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05-26-2022, 08:45 AM
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#1
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New Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Odum
Posts: 5
M.O.C. #31060
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Heyyyy
Hey guys!
I just got my first 2019 new-to-me Montana HM385BR. This’s jewel was barely used. Though I have had bumper pulls in the past, this is my first fifth wheel. I bought it last weekend and pulled it home last weekend. It should have been a 3.5 hour trip home but we won’t talk about that. I am fine with pulling trailers (Grandpa taught me well with the horse trailers).
I am so excited for new adventures. I am in the medical field as an Imaging MRI Technologist. I bought this camper to be our home on wheels as I have decided to travel as an MRI Tech (2-3x money). I am looking forward to many new adventures with my mom and daughter joining me and to begin homeschooling my daughter (10 yrs old). Mom has her own camper and will take it if we don’t go across the country (or Alaska) as her retirement goal was to travel and camp already so she will have her own space. I feel that we will make some priceless memories.
As I am gearing up and preparing over the next 2-3 months, I am trying to learn a few things and could use some help getting everything set up.
My questions:
Washer and dryer preference (model #) and place to purchase (hookup is in the front bedroom closet)?
Installing a generator, where to purchase (not sure about prep for generator)?
Installing solar panels (it’s prepped), brand? where to purchase? Is it true the solar will run everything but AC? That’s important because it’s HOT is Southeast Georgia.
Getting in a station to get diesel with all 40+ foot camper and a Ram 3500 Megacab. I felt like I should have found a truck stop. But instead, I saw Kroger had diesel, and a high shelter so I wheeled in, fueled up, backed out and got back on the road. Needless to say, I got some looks. Was it the size of the rig…or a truck full of women only? Mom and I just laugh because it’s so funny! I did speak to the owner of the diesel shop. He is going to install a 75 gallon auxiliary tank in the back bed that will dump into the neck of my tank with the flip of a switch. I don’t want to get stuck in a small town, late night, etc without fuel.
I love some DIY projects but this may be too much for me. I have a camper guy that also comes to me. Any advice is greatly appreciated folks! I have to get this baby ready for the next season of life. We are so excited!
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05-26-2022, 09:22 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,651
M.O.C. #2283
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You need a Splendid washer and VENTED dryer. Don’t make the same mistake I made and get a non vented one.
As for a generator, how are you doing to use it? To run one AC, both, just while you travel?
Congratulations on your new camper. Enjoy and enjoy your travel work.
You remind me of a friend. She was looking for a motor home. I called a guy about one and he ask if she could drive something that big. Yep she had drove a 40 foot diesel pusher all over the country so I thought she would be OK.
Lynwood
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05-26-2022, 09:25 AM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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Welcome to the forum! We also use a Splendide and have for about 12 years of full timing. As to generators, I always used portable.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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05-26-2022, 09:30 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 3,026
M.O.C. #5651
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And are you boondocking? If not, you don't need a generator. Also if you put it in the front compartment, it will add most of the weight to the pin and therefore the truck - if that may be an issue. Same for the fuel tank. I think just the fuel will add 450 lb. to the truck. Something to look at.
Check the specs for pin weight and your truck GVWR carefully. I don't know if you did this or not, but should be done. That may influence the genny (and fuel tank). Sounds like you are off to a great adventure!
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Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
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05-26-2022, 10:30 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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Welcome to the MOC. Enjoy that rig!
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Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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05-26-2022, 11:07 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2020
Location: UPLAND
Posts: 1,275
M.O.C. #26190
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Congrats on the new/used trailer. Like you, we got our 2019 after only being used for 2 weeks. Came with a vented Splendide stackable washer and dryer (works excellent). As for generators, I just bring a portable 3500 dual fuel one if needed, but all of our camping is usually with full hookups. Gorgeous truck and trailer.
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2019 Keystone Montana 3560RL, 2020 Chevy 2500 HD, Firestone airbags, Air Lift wireless compressor, Curt gooseneck, 20K Reese Goosebox, TST-507, USMC combat vet & retired LEO. Robert, Anika, Breanna, Dylan (daughter-in-law Stephanie). & our Great Pyrenees Layla
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05-26-2022, 11:14 AM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 4,061
M.O.C. #20477
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Joni,
Welcome to the forum!
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
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05-26-2022, 12:46 PM
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#8
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New Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Odum
Posts: 5
M.O.C. #31060
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We may use the generator while on the road but we will definitely use it on hunting trips. I was thinking the solar would be good for on the road to keep fridge/freezer chilling.
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05-26-2022, 12:55 PM
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#9
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New Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Odum
Posts: 5
M.O.C. #31060
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I have a Ram 3500 dually MegaCab with factory puck tow system. We will be boon docking when we are at the hunting club. I guess I could take my portable generator over there. It’s just bulky and hard to load.
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05-26-2022, 05:32 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 3,026
M.O.C. #5651
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joni Roberson
I have a Ram 3500 dually MegaCab with factory puck tow system. We will be boon docking when we are at the hunting club. I guess I could take my portable generator over there. It’s just bulky and hard to load.
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Kind of depends on how much traveling you do. If you go on long road trips, having to cart a genny around will be a pain - especially if you only use it a couple of nights. (I know that)
Never a straight answer tho!!! LOL
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Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
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05-26-2022, 06:11 PM
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#11
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New Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Odum
Posts: 5
M.O.C. #31060
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I think I would like the generator onboard so it’s secured and locked, not bulky and easy to maintain…no unloading. Where are some planes that sell them?
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05-27-2022, 08:47 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,541
M.O.C. #30417
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joni Roberson
I think I would like the generator onboard so it’s secured and locked, not bulky and easy to maintain…no unloading. Where are some planes that sell them?
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Are you gen prepped? If you are then a LPG Onan is the only way to go. Tough to get a 5500 right now. Back ordered. The 3600 is available but will only provide 30 amps and only run 1 AC unit. I have a 3600 and very happy with it.
https://www.norwall.com/brands/Onan-...SAAEgLej_D_BwE
And congrats on the rig!
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Tony & Donna & the best dog ever, Murphy.
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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05-28-2022, 05:31 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Mena
Posts: 504
M.O.C. #17723
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Joni, Welcome to the MOC forum and Congrats on the "new" rig!
Many options on generators. I have a 3400 Champion Duel fuel mounted on a bumper carrier on the back of the rig.
If you are looking for Whole House Solar, I highly recommend contacting Future Solutions in Elkhart, IN.
They designed and support the Solar for Keystone, especially the Montana packages.
(574) 262-3688
info@futuresalesrv.com
If you stick around here, we'll find ways of spending ALL your money. ![Smile](images/smilies/smile.gif)
for example: have you thought about upgrading the water pump, how about the tank sensors, Oh, and dont forget the propane tank sensors.....
Enjoy your rig!
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Ron & Rhonda
2021 3230CK Montana Legacy w/ Super SolarFlex
(old rig) 2015 Montana 3611RL 8K I.S., Disk Brakes, Sailun Tires
2015 F350 XLT Crew Dually 20K B&W Companion
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05-28-2022, 05:34 PM
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#14
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New Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Odum
Posts: 5
M.O.C. #31060
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Ohhhh, I love all the ideas to make life easier!
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05-28-2022, 06:30 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 2,564
M.O.C. #21044
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“We may use the generator while on the road but we will definitely use it on hunting trips. I was thinking the solar would be good for on the road to keep fridge/freezer chilling.”
…and you guys hunt too!
You are definitely asking all the right questions! Welcome to the forum!
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MikenDebbie Aggie ‘77 in the sticks near Austin TX
2019 Chevy 3500 High Country DRW
2018 Montana 3921FB
Aussie Gus + Texas Heeler Jimmy
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05-28-2022, 06:44 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,651
M.O.C. #2283
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Hunters are always welcome here. I’m a hunter, long range variant, 1000 yards. A camper is a great way to hunt. A nice warm bed, good food and a comfortable place to set. You being campers and hunters I’m sure you already know that.
Lynwood
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05-29-2022, 08:03 AM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,182
M.O.C. #1920
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Joni, welcome to the forum. We don’t have a washer/dryer but will weigh in on the generator/solar. Like Arkware, we have the Super Solar system designed by Future Sales. It is great. If you do the Solar with lithium batteries, your generator need will change with the exception of AC. If you are going to run AC from a generator, with increasing propane/gas prices it will be expensive. We are able to run everything in our rig sans AC for a week at a time without generator with 1200 watts of solar and 540 ah of lithiums. Matt Wolkins at Future Sales/Solutions is great to work with. Also, inquire about Smart BIM for charging while driving. With solar, again I’m talking without AC, we could get by with a single Honda 2000 for cloudy days for recharging only. If you are going to run AC a lot with genny, go with the generator in the front bay. If you go the small Honda route, you will find MorRyde makes a nice slide tray to store it that pulls out from the front bay. Enjoy the journey.
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Ron and Terrie Ames plus Meg - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar+ Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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05-29-2022, 08:08 AM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,182
M.O.C. #1920
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One other item, look at the TSD logistics fuel card. It attaches to your checking account and will save you money but also hassle fueling at truck stops. There is a post going on right now about it. It does not offer discounts at Pilot/Flying J but does at Loves, TA, Petrol and others plus, you go to the truck lane and get your fuel and DEF and drive away just like the big rigs. It’s a fuel card that works at the pump.
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Ron and Terrie Ames plus Meg - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar+ Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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