Advice on 2011 3585SA

[2020DC]

Hi. My name is Scott and my wife and I are just starting out on the RV path and looking to buy our first 5th wheel. I am looking at a 2011 3585SSA. I assume yoiu all like Keystone Montana's so Im not going to ask about the overall satisfaction. They seem like very well built campers. Any advise or things to look out for on this specific model? Its in very good condition and they are asking $29K. Seems like an Ok pricve to me. Never bought a camper before so anything I should check for? we live in Maine and plan to take it to Florida for a couple months this winter and maybe do some trips out west this summer. Thanks in advance.

[AZ Traveler]

Welcome to the forum!

I don't know much about that model but someone on here will.

Make sure and open things up to look for water damage or other hidden damage. Have them run everything for you to know it works. Run the ac to get it cool then turn the furnace on to make sure it works.

If the tires are over 3 years old replace them.

Since you have not bought a trailer before it might be worth hiring a professional to inspect it.

[Daryles]

Yes, hire a professional to inspect it just like when you buy a house. What they might find may make or break the deal. Also go online and look up the same model to compare prices.
Good luck.

[2020DC]

Thanks. Good stuff. I didnt know there were folks who inspected campers. I have heard of boat surveyors but not camper surveyors/inspectors. I crawled under snd checked the frame and slides. Looked good from what i could tell. I did not test all the accessories. Its from a dealer and they said everything will be working before I take delivery. I will check for water damage. I will also ask about the tires. It was just traded in a few days ago so not sure about the tire age. Tread looked good and no dryrot. Trailer weighs 13500lbs loaded. Buying an f250 powerstroke with 16100lb tow capacity to tow it. Does that seem like enough or should I go bigger? Thanks again!

[1retired06]

2011. Lot depends on how it was maintained and used. Detailed knowledgeable inspection important.

[AZ Traveler]

Talk to a few of the mobile repair folks in your area - they could be a good source to do an inspection.

As to your truck you can get a whole new heated debate started with it. If you have not made a deal on the truck, I would consider a one ton. You never know if this trailer will give you the bug leaving you looking at something heavier in another year or two.

[mhs4771]

And remember with a Fifthwheel, it's not how much the TV can pull, but how much weight can it carry, 13.5k loaded could end up at 2500 to 2800 pin weight plus the hitch, other cargo, and passengers.

[2020DC]

thanks. I found a good youtube video on calculating pin weight. I shoud be good with the F250 for this trailer. the ability to upgrade is something to consider though.Im heading over to have another look today and maybe see if I can find someone to check it over for me. The dealer gauarntees everything will work and it has a 30 day warrantee so I will robably want to give it a good workout over the first 30 days.

[Carl n Susan]

As many here can attest, it is much easier to get things fixed *BEFORE* you sign rather than after.

The specs for this unit are:
WeightDry Weight 11,671 lbs.
Payload Capacity 3,889 lbs.
Hitch Weight 2,060 lbs.

The Pin Weight of 2060 is less than 20% of the empty weight. A more reasonable number is 20 - 25% and it is of the Total Weight (11,671 + 3,889 = 15,560 Lbs.) which is closer to 3,100 to 3,890. Add hitch, passengers and the other stuff you carry and you are well over F250 ratings. Since you are going to buy anyway, spend an extra 2 - 3 hundred dollars and get a F350.

[2020DC]

Good points. Maybe I need to look at F350s.