Can a 2015 Chevy 2500HD Handle a Keystone Montana 377FL?

[Mark17331]

We had a smaller Montana but looking to purchase a 2026 Keystone Montana High Country 377FL , I have a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax Diesel and I am sure it will tow it but was wondering with the weight how much it would squash the back end down and if I would need air bags or anything?

 

[Mikendebbie]

Try the forum search above right, and put in TRUCK BED SQUAT. Lots of threads to read.

Just curious, is your truck a long bed or a short bed?

 

[Mark17331]

Short bed.

 

[DutchmenSport]

Are you sure about the year of your Montana. I have a High Country 375FL and it's a 2019 model (purchased in September 2018. The 374FL and the 375FL models were identical except the 374FL came equipped with a gas/electric refrigerator and one battery. The 375FL models came equipped with a residential refrigerator, 2 batteries, and an inverter to power the refrigerator when not plugged into shore power.

The 376FL and the 377FL model came out about 2 years later (2021 I think) replacing the 374FL and 375Fl which were discontinued. The 376FL (gas/electric refrigerator) and 377FL (residential refrigerator) were identical to the previous model, except they now had the loft above the rear bedroom with stairs going up between the bathroom and the bedroom, taking space away from the bathroom. (all 4 models have the rear door on the opposite side.

Unless the numbers changed somehow, does the description above sound like yours? If so, you might want to recheck the year and the model number of yours.

FYI. I have a 3500 dually (Chevy, in my signature block below). When I hitch-up, I have about a 1 inch squat. I know mine is not a 2500, but others have towed these 40 - 41 foot long fifth wheels with 2500's. They often report they have no issues. But I do know my 3500 dually has absolutely no issues towing 14000 pounds (but does return 10 miles per gallon when towing and 17 when not towing.

 

[Mark17331]

Yes…this is it.

 

[twindman]

You definitely need a 3500. I have a Mountaineer that lists hitch weight at 2000, I think. When loaded it is actually 2400-2500. I have pretty much NO sag, but I am slightly over weight. But back then the 2500 and 3500 difference was one leaf spring per people working at Chevy. However, my axles and tires are right at the limit.
the 377 lists hitch at 2600, and as my rig shows, when loaded it goes up a lot. When I bought the truck I thought the 3500 would be 3-5000 more money, but later discovered it was only about $1700 - but too late! LOL Oh, I have a 2012 2500, so probably same specs as your newer model.

 

[Mark17331]

Can’t do that…this will have to wirk

 

[scottz]

Photo shows 2026 model. Changed first post from 2016 to 2026.

 

[scottz]

Just to give you some real world numbers....

Keystone specs the 377FL at an empty weight of 13513 and a hitch weight of 2620.

Keystone specs my RV at an empty weight of 11935 and a hitch weight of 2520.

Last time I took my fully loaded RV to the scales, weight on axles was 12000 and hitch was 4740 (total 16740 vs Keystones 11935). Granted, I have an on-board generator, solar, several mods and a lot of "stuff". However, you have to plan for a big increase once you start loading the RV.

A web search indicates the following specs for your truck. The realistic payload of your truck once people and stuff are loaded is about 2500. Make sure you check the specs on your tires.

This topic and "diesel vs gas" is the most contentious thing discussed on this forum. In the end, your call.

 

[Mark17331]

Yes…17,900 is workable for my truck…we don’t load much in it since it’s at a permanent site for now..but eventually will be traveling with it…I sure it will pull it fine …just wondering about the the squating

 

[scottz]

Yes, it will squat; go to Camping World, hook it up and measure to see if you can live with it; as I said, your call. I used to have a F-350 SRW. I don't remember too much squat, but I needed air bags to counter the "bounce" that happened while towing. Enjoy you new rig.

 

[Mark17331]

I did ask them but they will not do that due to insurance issues…afraid of damage to camper or to the truck …when I buy it they will

 

[scottz]

Of course they will. Just like they will tell you "the truck is perfectly fine to pull this rig; please sign here". Tell them you are ready to buy, but only after you hook it up for a squat test (don't have to pull it). If they don't want to help you, tell them other dealers are willing to take your money.

Or, just accept that it will squat 5-6" (my estimate) and decide if that is acceptable and what you will to do about it.

 

[Mark17331]

I get it for sure.

 

[scottz]

Don't forget, sitting at the dealer, nothing on-board, is the lightest it will ever be. Only goes up from there.

 

[Spartacus]

I don't know, but the rule is 20 percent of 17,900 is 3580 lbs, it will tow it but the payload is where you will run out and not have enough, I like to leave myself some room for that.

 

[DutchmenSport]

Yes…this is it.

Sorry, my bad.... I've been working long days and my brain wasn't functioning. I missed the year ... 2026, and mistook it for the year of your truck, 2015.

Word of caution about your NEW 2026 377FL... it has been reported from different folks who have the 377FL model that the drop down on the rear part of the frame (below the bedroom) will often drag. Unlike the 375FL with a straight frame, the 377FL has the drop down on the rear to accommodate room, making it possible to have loft. So, beware of low dips when traveling, especially in mountain and hilly country.

Another thing, the rear jacks might need to be raised. My 375 rear jacks drug, causing issues. Eventually, I raised them as high as possible. Others with the 377FL have also addressed the same issue with the jacks. Raising the rear jacks does not affect the auto-level. But, in order to avoid stroking out, put blocks under those two jacks so the distance they have to extend does not have to extend any farther than the they would if you do not raise their position. I block mine up about 4 inches above the bottom of the tire. On an incline, it takes a load of lumber under the jacks so they do not hyper-extend, causing a stroke-out.

So, always beware of the dips in the road and driveways. After I raised my rear jacks, I've never drug again.

I hope you enjoy your new 377FL. We love ours, especially that rear door on the opposite side. It's priceless! When we purchased ours, we had the dealer install an awning over the back door, put led lights under the awning too. It matches the front. We use our rear door more than the front.

Happy camping!

 

[Mark17331]

Thanks for the heads up…I am sure we will.

 

[Mikelff]

We had a smaller Montana but looking to purchase a 2026 Keystone Montana High Country 377FL , I have a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax Diesel and I am sure it will tow it but was wondering with the weight how much it would squash the back end down and if I would need air bags or anything?

I pull a 41’ Montana with a 2017 2500 Duramax. I have had rear spring modifications installed with DOT certs, which raised my payload 1500 lbs. I also run larger tires with higher weight ratings. I am 700 lbs under my rear axle rating fully loaded. Needless to say I am at the top of what I can carry. Air bags definitely help and take load off your springs but do nothing to increase payload capacity. They soften the ride and help to level the truck. If you get air bags be sure to get the remote control so you can adjust pressure on the fly. If I had it to do over, I would go with a 4 wheel 3500. No doubt you will be overweight without spring mods on a 2500. Air bags will almost be a must have item if you move forward. GM uses the same diesel in their 2500, 3500, and 4500 trucks. It’s a payload capacity issue for you. You can easily pull that 5er, but can you safely CARRY it? Best of luck.

 

[Tom & Lisa]

To be legal had to go with a 3500. Decided to go all in on a dually for stability. The wind in Montana, Wyoming, and Kansas can be a hand full. Had a 2018 2500 Duramax we loved. Pulled great. Good brakes. Did air bags, bigger tires. Rode rough and over weight. Cost to be cool. Pain to park when running around, but for a heavier , tall trailer dually is for us.