New Montana Owner in Virginia

[almo14]

Hello Everyone,

I just purchased a 2005 Montana 3400RL. My wife and I love the floor plan. We can't wait until we take it our for our first run. Before the Montana we had a 2004 Forest River Flagstaff 29BHSS TT. It was time for us to make a change.

 

[KO4A]

Congratulations,
I know I really enjoyed the solid towing feeling of the 5th wheel over the TT. Hope you enjoy your Montana as much as we do.
Good luck and safe towing.

 

[Parrothead-MOC]

Welcome. You are going to love your new unit. We lived in ours for the first 9 months we had it and it was great. I had a full functioning office set up and we still had room for our model train.
Happy trails.....................

 

[Northstar-MOC]

welcome to our forum. You have nice rig there.

 

[prariepoodle]

Welcome 5vers to the MOc we are so glad that you joined and look forward to seeing your post and hearing about all your great adventures...Happy RVing

 

[sreigle]

Congratulations, Almo, and welcome aboard! The 3400RL is a beautiful model and very popular here. Feel free to ask any and all questions. There are many here who can and will help on most any problem or question.

 

[Glenn and Lorraine-MOC]

Welcome Almo to the MOC family.

Got questions? Just ask!
Got amswers? Jump in!

 

[kvtaylor]

Lou
Congratulations on your purchase of the Montana. I am sure you will like it as much as we do ours. I noticed your from Manasas and retired AF. There are a lot of the MOC member that are military retired to including me. We also bought our Montana in Manasas.
Ken and Velda Taylor
Dahlgren Va
2005 3475 Montana
2005 2500HD GMC Crewcab Duramax

quote:Originally posted by 5rvers

Hello Everyone,

I just purchased a 2005 Montana 3400RL. My wife and I love the floor plan. We can't wait until we take it our for our first run. Before the Montana we had a 2004 Forest River Flagstaff 29BHSS TT. It was time for us to make a change.

 

[Wordsmith-MOC]

We too moved up from a TT about the size you mention to a Montana. I believe you will find that the Montana pulls soooooo much more easily than a TT. No more worrying about transfer trucks on interstates or four lane roads! Backing might be a totally different story. I was moving our old TT--we are trying to sell it--and I found it was actually easier to back than the Montana. That said, however, I am doing much better with the Monty; it just seems to take more effort from me, perhaps because of the increased size...

 

[The Wind]

Almo, Happy and Safe travels in your 3400RL.

 

[almo14]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I've heard that backing in a 5er is totally different than a TT. I've yet to pick it up (17 Aug) and was wondering if I can get some pointers and what to expect when I first back in the driveway.

Thanks,

 

[sreigle]

It is definitely different but is not difficult. Just different. You may want to practice in a parking lot somewhere. The FW will not begin reacting to your changes in steering input as quickly as does a TT. Part of that is because of the longer distance between tow vehicle and the trailer wheels. Part is because of the hitch location. You will want to move farther past the campsite entry before you start to back and you will want to start turning the truck sooner than with a TT. Likewise, start straightening it all out sooner than with a TT. Slooooow and easy is what works best for me. And small steering corrections. Then, straighten out, pull out, and start again. If you can find a place to practice, that's the best way to learn. Also, keep in mind you will do your best job of backing when no one is around to notice and you will botch it most often when others are watching. At least it works that way for me!

Maybe others can add some more pointers.

 

[kvtaylor]

I might add to Steve's comments that a 5th wheel cuts corners more than a travel trailer does since the pivot point is in the bed of the truck. So swing wide to miss the curbs. Our first 5th wheel tried to mate with a trash bin in one campgrounds. USAA fixed a 8 inch gap in the side of the trailer. It leaves an impression on you from that point on.
Ken and Velda Taylor
Dahlgren Va
2005 3475 Montana
2005 2500HD GMC duramax with edge attitude and 45 gal tank

 

[Northstar-MOC]

Let me add my 2 cents worth. When backing up--put hand on bottom of steering wheel--think of which way you want your tail to turn out. Say you want your tail to turn out (toward the right) as you back up. All you have to do is turn your wheel counterclockwise. And of course when you want to swing your coach out left--just turn your wheel clockwise. Give it a try.

 

[Rob Cooley]

Good looking new truck Steve. Hi everyone

 

[Montana_4350]

Just wanted to say hi to all of the Montana owners, we just traded to a Montana 3400RL,and pull it with a 2004 FORD F-250 PSD we just love the floor plan, hope we can meet some of the other owners at some of the campgrounds around here.(Tennessee)I mean but we do travel south, but hope to see some of you'll soon. happy RVING

 

[almo14]

onthego,

Congrats on you new 3400RL. I take delivery next week. Can't wait!

 

[Montana_4221]

Congratulations 5rvers and onthego. We are awaiting delivery next week on our new unit. We know what you mean about waiting. When I first started out backing in 2004 it would take me about three tries. Today it takes me about three tries and that's OK because I have a sense of humor. Also like to have someone outside spotting me.I found the little walkie talkies to be a good investment.
Enjoy your 5'ers

For onthego we are from southeast Tenn. Hope to see you around

 

[Montana_2005]

Welcome to the forum.. We are picking our 3295 up this week, and will be in your neck of the woods (for us Western Kansan folks.. two to three trees together make a 'woods').. But I hear there are REAL woods in Charlotte NC and environs.. So I am looking forward to some different scenery.. and hope we don't get Claustrophobic not being surrounded by sky..
Hope to run into some of you along the coast while we are at Carowinds for 6 mos..!!

 

[sreigle]

quote:Originally posted by Rob Cooley

Good looking new truck Steve. Hi everyone

Thanks, Rob. How you doing? Haven't heard from you in awhile. Sorry we missed you at the Tampa RV Show get-together back in January. Don't be a stranger!

We'll be on the road Sunday and Monday so may not have email for a couple of days.