TV for 3650rk - Montana Owners Club

Garin1 · 01-11-2006, 12:09 AM

We have a 2004 3650RK and I would like to hear what others are pulling thiers with. I need to buy a truck soon.

Montana Sky · 01-11-2006, 10:52 AM

Garin1,
Any of your top 3 diesel trucks will do the job. I chose the Chevy for the reasons that fit my needs and wants. Each brand owner is going to tell you their's is best, my suggestion is go out and drive all three and find the one that says to you "this is the perfect new truck for me, I gotta have it!"

rickfox · 01-11-2006, 11:26 AM

Garin1,

I vote for one of the diesels with 9900+ pound GVWR and the ability to carry at least 2800# - 3000# hitch pin + 200# more for the hitch. That certainly limits your selection in the 3/4 ton class, and most likely will put you in the 1 ton class TV. That's if you want to be legal with the specs.

For me, I am currently using the 2500HD but have to be careful that I do not put too much load on the TV rear axles, and I'm certain to almost always be over the 9200# GVWR. A major reason why we selected our 3400RL was because of its low hitch pin weight.

If I had it to do all over again, I would take a look at the Chevy 3500HD SRW - especially since it is against our city's ordinances to park a dually pickup on residential streets!

sreigle · 01-11-2006, 05:18 PM

My 3/4 ton has GVWR of 10,000, tow rating of 15,400, and GCWR of 23,000. But don't forget payload, the amount you can put in the bed. That's where most of us are over the ratings with the 3/4 tons. Keep in mind the actual pinweight of a loaded Montana will likely be considerably higher than the numbers in the brochures. The advertised pinweight for the 2006 3650RK is 2245 lbs. You can expect it to be probably 2500 to 2700 when loaded. That fits within the payload of my 3/4 ton but with not much to spare. The hitch and any toolbox in the bed have to be factored in the weights also. Payload on mine, according to the guide, includes two passengers at 150 lbs each. I weigh more than that so have to consider the extra weight as well.

Montana_1424 · 01-14-2006, 03:00 AM

I have the same unit, an 04 3650 RK, I use a 1 ton Dodge Cummins Diesel, no problems at all, and it pulls it great. I have the SRW, as it had a higer towing cap Any of the diesels will do fine with this unti I am sure. I chose the Dodge for the Cummins engine, and that model year, 04, it had the highest tow rating, but Ford is the top now I believe. Drvie them all and get the one you like the best. I can say, after driving them all, I am happiest with the one I chose. Good Luck.

sreigle · 01-14-2006, 02:43 PM

As others said, all of the diesels will do a good job for you. And as others also said, we each have our preferences and are convinced our choice is the best one. It is... for each of us. For me it's the Ford 6.0 PSD. You'd not go wrong with any of the diesels.

If you prefer gas, the Ford V10, Dodge V10, and GM 8.1L V8 all do a good job.

The 3650RK GVWR is only 480 pounds less than on the 3295RK so actual weights should be pretty similar.

Hemlockusa · 01-14-2006, 05:34 PM

Hi Garin1 - As everyone has said, any of the big three are fine and will do the job, I pull our 2005 3650RK with A 2005 cummin's wrapped in a Dodge 3500 DRW.. It ""GET'S ER DONE"".

Hope to see you down the road later John H (aka hemlockusa)

Northstar · 01-14-2006, 06:10 PM

I am very pleased by the way my Ford F350 Turbo Diesel pulls my Montana coach with ease.

bobgay · 01-15-2006, 06:12 AM

I'm impressed that this topic can be discussed rationally on this forum. On other forums, the insults start flying after the first 2 or 3 posts, and little useful information gets exchanged. I do love this forum.

Montana_1424 · 01-15-2006, 10:38 AM

Why argue, if you ask me, they are all junk, and they are all the best LOL

cs413 · 01-16-2006, 05:10 PM

Just got back from a short extended weekend trip with our 05 3650. Love the 5ver and love the F350. Pulls it like it's not even there. I also have the Trailair Air Ride Pin Box Coupler which really helps smoothe out the ride and saves the kitchen dishes. I timed this short trip around the first 5000 mile oil change. Went to the dealership to get the oil change and ended up with the wife driving a new Lincoln Town Car back to the State Park. OUCH! Boy was that an expensive oil change!!
BUT.....I talked her into coming with me to keep me company. Bet I don't make that mistake again. Oh well, she's happy and that's what counts. Good luck in your truck quest.

Garin1 · 01-17-2006, 08:17 PM

No matter the cost, it is always equitable to keep the DW happy,,, eh Curt

dannyl · 01-18-2006, 05:24 AM

Everyone is right and everyone is wrong!!! How is that?

What is right for you is what will pull the RV without breaking your wallet!

All the diesels will do a good job and get you to your destination.

I found the Dodge to be about 6000 less than the Ford or Chevy in my location. About 8000 less than the GMC.

Buy what makes your heart sing.

cs413 · 01-18-2006, 07:10 AM

YES. HAPPY IS THE KEY!

cs413 · 01-18-2006, 07:24 AM

GARIN1 - while we're on the subject of the 3650, does yours have the "sunken" kitchen? Our 05 does not. Did you hear why they made the kitchen the same level as the living room? Was it a safety issue? I guess going for a late night snack you could forget the step and nose dive into the island. The early 05 brochure we looked at still had the sunken kitchen in it, but the one we bought that was on the lot was the same level and the salesman didn't know why it was changed. I was just curious. We are really pleased with ours regardless and can't wait for the next trip once we are back in town.

Curt

sreigle · 01-18-2006, 10:50 AM

Curt, we were told by some Keystone people at the factory (during the tour) that they listen to people's comments of people looking at the models at RV shows as well as read what is said here. Apparently a significant number of people felt they'd trip and fall down that step. That probably hurt the sales or opened them to some liability so they changed it. I don't have official word, this is just what they said to me at the show when I asked that question. Personally, I would think it's like anything else. You get used to it and it becomes the norm and is not a problem. I liked the sunken kitchen, myself.

Montana_5197 · 01-18-2006, 02:47 PM

I have the same unit. I pull it with a 2004 diesel duramax 3500, 4 door,double wheels. So far ( after 30000 MILES-2 trip from Mtl to the Keys) my personal rating is the best truck on the market. On highway ( without the 5 wheel ) I AVE 20 MILES PER GALLON ( ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 60 MPH). God knows all the hills on highway 81 from the border to highway 77. No problems at all with this truck.

Montana_5197 · 01-18-2006, 02:58 PM

Curt, I have tne sunken Kitchen . I love it, because it separate the kitchen from the living room and you are right you get used to the step down ( at the beginning the step caught us off guard ) However this model (2004 ) does not have the washer dryer option ( I manage to convince my wife that we did not need it: it worked. I am a good salesman ) . You have it in the 2005. They also relocated the furnace. In 2004 the furnace was under the sofa. I don't remember where it is in the 2005.

Garin1 · 01-18-2006, 06:28 PM

We have the sunkin kitchen and in fact was one of the reasons the DW fell in love with it. We have less issue with the kitchen than with that first step at the door. The wife has almost fallen out because of that first drop. I will be fiqing this with a porch when I get back.

And I can't tell you haw excited I am anout getting a new truck.

I feel like a little kid at Christmas.

Garin1 · 01-18-2006, 06:30 PM

Good Grief,,, It looks like I need a spelling lesson,,,,AGAIN

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