New Monte vs old Monte?

[foldbak]

In short, everything was built better back in the day! **** I have a 30 year old fridge in my garage that still works! Keeps my beer COLD!

 

[Kfinnert]

Bootstrap -

I own a 2008 Monty with 4 slides. After traveling many miles along the west coast and then across country, I believe that the older Monty's were constructed better. Mine seems to endure the environment and road conditions they were exposed to far better than the newer models. So far, I have had no frame flex concerns, which seem to plague the newer RVs. Cabinets are still in good shape and remain secured to the walls and ceiling, doors open and close as they should,
and there are fewer gadgets to repair.

In contrast, friends that own the newer RVs seem to have issues that arise from day to day use that I don't experience! Such as drawers falling from the tracks in the cabinets, sliding doors jumping from the tracks, frame flex, etc.

I do like to tinker with the RV to keep it in good shape for travel. I added a few extras to enhance safety and comfort such as independent suspension, disc brakes, solar - we like to boondock, USB plugs, auto sliding hitch, etc. We have a surround sound system and good internet connectivity regardless of our location. Upgrades were cheaper than buying a new trailer with all of the extras!

Let's talk length. Longer lengths in an RV does not mean it is better; my RV is a 3665, which is close to 39' bow to stern. I am constantly monitoring my turns, lane changes, and assessing locations to ensure they are long enough so I may park for the evening. Backing into camping locations can be a challenge too; but all can be overcome with practice and patience.

With the newer and longer RV you may need to upgrade to a larger truck; maybe a dually! And, if you have a California Driver's License, then check the State Law for hauling weights and lengths. I had to obtain a Class A license to haul my RV.

I prefer the older Monty's. As such, if you are wanting to upgrade to a newer model, look to the pre-Covid years' models.

Best of luck...

 

[whitesub93]

Nope

The build quality is nowhere near as good in my opinion. I am a mobile tech and also own a 2012 3582RL. It is built like a tank. Very few problems and none with build quality once a few problems when it was brand new (nothing serious) were sorted out. Somewhere in the mid teens the build quality started downhill and it’s been that direction ever since in my opinion. A decade ago when you bought a Montana you knew you were getting top of the line. Now, it’s a crapshoot. We have done extensive remodeling on our Montana and transformed the interior into what suits us and there is no way I would trade it for a newer one. Just one guys opinion.

I also have a 2012 3582RL and was curious as to what interior mods you have done and if you have any pictures?

 

[bigred715]

Sadly we had to give up our 2010 3000R due to health and worsening weather patterns. We had looked at all the newer RV'S and decided our 2010 was a lot better looking with the newer finishes of gray which we did not care for. Traveling nowadays with the changing weather patterns, fires and flooding makes it a real challenge trying to plan trips.

 

[whitesub93]

Nope

The build quality is nowhere near as good in my opinion. I am a mobile tech and also own a 2012 3582RL. It is built like a tank. Very few problems and none with build quality once a few problems when it was brand new (nothing serious) were sorted out. Somewhere in the mid teens the build quality started downhill and it’s been that direction ever since in my opinion. A decade ago when you bought a Montana you knew you were getting top of the line. Now, it’s a crapshoot. We have done extensive remodeling on our Montana and transformed the interior into what suits us and there is no way I would trade it for a newer one. Just one guys opinion.

I also have a 2012 3582RL and was curious as to what interior mods you have done and if you have any pictures?

 

[Kfinnert]

Sorry for the long delay - I am not sure I understand the term mods. Are you asking model? I have the 3665 Rear Entertainment. Interior modifications have been USB plugs; I am going in for a second round of USB Plugs in a few weeks and will send pics of those. We have a solar control panel installed by A.M. Solar in Oregon to monitor the panels, controllers and inverter. I will send pics of those too. We added a regular queen bed with a topper before this trip, and it fits perfectly. Finally, we replaced the inflatable couch with a Staton foldout sleeper sofa. I will send pics of all and you can see what we have done around the RV!

 

[whitesub93]

Nope

The build quality is nowhere near as good in my opinion. I am a mobile tech and also own a 2012 3582RL. It is built like a tank. Very few problems and none with build quality once a few problems when it was brand new (nothing serious) were sorted out. Somewhere in the mid teens the build quality started downhill and it’s been that direction ever since in my opinion. A decade ago when you bought a Montana you knew you were getting top of the line. Now, it’s a crapshoot. We have done extensive remodeling on our Montana and transformed the interior into what suits us and there is no way I would trade it for a newer one. Just one guys opinion.

I also have a 2012 3582RL and was curious as to what interior mods you have done and if you have any pictures?

 

[daboom11]

Like Tom said "more money" As far as 40 feet, I wish I could have but too many limitations in my case. First is turning radius. I can do a U turn in 5 lanes with my 34 footer. Don't think a 40 would make it. I have a U shaped driveway and 34' is MAX to make it around and my storage pad next to my house. It is part of the driveway so the rig sticks out into it. As Johnny said, you are limited to camp sites.
I recently left my driveway turning right onto the 2 lane road and went a bit wide to the left. I hit the gate drove all the way to the coast and nobody even honked to alert me.

Ouch!

 

[scottandsusan]

We have an older rear kitchen model. We've had one trip where we lost some items out of the top rear cabinet. Now that we've learned to pack better and strap that cabinet closed we haven't had any issues. The wife loves the rear kitchen layout.