New owner of a 2011 Montana Mountaineer 347THT

[scottkeen]

Hi everyone!

My name is Scott, I'm 48 and live with my dog Ruger and cat Kilia.[ mod edit] I lived in Virginia, then lived in Hawaii for 8 years, then moved back to Virginia temporarily, and now I'm ready to live on the road!

I work as a computer consultant doing software development and network system administration. I'm a scuba diver and crewed on yachts, and I'm a pretty good home cook and excellent eater of good food. I enjoy riding my motorcycle, playing poker, going to Bible study, and helping out with my technical skills at church.

I started out this journey towards minimalist-living looking 4 years ago at tiny houses. Then a couple years ago it seemed to make more sense to have a RV because I love changing my surroundings -- often. I grew up as a State Department brat, living overseas and moving to a new country every couple of years so I have wandering, freedom, and self-reliance independence in my DNA. I hope RV living offers this!

So after too much research, I decided that a truck-trailer rig was the most flexible setup and plus, hey, I love trucks. I determined I should get a heavy-duty diesel tow vehicle with dually wheels so that I wouldn't be so limited to what kind of trailer I could tow -- whether bumper-pull or fifth-wheel. I ended up getting a used 2007.5 Dodge Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins Double-Cab Long-Bed Dually Laramie (that's a mouthful!) and I absolutely love my truck!

About 6 months ago I figured I would have to get a fifth-wheel toy hauler because the motorcycle is, well, essential. I went to RV shows and searched all over RVTrader, and came across the Montana Mountaineer 347THT fifth-wheel toy hauler (2008-2012). It was PERFECT, it hit all the right notes for me -- residential layout, garage that converts to an office (I'm an independent contractor), and well, it was absolutely perfect and it's all I wanted.

I found one 300 miles and 4.5 hours away in southern Virginia at a dealership, a 2011 347THT that looks like had been barely used by the previous owner. It had the fireplace option, which just adds to the homey residential feel. Surprisingly, when I tell non-RV people about the Montana and about the garage/office, plumbing for washer/dryer, island kitchen -- the one thing they are so impressed by is, "Wow! It has a fireplace? Are you kidding?!" Funny, I would have taken a 2nd A/C or generator over the fireplace, but I'm glad I have it.

I considered a couple of other 347THT trailers that were for sale in other states, but the one in southern Virginia was the best price and the condition was perfect (I drove down to check it out 2 months ago) and it was closest to me. I bought it yesterday Jan 12, 2018 and towed it home and put it in RV storage at a regional park.

I had already posted a few pre-purchase questions here, but now I'm actually an OWNER of a Montana, and happy to be here!

Cheers, Blessings, and Aloha

Scott
and Ruger (arf!) and Kilia (meow!)