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Old 06-26-2005, 03:05 PM   #1
Montana_3980
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Wanna be 5th wheelers

First we sure enjoy all of the good info on the MOC. We are getting ready to retire in about four months and have been checking out various 5th wheels. We have decided on the Montana 3400. We live in Calgary at the moment, but are moving to Lake Belton, Texas. We have received price quotes for a '05 from $44,000 up to $53,000. Anybody have a good idea on what a good going rate is for the 3400?

We have been told by the various Montana dealers that we will need a 3500 HD to tow it comfortably. Was originally going to go with a Dodge 2500 HD. We currently have a Dodge Dakota, which of course is not going to work. Any thoughts?

Sounds like all you folks give great advise, so would appreciate any you may have for us.

Hope to see you'll at a campsite somewhere.

The Greenhorns....
barb and bob

No TT or TV, only the prerequisite dog.....
 
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Old 06-26-2005, 03:41 PM   #2
Fordzilla
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I have never hooked to a 3400, But I do tow a 3685 with the front living room. And I was quite suprised as it didn't sag my single wheel F350. I was suspecting I would end up wnating to trade to a Dual wheel pick-up. But is really only squated it an inch and a half. Barely touches the overload springs. I guess if I was going to travel a lot and never stay longer than a couple weeks here and there I would probably go with the dual wheels, similar to the 3500. I guess it depends on what you plan to do with the truck other than tow with it. Mine gets used as a family hauler from time to time. If I was in your shoes I would go with the dually for the added insurance. One can never have too much truck.

ON EDIT: I was just unhooking from the trailer in these pictures below. Don't want you to think that is how it rides going down the road. I will try and get a better picture this weekend and repost it later.
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Old 06-26-2005, 03:47 PM   #3
DiananColin
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We have the 3400 and tow it with a Dodge 3500 Turbo Diesel SW. We have just returned from a 5000 mile journey and we have had no problems.
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Old 06-26-2005, 03:48 PM   #4
Montana Sky
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I tow my 3400RL with a 2500HD Duramax and have not found it to be a bit of trouble at all. The truck squats less than 2" when hooked and ready to head out. If someone is telling you that you have to have a 1 ton I would have to say they are trying to scare ya a bit. There are many members on the page who tow with 3/4 tons and have been 100% happy with them. As far as price I got mine factory ordered for $45k with everything on it but the high-gloss and second a/c. That was back in 04 when the 3400RL first came out, not sure if they are getting cheaper or more as it is one of the top 2 best sellers for Keystone this year again. Congrats on retirement, enjoy the new rv once you find the right one.
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Old 06-26-2005, 04:10 PM   #5
richfaa
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You might want to consider buying the biggest truck you can afford then you can tow any of the Montana's with ease.
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Old 06-26-2005, 05:02 PM   #6
Wordsmith
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Though I pull with a 2005 F-250, Rich has a very good point. I don’t believe I have ever heard anyone complaining about having too much truck!
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Old 06-26-2005, 05:26 PM   #7
stiles watson
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I will only add my welcome to the MOC. All the questions seem to be well covered. If you really want to make sure you have all the truck you could possibly need, get a Volvo hauler or a custom Freightliner. Happy RVing....
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Old 06-27-2005, 01:35 AM   #8
steves
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I tow my 3400 with a F350. I would say that you could tow with either a 3/4 or 1 ton but would recommend the heavier rated vehicle. Unless you have a specific reason the heavier rated equipment will probably give better service and stability over the long run. My F350 is single rear wheel and again this comes down to personal choice. I didn't want to deal with the extra width of the dual wheels and have not been sorry. Although, the dual wheels have to give more stability it will also add some harshness to your unloaded ride.

Good Luck and buy what you like - All major brands now have trucks that can give you good service.

Steve
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Old 06-27-2005, 04:38 AM   #9
Jeff Heiser
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Bobheik,
First welcome to MOC! If I am not mistaken, I believe the 3400 has the lowest pin wieght. We have a TT now but have been looking at the 3400. We have a 2500 HD Dodge CTD and honestly I believe the truck will do just fine. I just got rid of a Chevy Dually and the 2500 HD Dodge I bought has more towing capablilites than the old Chevy had. Check the weights and the tow ratings on the Dodge, you might be surprised. True, there is nothing wrong with more truck and if it makes you feel safer and more in control then the bigger truck is what you need. I am very, I mean VERY, surprised by the performace so far from the 2500 HD Dodge CTD. The bottom line is that it all comes down to personal choice, what you like, what you can afford and what fits the need. Good luck.

God Bless America
Jeff Heiser
Merritt Island Florida
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Old 06-27-2005, 04:45 AM   #10
Sunshine
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Welcome to MOC. As you can see, this is a great place to get some of your questions answered and take advantage of the wealth of experience by the members. Safe travels.
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Old 06-27-2005, 09:24 AM   #11
Montana_3980
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Thanks to all for the responses. We are sure looking forward to hitting the road in a few months. Nice to know there are a great bunch of helpful folks out there for support. Only regrets we have is that we should have been on the road a long time ago.

Just have to sell the house in Hawaii and then start exploring this great land.

Aloha,

Barb and Bob Heiking
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Old 06-27-2005, 11:38 AM   #12
sreigle
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We tow our Montana with a 3/4 ton 2005 F250. Pinweight on our Montana is 3300 and that caused the rear to squat a couple of inches. Many folks tow it that way just fine but I prefer my truck level so added airbags. Solved that problem. We previously towed the same Montana with a 2003 F350 1 ton single rear wheel. Unhitched that truck sat higher in the rear and hitched it was level without any help. Never a problem towing with either. In fact, this new 3/4 ton F250 has higher ratings than our 2003 1 ton F350 did, including GVWR, GAWR, and GCWR, by a considerable margin so we're actually towing with more truck with the new 3/4 ton than with the older 1 ton, if that makes any sense.
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Old 06-27-2005, 04:14 PM   #13
mobilrvn
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A 3/4 ton single wheel can actually haul slightly more weight for most mfgrs. We have a dually, but our next PU will have single rear wheels. We go to Mexico in the winter and on toll roads/bridges you have to pay more for the dually and in some colonial cities, you can't take a dually--big fines. Food for thought.
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Old 07-25-2005, 03:47 PM   #14
ray fischer
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I am not the weight police, But you need the 3500. I tow similiar weights with my 05 dodge ctd. Just completed a 3400 mile trip and towed like a dream, but I'm over my gvw of 9000 lbs. I wish I would have ordered a dodge 3500 ctd swb srw with a gvw of 9900 and a cgwr of 23000. You will exceed the 9000 lb weight rating on the dodge 2500. The curb wt is 6900, which leaves 2100 for passengers, fuel, tools, cargo, hitch, pin weight, and battery, propane, and front storeage weight. Chances are you'll exceed cgvw of 20000 also. It's better to be safe than sorry. I had to add air springs to get level, but that still doesn't increase the wt rating. I will trade up to a 3500 as soon as I can afford to. Good luck with you decision and God Bless.
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