Mid Year Changes - Montana Owners Club

bsmeaton · 01-31-2007, 05:00 PM

Looks like Keystone did some mid year changes to the 2007 Models, reflected in the updated website specifications page. The weights are somewhat different than they were in November.

I just verified that our 3400 manufactured Jan 11, 2007 now has the same 7,000 lb axles as originally introduced for the Big Sky. The carrying capacity increased to 3,900 lbs, or 3,175 net, about an additional 1,000 lbs. over what it was when we ordered it (new GVWR 15,500). Other models have changed as well. I think this explains some of the pin box differences as well.

A pleasant surprise!

If you have one on order, you might use the Website Spec page as the more reliable source than the brochure.

richfaa · 01-31-2007, 05:13 PM

Well that makes sense..Would be cost effective to have the same axle.

jrgwdenner · 02-01-2007, 12:16 AM

That is a pleasant surprise, Brad. Now Dory can pack more stuff!

bsmeaton · 02-01-2007, 04:26 AM

hahaha- Judy, I wasn't going to tell her!

Actually the whole exercise of trying to figure out the discrepancy made me a lot more aware of the loading issue. I didn't even give it a thought before, but now I am much more concious of what we are adding. Especially when talking generator, w/d, etc. It adds up fast and I could easily overload the hitch in the truck, not to mention the trailer, even with the extra capacity.

Brad

Bowie · 02-01-2007, 04:39 AM

That's great news for you! We'll hope that ours which came off the line about 10 days later will have the same change. And we'll all have to be careful about the weighht issues. It's really going to add up fast with the after markets. Thanks for sharing!

c5racer · 02-01-2007, 05:53 AM

Don't think I'd load it up to the max with the E rated tires they show on the web site they're using.

campbud · 02-01-2007, 06:39 AM

Our build date was December 14th and it has the 7000# Dexter axles.
Jim from Keystone says any unit built after Dec 1st has the Dexter axles.

bsmeaton · 02-01-2007, 06:56 AM

Campbud,

Nice surprise, eh!

Pete,
I agree, the tires are rated a few pounds over the axle rating. There is another sticker on the side of the unit that gives the cargo capacity based on tires. It says 3,175. I assume this is what's left after weighing the unit as it rolled out the door, and I would need to consider anything I add at this point including water.

Brad

Montana Sky · 02-01-2007, 07:25 AM

Brad,
It has been said here before, but cannot remember who said it. The cc is based on an average equip' coach. Keystone does not weigh each coach as it rolls off the assembly line and then gives you the "left over" capacity ratings. You might want to hit up your local CAT scales before you start loading that baby up.

bsmeaton · 02-01-2007, 07:33 AM

Thanks Montana Sky,

I should try it this weekend as it is still empty.

bsmeaton · 02-01-2007, 11:24 AM

OK, now I'm really curious.

Mailman and I have the same year/model coach with the same tires, axles, pinbox, everything, yet the Tire and Loading information sticker says he has a CC of 3,132 lbs, and mine says 3,175 lbs. These numbers are too precise to be generalized based on model and equipment. If the trailers are not weighed at the factory, how are these numbers generated???

Brad

dsprik · 02-01-2007, 11:29 AM

Absolutely do that Brad. I never ahd a chance to do this (extenuating circumstances) and I really wish there would have been a way. Unloading everything now as a FTer is an impossible task.

Congrats on the Dexter 7000# axles. Unfortunately, that leaves us and several other MOCers with 2007 3400's with 6000# axles.

bsmeaton · 02-01-2007, 11:47 AM

Dave, I can imagine what it would be like to completely unload as a FTimer. I've been fallin over stuff in the garage for months we took out of our old unit.

Not meant to be a rub to anybody on the 7K axle thing, just new info for those anticipating a purchase or pending delivery. It represents a silent change to what we originally expected when we ordered back in November, just to the better this time. It also cleared up a lot of confusion on spec differences.

Brad

dsprik · 02-01-2007, 12:44 PM

Brad, I don't think it would change our plans radically. I didn't see that as a rub. Glad they are doing this now. I'm sure they will be coming up with more improvements that I wish I could have (like the Iota Smart Charger, which should be standard equipment...). Some of these I can put in after market.

bsmeaton · 02-01-2007, 12:55 PM

I agree Dave - improvements keep flooding in. I already look at the Big Sky as an opportunity missed by ordering in November, but none the less, most of the Big Sky features I like can be added.

genecurp · 02-04-2007, 02:54 AM

Another 1,000 pounds GVWR would be a problem for my 2006 F250 diesel super cab. I checked the truck weight ratings carefully, by axle, tow capacity, bed capcity, etc. I found that if my 3295 RK (2006) was loaded out to its 14,500 GVWR I was within all limits but 1, and was about 400 pounds over on that one. I keep the tanks nearly empty when traveling and compensate that way. Anyway, my point is check your truck to be sure you are still in the limits.

Happy travels

Wrenchtraveller · 02-04-2007, 03:52 AM

To fully use the new payload that the 7000 pound axle gives you will severely overload every SRW tow vehicle out there, even the new higher number Fords. By stepping up the 3400 into this range, Keystone is really marketing it for dually owners.

richfaa · 02-04-2007, 03:54 AM

I don't know guys..My 05 F-350,cc,lb, dually..V -10 is rated at 16,300..the BS GVWR is 16,105..that is pushing it. The diesel in 05 was 19, 300 (with the tow boss package..4X2. The 08's 6.4's seem to have lower tow ratings.I think one of the things that hurt the Cambridge was the weight factor...we shall see about the big sky. How many folks will buy a new and bigger Tv to pull a B.S..or would they run the risk of running outside of spec's???? I am one of those silly folks that will not do that.

Wrenchtraveller · 02-04-2007, 04:03 AM

Rich, it is interesting to note that our V10s are 500 pounds lighter than the PSDs and Ford compensated for this by giving the PSD a 200 pound higher GVWR on identical models.
my model is 11200 GVWR, with a diesel it is 11400. I still end up with an extra 300 pounds payload.
My situation is not normal as I travel heavy and I have an auxilary tank but if my truck was a PSD, it would be overloaded. The light V10 keeps me legal and smiling.

richfaa · 02-04-2007, 04:37 AM

WT..My next Tv, if I go Diesel, or this one if we do not, will have a auxiliary fuel tank.There was a time when We felt we had no use for one but after this long timer trip and the hassle of finding a RV friendly fuel stop, we have changed our mind..we live and we learn. Could you PM me on what you are using or what you would suggest. We are now interrogating every driver we see with a auxiliary fuel tank.

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