New 3500RL tomorrow! - Page 2 - Montana Owners Club

campbud · 02-13-2005, 07:07 AM

Gosh I dont think I would let them take it to the RV Show..I agree childern run wild at these shows inside RVs..I was recently at one and the damage was amazinz! Did they give you any money off the unit b/c of this?

DL N K · 02-14-2005, 01:43 AM

GCWR on the Silverado 2500HD is 22000 lbs. We finished loading our "stuff" in this weekend. We added 15 gallons of water to the fresh tank, (that's all we ever carry, enough to wash hands etc on road) and took her back to the scales. Total gross is just over 20.5K lbs. Haven't calculated pin wt yet, but it looks like it will be less than the Four Winds we traded.
The coach survived the RV show unscathed, no damage that we could find. Yes we got some consideration for them using it at the show.

Montana Sky · 02-14-2005, 07:28 AM

Sounds like you are pretty much in line with my coach and truck. Pretty much loaded for the summer I am at a GCVWR of 20,435lbs. Enjoy your new coach.

Montana_3028 · 02-14-2005, 07:38 AM

We just picked our 3500RL last night

...and the first thing we did was take it to the scales at Loves....I forgot the papers to post the spec right now...but I have them at home...I do remember I was right about ~ 19780. That was with 2 lp tanks full...and about 40 gallons of water...1/2 tank of Diesel in the truck...

I think if I load up one box of pop tarts I will be at my max.

I did learn from the dealer that the weights do not include any of the options...like 2nd A/C, Fireplace....etc....

Montana_3028 · 02-15-2005, 10:57 AM

Pk here are the weights from the scales. I treid to get three axles on one scale...but the trailer was too long.

1st weigh
Steer axle - 4520
Drive axel - 4980
trailer Axle - 10280
Gross Weight 19780

2nd weigh
Steer Axle - 0
Drive Axle - 9520
Trailer Axle - 10260
Gross Weight 19780

The truck (2003 Dodge 2500 4x4) was 1/2 full with Diesel
Trailer full of propane 2 (30lbs) -
Trailer 2/3 full of fresh H20
All other tanks empty
Nothing else in trailer
2nd A/c option installed
Fireplace option
King size bed.
No High gloss finish...just standard gel coat.

Montana Sky · 02-15-2005, 07:47 PM

Gamer1624
What size and brand A/C did you have installed in your bedroom? That is one of my summer projects to have done this spring and would like to get some info from folks who have the second a/c. If you ever get a chance to get some pics I would really appreciate if you could send them to me. I would like to see just how high this would raise my overall height clearance. Again, Congrats on the new coach.

Montana_2872 · 02-17-2005, 01:09 PM

Hi and congratulations on your 3500RL. What colour did you decide on? I think my husband and I will be purchasing one also. We looked at the 3400RL and as beautiful as it is, the 3 shelves got in the way when I was walking into the living room. Also, the control panel on the side (below the end of the counter) when you walk into the kitchen is a disaster looking for a place to happen with Granchildren. Can you tell us where the control panels are on your new 3500 RL? Also, are there doors or a curtain separating the bedroom from the bathroom? We haven't seen one yet, the closest being a 3 hour drive away. Weather has not cooperated with us living in Southwestern Ontario, Canada so trying to get a weekend without highway closures due to bad weather hasn't been easy this year. Anyways, enjoy your new RV and hope to hear from you soon.
Regards,
Heather and Rick

Montana_3028 · 02-21-2005, 02:12 PM

Sorry on the delayed post...but just got back from the break in trip/rally...

Montana Sky:We got a 13.5 on the bedroom A/C..I believe it's a Dura Therm(sp)..at least that is what I remember when climbing on the roof. I am not sure how much it adds to the height or weight..but from what I can research..it adds about 111 lbs..and 13 inches to the overall height...now I can tell you I went under a bridge that was 13 foot even...and it made it under...not sure much room I had to spare...but I am sure it was not much....I climed on top when I stopped for gas and all was ok...

Williams: At the Rv show in Ft Worth...we seen this model and fell in love....after looking at the rest of RV's at the Show we came back to this model...the big thing that brough us back to this model was the layout and colors...It had the Suede interior...We decide to wait until after the show and go back to see it in natural light. The saleman at the show told us they only had two left..but who belives that...anyway...after talking somemore and checking it out the next week...it's my understanding that they had some left over material from the Big sky models and that the Big sky was being discontinued for a different model line )Cambridge???....and that they were not counting on getting any more with the Suede...Well they sold the one at the RV show...so this was the last one they had. If I can figure out how to send you some pic of the inside I will be glad to do so.....On the 3500RL the control Panel is on the door side when you walk up the steps into the bedroom. Our 11 year can reach it...but a small child would have a hard time. On the bedroom there is a curtain...not real happy about that...would have liked doors for this big of a model...but at least there is a door to shut of the step going up into the bathroom/bedroom. Not sure what other colors they offer...as we only seen this model in our colors...so I can not comment on the others.

We really love the layout as we can close off the living room...and have that area for our 11 year old without getting a bunkhouse...but that is just our option....what works us may not work for you.

We just got back from a 6.5 hour drive in the texas hill country...and I can tell you it towed very nice. I did not realize how much of a difference shocks made on an RV....Big DIFFERNCE from our 28RK wildcat...not that it towed bad....but not near as much bounce on the 3/4 ton Dodge we pull it with...

PS one tip...be sure to get the Hydraulic adjustments...it has 4 slides and if you are worried about the kids...you can close them all off after you park and have the slides out..and then the kids won't hurt it even if they get to the control panel...it takes all of 20 seconds to close them all off...the worst they can do it turn on lights

Hope this helps....if you need more info...please let me know

Montana Sky · 02-21-2005, 08:14 PM

Gamer1624,
Glad to hear that you had a pretty good first trip. Thanks for the info on the A/C. That is one thing I am planning on having added this spring. Enjoy your new coach.

sreigle · 02-23-2005, 02:30 PM

Gamer, your pleasure comes through loud and clear and we're really glad to hear that. One question for you -- did you hold your breath and grit your teeth going under that bridge? I don't know if I had the nerve. I'd probably have traffic backed way up as I stood on the ladder while Vicki very slowly drives it through.

Montana_3032 · 02-23-2005, 05:11 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by sreigle

Gamer, your pleasure comes through loud and clear and we're really glad to hear that. One question for you -- did you hold your breath and grit your teeth going under that bridge? I don't know if I had the nerve. I'd probably have traffic backed way up as I stood on the ladder while Vicki very slowly drives it through.

He didn't hold his breath but he did say 'hold' my beer and hang ON

sreigle · 02-24-2005, 04:49 AM

LOL, White Trash!

Gamer, we saw one with the suede interior. I really, really liked that interior.

Montana_3028 · 03-13-2005, 04:57 PM

I wont be taking that route again...if I had 1 more ound of air pressure..I would be buying a new A/C LOL

I am not usre what everyone paid for theirs and don't want too pry...but did some seaching on the web today...and about the cheapest I could find was about 55k.....seems a bit high.....

Gosh is this thing long...need to get a tape measure out...but the longest I have is 50 feet

Montana_3359 · 03-14-2005, 02:33 PM

We ordered our new 3500RL 3 weeks ago it looks like ill have to wait another 4 weeks before delivery. it must be very popular.

I have a 2005 F250 6.0L I sure I'll be fine with it. any other suggestions

Montana_2705 · 03-27-2005, 03:26 AM

I saw that model at the show here in Washington this year and loved it! We would like to buy that floorplan, but were a little concerned about the capacities; the brochure indicated that there was only 2440 carrying capacity, and we started thinking with full tanks (propane, water) full propane, gel coat, second a/c unit, 10 cf dual door refrigerator, king size bed, porcelain toilet, generator, etc. and all our "stuff" that we might be over the axle limits. Do you happen to know if there is an option for a third axle or upgrade to the weight capacities? We plan to full time in two years and would like to purchase that model; we love the interior!

richfaa · 03-27-2005, 04:18 PM

gamer 1624..You should be able to get that RV for 25 to 27% off Sticker Price..The 3400Rl was sellin for 44,900 at our Local RV show Jan 05. Ex the 3295Rk sticker of 53,525 was selling for 39,900 just over 25& off.... Wife and I worked the RV show for several years for various dealers and it is hard (but not impossible) to beat Rv show prices..We will be buying our Montana at this years RV show Jan 06. Anyhow look at the sticker take 25% off and start dickering from there. Even at so called dealer invoice there is a 2 to 3% dealer holdback..

sreigle · 04-08-2005, 03:19 PM

When we bought our Montanas our dealer said he'd give us show prices at any time of year. We had mentioned waiting for a show. then we found out he can do better than the show prices.... negotiate. he's not the only dealer around.

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