3400RL or 3500RL

[5ER]

We are very interested in buying a 3400RL or a 3500RL and would appreciate any input. We have noticed that the 3400RL has more closet space but the 3500RL has the french doors. Any input would be appreciated.

[Kathi]

We got the 3400RL because we didn't like the way that the french doors cut off the sitting area. The 3400RL is a much more open floorplan. If you notice the washer/dryer closet is in the bedroom on the 3500RL. We didn't like that either because that required going up and down to get the laundry. We like the rear lounge because that is where you spend most of your time. And with the washer/dryer in the bedroom that would mean I would be going up those stairs all the time. Now if you don't plan on having the w/d then I guess that wouldn't bother you. But for us the 3400 was just the ticket. It is really all in what you want. It is your money and you have to remember, you are the ones that are going to be living/staying in it. I believe that the 3400RL is the most popular of the 2 models.

[carlson]

5ER,
I agree with Kathi, we like the openest of the 3400RL, I can be reading or watching TV while my wife is cooking or doing things in the kitchen and we can talk or see one another.
We like the openest fo the 3400RL.
Just your opion.
Good Luck.

[scmdba]

5ER,
Of course, this is a matter of personal preference. In our case, there was a 3400RL (my choice), a 3670RL (my wife's choice), and a 3500RL next to each other. We were able to go from unit to unit to get a sense of how well we "fit" in each. Each floorplan is a really great design. My wife eliminated the 3500RL for the openness of the other two. I told her it was strictly her choice since she usually spends a lot more time in the coach than I do. Much to my surprise and delight, she finally concluded she preferred the 3400RL and that's what we got. We have done two "break in" trips in it and we are both very please with our experience so far. I can't back the beast up worth a hoot but I sure like the way it pulls over the 30ft TT it replaced (even though it was also a Montana Mountaineer). Best wishes in your choice. I don't think you would be disappointed with either one.

[lsrobbins]

We have the 3500RL and I love the french doors. This floor plan was one we seen about a year ago, and kept looking but kept coming back. I like the option of being able to shut the room off if we have company. That way I don't feel like someone is sleeping in my kitchen. Also we plan on full timing in the next few years I am a night owl and my husband isn't so I feel like I can be in the living room late with TV and not distrub him. Our daughter and her husband stayed with us and also like the privacy they had with the doors shut.Sherry

[5ER]

I guess we will have to go back to the dealer and compare models side by side. Our present 3295 seems to have a larger basement. Has Montana made the new models with smalle basements? Thanks for replies.

[sreigle]

We don't have either of those models but both were on our "finalist list", the list where we look and decide which model we would choose if we should decide to trade. We spent some time in all the current models this past week at Hart City RV in Elkhart, IN. We came away with the decision it would be the 3500 for us. We happen to prefer the "house" feel of having room separation rather than one big room. As you can see, this is purely personal preference without inference of right or wrong.

We also prefer the laundry upstairs where it's away from the tv and where we normally reside during the day yet we can hear the buzzer (ours is upstairs now). We have absolutely no problem with going up and down two or three stairs. A full flight would be a different story! Again, purely personal preference. No right or wrong here.

Both are terrific models so pick the one that suits you best, the one that feels right to you. But I do think you are wise to ask this question. You may gain some insights you'd not otherwise have until well after purchase. That's not always a good time to find out what you didn't know. Good luck. Let us know the decision.

[nkwist]

We chose the 3400 for a number of reasons, not the least of which is being able to pull off the road and access the bed, toilet and refrig without extending any slides. After 9 months on the road, we're still very happy with our decision.

For privacy when we have guests, we hang a sheet from the cabinets on one side to the cabinets on the other side for a privacy screen. Rube Goldberg?, sure, but it works for us.

[Jeff Heiser]

nkwist,
How does the 2500HD handle the 3400? We have a 2500 Cummins T/D and believe it or not we have only had our 2005 327RKS a little less than a year and the wife told me yesterday she has been out on the Keystone site looking and really likes the 3400 RL. All the weights look to be in line for our truck and the lay out is what she likes so I am trying to get some input from those who have the 3400RL and tow it with a 2500 TV.

Thanks,
Jeff Heiser
Merritt Island Florida

[Montana_3359]

We have the 3500RL, we have taken it out several times now, and still love the floor plan. We have a son-in-law in a wheel chair and the rear living area with the french doors, come in very handy when he needs his privacy, we took it to the mountains over memorial day weekend and had 7 people in the 3500RL, worked out fine. Everyone had a good nights sleep, its amazing what you can do with air mattress. I liked all the floor plans, but the 3500RL best fitted our needs so our daughter and son-in-law could go with us at times. you won't be sorry either way you go.

[Drakhorn]

We purchased a 3500 14 May and moved in the 16. We love it for many of the reasons noted.

[nkwist]

Jeff,

I was sceptical when the brouchure showed the empty pin weight to be 1780 lbs. That's pretty light for a 37' 5ver. I put it on the scale before I put a thing in it, and it was right on! Once you load it up, it's going to be heavier.

That being said, my 2500 pulls it very well. It's a very stable combination.

[jrgwdenner]

I'd have a hard time choosing between these two great models. I don't think you can go wrong. If you plan to fulltime, be sure to look long and hard at storage. Welcome to all the new posters on this thread.