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Old 03-19-2019, 03:02 AM   #1
Stevhop
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First timer

We just bought a 2007 2955rl, low miles, great condition. We have rented before but this is our first RV. We’re planning a national park tour for next year after several short learning curve trips this year. I am hoping you all can help lower the curve .
As I said this rig is in awesome shape, clean, has one pencil eraser sized chip on one outside corner. Only thing not original is the refrigerator. The original one crapped out and instead of new LP/electric RV unit he filled the space with a regular fridge. (Said he did not want to pay camping world $2K). Anyway so I understand when not on shore power I have no fridge. I figure some ice in the freezer will do for short trips between sites. Good news...more space.
Anyway given the age of the rig what, if anything, should I be concerned about in terms of potential issues?

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Old 03-19-2019, 03:41 AM   #2
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We have a 2018 Montana and ours also has a residential fridge/freezer. We have an inverter on board that converts 12 volts DC to 120 volts AC to keep our fridge running while we are on the move.
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Old 03-19-2019, 05:03 AM   #3
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Stevhop,

Like you I also just bought a 2007 2955rl, had it just about a month. I'm not planning on towing mine so I have different issues than you, but still a lot of overlap.

The first thing you should look at is the condition of your suspension and under-carriage. And everything underneath the rig. How are you holding tanks and the plumbing connecting everything? Are the blade valves in good condition? Your rig has 12 or 13 years of use on it and there has to have been some degradation of everything under there. What's been replaced or repaired and how good was that work done?

The next big question is how water tight is the body? We're going thru our second big rain storm in a month and I'm now pretty confident that I don't have any leaks.

If you bought from a dealer I assume that you did a pretty through PDI and made sure all of the systems are working. One area that was a surprise to me was the propane setup on a fifth wheel. I've owned a number of motorhomes, which were all single tank systems. But the Monty with two tanks and that all worked was something that I didn't even think about when I was buying.

There's a whole lot more, starting with the fact that the documentation for all of the systems is all but worthless. The people on this forum know it all and are very helpful. I've spent a lot of time just "lurking" and reading old posts and gotten lots of info that way.
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Old 03-19-2019, 05:27 AM   #4
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Thanks Woody.
It was a private sale. Bought from original owner. I did, I think, a pretty through inspection. The suspension and all looks good. Could not see much else underneath, however, as it has the insulation package so all else is covered. Everything top side looks really good, all windows and seals around slide outs good as well.
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Old 03-19-2019, 05:34 AM   #5
Stevhop
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Thanks Steve,
Do the newer rigs come with an inverter system? If yes, is it just for the fridge or all of the electrics? Think should look into retro fitting an inverter just for the fridge?
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Old 03-19-2019, 06:51 AM   #6
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Welcome and have fun with your new purchase.
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Old 03-19-2019, 07:45 AM   #7
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Yes, if a rig comes from the factory with a residential frig it will also come with an inverter. Second, look at the age of your tires on the inside of the sidewall. Trailer tires should be replaced every 5 years regardless of tread wear.
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Old 03-19-2019, 08:25 AM   #8
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DQ beat me to it, look into getting an inverter just for the fridge and some batteries like they do the new Montanas and you should be good to go !
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Old 03-19-2019, 09:29 AM   #9
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We have a on board freezer that runs on AC only. We can run a 10 hour day and only lose 4 or 5 degrees temp..
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Old 03-19-2019, 10:49 AM   #10
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Congrats on the purchase. I had the older 2955 and it had an awesome floor plan. Those were well made and should provide average or less maintenance issues for you. The important stuff has been addressed. Now go wear it out!
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Old 03-19-2019, 02:52 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stevhop View Post
Thanks Steve,
Do the newer rigs come with an inverter system? If yes, is it just for the fridge or all of the electrics? Think should look into retro fitting an inverter just for the fridge?
Our Montana came with a residential fridge/freezer as well as an inverter to keep it powered as we travel. There is also a transfer switch that is seperate from the inverter. It allows shore power to the unit and the switches to the inverter power as we travel. You might talk to a dealer to get a better understanding as to the cost of this set up.
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Old 03-19-2019, 03:19 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Landrys View Post
Our Montana came with a residential fridge/freezer as well as an inverter to keep it powered as we travel. There is also a transfer switch that is seperate from the inverter. It allows shore power to the unit and the switches to the inverter power as we travel. You might talk to a dealer to get a better understanding as to the cost of this set up.
I see that they installed a 1000W inverter. I was wondering whether to go with a 1000 or 2000w inverter, but it looks like all I need is a 1000W one -- especially since I will only be running a 9 cf fridge off of it.
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Old 03-19-2019, 05:36 PM   #13
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Dave, I'd re-think it a bit, or at least verify draws.. know most invertors are 80-85% efficient, the one above is 89%,, that make these around 850W continuous.. divided by 120=7.08A continuous draw.. the one above says 8A.. you need to know what the surge and continous draws are from the fridge motor.. then size above that. Usually double is better.. On top of that, you will at some point, want to watch tv or something,, then wouldnt be big enough.. I, would personally do as big as you can afford, or at leat 2000W or 2500W.. Oh, and you DO want pure sine wave if possible,, easier on motors, starters and sensitive electronics..

just sayin..

Here's link to specs for the one above..
https://www.magnum-dimensions.com/pr...ter-csw-series
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Old 03-19-2019, 06:35 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by Kid1956 View Post
Dave, I'd re-think it a bit, or at least verify draws.. know most invertors are 80-85% efficient, the one above is 89%,, that make these around 850W continuous.. divided by 120=7.08A continuous draw.. the one above says 8A.. you need to know what the surge and continous draws are from the fridge motor.. then size above that. Usually double is better.. On top of that, you will at some point, want to watch tv or something,, then wouldnt be big enough.. I, would personally do as big as you can afford, or at leat 2000W or 2500W.. Oh, and you DO want pure sine wave if possible,, easier on motors, starters and sensitive electronics..

just sayin..

Here's link to specs for the one above..
https://www.magnum-dimensions.com/pr...ter-csw-series
Food for thought. We are just wanting the fridge on it and it is rated at only 1.6 amps normal usage. double that for kick on = about 3 = triple it for 4.8 so I think 1000w would be good.


I think if we aren't plugged in, we'll just use our ipad or Kindle instead of TV.

The RV place gave me a quote on installing an inverter for the fridge and they quoted a 1000 watt psw.

The only downside I see from going to a 2000 watt is that the bigger the inverter the more parasitic drain they use to operate.

Still, it's not that much more to go with a 2000 watt so part of me says that as long as I "have the hood up" I may as well go bigger.
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Old 03-19-2019, 06:56 PM   #15
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Stevhop, Welcome to the MOC. I have the same model only a 2009. A nice size 5er that is not heavy so it is an easy tow. As mentioned above, make sure you check all suspension, shackles, brakes, bearings, tires , etc. My trailer came with the Goodyear Marathons which turned out to be a poor tire. Well under 10k when my first one went south.
Plenty of help and info on this forum, so ask away and I know
there will be plenty of replies.

ENJOY, Keith
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Old 03-19-2019, 07:55 PM   #16
Stevhop
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Thanks all. I do plan to..repack bearings, by hand not the zerks. Check brakes...tires are good, and take a good look at the suspension. Roof is in great shape but I am going to clean and treat with the aero 303. Am I missing anything?
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