Trading UP

[TAKPAK]

Hi C5 driver. Congrats on your new rig. We have a 2017 3810 MS. We like it very much. Not a problem with the newer rigs (they don't have them now) but we did get rid of the worthless TV on the outside (use that space for storage) and got rid of the worthless fireplace in the bedroom and made a storage cabinet for the area. Otherwise, left if pretty much alone. Did replace the sofa and entertainment seating with La-Z-Boy furniture, FAR better and much lighter.

One thing of concern I would have is your tow rig. If it is a 2500 GMC, you are going to be overloaded. We had to get a 3500 GMC, with 11,600 GVW rating, and we are still close to max without adding a lot of other stuff. The TRUE pin weight of the trailer is about 3400 pounds (I weighed it) and that puts the rear axle and tires closing in on max load rating. The 2500 has the same engine, tranny, etc., but it's those unseen things that make the difference. I know some will argue, but I just consider worst case scenario and figure what would happen in an "incident" and the lawyers get involved.

But, entirely your call. You WiLL like the 3811 very much. We do!

[Gpwagner]

Hi and welcome. We purchased a 2019 3811MS this spring and absolutely love it. We tow with a 2019 Chev. 3/4 Duramax. I did install air lifts and it made a huge difference in towing. Have about 600 miles on her so far here in Michigan but will be headed to Gulf Shores the first of the year. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

[AV Tech]

Originally Posted by C5 Driver

Looks really nice with the truck. How has the 2500HD with air bags done for you towing? I have the same truck...2011 and having air bags installed as we speak. Will post photos once the 3811MS shows up later this fall.

It tows it good and with the disk brakes it stops it good.
I'm at the national rally and going to get it weighed next week to see how much over weight I am.
It was a 160 mile trip from Michigan to the rally though rain and ruff roads truck did good.

[AV Tech]

With your truck if you are using the factory brake controller you will need to add a module the goes on the Montana Hydraulic pump. ( Hydrastar HBA-CAM 381-7073 )

[JimnHolly]

We bought a 2019, 3810 MS in July and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!! We tow with a 2019 GMC 3500 SRW, Duramax. I'm sure you will love all the storage space and sofa in the bedroom. Congratulations! Happy travels!

[beeje]

Folks, this is not going to be a popular response, I don't consider myself the weight police at all, but the 3810ms gross weight is around 16750x.20=pin weight of 3350lbs. There has not been a 2500-3/4 ton truck EVER manufactured to this date that is LEGALLY capable of hauling that trailer. Most 2500-3/4 ton trucks have a payload rating around 2000lbs. The OP WILL be WAY WAY WAY overweight.

[Sandra_David]

Congratulations and welcome to the furum

[mazboy]

if you are going to travel a lot look at the IS suspension system.

[C5 Driver]

Originally Posted by AV Tech

With your truck if you are using the factory brake controller you will need to add a module the goes on the Montana Hydraulic pump. ( Hydrastar HBA-CAM 381-7073 )

Thanks for the input. Can my Montana Dealer provide/install this module?

[AV Tech]

Yes my dealer installed. I had to tell them what it was.

[Bob450]

Disc brakes are great

We have a 3811 2018 model love it.

[powerhaulic]

2018.5 3811MS Legacy, towed 2 years with 2500 Duramax, Air bags at 30psi, and a tire upgrade as they were overweight. But it was fine and comfortable towing.
Just traded the '18 for a 2020 AT4 Duramax 3500 SRW, as soon as the ISR adapter comes from Demco we'll be on the road again

[beeje]

Originally Posted by powerhaulic

2018.5 3811MS Legacy, towed 2 years with 2500 Duramax, Air bags at 30psi, and a tire upgrade as they were overweight. But it was fine and comfortable towing.
Just traded the '18 for a 2020 AT4 Duramax 3500 SRW, as soon as the ISR adapter comes from Demco we'll be on the road again

You and 1000,s of others have had no issues towing overloaded. That does NOT make it right or legal. I would love to see a pic of your new 2020 SWR trucks door sticker stating its cargo carrying capacity. One of us is going to learn something. IMHO your camper is well into (newer) dually territory if not an bigger.

No not forget, anything that goes in your truck counts as payload. You/your passengers/your hitch /firewood/fuel/dog Etc Etc Etc

[powerhaulic]

Originally Posted by beeje

You and 1000,s of others have had no issues towing overloaded. That does NOT make it right or legal. I would love to see a pic of your new 2020 SWR trucks door sticker stating its cargo carrying capacity. One of us is going to learn something. IMHO your camper is well into (newer) dually territory if not an bigger.

No not forget, anything that goes in your truck counts as payload. You/your passengers/your hitch /firewood/fuel/dog Etc Etc Etc

I am not, and will not be the guy who has to have a dually.
The numbers on the new truck are impressive to say the least.
I towed my first fifth wheel well over 20yrs ago, with a truck that was by the numbers well within it capability.
My '18 I just traded "by the numbers" was overweight, but was much more capable than the truck referenced above.

[beeje]

That is not the label I was looking for. There should be one with a yellow border that states the trucks cargo carrying capacity

[C5 Driver]

Gents, I have spent some time researching this issue and was not happy to find the following as relates to my 2011 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Extended Cab Duramax and 2020 Montana 3811MS:
1. GM tables show a cargo capacity of 2,895#
2. Yellow sticker on the driver door jamb says max cargo of 2,594# (maybe they are assuming full fuel onboard)
3. Keystone specs state dry weight of 13,595# with pin wt. of 2,780# for the 3811MS.
4. I assume a haul wt. of 15,095" with a calculated pin wt. of 3,019# then adding for people, fuel, accesories, etc. and I come up to a pin wt. of 3,600#

NOW, I have upgraded my brakes (rotors, pads & hi-temp fluid)and installed Air Lift 5000 bags...these upgrades should give some added capacity, but how much???

I will be proceeding with great care hauling the new 3811MS and be ready to trade up to a 3500 truck if necessaory

[Last2Die]

...and again.

[powerhaulic]

Originally Posted by beeje

That is not the label I was looking for. There should be one with a yellow border that states the trucks cargo carrying capacity

Cargo is listed as 3723#

[powerhaulic]

Originally Posted by C5 Driver

Gents, I have spent some time researching this issue and was not happy to find the following as relates to my 2011 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Extended Cab Duramax and 2020 Montana 3811MS:
1. GM tables show a cargo capacity of 2,895#
2. Yellow sticker on the driver door jamb says max cargo of 2,594# (maybe they are assuming full fuel onboard)
3. Keystone specs state dry weight of 13,595# with pin wt. of 2,780# for the 3811MS.
4. I assume a haul wt. of 15,095" with a calculated pin wt. of 3,019# then adding for people, fuel, accesories, etc. and I come up to a pin wt. of 3,600#

NOW, I have upgraded my brakes (rotors, pads & hi-temp fluid)and installed Air Lift 5000 bags...these upgrades should give some added capacity, but how much???

I will be proceeding with great care hauling the new 3811MS and be ready to trade up to a 3500 truck if necessaory

Our actual weight is 16400# 2900# pin 24040# combined on our '18
Where you will be short is the tires, I ran 285/60-20 for additional load

[C5 Driver]

Thanks for the input. Your loaded weight of 16,400# is more than I would have thought but the 2,900# pin is lighter than I thought it would be also!