i just bought a 2003 3655fl montana

[Montana_3921]

After looking around for a new fifth wheel (my first) I found a montana used with alot of extras Id aprecciate any advice on maintenence or problems incurred with that particular model. so far im extremely happy with it. I have a 1995 dodge 2500 diesel 4x4
id also like to know some upgrades for the tv. thanks

[sreigle]

Welcome aboard and congratulations on the Montana! That's a sweet model, you'll find several members here with that one. I've not personally heard of any particular problems related to that model but maybe 3655 owners will know of something. Your TV should do just fine as it is but no doubt some owners here can tell you how to increase power or whatever it is you're wanting to do.

Good luck and be sure to let us know about your adventures with your new Montana.

[jrgwdenner]

Congratulations on your purchase of a Monty! And welcome to the forum. You're at the right place to get answers to your questions. If you use the 'search' box at the top of the page, you'll be off to a good start on just about any subject you can think of. And don't hesitate to jump right in and ask questions. There are a lot of nice people here who are very helpful.

[faeb and genb]

A little confused do you mean a 3685 Front Living Area or a 3255 R L R, either one should do a great job.On some of the 2003 ours included the shackles was weak & had to be replaced. It caused the tires to wear on the inside. Other than that haven't heard of anything. Many happy & safe miles.
Gene

[Northstar]

Congratulations on your new coach. A very nice model and welcome to the forum.

[stiles watson]

Welcome to the MOC Forum and congratulations on the new (to you) pull toy. On your tow vehicle, some folks add air bags to the rear suspension if the bed sags when you hook up the fiver. Some add a programmer or a "chip" to increase the horse power and engine torque. If you have a short bed, you need a slider hitch to keep from smashing your rear window in very sharp turns. Really there are more gadgets and gismos than you can imagine that can help in one way or another. You can drive yourself nuts trying to buy them all. If it were me, I would address one problem at a time and add a solution to a specific problem, doing lots of research before buying. Happy RVing....

[sreigle]

Gene, the 3655FL is the predecessor to the current 3685FL. The 3655 had three slides while the 3685 has four.

[patodonn]

Welcome aboard! We have the 03' 3655FL, and have been "full time" in it since July 03. Really like it! No real problems which haven't been seen on other models.

We have towed around 16,000 miles so far. We did have the shackle problems, also had to have the axles "bent" to the proper camber. All 4 tires were wearing on the inside of the treads.

The electrical wire routing under the dining room was faulty (too short) and the tension spring used during retraction of the slide was "banjo tight" with the slide extended. Had to get that fixed, as the tightness caused a direct short at the forward outside corner of the slide (where the AC wiring makes two right angle turns) after only a week's travels.

One problem peculiar to the FLs is that clothing tends to fall off the hanger bars in the bedroom during travel. Just reverse all the hangers...open side facing forward...and it solves that. I reinforced the hanger bar "suspension" with some thin wood backing on the shelf and plastic "tie wraps".

We had a Fantastic Fan installed in the bedroom ceiling. Use it quite a bit.

The long awning is a pain. Poor design. You have to retract the dining room slide to extend it, you are severely limited as to the angle you set it at with the dining room slide out, and you have to retract the slide again to get the awning in. One member had the "big" awning removed by the dealer and a much shorter one, starting just fwd of the dining room slide, installed as a replacement.

Feel free to e-mail me for any FL specifics or other info on our experience so far with the FL. We really liked the floor plan, and still do.

Best,

[virgil47]

sprice44,

Welcome to MOC. I also have an older TV which is working nicely. You will be able to see from my signature the "extras" I've added over time to it. So far, it is working well. Assuming you have the proper hitch, your vehicle will tow your fifth wheel, it is a matter of preference (and safety) from here on out. I agree with some of the earlier advice you received, take only one issue at a time on and you'll do just fine.

From personal experience, this group is very kind, patient and informative to new people. Every question I've asked has received several responses and reading the old posts has been well worth my time. I think you and I have found a gold mind of information here.

Again, welcome aboard and good luck.

Virgil

[campbud]

Congratulations on your new Monty and Welcome to the forum!!

[Montana_2518]

we are fulltimers in our 3655fl since fall of 03 callme or e mail me for any info

michaellalande@aol.com 866-423-7500

[Sunshine]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on acquiring a Montana. This is a great place to ask the questions you need answered and learn from others' experiences. Safe travels.