning, and backing. Be extra careful in the beginning.
2. I get a lot more tired driving the truck & trailer than a car or truck alone, so don't get too ambitious with long distances per day.
3. Make sure you have good mirrors and get used to using them on the highway. On my F350 I find the large convex mirrors are my main rear-views and are wonderful.
4. When backing up a good spotter is absolutely required. I still prefer pull-through campsites, especially for overnights. Backup cameras are useful but have serious limitations.
5. I never pull into a parking lot or anywhere else without knowing how I will get out. If it looks tight, park on the shoulder and walk in.
6. When you reach the crest of a tall hill (or mountain!), you absolutely MUST have control of your speed. You can't start down the hill with excessive speed. This also applies to blind curves.
These are the tips I can quickly think of. With practice and experience you will be more confident. Good luck!!
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09-03-2017, 07:47 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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Why a short bed dually? Many advantages to the 8 foot bed.
__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
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11-10-2017, 08:16 AM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: North Bay Area
Posts: 351
M.O.C. #19469
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CORattler
Why a short bed dually? Many advantages to the 8 foot bed.
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Do they make a short bed dually?
__________________
2004 2955RL 2nd owners 400 watt solar, 2000 inverter/charger 4-6volt golf cart battery's & a champion 3400 remote start dual fuel genny
2000 F-350 swd crew cab long bed 7.3 power stroke transflow 77 gal fuel tank.
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11-10-2017, 06:15 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Bridgewater
Posts: 1,196
M.O.C. #13166
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mel B.
Do they make a short bed dually?
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When I bought mine in '07, Chevy/GMC did not offer the shortbed in the one ton, SRW or DRW. Ford did, and I think still does. Not sure about the Ram.
__________________
2010 Montana 3455SA, Mor/Ryde pin, wet bolts, TST 507, Progressive HW50C, GY G614
2019 Silverado D/A 3500HD LTZ DRW CC
B&W Companion
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11-11-2017, 06:31 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Winchester
Posts: 903
M.O.C. #19514
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CORattler
Why a short bed dually? Many advantages to the 8 foot bed.
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We bought our second truck two years ago, and went with an 8’ box again, only this time with a full cab. We love the truck and the space it provides, but occasionally it does present a problem.
Today we parked in the parking garage at a hospital while visiting a relative. Here is the picture I took after it was parked. I guided Hubby to within a few inches of the wall.
__________________
2017 High Country 305RL
2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty
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09-03-2017, 08:47 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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Helen can and does do everything with the RV ,Drive, Park, Hook, Unhook, Dump tanks.. Unless there is a medical reason one can not do those things there is no reason one can not do them. It makes for a pleasant RV experience when both contribute. Practice and experience it all it takes.
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11-10-2017, 08:26 AM
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#15
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Sedona
Posts: 176
M.O.C. #18355
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On our travels, we frequently are passed by an obviously new truck pulling a new trailer at freeway speeds; 70+ mph. We both say at the same time; "There goes another newby". The two best things I can say to new RVers are (1) slow down; 62-65 mph is plenty fast enough and you will get there almost as quickly, will use less fuel and your tires will love you for it, and (2) 300 miles is a long day. The chances of finding an empty space at the campground are so much better at 3:00pm than they are at 5-6:00pm.
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11-10-2017, 09:47 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Tacoma
Posts: 1,567
M.O.C. #20475
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After towing a while you won't even know it's behind you take your time no need to drive
super fast and watch it on the turns. y do you want a short box?
Bob & Carol
Washington St
2017 352RL 2008 Dodge 3500 DRW crew cab 4x4 LB 6.7L
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11-11-2017, 03:46 AM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Okeechobee
Posts: 2,150
M.O.C. #11206
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Hi
I purchased the truck in April as a birthday present for my wife (I can’t even get a new key made) and the trailer in June.
I am a commercial driver so I taught my wife how to park this long bed quad cab dully by backing into the parking spaces. Then when we got the Montana I taught her how to make turns without having the trailer wheels running over curbs etc.
She drove the pickup as her primary driver for 2 years and would collect a crowd to watch her back the truck into a parking place. She has never damaged a fender or any other part of the truck.
By the way you can’t tell it by looking at her but she is from birth blind in one eye.
Phil P
__________________
2009 Montana 3665RE
2009 Duramax 3500 DRW quad cab
personal web page https:// www.sallyscoffees.com
If you get a page not available then remove the "s" after HTTP
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11-11-2017, 12:48 PM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bee Branch
Posts: 2,620
M.O.C. #20693
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Arrrgghhhh. Well I wrote this big long reply and got booted off LOL. Welcome to the website and happy hunting for your new truck and 5thwheel! Nothing more fun than looking at all the campers. We have made Hershey in the past are considering going again this year. It really is a great show with lots of campers to view. You can easily spend a full day if not two looking around. As for your specific questions I have to ask why you would want the short bed truck? If your using the truck primarily for towing, I strongly recommend the long bed. And for a large camper I strongly recommend the 1 ton diesel dually. The advantages of engine braking and dually stability are not to be underestimated. Granted parking can occasionally be a slight hassle more due to the wider fenders than the length but first time you start down a windy mountain hill with that heavy 5th wheel or have a 20mph cross wind out west you will be glad that you got the bigger truck! As for driving with a larger trailer you have already gotten some good advice from other posters but I will add the following: If your not confident get some instruction from a patient instructor. Preferably one that uses models or at least drawings to illustrate the maneuvers especially backing up. Learn to back up! If nothing else take your rig to a giant vacant parking lot and practice backing it into a specific spot multiple times. It will give you confidence and some idea how your rig handles while backing. That will make it a lot easier when you actually have to maneuver into a tight spot in the real world. Learn to drive with the flow of traffic. Keep a big cushion up in front of you. That trailer won't stop on a dime. I like to sit in the rocking chair between EXPERIENCED 18wheeler drivers. The good drivers can click off hundreds of miles at a reasonable speed (say 65) while keeping a safe distance from each other the entire time. Good news is if your behind another large rig he probably can't stop faster than you and is clearing a path ahead as well as acting as an early warning of potential hazards. Learn to swing wide. You have a lot more distance between the hitch and the trailer wheels. You need to learn to anticipate sharp turns and know how your trailer wheels are going to track. Again nothing says you can't find a large parking lot, set out some cones and practice wide turns. Best wishes, see ya on the road.
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11-11-2017, 01:27 PM
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#19
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Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Wise
Posts: 13
M.O.C. #20417
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Why should it be assumed if I drive at "highway speed" and have a "newer truck" that I am a "newby"? Which I may be a newby on the forum and to this current camper, not a newby to towing, or camping. Just curious?
__________________
2017 High Country 381TH
2012 Dodge Mega Cab 4x4
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11-11-2017, 03:31 PM
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#20
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bee Branch
Posts: 2,620
M.O.C. #20693
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Jsh, I think they were referring to the guys that decidedly drive to fast for conditions (including tire type). I am in the exact same boat as you with a brand new 381TH and a new Ram 1 ton dually. As mentioned above my thoughts are you drive WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. And in our case the traffic we should be flowing with is experienced safe 18wheeler drivers. We aren't driving cars so we shouldn't be hot rodding down the interstate in heavy traffic weaving back and forth between lanes. I have raced cars in the past and know how to drive fast for sure but when I am towing a 5th wheel that is over 40' I slow down a bit and use some common sense. That doesn't mean I drive like a grandma but I don't drive like I am in a Corvette either. And Lord knows we do need some common sense on our highways.
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