Montana Exterior

[Montana_2022]

We are puchasing our second Montana, a 2005 3650RK and would like to know the difference between the standard "Gel-Coated Filon Fiberglass" and the optional " Hi-gloss fiberglass". Thanks

[Bill and Ann]

If I am not mistaken the Hi-Gloss Fiberglass weighs about 600 lbs. more than the standard coating. You cannot see the fiberglass "fibers" with the hi-gloss finish.

[Bill and Ann]

Ekko: Post this under the General topic. You should get plenty of answers. By the way, welcome to the forum.

[DHenry]

The exterior on the Hi Gloss looks and maintains alot nicer then the Gel-Coated finish. I now wish I would have ordered my Montana with the Hi-Gloss finish even though it does weigh in at another 600 pounds.

[larryngail]

You know those hi-end rigs that are so shiney it's almost like looking in a mirror? That's the Hi-Gloss. Very classy (and we don't have it).

But you're probably asking what are the benefits of one over the other. I've read some, but don't remember what they are.

[Montana Sky]

The front and rear caps of the Montana have the Hi-gloss finish without the gloss. The walls would look like the front and rear caps, smooth and solid but would be really glossy. The best thing to do is if you can find a Big Sky at your dealership take a look. They come standard with Hi-gloss finish. I do wish I too would have opted for this option. Well there's always the next coach.

[Broome101]

If I am not mistaken gelCoat finish and high gloss are the same thing. Fiberglass finish is standard on the Montanas with the Hi-Gloss Gel Coat as option. GelCoat does add about 660 lbs but will last and look better for many more years than standard fiberglass walls. easier to wax as well. It really al depends as well on how long you plan on keeping your unit. If you are going to keep it for several years or more than gel coat is worth it for apperance and up keep. Just my thoughts.

[Searchers]

Ekko, welcome to the forum.

I believe Broome101 is correct in that High Gloss is the same as Gel-Coat. Personally I like the look of the Gel-Coat, but it wasn't an option on my 1999. However, after living with the Gel-Coat caps and Filon sides for 5 years, I've found the Filon to be much easier to keep looking sharp. So, I'd have to give some serious thought to which I'd choose on a new rig. I think I'd rather drag around an extra 600 lbs. of fishing gear and beer than fiberglass!

[sreigle]

I don't think the hi-gloss actually weighs the advertised 600 lbs. With all the options including the hi-gloss, the sticker in the cabinet says our UVW is just 400 lbs more than the brochure UVW, without options. The high-gloss sure does look nice and stays nice and shiny. It cleans up easily. Most of the time I just use a damp rag then wipe it with a wet one to get road grime off. Mud, of course, requires a bit more work. I had a MOC member see ours at night, so he didn't know it had hi-gloss. He asked me how many coats of wax it took to get that shine. It's never been waxed in over two years. I suppose I ought to do that but when I started to wax it I couldn't see any difference, before and after. In my opinion the hi-gloss is not necessary but I sure like the looks of it. Our dealer refers to it as the "automotive finish". If you see a fifthwheel with the very smooth, shiny sides, that's it.

[BillyRay]

the gel coat option is well worth the money. I didn't get it on my 02...and was sorry. I have it on the 04 and love it!

[Bill and Ann]

We have the option on our unit and love it. We waxed our unit and the black streaks just wipe off without any rubbing etc.

[sreigle]

quote:Originally posted by Bill and Ann

We have the option on our unit and love it. We waxed our unit and the black streaks just wipe off without any rubbing etc.

Now that I like!