When Did Montana RV Quality Start to Decline?

[Bulldog48]

My 2011 Montana 3400rl caught fire (refrigerator) and it is totaled. We really like this model and floor plan. What year do y'all thing the quality started declining. I'm thinking around 2015, but what do I know.

 

[AZ Traveler]

If you find what you like, buy it. If someone has used it they have likely worked the bugs out.

 

[Derby6]

I have a 2022. Some normal minor issues but nothing earth shattering.
Just met a couple in a 2024. According to them an absolute nightmare. 54 issues never fixed right. Just went back in with a47 item list. All slides replaced, frame flex, roof/side collapsed.
Hearing them it was NUTS.
I think it was a used lemon they resold to them as new. Complete speculation on my part. But good grief.

 

[farmerbk]

ours is a 2017, It has had some minor things (valence pulling from wall, fridge issues when too hot (over 100 outside air temp) but has been a good unit overall.

We bought ours used, and as noted above, many used units have the bugs worked out. FWIW, we bought ours in Feb of 2021.

bryon

 

[twindman]

I think prior to 2020 the units had the usual problems. Frame flex has been around since before 2013 (I know). I wouldn't buy anything after 2019.

 

[Grandma and pappy]

We have a ‘21 3761fl that we bought new. We’ve had a few minor issues but overall it’s been a dandy. At 41 ft long it’s a little longer than what I thought we needed, but now after 5 years I’m not sure were I would like to loose 6 feet of space.

 

[Bulldog48]

We have a ‘21 3761fl that we bought new. We’ve had a few minor issues but overall it’s been a dandy. At 41 ft long it’s a little longer than what I thought we needed, but now after 5 years I’m not sure were I would like to loose 6 feet of space.

 

[Bulldog48]

Have you had problems finding park spaces for that length.

 

[DutchmenSport]

I've been reading RV and Camping forums since 2005. There has never been a year or a manufacturer or a model that was deemed "good." Even AirStream has had it's share of headaches over the years.

If you find a make and model you like, consider getting it. But do a through inspection first. There are no "good" RV's anywhere!

 

[Jay & Bobbie]

We had several boxes to check during our search for a rv. At the time, pre-covid and pre- owned were top of the list. We also took about 6 months in our search. Unlike you, the floor plan was not set yet. We did end up with a rear living floor plan. The down side of a pre-covid unit now is it is aging and beginning to need more maintenance and does not have some of the new modern technology of the newer units. To me, that's a reasonable trade off for letting someone else work out the bugs, as AZ put it. And yes, definitely get an inspection, new or pre-owned.

 

[flyingjack]

Bought our 41' Montana new in 2013 and lived in it 10 months out of the year= no big problems. Retired and downsized to new 36' 2022 MHC 295; love the shorter length; but, we only travel with it 4-5 months per year. Minor issues; BUT, did replace the bedroom slide from Schwintek to Vroom=no more issues.

 

[1wayhighway]

Bought our 22' new and we love it. There was a bit of a frame flex issue that we noticed and it was repaired by Affinity RV in Goshen (covered under warranty). We also had a couple of the roller shades that gave us a fit, but we replaced them. I guess we got a good one.

 

[cgeis48]

My 2011 Montana 3400rl caught fire (refrigerator) and it is totaled. We really like this model and floor plan. What year do y'all thing the quality started declining. I'm thinking around 2015, but what do I know.

I agree with the Dutchman's comments; make sure you inspect it thoroughly before you buy it, or find an inspector online and have them inspect it - they find stuff that you never would. It's not cheap, but then neither are delays on your trips or the expense of repairs.

 

[nitro9023003]

I got a 3440rl 2015 model and it's been great. I think quality and craftsmanship started declining in 2016 when covid hit

 

[Dfb]

I've been reading RV and Camping forums since 2005. There has never been a year or a manufacturer or a model that was deemed "good." Even AirStream has had it's share of headaches over the years.

If you find a make and model you like, consider getting it. But do a through inspection first. There are no "good" RV's anywhere!

I beg to differ.. We have owned many 5th wheels, Prowler, 2 Aljos, Kz new vision ultra.. Non of these had any problems... what has Happened is that instead of the RV's being built by RV Manufacturers they are now owned by "INVESTMENT FIRMS".. There are the BIG 3.... Thor, and Forest River own over 80 percent of the market.. Followed by Winnegego.. Since there are basically only 3 manufacturers there is NO Compettion.. Not for Quality and not for Price.. When you think you are buying a Jaco, Or Airstream, or Mobile Suites or a Keystone you are buying a Thor.. Made in the same factories. The workers are not paid hourly but by the unit.. So the more Units made the more the workers Make...There a Few 'good rv's" out there.. One is Oliver, another is the Bambi Airstream and Arctic fox.. There is a Channel of you tube called "LIZ AMAZING"..She is an advocate for the customers of Thor, forest River and Winnego. She has got the factories to repair and extend warranties, some cash back and Many 'BUY BACKS"... If we were to do it over we would buy a PRE TAKEOVER RV.. . Older units true... but no Frame Flex etc... We are looking to buy an older KZ Escalade or an older motorhome.. But do research and get an RV INSPECTION.. very important even on a new model.. Good Luck on whatever you decide and Happy Journeys...

 

[mlh]

We have two RVs. A 2007 Fleetwood MH and a 2011 Montana High Country. Both have been kept inside for most of their lives. The Motor Home for all of its life. The HC is in great shape and the MH is like new. We have had 2 Montana 5ers. The Fleetwood is definitely built better than the Montanas and that is allowing for a MH by the nature of it hast to be built better than a camper. Overall both units are built good to great. Can’t complain.
Lynwood

 

[Mark77]

No real opinion on year and build quality, but I have decided to keep, upgrade, and repair as needed out 2004 Montana. I have made 2 round trips from ND to the southwest the last 2 years totaling close to 9500 miles without any serious mechanical issues. I did have spring hangers fail the first trip, but those could be considered wear items and after 20+ years it was no surprise.

I did update all of the suspension components except leaf springs this past year with heavier stuff, mostly for my piece of mind. My slides have never given me any trouble (hydraulic)... no hint of the dreaded frame flex, no leaks in the OEM roof, though I have applied a new coat of some "white stuff" and I did have to repair one corner where there had been some minor de-lamination. Both original A/C's, the refrigerator, furnace and water heater work fine.

The downside, I don't have all of the "frills" some of the newer rigs have, but I think that is outweighed by the overall build quality throughout the rig... and I do have a nice platform for all of the dozens of upgrades I have done.

Not sure how many more long trips I will make with the rig going forward. I really don't like traveling... so as a weekend or week or two at a time rig, it will likely be my last one.

 

[Mikendebbie]

MLH said “The Fleetwood is definitely built better than the Montanas”

I agree! My ‘04 coach has well thought out features…little things that make me say “Wish my Montana had that or was built like that”. We have been pleased with our Montana and have only experienced small issues i fixed myself.

 

[ep4me]

I would not buy any fleetwood product

 

[Turd Furgeson]

2021 3121rl...been good so far..had a leaking seal on a stabilizer/leveler,,but that was no biggy...i guess there was the noisy water pump but that was an easy fix...