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Old 08-25-2018, 04:18 PM   #1
MikeRP
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Hey New Potential Member from Ohio

Hey everyone:

We have decided on buying a Montana High Country 330RL. Its very nice and meets all our requirements for interior space.

We are also buying a new truck. I'm considering a Dodge gasser 3500 crew cab with 4.10 rear end. Payload is 3950 lbs. 15600 lbs max trailer tow.i would guess from running our 2012 Sunseeker 3010 DS that we will have no more than 14400 lbs as the total weight. the CTD would be similar payload (GVWR goes from 10,800 lbs to 12,200 lbs. Max tow is right at 17,000 lbs. SRW is what I'm getting,

So I'd like your input on running the 6.4 L gasser versus the CTD for this camper. Its about 7-8 grand more for the CTD.

Also we want slide toppers, generator, duel mode refrigerator, mor ryde steps, we don't want washer/dryer, queen bed.

Is there any other option that is a must from you all point of view.

Anyway thanks in advance I appreciate any feedback.
 
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Old 08-25-2018, 04:29 PM   #2
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First of all, welcome to the forum! We have the diesel and love it, but we also have a heavier Montana. I think it depends on what else you use it for and how long you plan on keeping it. We off road with ours and the power has come in handy besides pulling the rig.
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Old 08-25-2018, 05:10 PM   #3
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You will love the 330Rl.........had ours since January with no problems. The hat pump is nice along with the 12 gallon WH. My auto level has never failed...........and my tank heater work great when move to cold weather. Pull mine with a V-10 Ford and the 5ver pulls great!
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Old 08-25-2018, 05:18 PM   #4
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The new gas trucks today are much more powerful than the old ones. It would depend on whether you are planning on traveling in flat country or mountain country. Sure the gas Ram will handle the Montana but it doesn't have near the torque as the diesel. There is no such thing as to much power. If I didn't tow a 5th wheel then I would not have a diesel on account of the maintenance. The gas Ram will have a little more h.p. than the diesel but the diesel will have nearly twice as much torque as the gas. Just remember the old adage horsepower sells but torque moves.If you were pulling 15,000 pounds on a flat bed trailer that would be one thing but with 13.5 feet above the ground you will catch a tremendous amount of wind and that's where the torque kicks in.
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Old 08-25-2018, 05:22 PM   #5
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A Diesel engine puts out over twice the power at less than half the RPMs and 4 times the power at highway speed 2000 RPMs. Unless you like to run at 4000 RPMs get the Diesel it’s money very well spent. And don’t forget a gasoline engine looses 3.6 % of its power for every 1000 feet of elevation.
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Old 08-25-2018, 07:20 PM   #6
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Mike,

First, welcome to the forum!

This is a great place to learn and share.

You will find endless debates here on trucks, but the near universal consensus on power plant is diesel.
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Old 08-25-2018, 08:09 PM   #7
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Welcome and one more vote for diesel
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Old 08-25-2018, 08:25 PM   #8
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Welcome. To do the diesel right, the aisin transmission is in order and will add even more to the cost. It is personal preference but with the diesel you will never wish you bought the gasser. With the gasser you will always question if you should have bought the diesel. Getting the one ton is the right decision. Whichever one you choose, get the auto leveling.
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Old 08-25-2018, 09:10 PM   #9
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First of all Welcome to the the MOC family from Washington St. As far as gas or diesel you want the diesel one ton & the aisin trans it's the only way to go!
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Old 08-26-2018, 04:28 AM   #10
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Welcome to the Forum!!

Most folks gp with diesel. It is made for pulling. yes it is 7-8K more. But it will be 18-19K more if you find you need to trade in the gasser to go with Diesel.
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Old 08-26-2018, 06:11 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffba View Post
Welcome to the Forum!!

Most folks gp with diesel. It is made for pulling. yes it is 7-8K more. But it will be 18-19K more if you find you need to trade in the gasser to go with Diesel.
I have to laugh at this one, I’ve made lots of mistakes on trucks. This may be my last one and I don’t want to mess up. I have the Dodge eco diesel right now and it’s an amazing truck, rides like a caddy, interior is gorgeous and it has averaged over 26 mpg for the 57000 miles. I really hate to let it go.

Thanks everyone, any thoughts about Keystone customer service or build quality, seems like a direct competitor is the grand design model with the double sinks? We still like the Montana better right now.
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Old 08-26-2018, 06:50 AM   #12
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I would shy away from Electric levelers and cable slides. Been there, done that-- won't do it again.
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Old 08-26-2018, 08:19 AM   #13
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Welcome to the forum.
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Old 08-26-2018, 11:01 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffba View Post
I would shy away from Electric levelers and cable slides. Been there, done that-- won't do it again.
Agree with Jeff. Recommend hydraulic slides and level up which means Montana vs HC.
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Old 08-26-2018, 11:32 AM   #15
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Like Builder Bob said get the aisin. No question. It’s a great transmission and the standard is just so so.
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Old 08-26-2018, 11:57 AM   #16
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Welcome to the MOC , endless help and advice here …great folks here
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Old 09-02-2018, 03:22 PM   #17
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Have the 331RL. Pull it with a 2500 Duramax could ask for more.
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Old 09-02-2018, 10:25 PM   #18
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There is no question in my thinking.....get the diesel. You won't regret it. I pull my 2015 3725RL with a 2006 GMC 2500HD Duramax
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Old 09-08-2018, 08:18 AM   #19
MikeRP
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Well everyone, I bought a 2018 SRW crew cab Ram with the Aisin yesterday. It’s awesome! Got the Bighorn. Thanks for the help l! Now we just have to pick our new trailer.
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Old 09-08-2018, 10:03 AM   #20
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New Montana

Are you buying your Montana from RCD sales, we bought are Montana there and are very happy with their customer service.


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