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Old 07-28-2017, 08:38 PM   #1
Riverghost
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Bought Montana 3455SA, Need advise on Truck and Hitch

New to forum - Just bought a Montana 3455SA, but have not purchased my truck yet. What would you guys suggest, been looking at 2017 2500 6.4 bed and need to know what 5th wheel hitch is recommended. Can someone tell me if I need a slider hitch on this truck. Or is a different truck recommended for this trailer. 12k empty. Wife is getting excited to get on the road, but want to make sure we get the right truck and hitch.
 
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Old 07-28-2017, 10:08 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by Riverghost View Post
New to forum - Just bought a Montana 3455SA, but have not purchased my truck yet. What would you guys suggest, been looking at 2017 2500 6.4 bed and need to know what 5th wheel hitch is recommended. Can someone tell me if I need a slider hitch on this truck. Or is a different truck recommended for this trailer. 12k empty. Wife is getting excited to get on the road, but want to make sure we get the right truck and hitch.
IMO, I'd get a 3500 - more bang for the buck.
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Old 07-28-2017, 10:17 PM   #3
sambam
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Welcome to the forum. This is the best place to get answers for questions regarding your Montana. As you can see in my sig, I also have a 3455SA. It is one of the heavier ones in the Montana line. I use a dually, but there are those on this forum that pull this kind of weight with 3/4 tons. The pin weight is the biggest issue for 3/4 tons, but you need to look at all the weights with your camper loaded for travel, GCWR, GVW, axle ratings. I would strongly recommend a diesel. Depending on the year of your 5er, the front cap may be contoured to allow a short bed without the slider. I suggest that if you go short-bed, get a slider. Better to have one and not need it. Pull-rite makes a popular slider, but there are others. Also, while you're at it, ditch the E-rated ST tires if they're still on there and move up to a G. You'll be glad you did. Best of luck with your decisions. You'll get plenty of good advice here.
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Old 07-28-2017, 10:18 PM   #4
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I think it will be unlikely a 2500 diesel will have the payload for that 5er but a gasser should. I'd prefer NOT to pull that weight with a gasser. I'd get an F350 or 3500 and not worry now or when you upgrade. Any short bed should be equipped with a slider. You may only need it once but when you do you will be happy you have it. What hitch is up to how much you want to spend. The Reese 16K will work and is easy to use in addition to being the least expensive. You could use the 15K, but the extra cushion cost is little.
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Old 07-28-2017, 10:28 PM   #5
Riverghost
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We bought a 2011, thanks for replying. We were looking at the 2500 short bed, but have not made our minds up on this yet. Should we get the 5th wheel package and air shocks. Do you have any suggestions on upgrades or things we may want for this RV.
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Old 07-28-2017, 11:17 PM   #6
sambam
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As I mentioned above, the G-rated 14 ply tires are a must, in my opinion, for your Montana. The axles are 7000 lb. A good tire monitoring system provides peace-of-mind and is also a valuable upgrade. I use the TST 507. With the electronics provided in these rigs, it's a great idea to add protection for high and low voltage, with surge protection. I have the Progressive hard-wired. These are a few upgrades that add security to your investment. When I joined this forum, these were the suggestions I got after asking the same questions you're asking. All good advice. Also, the 20k hitch was recommended for extra strength. I originally planned to get the R16.
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Old 07-28-2017, 11:24 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by Riverghost View Post
We bought a 2011, thanks for replying. We were looking at the 2500 short bed, but have not made our minds up on this yet. Should we get the 5th wheel package and air shocks. Do you have any suggestions on upgrades or things we may want for this RV.
My Montana published PW is 11838. Loaded ready to go PW goes to 2570. With my wife, me, the little dog, and a cooler and very little else payload approaches 3000#. In 2016 I could not find a diesel 3/4 ton that would not be overloaded. You are in 1 ton territory no matter what you add unless considering a gasser and doubt you want to pull that weight with a gasser. Wrong truck. Notice the poster above with the same 5er as you is pulling with a 1 ton dually! As they say on Shark Tank ~~ I'm out.
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Old 07-29-2017, 05:02 AM   #8
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I made the same mistake you are about to make if you go with 3/4 Ton truck of ANY brand. Go with the 1 ton truck and you will be much safer and happier and will be less expensive in the long run.
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Old 07-29-2017, 08:33 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by Riverghost View Post
We bought a 2011, thanks for replying. We were looking at the 2500 short bed, but have not made our minds up on this yet. Should we get the 5th wheel package and air shocks. Do you have any suggestions on upgrades or things we may want for this RV.
Our 2011 Mountaineer 285RLD was the smallest Montana made in 2011. We have a scaled pin weight at 2800lb. We do not full time so we load lighter than many here. I would not think about any truck that does not have a 3500lb real (scale weight) payload capacity.
As far accessories go, get a Progressive Industries EMS PT50X or EMS-HW50C, hard wired or portable your choice. We have the older EMS PT50, works the same but does not have the rain shield.
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Old 07-29-2017, 09:09 AM   #10
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My advice is to get a 1 ton dually and you are ready for any other 5th wheel you "will" buy in the future.
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Old 07-30-2017, 07:36 AM   #11
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You are buying a full grown trailer my advice is get a full grown truck to pull it with you will be much happier in the long run.
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Old 07-30-2017, 07:52 AM   #12
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If you already had a 3/4 ton truck I'd say keep it. If you are buying one get the 1 ton. No reason not to. Like someone mentioned be sure to get rid of the China Bomb tires that are likely on it now. Those tires will give you trouble and could do thousands of dollars damage to your camper. People think it won't happen to me I'll keep them probably inflated not drive over some magic speed and have 3 blown tires on their first trip that takes the side of their camper off.
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Old 08-02-2017, 05:54 AM   #13
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I own a 2011 3455sa and used to tow it with a 2011 chevy 3500 srw long bed duramax truck. It was down right scary as I could feel the camper pushing the rear end of the truck around. I have moved up to a 2014 gmc 3500 drw long bed duramax. The difference is night and day and like someone said earlier I am now set to tow almost anything I want. ANYONE TOWING A 15K+ CAMPER WITH ANY 2500 3/4 TON TRUCK IS MORE THAN LIKLY OVERLOADED. Get a (newer) 3500 drw diesel of any brand and you will not have to worry any more.
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Old 08-02-2017, 07:14 AM   #14
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A diesel dually is the best way to go for these heavy 5th wheels.
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Old 08-02-2017, 07:19 AM   #15
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One Ton dually longbed is my choice of tow vehicle.
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