Montana vs. Mountaineer

[bcforce]

I am new to the forum, and have just begun looking to upgrade to a Montana. What is the difference between the Montana and the Mountaineer? Thanks

[H. John Kohl]

Good Question.
You have to get into comparing the options and assembly. It is probably a lot of research.
I believe the Montana has the better (more effective/efficient) insulation in the ceiling/roof. I believe only the Montana can get the Big Sky package.
I suggest you look at both and "practice living in it" and then make your choice.
I also believe the Mountioneer has a toy hauler or garage model and has a bunkhouse model where Montana does not.
Welcome to the forum.

[Phil P]

Hello
The plan my wife and I had was ti full time in a RV.

My wife spent 2 years looking at 5th wheelers and Class A’s. The class A had it until she looked at the 2009 Montana. She decided it was the only unit that would meet her requirements. For her a toy box was not an option.

Phil P

[stevemc]

Aside from the difference in floorplans, the Montana models are a little nicer; nicer fixtures, cabinets, etc. Over the years as the Montana's get upgraded to the newest features some of the things that were standard in the Montana models last year may become standard in the Mountaineer models this year. I don't know if there are any differences in construction. Mechanically speaking, our 05 Mountaineer has performed well so far.

[CamillaMichael]

Welcome to the forum...I believe the "difference" between the two is less important than which you prefer. It is important, in my opinion, to concentrate on those features you want, then look at the two to determine which satisfies your needs.

[Hooker]

The Montana has more bells and whistles. Get out a tablet and #2 pencil and list what's on each and you'll see the difference.

[trustymopars]

One thing we found when looking was the Mountaineer is not available with a king bed.

[lasater]

Fit and trim in the Montana is a little higher than the Mountaineer. Also, I don't think the Mountaineer has the roof/ceiling vents that the Montana has. Now that Lippert (manufacturer of the frame) offers a factory installed 6-point hydralic leveling system instead of "after market", Montana has moved up another step.

Throw in the Mor-Ryde suspension and pin box, optional 4-door refer, full body paint, and on and on and on.

[Ren]

Oh my word... after much research on my part... We just pulled the trigger on a 2011 313RE. So I will spew as much as my reasearch as I can. Here are most of the items that was important to us when we looked. We wound up buying a 313RE High Country.

Montana
1.) 1/2 shackles and wet bolts are now standard
2.) Hardwood stiles around the cabinets, not just the doors
3.) Fiberglass back cap with backup lights ( same in my HC as well) no rear bumper, but most do have a hitch. (HC is looked at did not have hitches.
4.) Same ol chinese goodyears
5.) Name brand electronics inside Samsung...ect..
6.) Usually a little heavier
7.) A little thicker Gelcoat on the sidewalls (outside) ( same in my HC as well)
8.) More insulation R-21 floor R-34 roof R-9 sidwalls
9.) Slam baggage doors with hydraulic piston assist.
10.) Electric front jacks all the rear jacks I saw on the Montanas were electric ( same for HC)

Mountaineer
1.) 1/4inch shackels and plastic inserts ( same in my HC as well)
2.) Hardwood doors on the cabinets, wood grain sticker material on the stiles. ( same in my HC as well)
3.) Standard backcap with integrated backup lights, They usually had a bumper as well, Spare mounted to the bumper.
4.) Same ol chinese goodyears ( Towmasters on my HC )
5.) Electronics are Visio no name brand types...( same in my HC as well )
6.) Usually a little lighter not by much ( HC is wayyyy lighter )
7.) I found that the gel coat outside walls is not quite as thick as the montana.. Could just be me tho. and the mountaineers I looked at.
8.) R-14 in floor and roof R-9 in sidewalls (Unfortunatly I dont know what the HC is.. if I had to guess Id say its the same.)
9.) Standard no slam baggage doors.
10.) Electric front jacks optional electric rear jacks ( some you would have to use a powerdrill or something).


The most important part is floorplan. You have to like what your living in. At least that was the most important to us. Im pretty mechanically inclined so Ill add the 1/2 shacles and wet bolts down the road. As well as a 5th airborne or Mor/ryde pinbox if needed.

I would also add a good TPMS system as well. Tyron comes to mind.

Hope this list helps.

[nosticks]

BCFORCF, in answer to your original question, about 3000lbs and $30,000.