Future Montana Owners

[Berniezee]

My wife Katie and I (Bernie) are looking to buy a late model used Montana 5th wheel and a 3/4 ton tow vehicle. If anyone knows of a package deal please pass it on. We're looking for a couples camper around 30+ feet long. We expect to make a purchase before the end of this year. I have a question about camper length and camping in the more remote national park (NP) campgrounds. Katie and I liked the 35-40' long Montanas but checking the RV length restrictions at the remote Yellowstone National Park campgrounds they limit RV length to 30'. Is this typical of NP campgrounds? We will only be part timers for the first few years but I would appreciate any advice on camper length as we have never owned anything larger than a pop-up. We love the remote areas and don't want to oversize ourselves thus preventing access to the more remote campgrounds.

Thanks and I look forward to your advice.

Bernie

[Bama Camper]

The shortest Montana you will find will be around 34'. That would be in the High Country line. Be careful if you buy a combo trailer and truck that the truck has an adequate towing capacity. Most classic Montanas require a 1 ton because of their weight. There are some in the High Country line that a 3/4 ton would be adequate for, but of course a 1 ton (RAM 3500, Ford F350, Chevy 3500) would be better.

The longer you get, the fewer campsites you will have to pick from. However, between National Park, US Forest Service and Corps of Engineers Parks, you can usually find something. Private campgrounds almost always have longer sites. In general, the older the campground, the shorter the sites. Also, the further West you go, the selection of longer sites is less. Good idea to always check when you make reservations or when you research the campground. There are lots of great campgrounds that will accommodate longer campers in your area. Most folks never have a problem, but sometimes the selection is more limited for longer sites. To directly answer your question - no, it's not typical for a NP campground to have shorter sites. It really just depends on the campground.

Good luck with your shopping, but I suggest you don't limit yourselves to a combination truck and trailer; you are drastically limiting your choices. Shop for them separately and get both that you like. There are a couple of nice looking Montanas advertised here in the "items for sale" heading (below - below the rally listings).

[pkbridges77]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your upcoming purchase. We were new to 5th wheeling last October when my wife found a beautiful used Montana. Length is a factor, but there is enough information available on some apps that makes the planning process easy. My suggestion - find the trailer you like and then shop for the truck. It will all come down to weight and towing stability, and you might save yourself a lot of money if you get the vehicle that will best tow the Monty you choose. We bought the truck first, and then felt the need to upgrade from an F250 to F350.

[bullroc3]

Ditto on the 1 ton. I towed one of the early model Montanas with a 2500 Silverado. I think the camper gross vehicle weight was less than 10000 lbs. I had them weighed at a national rally and was 900 lbs over the truck gvw. Then we bought a 3100RL. New truck time!!!!

[DQDick]

One thing you might want to consider is volunteering for Fish and Wildlife. Our Montana is long and we have great sites in remote areas every winter. If you go to volunteer.gov you can check out opportunities in every state and all the federal agencies and see if something like that interests you.

[chris199]

Definitely find the trailer first...then the truck.

We went from a small 8 Tundra to the 5.7 tundra to a 1 ton GMC within 4 years. From a 19'ft love nest to a 32' Cougar TT to our Monty. Would have been much better to just go big on the truck from the outset.

[CORattler]

1st, welcome to the MOC! Glad to have you here.
I too suggest a 1 ton truck (RAM 3500, Ford F350, Chevy 3500) to tow with. Dual rear wheels (DRW) are rated to carry the most weight. Single rear wheels (SRW) is fine as long as the weight ratings meet your requirements (I have one). I would also suggest a 8ft bed. This gives you more of a choice when you buy your hitch. I agree with others, buy the truck 1st, then shop for a RV that is within the tow capacity of the truck.
Bama_Camper gave some good advice. We've only had one occasion since 2010 where our Montana (35 feet long) was too long for the site. It was at a Corps of Engineers (COE) campground in Missouri. The camp host was wonderful and found a site we would fit in at the same campground.
I can recommend this very well taken care of Montana that is currently for sale in Florida. You may want to consider it.
Click on: http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2010...05RL-116938603

[twindman]

Don't make my mistake. I thought the 3500's would be way too expensive, so I never even considered them. I have a 2012 2500 Silverado. Come to find out, the 3500 was only about $1500 more money. GVWR (think that is the right one) is 10000 on the 2500 and something like 11,500 on the 3500. These have plenty of power and brakes, but it is usually the truck weight when loaded that breaks the law. That is why I got a Mountaineer that has a pin weight of 2055 supposedly. I am still about 4-500 over.

[Bill.vannuys]

We intentionally purchased our 1 Ton truck first (Mar 15), so we would (we believe) have negotiating ability when the correct Montana became available (Jul 15). We knew the 1 Ton would handle anything we intended to purchase. Also, dealers could recognize we were serious shoppers intending to purchase if they gave us incentive to purchase "today from them" (< $$; > options).

Also, the 3/4 and 1 Ton prices were very close, but payload significantly different.

[Bill-N-Donna]

Welcome aboard! This is the place to get started. There is a ton of information here and the people are ready to answer your questions.

We rarely ever stay in a national park and haven’t adventured out in the western states at this point. I would like to visit more of them than we have. There is a lot of good advice here on this forum.

At this point we would not consider anything less than a 1-ton for towing. The towing weights and truck capacity seems to be a big concern with most everyone here. Again welcome aboard and happy travels!

[tooth ferry]

We have a 2014 High Country 305 RL that we tow with a 2013 Ram 2500 diesel with jake brakes.Is within all weight limits, had it weighed at the fall rally. Tows and stops great. We have never had a length problem at state or national park sites but we normally try for the FHU campgrounds. I'm sure there are some we couldn't fit but normally that info is online. Some that say shorter limits can fit you in if you call the campground office. Our length is 35".

[kdeiss]

I am a fan of the Montana 2955RL I am sorry to say they no longer make but you are looking at used so no problem.Most popular model for a lot of years.When you have time check out the floor plan and weight.I have towed with My GMC 2500Hd for years with no problem.In my opinion these units have increased in size and weight requiring larger trucks and oh yes the every ending discussion of up grading tires. To carry the weight.

[Sundogette]

Welcome to the MOC Forum. I agree with the members that you should find the trailer of your dreams first. We were fortunate to find ours for sale via a private party. It was basically new, with only a few thousand miles on it. Depending upon your budget, there are some very nice and important features available that make the travel and camping experiences really easy and relaxing. Do your research! The Mor Ryde system, Lippert auto level, things like the dual hot water heater (propane and electric), auto slides and awnings, etc etc. The MOC has extensive information in tires and towning. Again, do the research re the tires on the rig. Last thing you want is a blow out. On the tow vehicle, the exhaust brake feature makes a huge difference. We have utilized the knowledge available on the MOC extensively. As far as camp grounds, there are so many options, we travel the western states. Our Montana is 37.5 feet with 4 slides. With planning and research, we camp in National, State, County and Army Corp campgrounds as our first choices. Private RV parks in specific locations, but basically only when necessary. Our personal preferences....Best of luck in your search.

[Berniezee]

I want to thank everyone for their advice. We are still looking and are getting very close. We will buy the truck first then the Montana. We are looking at used trucks rather than new because in SC we pay an annual property tax on all vehicles and the annual property tax on a new $60,000 truck is $1,300...

I read and reread your advice and I am going with your recommendations for a one ton PU truck. I'm looking exclusively for a Chevrolet 3500HD or a GM 3500HD non-dually, extended or crew cab, diesel, long bed, 4x4 w/

[1retired06]

30 foot desired length limits will be challenging in the Montana line,

[Sally Newberry]

My name is Sally. My husband & I are anxiously waiting to hear if we are approved for financing for a 2015 3402RL with full body paint. This will be our first Montana,and our first 5th wheel, but not our first Keystone product. My husband retires from law enforcement in Upstate NY in 7 months so we're very excited to upgrade to a rig we can take long trips in. We've always known Montana is a high quality product. Keeping our fingers crossed.

[jcurtis934]

Bernie, always check the towing capabilty of the used truck before you start to fall in love with it. But you sound like you already know to do that. Good luck. John

[Sally Newberry]

Update: We picked up or 2015 3402RL last Saturday & couldn't be more excited!!!!

quote:Originally posted by Sally Newberry

My name is Sally. My husband & I are anxiously waiting to hear if we are approved for financing for a 2015 3402RL with full body paint. This will be our first Montana,and our first 5th wheel, but not our first Keystone product. My husband retires from law enforcement in Upstate NY in 7 months so we're very excited to upgrade to a rig we can take long trips in. We've always known Montana is a high quality product. Keeping our fingers crossed.

[Rondo]

Bernie-- IF you go to Trailers, Tow Vechicles & RV related items for Sale here on the Forum you might be able to find what you are looking for. Most are not the length you have stated but you might be able to make a good deal on one that just might fit your ideas and pleasures. I'm also sending you a PM about this same subject.

[poloace]

We have a 2013 285rld. I believe they stopped making the that year.
We do a lot of boondocking, and go to Natl Parks. The length is 31ft. I believe that it is the smallest they make.
We like the trailer. It's big enough, yet smaller so one can get into tight spaces. We are in it 4 to 5 months out of the year. Go to RVTRADER.com, there are some nice trailers for sale.
Good luck!