carry weight on 3400

[Dustytuu]

Why is the carry weight so much less on the 07 new 3400 then on the 3295.
The 3295 carries 3365 and the 3400 carries 2440.
That is almost a 1000 pounds difference.
This is in the brochure.
I have seen something discused about this but didn't see any explanation.
Since the 3400 has heavier axels, shouldn't they carry more weight?

[bsmeaton]

Don,

That is a little odd - almost seems like the 3295 had a heavier GVWR than the 3400.

Best advice - throw the brochure away - it is way outdated. The Webpage specifications are closer to real. The 3400 went to 7K axles and they show a carrying capacity of 3,940 lbs. Ours is tagged with an actual carrying capacity of 3,150.

[Dustytuu]

Brad, do you have the 7K axles? Why does your Monty show 3150 and some 3940?
We are beginning to think about trading soon. Anyway this year.

[bsmeaton]

Don,
Ours has the 7K axles. We loose a little on carrying capacity because of factory options and gel coat.

Sounds great on your trade, how exciting. Lot's of work though . We still aren't even close to roadbound yet.

[Dustytuu]

We have not started to deal yet. Dusty has been talking to the dealer we bought our 3295 in Texas.
She was worried that the 3400 didn't have the kitchen window. He said it did, it is the Big Sky that does not have kitchen window because of the side/side fridge.
Don't think we can tow a big sky with the truck we have now.

[JimF]

My 3400 has 6000 # axles, I climbed under it and read it on the tag attached to the dexter axles. It is an 07.

[bsmeaton]

Jim,
They changed in Dec 06. It should also say on the left front tag under GAWR.

Don, it does have the window, but it is a tiny one. Based on the published specs, I couldn't tow the Big Sky either - exceeds the GCWR for my truck. I'd have to go to a dually.

[Tom Gina 06]

Well that about figures only a month or two to early for the big axles. Wonder if they can change them out to the bigger ones? For the fulltimers out there this would be a great thing to be able to change.

[bsmeaton]

Tom,

I honestly think the main reason for the change was the Big Sky production that started in December that uses the same frame. I think Keystone just found it easier to order all the large frames from Lippert with the 7K axles so they could introduce the frames into either production area as needed.

Unfortunately I don't think it was any foresight by Keystone to improve on the Montana.

Brad

[Tom Gina 06]

Well now that is a bummer guess I will have to head to the scales and then have a sale at the scale, LOL. If the scale says "you are over wieght" and I have my eyes closed did I hear it..... Darn it I will! Thanks Brad

[Dustytuu]

Well then looks like ours will probably have the 7 K axels. Since we are not getting it until spring or fall. We bought the Monty we have now in 2005 and got a left over 2004 with a great price.
Our Texas dealer doesn't have any right now on their lot but are getting one in next week. They can't seem to keep them in stock.

[Cat320]

The only way to be 100% certain which axles you have (our 07 has 6k axles) is to look at the stickers on the left front outside corner and in the kitchen cabinet. They will show GVWR, GAWR, CCC, etc.

[sreigle]

Dusty, as you know, we went from a 2003 3295RK with CC of 3,940 to the 2007 3400RL with the 6k axles. I was also concerned about the difference in CC. I spoke face to face with a Keystone rep when we were at the factory and about to order the 3400. He told me if we had no problems with the weight in our 3295 we'd have no problems with it in the 3400.

At my request I got an email from one of the Keystone engineers, explaining how the GVWR is figured. The formula for GVWR is axle capacity plus estimated hitch weight. Since the 3295 has a higher hitch weight, it gets a higher GVWR. Subtract estimated shipping weight from GVWR to get estimated CC (which is what's on those stickers).

I have that email if anyone wants to see it (email me).

[Dustytuu]

Thanks Steve. You explained it well.