Any Montana High Country owners out there?

[svanarts]

I'm ping ponging between the Cougar and the High Country. So far for floor plan and weight the Montana High Country 293RK is our favorite. So much storage in the kitchen. We got to take a look at a few other Montana High Country models this past week and I really like the fit and finish from what I've seen. Was wondering if there are any Montana High Country Owners out there and what your impressions are of the unit? Which model did you buy and why?

[WaltBennett]

Don't know how many are here, but there's loads on the Facebook Montana Owner's Club group as well as on the Montana Owner's Club forum.

[Dhuhn]

We have a 2012 model 313re, we love it. we pick it because of the floor plan that we like. been a good 5er for us. havent had any major problems with it. the only thing I see is front cap fading I was too late past my warranty to get it re painted. I believe Keytone has fixed that problem with the new units. otherwise it is a good unit.

[Sparky]

I looked at both the HC and Cougar. I went with the HC for the basement storage, dry weight and I had ceiling clearance issues in the bedroom with the Cougar. My front cap has also faded, keystone was no help(out of warranty). Front caps are now painted. 26,000 miles with no major issues. Replaced the Towmax 10 ply tires with Gladiator 14 ply tires at 18,000 miles.

[pnwham]

We have a 2014 293RK. Have put about 10K miles on it and over 100 nights in it. We have had no real problems with it, just a few minor interior trim problems that were easily fixed by ourselves. Has never been back to the dealer for any problems. We chose it for the size, weight and floor plan layout. Love being able to get to everything important with the slides in like the sink, refrigerator and potty. With a little planning (access to pantry items can be an issue) you can just about live in it with the slides in. Would be happy to answer any specific questions you might have on this model.

Rich 2014 Montana HC 293RK pulled by a 2014 Chevy 2500 gas w/ 4.10 rear end

[gearhead]

We have had ours a year now. We had a Dometic refrigerator issue that took awhile to get fixed. Not really a Keystone issue, just poor work at the dealer. I replaced the tires with Maxxis. Added the 5th airborne hitch that helped a lot. I wanted a 293RK because of the weight, but the wife wanted the countertop space of the 305RL.
Add about 7-800 pounds to the advertised hitch weight for traveling weight.
We really are enjoying it.

[NotyetMHCowner]

We were after the 293RK until we looked at the 305RL. Our college aged girls will go with us from time to time and with the queen size couch in the 305, they have plenty of room. We also like the room the opposing slides give. But, we cant access any of the living/kitchen area with the slides in. No big deal for us, we just run the kitchen slide out whenever we need it on the road or in the driveway.

We really love the fit and finish of the HC. We have had a couple of small issues that we can take care of ourselves except for the leaking black tank valve that I will take to a dealer to get fixed sometime this late fall or winter (when we are willing to give it up for a few weeks!). haha.

[Jim7411]

I'd also like to hear the feedback on the High Country. The Montana has gotten too big and heavy for my needs...way too many bells and whistles. If I want a fireplace, I'll stay at home. Same with TV. Give me more kitchen space and storage! I'm lusting after a 293RK as well.

[abby33]

We have a 313RE. A couple of issues taken care of under warranty plus the fading front cap issue(still hounding Keystone about that). Other than that, the floor plan really works well for us. Tons of inside storage, the side by side fridge was on our wish list, and also the basement storage height makes loading and unloading much easier. 3 years and so far the cable operated slides working fine (probably be sorry I said that!). Ours is a 2012 model so we got the molded rear cap which is a very nice look. Our previous unit was a 2006 Cougar 309EFS 5th wheel. We were happy with that also, just wanted an upgrade.

[svanarts]

Glad to read about so many happy high country owners! I think the fit and finish was pretty good. I looked at the trim real close and tugged on things and nothing came off in my hand which was a good sign! I think we've finally settled on the high country. It's not waranteed for full time living like the Montanas are but I'm not sure what that gets you anyway.

[NotyetMHCowner]

We didn't think we would have any use for a fireplace either until we realized out much heat we could get out of it. Now we can use the campgrounds electricity for heat instead of our propane. We are very happy with out MHC.

[gearhead]

Yeah, get that fireplace. Wife likes it to knock the chill down without kicking the furnace on.
I thought it was the "cheesiest" thing ever invented at first.

[Campntwins]

We traded our 2007 Cardinal 33TBH for a 2015 High Country 305RL in May. Our kids are grown so no longer needed a bunkhouse and DH was ready for a lighter RV. Our shake down trip was from Texas to Florida. We are proud to say the RV survived IH 10. A few issues were discovered and it's at the dealership now. I'll post an update when we pick up the RV

The floorplan is what sold us on the 305RL. We wrestled back and forth between a Jayco and this one. When our kids do camp, there is plenty of sleeping arrangements and storage. We would read all the reviews, posts, visited several dealerships and just kept coming back to the 305RL.

Good luck with your decision.

[TomHaycraft]

I'd also like to hear the feedback on the High Country. The Montana has gotten too big and heavy for my needs...way too many bells and whistles. If I want a fireplace, I'll stay at home. Same with TV. Give me more kitchen space and storage! I'm lusting after a 293RK as well.
Jim, DW and I are with you on the 293RK. We've tagged that as our leading option if/when we upgrade. Currently, too happy with the floorplan and size (sure could use some insulation though!) in our current trailer to part with that much cash.

[jonbiker]

Our 318RE is almost as nice as our Mobile Suites was. We do not have an ice maker in the 4 door fridge or the central vac, but we do have a desk for me and an auto leveling system. I just got through installing a Joy Rider Shock Absorber system and wet bolts. It was a major project and could not have been done without my neighbor's tools, Machining, and welding. The shocks make a big difference. This is our 6th trailer since 2003 and is a real keeper.

[baybum10]

We had the Cougar and were very happy with it. Then we sold it and purchased our 318RE Montana High Country and love it. Floor plan and storage is much better.

[svanarts]

Seems like everyone likes their HC. I think I'm sold. I just need the kids to move out, the MIL to move out, to sell my house.... you get the picture. :)

[sillymonkeycat]

We just picked up a 2016 MHC 340BH about three weeks ago. Our previous was a 2012 Sprinter 311BHS. Our criteria was another bunkhouse for our 7 and 4 year olds, outdoor kitchen, fifth wheel, king size bed and fifth wheel. This rig certainly met that criteria plus we got 6-point auto level (love it), 2 air conditioners (two is better than one right!), side-by-side fridge and a fireplace. I always thought a fireplace was just ridiculous until I had the chance to use it. As someone else mentioned it is just enough to knock the chill out in the morning. The only issues (not really issues) are that its 41ft long and I'm still adjusting to backing a fifth wheel vs trailer...seemed like I could back the trailer with one eye closed but a fifth wheel reacts a bit slower on initial turn. Otherwise we have had two trips so far, one week long and we haven't had any real problems...absolutely LOVE it!

[danberg36]

Another HC 305RL owner here. Ours is a 2014 (first year out I think). We were looking at the 343RL, and then the 305RL came out, and we loved the plan. And we really wanted the shorter length (35'). We've had ours 1.5 years now. We really liked the floorplan because instead of one big room, it seemed to be a bit more like an apartment with distinct different areas; Family room, kitchen/dining, restroom, and bedroom. Fit and finish are pretty good. Storage is huge. Kitchen counter area is great. We haven't begun to utilize all the interior storage it has. Bedroom is a bit tight. Wife wanted a large shower, and we didn't seem to see a lot of choices under 35' that had it (other makes and models). We've had a few small issues, but overall, love the coach.

2014 Montana HC 305RL
2010 Ford F250 SD Diesel

[Sonic2467]

I went from a 2011 Cougar 327RES to a new 2016 Montana HC 343RL 3 weeks ago and both DW and I are very satisfied with the Montana. The additional 4" in width makes a difference at the table, there plenty of elbow room for 4 adults. The fireplace is nice and much quieter than the furnace.