Perhaps you should read your post. You made it very clear how you felt. Thank you for posting your rig, I stand corrected on that issue. You have a nice set up and should be proud. However if I was that dissatisfied as you stated, I would divest myself of the RV tomorrow and buy one, I could be happy owning. Life is way too short.
NEW 2014 BIG SKY on Keystone web site
- Thread starter Ramblin Roadrunners
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- montana
HOOK-MOC
Senior Member
After forty yrs of owning RVs, I now have my favorite one of all. Our Big Sky is making us very happy. There is no perfect RV, the same as there is no perfect man. I think the nearest to that is Airstream, but would not buy one because they are all metal, cold and and boring. We all have our choices. Again, IMHO. there is no 5er (fifth wheel) out there that has more value per dollar than Montana.
We are about to leave for a trip to Florida that I'm sure will be a great adventure. I am taking my tool box because I dont expect perfection. Yet, I live in a 6000 square foot beautiful home and it constantly has required upgrades and repairs for as long as I've owned it. It has a roof leak now.
After looking at the new posting on Big Sky, yes there are a few very nice upgrades, just good marketing, and if KS had not made some they would soon be history like several other super brands whose owners are now "orphans".
Let's see, 13 yrs, Montana, number one in sales. IMHO, some folks like them. No, I'm not naive. I'm aware that some few have had serious problems. They are the exception, not the rule. I'm also aware of the efforts of Keystone to make them right.
As for me, I'm determined to be a smiling face in a grumpy world. My wife and I have survived cancer and are blessed to own a World Class RV. Let's go play in our Father's beautiful yard!
We are about to leave for a trip to Florida that I'm sure will be a great adventure. I am taking my tool box because I dont expect perfection. Yet, I live in a 6000 square foot beautiful home and it constantly has required upgrades and repairs for as long as I've owned it. It has a roof leak now.
After looking at the new posting on Big Sky, yes there are a few very nice upgrades, just good marketing, and if KS had not made some they would soon be history like several other super brands whose owners are now "orphans".
Let's see, 13 yrs, Montana, number one in sales. IMHO, some folks like them. No, I'm not naive. I'm aware that some few have had serious problems. They are the exception, not the rule. I'm also aware of the efforts of Keystone to make them right.
As for me, I'm determined to be a smiling face in a grumpy world. My wife and I have survived cancer and are blessed to own a World Class RV. Let's go play in our Father's beautiful yard!
trustymopars-MOC
Senior Member
I guess we have been extremely lucky. We've had our Montana for over three years, and camp 50+ nights a year, all in State parks or National parks, and the only major problems we've encountered are; both baggage doors discolored, one replaced by Keystone, one not; the dreaded baggage door lift-bracket failure, and the Samsung TV dying, which seems to be an epidemic with Samsungs. We are extremely satisfied with the Montana product, and part of that is because of the knowledgeable and helpful members of this website. I get to retire in three years, and hope to put many more mileson her, and hopefully last at least another 10 years....., unless we can't resist the 3610 when it comes out.
James Trusty
James Trusty
dunrovin1955
Senior Member
Very well said Mr. Larry. Have a great time in Florida. Hope to see ya in the Ville this spring. Take care and safe travels. Brent
richfaa
Senior Member
"We've had our Montana for over three years, and camp 50+ nights a year"... With all respect we do 150 nights in the Montana in 150 days. You abuse these guys just by using them and the higher end user you are the more problems you may have.
We have already done over 600 days in this 13 3402.
In fact I do not think we had any serious issues after 150 days.
We have already done over 600 days in this 13 3402.
In fact I do not think we had any serious issues after 150 days.
Irlpguy
Senior Member
I have read my post, more than once and at no point did I express dissatisfaction with my Montana now that I have had many issues dealt with, many at my own expense I might add. What I did say was until Keystone deals with quality control and the issues that have gone on for years, no matter how pretty they make it. I have no interest in buying another Montana or any other brand and starting all over again.
For myself and my DW, who is also a cancer survivor, trading up to a larger RV was a major decision, for some that decision may not have the financial implications it did for us. We are both looking forward to heading out the end of January for 3 months, we hope most of the issues with our Montana are behind us, nonetheless we will deal with whatever comes along because I can fix most small things myself.
I am quite happy with my travel combination, when and if I decide to "divest" myself of my Montana it will likely herald a new stage in our lives. We will look forward to whatever comes our way, because life really is too short.
Now please no more advise on what I should do.
richfaa
Senior Member
Good post IRLguy. We also have said many times that our Montana's have served us well over the 7 years , nearly 8 that we have had them. I am also not shy about posting the issues we have had with them.. If more of us did we might get a better product.
In our case only the purchase of this 13 3402 Big Sky was a bad decision but it was our decision, our fault. We will correct the issues we have and deal with then ones that we will have. We have nothing against Keystone/Montana. The entire blame for the purchase of this product was ours.
This is our second Montana and as of right now there will not be a third. In fact there should not have been a second but IMO there was nothing better.
In our case only the purchase of this 13 3402 Big Sky was a bad decision but it was our decision, our fault. We will correct the issues we have and deal with then ones that we will have. We have nothing against Keystone/Montana. The entire blame for the purchase of this product was ours.
This is our second Montana and as of right now there will not be a third. In fact there should not have been a second but IMO there was nothing better.
dsprik
Senior Member
We still have our 2007 3400RL and we have not traveled that much in it, but we have lived in it - probably more than most. We have had some major issues (some self induced) and a few minor ones. However, we are very happy with our current Montana and we do not plan on upgrading anytime soon.
waynemoore
Senior Member
As you can see for our profile we have a 2010 Montana, Mountaineer Hickory edition. We got it in 2009 and have put about 32,000 miles on it. Yes that is 32,000 miles. The biggest problems have been tires. But that problem was self inflected. No problem once I learned that the Marathon is not a 70+MPH tire. I now drive at 63 MPH and have no further issues with them. That being said the next set of tires will be LT tires. In my younger days I drove long line trucks. I learned that at high speeds things happen very fast so slower is safer. Now part retired and own a tax business in CA and living in Az Lake Havasu, I spend 7 months a year in my 5er and love it. Three months in CA running the business and Four months traveling to get out of the AZ heat. I have made several mods to my rig but have had no real problems. The ones I have had were solved or fixed with the input and advice from the MOC members. So in conclusion I would buy another Montana anytime. Just my 2 cents.
I respect the fact that many people have had issues with their Montanas. However, for many others, this is the first opportunity for them to hear about the Montanas that we own. We are on our second Montana and we will have a third, God willing. We did have a few issues, some that would be considered major items (new axles, new tires, frame flex, TV). However, as with all of the RV industry, the majority of the content comes from the same vendors regardless of brand. Firms like Lippert, Dexter, Samsung, Suburban, Goodyear, Mor Ryde, etc supply the main components in a fifth wheel. Montana has been very good over the years at listening and making changes. The MOC group has been instrumental in these changes and hopefully will continue to be a change agent in the years to come. For those with issues, I hope that they are resolved to your satisfaction. For those of you on the fence abou purchasing a Montana, there are a few things that the Montana offers that others don't. For us, the MOC is one of those things.
Jay Bird
Senior Member
I second that Ron.
richfaa
Senior Member
When purchasing a 5th wheel. Do your homework, shop around, Know what you can afford and purchase the brand that best meets all your needs and go with it. They will all have problems some major some minor some both.
I see the Montana as no better no worse than any comparable brand. The MOC forum is a great resource and we have met many, many great folks and lifetime friends . The service center is outstanding. Other brands have owner forums.
We are not shy about reporting all our problems but we have been on the road longtiming for nearly 8 years in two Montana's and they have served us well but not with out major and minor issues.
A Rv'ing friend and fellow Montana owner pointed out that we describe our Montana purchase as "the best bang for the buck" or "the best value for the money" which translates into when looking at the comparable brands we made the cheapest purchase.
We will spend 3 or 4 K to repair and bring this 2013 3402 Big sky up to long timing standards. But that is Rv'ing.
I see the Montana as no better no worse than any comparable brand. The MOC forum is a great resource and we have met many, many great folks and lifetime friends . The service center is outstanding. Other brands have owner forums.
We are not shy about reporting all our problems but we have been on the road longtiming for nearly 8 years in two Montana's and they have served us well but not with out major and minor issues.
A Rv'ing friend and fellow Montana owner pointed out that we describe our Montana purchase as "the best bang for the buck" or "the best value for the money" which translates into when looking at the comparable brands we made the cheapest purchase.
We will spend 3 or 4 K to repair and bring this 2013 3402 Big sky up to long timing standards. But that is Rv'ing.
Ramblin Roadrunners
Senior Member
I observed at the RV show this weekend many of the SOB's were making a point to tell you that they had Dexter axles.
Well said. Over the years,(started this enjoyment in 1980) we have had two travel trailers, two SOB fifth wheels, and now with Montana being our third. All of them had issues of which most were corrected by me. We liked the features that Keystone / Montana had to offer and decided to go with them.
As with our past SOBs, they also had forums that also had a wealth of information. I do find that the MOC group tends to be more of the type to do the work yourself instead of taking back for service as compared to the other forums, but the important part is the information that is shared with all these. Yes the MOC is a real good one, so far this group, from my point of view, is the best. It is always nice to learn what the weaknesses are with units, and not having to "rediscover the wheel". This allows me to correct issues prior to having difficulties on the road.
I have always found that RVs require work. It doesn't matter what brand, they all have their problems. I had always know this and I am prepared to correct problems as they arrive. I look at it this way, sometimes fixing it is part of the experience. I know some people just want to hook up and go and never have to turn a wrench. I will say typically 99.9% of our trip are uneventful. But if that .1% raises its head, I will be ready for it. It is just part of the experience of RVing.
LCBoyer
Senior Member
I believe if you always want to have something to work on, buy a RV. I have never heard of one without problems, even million dollar bus conversions have problems. I am real happy with my Montana. It has some things that I will change some days. It is warmer than my $330,000 motor home was
1retired06
Senior Member
There is a group of people who consistently provide technically on-spot, concise, and accurate advise which has been extremely helpful to me, and Iripguy is one of those folks. Glad he is a forum participant.
richfaa
Senior Member
We have learned about our Montana from folks who post problems and the actions they take to correct them. We still do.
We learn nothing from folks who have issues and will not talk about them.
In our case we are not at all handy in the repair of anything. I look to the problem posted to perhaps catch a issue before it happens and that has happened many times here.
Reporting issues does not mean we "hate" our Montana's. We are reporting real issues and that is reality. I say it again. The Montana brand is no better no worse than any comparable brand and if I thought there was a better one in that category I would have it.
Montana service and their reps have always responded quickly and professionally to our concerns and problems. When our 06 3400 had the meltdown in Quartzsite and burst into smoke and flame. We made a phone call to our Regional rep in Goshen from the middle of the blinking desert and within 30 min he had a local dealer set up to haul the Montana in if necessary and
to do the repair. Now that really happened. Perhaps I should not have mentioned it.
We learn nothing from folks who have issues and will not talk about them.
In our case we are not at all handy in the repair of anything. I look to the problem posted to perhaps catch a issue before it happens and that has happened many times here.
Reporting issues does not mean we "hate" our Montana's. We are reporting real issues and that is reality. I say it again. The Montana brand is no better no worse than any comparable brand and if I thought there was a better one in that category I would have it.
Montana service and their reps have always responded quickly and professionally to our concerns and problems. When our 06 3400 had the meltdown in Quartzsite and burst into smoke and flame. We made a phone call to our Regional rep in Goshen from the middle of the blinking desert and within 30 min he had a local dealer set up to haul the Montana in if necessary and
to do the repair. Now that really happened. Perhaps I should not have mentioned it.
Ramblin Roadrunners
Senior Member
Keystone has been working on their website yesterday and today. They took down the link and info on the Big Sky. Montana is not listed under luxury or any other list. Changes are a coming. I can tell they are still working on it. Stand by.
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