New 5th Wheel Owner

[sourdough]

I've owned bumper pull trailers of all kinds for many years personally. Pulled large commercial trailers (not semi) many years ago. Never owned a 5th wheel RV and never wanted one. That changed one day a few weeks ago when DW said she was fed up with the little laundry room and wanted a trailer with a full washer/dryer....and now I'm here...:facepalm:

I have a new Montana High Country 331RL locked down. They are adding the washer/dryer, Maxxair vent covers, batteries and slide toppers (which I worry about greatly). I am going to replace the OEM Ranier tires with Sailun S637 LRG before it leaves the lot. Tire dealer doesn't want them nor CW so guess I'll have those sent to the dump since I have no use for them.

I have many concerns which I would normally just "work through" but I've found this forum to have so many knowledgeable folks that I'm just going to throw out some of my concerns for input.

>The HC has a 10" frame. I am putting a w/d in the nose portion of it. I worry about frame flex/breaking. The SM at our dealer says he's not seen that in a HC.

>The range is not vented. Ours is and I use it a lot. I'm thinking I'm OK with that but it sort of bugs me.

>It has a residential fridge. I have posted that question before and I feel good about that change but it worries DW.

>Unloaded weight is 11, 500 and gvw of 14k. It only has 4 point leveling; I wanted 6 but have to move to a Montana which is even heavier. I worry about the strength/longevity of the 4 point. I'm not sure if I would prefer electric vs hydraulic. I can do (work on) electric and probably hydraulic but KNOW electric.

>Cabinetry. I thought the HC had hardwood cabinets. The Montana states that but not the HC. The videos on the HC show hardwood but I'm not sure about the entire cabinet. Our current unit has them and I don't really want less. The salesman said he "thought" they were all wood as far as he knew (been there a long time/known him a long time)...I don't want screws pulling out from "cheap wood".


Due to those concerns last evening DW and I kept running through all the info from Keystone, videos etc. and I sent the dealership notice that I wanted to move to a Montana 3121 they had on hand vs the HC. Problem with that was weight which I figured would have me changing from a brand new 3500 gas to another new 3500 diesel...but, the gvw on the Montana is 16k - in my mind that is dually territory and I won't buy one due to reasons previously stated. After talking late last night and early this morning DW again pointed the direction....she did not want the 3121 floorplan - the HC was the ONE. So that is done and I told the GM.

Long story and I'm sorry but figured it's winter, if someone has some time I am interested in knowledge of those issues or anyone owning one. I think I'm past the point of trying to compare units...I did/tried and it is now a done deal so don't need/want to rehash the virtues of either.

If you actually read through this I appreciate it; if you reply I appreciate that even more. :)

[Fishsizzle]

Congrats! I can’t comment on the Montana as I have an alpine, but can say you’ll love the tow vs the bumper pull

[Logan X]

I don’t have any input for you Danny. I did read the whole post and congratulations on your new trailer! I hope the purchase and transition goes extremely smoothly.

[notanlines]

My only drawback I can spot, yes I did read it, is the lack of vent on the range. This HAS to change. My money says you DIY before the summer is over. It will give you a little project to do!

[jsb5717]

The cabinet faces are solid hardwood. The cabinet boxes are "real" wood but are wrapped...not the end of the world but I agree about having solid hardwood cabinets.

[Vet4jdc]

I've owned bumper pull trailers of all kinds for many years personally. Pulled large commercial trailers (not semi) many years ago. Never owned a 5th wheel RV and never wanted one. That changed one day a few weeks ago when DW said she was fed up with the little laundry room and wanted a trailer with a full washer/dryer....and now I'm here...:facepalm:

I have a new Montana High Country 331RL locked down. They are adding the washer/dryer, Maxxair vent covers, batteries and slide toppers (which I worry about greatly). I am going to replace the OEM Ranier tires with Sailun S637 LRG before it leaves the lot. Tire dealer doesn't want them nor CW so guess I'll have those sent to the dump since I have no use for them.

I have many concerns which I would normally just "work through" but I've found this forum to have so many knowledgeable folks that I'm just going to throw out some of my concerns for input.

>The HC has a 10" frame. I am putting a w/d in the nose portion of it. I worry about frame flex/breaking. The SM at our dealer says he's not seen that in a HC.

>The range is not vented. Ours is and I use it a lot. I'm thinking I'm OK with that but it sort of bugs me.

>It has a residential fridge. I have posted that question before and I feel good about that change but it worries DW.

>Unloaded weight is 11, 500 and gvw of 14k. It only has 4 point leveling; I wanted 6 but have to move to a Montana which is even heavier. I worry about the strength/longevity of the 4 point. I'm not sure if I would prefer electric vs hydraulic. I can do (work on) electric and probably hydraulic but KNOW electric.

>Cabinetry. I thought the HC had hardwood cabinets. The Montana states that but not the HC. The videos on the HC show hardwood but I'm not sure about the entire cabinet. Our current unit has them and I don't really want less. The salesman said he "thought" they were all wood as far as he knew (been there a long time/known him a long time)...I don't want screws pulling out from "cheap wood".


Due to those concerns last evening DW and I kept running through all the info from Keystone, videos etc. and I sent the dealership notice that I wanted to move to a Montana 3121 they had on hand vs the HC. Problem with that was weight which I figured would have me changing from a brand new 3500 gas to another new 3500 diesel...but, the gvw on the Montana is 16k - in my mind that is dually territory and I won't buy one due to reasons previously stated. After talking late last night and early this morning DW again pointed the direction....she did not want the 3121 floorplan - the HC was the ONE. So that is done and I told the GM.

Long story and I'm sorry but figured it's winter, if someone has some time I am interested in knowledge of those issues or anyone owning one. I think I'm past the point of trying to compare units...I did/tried and it is now a done deal so don't need/want to rehash the virtues of either.

If you actually read through this I appreciate it; if you reply I appreciate that even more. :)

Danny,

We have the same camper. In fact I replied to your thread about the residential fridge. I can't answer questions about the W/D but will offer this.

The cabinets have solid wood doors. The frames and sides are wrapped material which I believe to be MDF? Not solid wood like our past unit but are nice enough that I don't worry.

We have not had an issue without the venting but we do cook outdoors a lot.

We love the residential fridge. The ice maker is a game changer for us.

My wife loves the double sink and larger bath. Friends with a 3121RL are envious of our bathroom.

I also spend a lot of time on the MOC (Montana owners club forum) and I too have concerns about frame flex after seeing the issue there. Fortunately, it appears that frame flex (actually breaking the frame) occurs on larger units with the opposing front slides. I have not seen one thread about frame flex on a 330RL or 331RL. Let's hope you and I never do!

I too swapped out the Rainers for Sailuns and feel much safer with the heavy tire.

After years of leveling with blocks and jacks, I love the 4 point auto leveling. I unhook the truck, push the auto level button and walk away. We used it one full season and I will say it seems solid on four jacks. No real bounce or excess movement. I don't see the need nor would I spend money to add 2 more jacks.

Last item, I did see numerous posts about the slide motors leaking and I added the drip pans to all three slides when the unit was new. So far, they have not leaked but better safe than sorry.

Hope some of this puts you at ease. We shopped fifth wheels for a year and a half before finding "the one". No regrets with our 331RL.

[wiredgeorge]

No range hood? Either don't use the stove top or at a minimum don't fry any onions. Hard to believe they cheaped out on a range hood because when we don't use our range hood fan while cooking on the stove, the smoke detector can be heard all over the camp ground!

[sourdough]

Danny,

We have the same camper. In fact I replied to your thread about the residential fridge. I can't answer questions about the W/D but will offer this.

The cabinets have solid wood doors. The frames and sides are wrapped material which I believe to be MDF? Not solid wood like our past unit but are nice enough that I don't worry.

We have not had an issue without the venting but we do cook outdoors a lot.

We love the residential fridge. The ice maker is a game changer for us.

My wife loves the double sink and larger bath. Friends with a 3121RL are envious of our bathroom.

I also spend a lot of time on the MOC (Montana owners club forum) and I too have concerns about frame flex after seeing the issue there. Fortunately, it appears that frame flex (actually breaking the frame) occurs on larger units with the opposing front slides. I have not seen one thread about frame flex on a 330RL or 331RL. Let's hope you and I never do!

I too swapped out the Rainers for Sailuns and feel much safer with the heavy tire.

After years of leveling with blocks and jacks, I love the 4 point auto leveling. I unhook the truck, push the auto level button and walk away. We used it one full season and I will say it seems solid on four jacks. No real bounce or excess movement. I don't see the need nor would I spend money to add 2 more jacks.

Last item, I did see numerous posts about the slide motors leaking and I added the drip pans to all three slides when the unit was new. So far, they have not leaked but better safe than sorry.

Hope some of this puts you at ease. We shopped fifth wheels for a year and a half before finding "the one". No regrets with our 331RL.


Thanks for the detailed reply. Buying the trailer in TX while sitting in FL is difficult since we can't lay hands or eyes on it. It also leaves a lot of time to dig around and worry. I again appreciate all the detail and it does put my (our) mind much more at ease. Now, if we can just get puppy through with the specialists we'll be out of here!

[sourdough]

No range hood? Either don't use the stove top or at a minimum don't fry any onions. Hard to believe they cheaped out on a range hood because when we don't use our range hood fan while cooking on the stove, the smoke detector can be heard all over the camp ground!


Thanks George. I try to do most all cooking outside or make a soup/stew/boil inside if I can't. I seldom fry anything other than bacon :). My primary use/need for the outside vent is DW; she loves her crafts and one of them is baking clay. For some reason the smell of the baking clay ingredients combined with the LP gives off "something" that really gets my eyes, lungs and nose. The vent takes it out. I'm hoping the fantastic fan inside of the new one will take that out so I won't miss the stove vent. At home with the electric oven I never notice it; but then the kitchen is bigger than our trailer....

[Vet4jdc]

Thanks for the detailed reply. Buying the trailer in TX while sitting in FL is difficult since we can't lay hands or eyes on it. It also leaves a lot of time to dig around and worry. I again appreciate all the detail and it does put my (our) mind much more at ease. Now, if we can just get puppy through with the specialists we'll be out of here!



Glad to help out! We purchased on a Saturday about 2 hours from home. We picked it up the next Saturday. So I only had one week to worry! :)

Happy to help a fellow forum couple and 331RL owner.

[Retired Copper]

Congrats! I know you made a good choice.

[larryflew]

Also an Alpine but cabinets etc are pretty much the same etc. WISH I had the residential fridge as we rarely camp outside of an rv park beyond occasional 1 night. Range vent for us would be a big deal but something you can do. 4 electric is easier to work on than 6 hydraulic. Only you can decide if that makes it stable enough for you. We have the 6 as an add on and still had them leave the rear electric stabilizers.

Need to check weights etc closely as you're probably close. Not a dually fan because of our non-towing use and just about at max but have had zero truck problems towing our Alpine a few thousand a year for 10 years and the combo was 2 years old when we got it.

2008 3500 Duramax/Allison SRW
2011 Alpine 3200RE

[sourdough]

Also an Alpine but cabinets etc are pretty much the same etc. WISH I had the residential fridge as we rarely camp outside of an rv park beyond occasional 1 night. Range vent for us would be a big deal but something you can do. 4 electric is easier to work on than 6 hydraulic. Only you can decide if that makes it stable enough for you. We have the 6 as an add on and still had them leave the rear electric stabilizers.

Need to check weights etc closely as you're probably close. Not a dually fan because of our non-towing use and just about at max but have had zero truck problems towing our Alpine a few thousand a year for 10 years and the combo was 2 years old when we got it.

2008 3500 Duramax/Allison SRW
2011 Alpine 3200RE


I think we'll be OK on weights. Dry weight is 11,580 per sticker. Payload on the truck is right at 4k. We currently carry 12-1300lbs in the trailer and that should not change much - in fact should go down due to all the "stuff" we have that never gets touched...or seen. :) We don't carry anything in the tanks. The kicker is 5th wheel pin vs bumper pull tongue weight. Figuring 13k for trailer weight (gvw is 14k) and 20% = 2600 vs 4000 payload. I'm also going with an Andersen hitch so figure about 50lbs. All things considered we will be under limits and should still have my 10% cushion - it could however be a challenge when the trailer offers a lot of pass through storage. I will just have to cut back on my fishing gear and DWs 28 pairs of shoes :lol:. I've already told her that her decision to make a washer/dryer a "must have" may have just pushed us into another, larger truck....I think that kind of went over her head, she's still in the "wash clothes" mode..:nonono: :lol::lol::lol:

On the vent I will probably make a mod for that but there is a fantastic fan right above the stove/oven/microwave so we'll see.

[Gegrad]

I am going to replace the OEM Ranier tires with Sailun S637 LRG before it leaves the lot. Tire dealer doesn't want them nor CW so guess I'll have those sent to the dump since I have no use for them.



Danny- First, congrats on the unit. I think you will enjoy it regardless of the cabinet material- The faces are still hardwood, so you probably won't notice much from the sides and guts.

Back to the tires- take them with you and list them as brand new tires on FB marketplace or Criaglist. You can easily get $150 for a set of 5 (I presume youare doing the spare). It will give you something back on that new truck and 5er. :lol::lol:

[sourdough]

Danny- First, congrats on the unit. I think you will enjoy it regardless of the cabinet material- The faces are still hardwood, so you probably won't notice much from the sides and guts.

Back to the tires- take them with you and list them as brand new tires on FB marketplace or Criaglist. You can easily get $150 for a set of 5 (I presume youare doing the spare). It will give you something back on that new truck and 5er. :lol::lol:


Thank you. I may do that. I'm not too familiar with facebook selling or craigslist. I did list one of my boats on craigslist once but have no idea what ever happened to that since I never got anything from it - just gave the boat to my daughter/SIL. It may be an alternative.

[ADQ K9]

Danny,
Read the whole thing. Just wanted to congratulate you and Susan. IMO a good break in trip would be one to Alaska.:eek: I am sure Puppy would enjoy it:cool:

[sourdough]

Thanks Mike. That trip to AK sounds really inviting. Always wanted to go there and hope we get there one of these days. I have no doubt puppy would truly love it...she loves the outdoors and "roaming".

[Tbos]

Congrats on the new rig. The tough part really is the waiting. We ordered our Alpine in Feb 2018 and picked it up in Apr. We did the same thing going back and forth and wondering if we made the right decision. Sounds like the HC is a nice rig. I am surprised there isn’t a stove vent. Enjoy and post pictures when you finally get it.

[sourdough]

Congrats on the new rig. The tough part really is the waiting. We ordered our Alpine in Feb 2018 and picked it up in Apr. We did the same thing going back and forth and wondering if we made the right decision. Sounds like the HC is a nice rig. I am surprised there isn’t a stove vent. Enjoy and post pictures when you finally get it.


Thanks. Yep, I'm one of those that finds it then takes it away. Looking at pics, looking at everything under a microscope is driving us, and the dealership, crazy. I told them I should have never done it; thought I was going to get a screaming deal here in the E and got in the mode and wound up getting the best deal back in TX - now "the wait", which I'm probably the world's worst at. I will post pics as soon as we get back and get it home.

[SOD]

Advertis those take off tires on Craig's list. The farmers love them

[Just chillin]

Congrats on your new rig, Danny. I’m guessing you’re picking it up from CW Lubbock. You know me and the DW could take it on a test run, just to make sure everything works on it so that it’ll be good to go when you get here.

[sourdough]

Congrats on your new rig, Danny. I’m guessing you’re picking it up from CW Lubbock. You know me and the DW could take it on a test run, just to make sure everything works on it so that it’ll be good to go when you get here.


Thanks Michael!! That is a very generous offer and sounds great! Let me think it over and I'll get back to you...….;)

[travelin texans]

Advertis those take off tires on Craig's list. The farmers love them

Be VERY cautious selling on CL, there's so many scammers on there they need to change the name to "Scammers List", otherwise a good resale source.
DO NOT deal with anyone that claims to be in the military, written with very poor grammar/punctuation & will pay more than you're asking with a cashier's check for a buddy to pickup the item, THAT'S THE BIGGEST SCAM ON CL, I've gotten this on every item I've listed within minutes of posting.. Plus ALWAYS meet at a public parking lot to deliver, NEVER your home.

[66joej]

Congrats on the HC Danny! Have you thought of getting the tire dealer to give you some value on a trade in for the takeoffs?
As Danny above mentioned it sometimes gets to be more trouble than it's worth when selling online. Up here we use an outfit called "Kijiji" and it's just as bad.

[sourdough]

Congrats on the HC Danny! Have you thought of getting the tire dealer to give you some value on a trade in for the takeoffs?
As Danny above mentioned it sometimes gets to be more trouble than it's worth when selling online. Up here we use an outfit called "Kijiji" and it's just as bad.



Thanks! The selling dealer wasn't interested in giving anything for them. We've been thinking about it and will probably just give them to a local fellow that owns a tire shop (good friend) and sells LOTS of used tires. These would be virtually (almost) new and I'm sure he can make something off them (we live in farming country and everyone has multiple trailers of all kinds. I too worry about trying to sell on Craigslist or most any other way. Only sold, tried to sell, items a couple of times in my life and it was always a pain - and that was many years ago = the world has changed a lot since then. I've found that it's much easier to just give stuff away than try to go to the trouble of finding a buyer for abc...for us.

[gearhead]

Congratulations on the HC! You'll love the difference pulling a 5th.
I've sold tires on my local small town newspaper and just word of mouth. Ranchers like getting a good deal on trailer tires.
If you're looking for a combo W/D, we didn't care too much for a Pinnacle. Our Landmark has a separate closet for W/D and I think I will order individual Magic Chef's from Home Depot. 5 year no deduct warranty for $75.

[sourdough]

Congratulations on the HC! You'll love the difference pulling a 5th.
I've sold tires on my local small town newspaper and just word of mouth. Ranchers like getting a good deal on trailer tires.
If you're looking for a combo W/D, we didn't care too much for a Pinnacle. Our Landmark has a separate closet for W/D and I think I will order individual Magic Chef's from Home Depot. 5 year no deduct warranty for $75.


Thanks Brent. Yeah, I'm torn on those tires. I hate to give away a new set of tires but I just hate to haggle with stuff like that. I like to give things to folks that need/use whatever it is. A retail dealer really isn't doing that. I'm still "chewing" on that.

I spec'd the Splendide stackable washer and dryer. I really wanted a mid profile 5th wheel and had narrowed it down to the Cougar 315rls or the GD Reflection 337rl.....then DW said she wanted a washer and dryer. Found you could only use the combo in the mid profiles, and that they didn't do too well compared to separate units, so, now it's a full profile.

Thanks for the heads up.

[CaptnJohn]

Had a. HC before the Montana — washer and dryer up front with no problems. Drove 43 miles from dealer to tire shop for Sailun . Tire shop gave me $30 each. Had 6 point electric auto level but the 5er was 43’ and a bit heavier. Pulled it with an F350 srw diesel. No problem over 2 years and 21k miles.
Good luck

[WA_Marv]

Just an aside. My wife also made a W/D a ‘must have’ until she did the research and we went to a local Camping World to see them in person.
She ultimately decided it wasn’t worth it for the following reasons:
1. They are very small and would only be able to do very small loads. So washing everything would mean an all day multiple load, or every day small loads kind of operation.
2. They pretty much require you to have full hookups to use. Meaning not teally useful if you are boondocking/dry camping.
3. Getting clothes dry mean you need an exterior vented unit otherwise its fog-time in the camper.
4. The are only good on slightly or moderately soiled clothes.
5. Extra weight (you’ve talked about this)
6. Yet another thing that can spring a leak and ruin your day.
7. Especially given #2 above, you are likely to be staying someplace that already has a laundry.

I did read your whole post and I sure hope the W/D turns out to be everything you want it to be.

Marv

[jimborokz]

Thanks George. I try to do most all cooking outside or make a soup/stew/boil inside if I can't. I seldom fry anything other than bacon :). My primary use/need for the outside vent is DW; she loves her crafts and one of them is baking clay. For some reason the smell of the baking clay ingredients combined with the LP gives off "something" that really gets my eyes, lungs and nose. The vent takes it out. I'm hoping the fantastic fan inside of the new one will take that out so I won't miss the stove vent. At home with the electric oven I never notice it; but then the kitchen is bigger than our trailer....

We have the 3731FL. Love the resi/fridge. Although we have the exhaust fan in the m/w over the stove, we had it a year before I knew you needed to open the vent outside for it to fully function.
Anyway, we have the Fantastic Fan in the center of the kitchen ceiling and it vents the cabin very nicely. We also have one in the L/R.

[chunker]

Wood matches, get some. The cabinet framing is most likely mdf or pressed board wrapped with a paper/vinyl wood grain looking stuff. When, not if, a screw pulls out use the wood match and some wood glue to "tighten up that hole".

Enjoy the new beast.

EDIT Add, when you figure out the mod for the vent please post it. I suspect my new raptor coming will be the same and I cook inside. Hate that smoke detector going off. Oh, don't cook fish inside either.