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08-06-2014, 06:48 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Redding
Posts: 1,421
M.O.C. #12339
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Trailer Life Mag article.
I found a trailer life issue at the dentist. It was featuring a "New Fifth wheel " from an SOB. Couple things made me scratch my head. It had the same "6 point leveling system" used on the Montana. The controls however, were located "under the front overhang of the bedroom"? You have to bend down, put your head under the front overhand, between the truck and RV, to operate it! "Wow how darn convenient is that"! Guess when u press "Auto Level" you jump out of the way, when the system takes it initial lowering movement? Second the tailgate of the truck towing the rig, could not open enough to clear the trailer! It's 37 footer BTW. Without a V gate, you have to have two people to unhook, or hookup! Now this Company builds a lot of RVs. It's name rimes with "Sand Diego". They make the famed "Winnie Diego" of the past! Thoughts....
Darn I should have used "couch potato"?
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08-07-2014, 03:22 AM
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#2
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Hudson
Posts: 168
M.O.C. #13711
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Read the same article and could not believe that this well known manufacturer designed a fiver like that. Also not being able to lower the tailgate of the pickup when hitching and having to use another person so you do not damage both trailer and tailgate is stupid. Lastly the six point leveling system front jacks were mounted so low they dug into the pavement on some road pitches. I know it was the first attempt at the trailer gig for many years, but come on, you would think they could do better.
__________________
2014 Montana 3725 RL
2012 Silverado 3500 Ext. Cab, Long box, Duramax SRW
Trailersaver BD3 hitch
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08-07-2014, 04:04 AM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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They for sure didn't hire any engineers or designers from their competitors. The sad part is that the name will draw some non-5ver folks who won't understand the depth of the problems until the've paid for them with real money.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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08-07-2014, 03:42 PM
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#4
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Campbell River
Posts: 194
M.O.C. #12359
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So when they purchased Sunnybrook did they just let everyone go? It's too bad because Sunnybrook used to build a reasonable 5er.
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08-08-2014, 03:11 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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Our first Montana was a front bedroom with two slides on the door side. We could not open or close the awning without first bringing in the forward slide.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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08-08-2014, 04:57 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Frostproof, FL USA
Posts: 2,362
M.O.C. #13272
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My buddy's new fancy triple axle SOB Toy Hauler has the controls for the level up inside the curb side basement door. After he looked at mine he is wondering if he can have his moved.
__________________
Previous: 2008 Montana 3400RL & 2014 3725RL
Current: Full Time 2022 SOB TT Toy Hauler
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08-08-2014, 08:56 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Santa Fe Springs
Posts: 4,189
M.O.C. #639
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They designed that for Billy Barty and he didn't have any complaints . LOL
Oh if anybody has that SOB, I have a V gate you can have for free.....HA HA.
__________________
Pulling a 2004, 2980 RL an oldie but goodie.
Tow vehicle is a 2009 RED RAM 3500 DRW.
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08-08-2014, 09:15 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Pensacola (mail forward service)
Posts: 3,198
M.O.C. #13740
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My thoughts were the same when I saw the write-up on the new rig. Well, at least they are jumping into the fray. Control panel location on the Montana...the first marabomb explosion I was wishing that the panel was on the passenger side instead of where it is due to trucks and others zooming by at 70-80 mph just behind my fanny as I put down the jacks. Not as convenient most of the time...but... John
__________________
2012 F350 6.7 L dually, 2013 3800RE with 6 pt leveling, Sumitomo 17.5" load range h tires, Samsung 18 cu ft residential fridge, 8k Morryde I.S. with disc brakes. Full timing since 2012.
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08-08-2014, 12:14 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Arroyo City
Posts: 3,110
M.O.C. #13395
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The SOB manufacturer hires their design engineers fresh out of college. I worked for them a few years in their cabinet shop. The first year they changed to the arched ceilings, we had a lot of complaints that our over heads didn't fit right. Engineers tried to put square pegs in round holes. We had to make crown moldings to cover the gaps.
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08-08-2014, 01:55 PM
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#10
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Twin Falls
Posts: 50
M.O.C. #13130
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We had the same problems when I worked for Jayco. It was always about the $. Not how it would look or last.
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08-08-2014, 02:11 PM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: billings
Posts: 110
M.O.C. #12853
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DW and I saw the same article. The author was very PC in the review but he did point out the issues. We looked at a 5er from this manufacturer when we started to look and told the salesman we wouldn't even consider that brand after seeing the first model. Pays to do your research. I am very surprised this industry hasn't adopted a more automotive approach instead of a custom one off build of each unit. But what do I know about manufacturing.
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08-09-2014, 05:06 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Depends on temps
Posts: 1,648
M.O.C. #13157
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JandC, I think your friend was camped next to me last week. Controls in the right storage compartment. About the most stupid thing I have seen yet.
Jim
__________________
2012 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 4x4 3.73 Tow Max Pkg B&W Companion 60 gal RDS aux fuel tank. 2014 Montana 3150RL, 2 A/C's, Leather, 6 Point Jacks, Splendede WD2100XC, Mor/ryde X-Factor, Duravis 250 tires with TST 507RV monitors. 2 x Honda EU2000's
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