Going from a diesel pusher to a Montana

[Robert Peacock]

Glad to be here! I am in the process of going from a 43' diesel pusher to a Montana High Country 375FL. Was wondering if anyone on here has any experience with that model? Tired of the extra expenses of maintaining the pusher when I really don't use it enough to justify it. Already have a tow vehicle that is capable of handling a High Country. Thanks in advance for any advice or input.

[Dam Worker]

Don't have experience with that model but I would like to welcome you to the forum. Great people with lots of information on here.

Tom Marty

[mlh]

I don't have any experience with the 375 but I have a 323 HC. I like it and have no problems with mine. I think you are taking the best approach. Why have a heavy Montana when a lighter one will serve your needs.
Lynwood

[Robert Peacock]

Yeah, I'm a long way from retirement and this is a family project. If I was going to spend a lot of time in it or live in it I would go with the Montana. For my mostly weekend camping trips I think the High Country should serve me well. It will spend more time in the barn than it will on the road for sure.

[1retired06]

Best wishes for a smooth transition

[BB_TX]

Welcome to the forum. Lots of High Country owners on here. But I am still on my Montana purchased new in 2007.

[K0LCB]

We went from a Winnebago Vectra to a Montana 3750FL. It was an easy transition. Easier to hook and un hook than the Jeep I towed. Insurance and taxes were much less

[DQDick]

Welcome to the Forum! Can't help you with the HC, we bought ours new and never have changed.

[waynemoore]

Welcome for Arizona. a smart change.

[Dmcgrew]

Welcome!! I have learned a lot from the forum and hope you have the same great experience.

[Robert Peacock]

Ok. The wife has now looked at the 3820FK and loves it. I guess I will have to open the wallet a little wider! Anyone have one of those?

[PackerFan]

Welcome to the MOC and glad you came over from the "Dark Side"!

[vipermanden]

Robert,

Yes we have the 2017 3820FK, and it is great. The only issue is the full timers don't like it, because it does not have the storage capacity like some of the other Montana's. We have taken two 2,500 mile trips in it so far pulling it with a Dodge Dually that we bought new. You almost don't know it is back there! My wife is a gourmet cook, and she wanted her own domain, and not to have to share it with a large great room, that some models have. She gets to look down on me and the dogs when she is preparing her meals.:-) Good choice.

[rames14]

Welcome to the forum from sunny Colorado. The HC is a nice unit and many members have them. We got started with Montana many years ago and just stayed in the Montana/Big Sky models. Best of luck and enjoy the forum.

[Dusters]

I'm a 3820FK for 2016. The key feature is the buffet table in front of the window, which puts you up high to look out over the campgrounds. We enjoy having coffee there in the mornings and evenings. The Kitchen is great and it does make it feel like 3 separate compartments(bed, TV & eating). The alternate model with the front living room has the TV in front of this window, which would require you to lower when looking through that window.
The long term aspect of this trailer is the buffet setup wears on you with the small rotating table and refrigerator blockage. I also desire to modify the sitting room area for a table or desk. I have a small folding table that fits behind the recliner. The motorhome versus the trailer of this length is a different concept for traveling. I can't do spontaneous movements and have to script my travel out. It takes more effort to move the trailer and find locations,that can accommodate an overall rig of 50 to 55 feet. Feel free to message if any questions.

[Goin 4 Broke]

Welcome and I have to ask for more details! We are actually considering the opposite approach - going from a Montana to a diesel pusher. Can you provide more details besides time to hook up? I kind of think that my TV and trailer are costing me more than a class A and just towing my wife's jeep...

[jameswbarton]

Been there done that wish I had the pusher back. It was far better made for all climates.

[Robert Peacock]

I will have less invested in the 5'er and one diesel engine to maintain that is on a vehicle that I have with or without an rv. If I used it more I might have kept the pusher but for my needs the 5'er does just fine. Looking at it from a maintenance and amount of money invested standpoint. I kept my pusher for 3 years and got within 10k of what I paid for it.

[Art-n-Marge]

Good to read you have a diesel for your fiver. I prefer my diesel far better than a gasser for towing. Better towing capacity and better fuel mileage especially when not towing. The only caution with a diesel is repairs are much higher. Fortunately, the repair needs seem farther and fewer between over any gasser I've had.

[JandC]

quote:Originally posted by Goin 4 Broke

Welcome and I have to ask for more details! We are actually considering the opposite approach - going from a Montana to a diesel pusher. Can you provide more details besides time to hook up? I kind of think that my TV and trailer are costing me more than a class A and just towing my wife's jeep...

Jeff, don't want to hijack his thread, but since we made the switch last year from a 2014 Montana to a 2014 38' Class A, I may be able to add some thoughts for you.

What we discovered was that between a 2014 Montana 3725RL and a 2012 F350 diesel we had between $80,000 and $90,000 in value. When shopping for a used Class A we had our choice between a one or two year old gasser, or five or 6 year old DP, if we wanted to stay in that $90,000 range. Since we are not full time I elected for the 2014 gasser with just over 3,000 miles. So far an excellent choice.

There are numerous features on the plus side I won't go into. Besides the ease of setting up and leveling faster, there is well over 200 square feet of basement storage under our model. Each compartment has it's own side swinging door with lights inside. Some of the basement storage goes through to each side. If needed I can haul my Kayak in the basement!

While traveling full time we still would not have done anything different. We felt that having a large 5th wheel and a strong diesel PU was the best option for reliability, safety, and maximum livability for the dollars. However, now only using an RV for 2 to 4 months out of the year a larger Class A fit our needs better. When we travel we have our Harley Trike for local transportation instead of a 1-ton truck, just like you would have a Jeep if that was your toad.