Upgrades to an older Monty

[drjjj]

We have a 2007 3400RL that we bought new in the summer of 2006. We bought it to live in while our new (and hopefully last) stick house was being built. Plan was to continue to use it at least intermittently until I sold my business and was able to at least slow down if not completely retire. After the first year we lived in it (in a local nice RV park) it has been stored under cover with just the nose exposed, so the exterior is in great shape except for the pesky decals on the nose which are peeling (again). The trailer has relatively new Michelin LT tires and has been towed less than 1000 miles. This forum was (and still is) an invaluable resource when we lived in it and since. I became an employee of my business August 1 and will work, at the most, an AVERAGE of 2 days per week (if at all) after January 1. I had to have major back surgery in December of 2015 and at age 63 can't do what I could ten years ago (surprise, right?). We have kept the rig well maintained and clean, and my DW and I are dying to hit the road. On recommendations from some on the forum we have upgraded the suspension to the wet bolt kit from Lippert, had metal welded to stiffen the frame, and have hard wired a FloJet macerator to the black dump valve. I know I still have a 10 year old rig but I am thinking seriously about installing some upgrades to maximize my enjoyment before considering a trade in for a new trailer. I would like the opinions of the many knowledgeable people on this forum as to the advisability of my considerations. They are: #1 a leveling system; #2 a power awning; #3 on demand hot water heater; #4 and up: what have you done that you are glad you did? I would also greatly appreciate any recommendations on brands of "stuff" and if you think Camping World does a good job installing. I am located in San Antonio, TX. Thanks for any and all advice

[WaltBennett]

Like most improvements to S&B homes, I doubt anything you could do will really give you a return at all. That said, we've done several big improvements to our '10, but they were for us and the way we RV. Don't know as any of them will give us more $$ at sale time, but we've still a couple of years before that.

[DQDick]

We have added the an auto level system, IS and disk brakes, a large solar system and many small changes and additions. That's part of the fun. Just me, but my investigation led me to believe that the right on demand hot water system for RV's doesn't exist yet. The thing we did that you haven't mentioned is we replaced the rug in the middle part of our rig with commercial grade vynal tiles.

[BB_TX]

Have you replaced the old TVs yet? Replacing those with new (and larger) LED LCD TVs is relatively inexpensive and worth it if you watch much television. The new ones are so thin you can mount larger screen models on the outside of the old cabinet openings and still look good.

[mlh]

You sound like me. I still own my business and don't work hardly at all, my job is to go to the post office. It's a tough job but somebody has got to do it.
Lynwood

[jcurtis934]

Upgrades after being bitten - marathon tires, thetford toilet replaced. Upgrades for comfort or pleasure - glass/ceramic mosaic tile backspash behind stove, good vent covers for furnace, stress free recliners in place of the heavy failing apart at the seams ones that came with the unit, real vent fan in bathroom, real mattress that is comfortable, better scare lights that put light down as well as some outward, led tail/stop/turn assemblies, and more. Thankfully unit came with levelup which I wouldn't want to be without. Lusting heavily for...disc brakes. John

[h2ojocky]

I say do any mods that you like..I am amazed at how many newer 5ers have problems. If you are able, many folks do their own mods.

[dieselguy]

I don't think the RV "on demand hot water heaters" have quite got all the bugs worked out of them yet. Lotsa people with lotsa issues with them on any RV forum you visit. With the 10 gallon hot water heater and some new 12 gallon ones ... we've never had a hot water issue. But ... we don't stand in the shower for 20 minutes each either.

[drjjj]

Great advice so far-any advice on where to get the mods done? I am a veterinarian so I only do surgery on critters, not machines .

[kdeiss]

I would upgrade an older Montana in a hart beat! In my opinion better quality!

[richfaa]

Without going into detail we made a mistake by NOT doing whatever it took to up grade, repair ,etc to our 06 3400 rather than purchasing this 13 3402 big sky.

[kdeiss]

quote:Originally posted by dieselguy

I don't think the RV "on demand hot water heaters" have quite got all the bugs worked out of them yet. Lotsa people with lotsa issues with them on any RV forum you visit. With the 10 gallon hot water heater and some new 12 gallon ones ... we've never had a hot water issue. But ... we don't stand in the shower for 20 minutes each either.

Take a look at the Atwood Model GE EXT 16 it has a 10 Gal tank heats the water to a higher temperature then has a mixer valve extends volume to 16 Gal.we have one in our Park Model if you are looking for more hot water this is the way to go!

[sapest]

We full time in an '06 3400.
Best interior mods-
New carpet and other flooring
Remove vinyl trim from walls
Remove window trim and shades - replace with real blinds
Re & re furniture with (much better) quality stuff
Flat screens, 40" & 32"
Real mattress
Best exterior mods
G614's
Disc brakes and I/S
Air Ride hitch
On board water filtration
Slide toppers and window shades
Electric awnings appear to have just as many issues as manual ones
If you need more hot water run the propane also, in 10 minutes you are good to go.

Have fun and enjoy semi retirement

-Steve

[DQDick]

One thing I forgot in my previous post. This winter MCD shades are on the agenda.

[timandsusan]

JJ-looks like great comments on your plans. On the televisions--I bought flat panels at Best Buy and the mounts were Mor-Ryde mounts. I am convinced the mounts are critical and they work great. New electric awning--I like mine. Disc brakes, independent suspension--a personal preference--something I don't have or see a real need for after 60,000 miles towing. Other comments later.