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Old 12-06-2014, 03:42 PM   #41
NotyetMHCowner
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It is a Onan 5500 Marquis Gold that runs on propane. I have read several reviews about it because it is in some A Class rigs, and everyone has been really pleased and said it will run both AC's and then some. Being built in, and not having to carry gas with us, and worry about gummed up carburetor is the biggest reasons we wanted it. Also it is only $3500 installed. The cheapest I could find online for one is $3800 plus shipping and that wouldn't include the wiring and tray for it. I couldn't pass it up.
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2015 Montana High Country 305RL
Previous campers:
2008 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2603
1998 Coleman Grandview pop-up with slide

Trucks:
2006 Ford F350 CC, SB, DRW, 4x4
1992 Ford F150 SC, SB, 4x4
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Old 12-06-2014, 05:44 PM   #42
gearhead
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Sounds like a great deal. So, you're having that installed in the 305 you have ordered? Factory install or dealer?
I always thought if I ever got a 5th wheel I would want a built in generator. But now I worry about exhaust. We only dry camp at auto races and there are gens running all around us. Only newer class A owners seem to use the high exhaust extensions.
Be careful.
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Old 12-06-2014, 05:59 PM   #43
NotyetMHCowner
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I think it is Keystone installed because they do offer it, but it could possibly be dealer installed. We will probably get an exhaust extension but I will wait until we get it to decide. I think the exhaust of the propane is not has harmful as gasoline. I have worked in various factories and they would only allow fork trucks and such with propane power because of the fumes. I am sure you wouldn't want to rap your lips around the exhaust pipe though! lol.

We have never boondocked, but wanted our next camper to be able to do so easily. Our last TT only had 25 gallon grey and black tanks, so it didn't take long to fill up. That is one thing we liked about the 305 is the 93 gallon grey tank. The generator will probably run more for regular maintenance than for supplying us with power, but it sure will be nice when we need it. Especially for longer trips (which is another reason we are trading up to this fifth wheel.
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2015 Montana High Country 305RL
Previous campers:
2008 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2603
1998 Coleman Grandview pop-up with slide

Trucks:
2006 Ford F350 CC, SB, DRW, 4x4
1992 Ford F150 SC, SB, 4x4
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Old 12-08-2014, 11:36 PM   #44
WRDRAD
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More questions

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Originally Posted by NotyetMHCowner View Post
I think it is Keystone installed because they do offer it, but it could possibly be dealer installed. We will probably get an exhaust extension but I will wait until we get it to decide. I think the exhaust of the propane is not has harmful as gasoline. I have worked in various factories and they would only allow fork trucks and such with propane power because of the fumes. I am sure you wouldn't want to rap your lips around the exhaust pipe though! lol.

We have never boondocked, but wanted our next camper to be able to do so easily. Our last TT only had 25 gallon grey and black tanks, so it didn't take long to fill up. That is one thing we liked about the 305 is the 93 gallon grey tank. The generator will probably run more for regular maintenance than for supplying us with power, but it sure will be nice when we need it. Especially for longer trips (which is another reason we are trading up to this fifth wheel.
NotyetMHCowner.
I sent you a message with a couple of additional questions on your decision to order the 2016 305rl vs the 2015. See private message on details. Thanks
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Old 12-08-2014, 11:58 PM   #45
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NotyetMHCowner
Do you know if the new 2016 305rl will still have cable sides, electric leveler vs hydraulic and the light grey gel coat?
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Old 12-09-2014, 03:45 AM   #46
NotyetMHCowner
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I believe the 2016 will still have cable slides. It does come with the same auto leveling system the 2015 came with (if you get that option). I really hope it still comes with a light grey exterior because we bought a black truck that would match it great. haha.

The rep told me, besides the width going down 4 inches from 100" to 96", the changes are so they can offer a king bed. The 2015 only came with a 60"x80" queen and a slide to fit it. The 2016 will offer the same bed with night stands (which is what we ordered) or a 72"x80" king bed. The slide will have to be at least 12" wider to accommodate the larger bed so that is the reason for the added length. He said the Montana and Big Sky are on the same line and they are going to 96" width as well. With the added length of the bedroom, the opposite side of the bed will have a window seat (with a larger window) that can fold up out of the way. I imagine that will be where the little empty space is on the left side of the dresser of the 2015 model.

I would guess that they have had some feedback about campers over 96" wide being to wide and possibly getting some flack from law enforcement in different parts of the country. The maximum width on federal highways is 102". But when you add the awnings to the camper, you are actually wider than you should be. I would imagine that is a problem with a few law enforcement officers that don't have anything better to do.
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2015 Montana High Country 305RL
Previous campers:
2008 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2603
1998 Coleman Grandview pop-up with slide

Trucks:
2006 Ford F350 CC, SB, DRW, 4x4
1992 Ford F150 SC, SB, 4x4
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Old 01-05-2015, 11:49 AM   #47
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Keystone has updated part of their website for the 2016 Montana High country models. The "Features" section has been updated to include the 8 lug wheels, soundbar, 32" TV in bedroom, prepped for washer and dryer combo OR separate (I don't know what that would mean), king bed, and residential fridge with bottom freezer and 1000 watt inverter (certain models).

Now I am ready for some pictures!! They told me they wont start manufacturing them until February.

Its just nice to see some changes on the website.
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2015 Montana High Country 305RL
Previous campers:
2008 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2603
1998 Coleman Grandview pop-up with slide

Trucks:
2006 Ford F350 CC, SB, DRW, 4x4
1992 Ford F150 SC, SB, 4x4
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Old 01-05-2015, 05:40 PM   #48
dadnjesse
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exhaust fumes on propane in not as big as a problem as a gas run engine thats why you see propane fork lifts inside warehouses
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Old 01-05-2015, 06:17 PM   #49
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They have updated the floorplan diagrams now and we don't like some of the changes. They took the linen closet that was adjacent to the sink and put it behind the toilet. We noticed several fifth wheels we looked at was like that and never could understand why they would put the linen closet behind the toilet and not have anywhere to put your tooth brushes!! lol.

They also took out the large pantry next to the hutch and made a bigger hutch. That less room for food in the pantry.

They also moved the bedroom window over to where it is really off set and made it narrower (even so the rep told me it is taller).

My wife is freaking out over these few changes. It would have been better to not have seen the 2015 model first. These changes seem small, but we have "mentally" moved in and don't like some of the things we see. We are already spending more than we originally planned, so we don't want to start out not liking things. There is a local RV show this weekend that we have been looking forward to for months, but I don't think we will learn anything new.
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2015 Montana High Country 305RL
Previous campers:
2008 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2603
1998 Coleman Grandview pop-up with slide

Trucks:
2006 Ford F350 CC, SB, DRW, 4x4
1992 Ford F150 SC, SB, 4x4
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Old 01-06-2015, 08:46 AM   #50
gearhead
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My wife has a fixation about linen storage. When we built our house a few years ago, she wedged linen closets in everywhere. Cabinetmaker and myself were quite entertained.
Anyway...the linen is why she wanted the High Country . That and the larger refrigerator is mostly what got us away from the Reflection. With all the issues we had with the H.C. refrigerator and soaring pin weight, I sometimes wonder.
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Old 01-06-2015, 08:51 AM   #51
NotyetMHCowner
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What problems did you have with the fridge? Is it the 12cu ft 4 door? The problem is, we have looked at every other Keystone, and Forest River fifth wheel, and cant find an alternative that we like even as good as the 2015 305RL. I myself like the bigger axles and 8 lug wheels with the 2016. Especially the built in Onan gen set we ordered with it. But if Momma aint happy, aint nobody happy!!
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2015 Montana High Country 305RL
Previous campers:
2008 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2603
1998 Coleman Grandview pop-up with slide

Trucks:
2006 Ford F350 CC, SB, DRW, 4x4
1992 Ford F150 SC, SB, 4x4
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Old 01-07-2015, 07:00 PM   #52
gearhead
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Oh the fridge. It's the standard one...8cu.ft.? 4 door. First trip in July we go to the casino in Louisiana that is 2 hours from home, for the shakedown cruise. The 2nd day there we discover the fridge isn't very cool. It was pouring rain so we decided to call it done and go home. Get home and try running the fridge...not cooling. Take it across Houston to the dealer to repair. They called later and said it'd fixed. What did you do? Reset a thermal switch. Show me. Our Personal Service Advisor couldn't find it. Forget it. Got home and the fridge didn't work. Called the dealer...bring it back and we'll put our best certified fridge tech on it. So me and Jack went all over it in the service bay. He decided the sheet metal that forces the fan exhaust out the top vent needed re-positioned. Declared it fixed. Took it home. It didn't work. OK, time for me to look at it some more. Discovered that the plastic "hook" that the door latches hook into was broken and the doors didn't stay latched. Ordered a new latch from Dometic. About $50. Installed that. Discovered that the doors were so out of level (high/low) that they wouldn't stay latched. Eventually got circlips from the hardware store and used them to shim the doors up. Fridge still wouldn't work. I called a different location for my same dealer...2-3 week wait. Then remembered a RV parts/repair shop that I used many years ago. Called them...yes they were Dometic authorized warranty repair. Praise God. Took it there. They diagnosed chemical decomposition in the cooling system. Dometic approved and sent parts. Wrong parts. Dometic sent parts. Parts damaged in shipping. Dometic sent parts. Looked used, shop refused to install. Dometic sent parts. All OK, shop installed. Fridge fixed.
I think the fridge overworked/overheated itself because the doors never sealed shut.
I should have seen it at PDI, dealer tech should have seen it at PDI, first trip repair tech should have caught it, Jack the crackerjack should have caught it. Old gearhead the knuckle draggin refinery redneck had to catch it.
So.... check if your doors latch.
Ahhh....I feel better....I don't think I ever told the whole story on here before.
Now...that don't include the dinette light that wouldn't turn off. The infamous dealer 's tech removed the switch and ordered the finial (nut) that holds the globe on. Genius. I bought a switch from my new best friends forever independent shop and installed myself. Fixed.
In all fairness it didn't help that our "Personal Service Advisor" was incompetent and was fired in the middle of all this. And it don't help that I said I'd never grace their shop again, and sent some ugly emails to all involved plus the service manger, plus the parts manager, plus the make ready lady, plus the salesman that we liked, sorta. Of course they have 2 other facilities in the Houston area I can use. Just hope none of those guys transferred and recognize me!! LOL
edit...we really like the trailer, no other issues except the shower doors that don't stay latched and the front closet doors that don't stay latched. I added a 5thAirborne hitch because it shook my truck pretty bad. Changed the tires to Maxxis after the first trip. I'm pushing 2800 pounds pin weight. We just need to get this 6 month old trailer on the road. When you add the generator be aware of pin weight. I see you say your truck is a dually so you should be good. Go for it.
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Old 01-08-2015, 10:00 AM   #53
NotyetMHCowner
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Wow, that's quite an experience with a dealer. I know the 12 cu ft fridge is 4 door, but I think the 8 cu ft is 2 door. The difference is the 8 cu ft fridge leaves room for a narrow pantry beside it as the 12 cu ft does not.

Im going to use the Andersen Ultimate fifth wheel hitch. I have heard great things about it so hopefully it works good. It has been sitting in my garage for about 2 months, I haven't got to use it.

I started out just wanting a F250, but I realized I would probably get beyond the payload capacity, plus I would be spending money on air bags. Then I thought of a single wheel F350, but everyone I work with highly suggested a dually because of better stability. Then after considering 290 pounds of generator up front, and a washer and dryer all the way up front, I figured my pin weight would be getting up there, so we went with a dually. Plus I wont have to worry about payload and just throw what I want in the bed (with what room I have left since it is a short bed).

I have read quite a bit about the Tow Max tires and I don't know which direction I will go. I hate to think that after spending $50k on a fifth wheel, you have to run out and purchase the tires that should have come on it to start with! That's ridiculous. Did you have a problem with the tires, or just change because of the horror stories?
__________________
2015 Montana High Country 305RL
Previous campers:
2008 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2603
1998 Coleman Grandview pop-up with slide

Trucks:
2006 Ford F350 CC, SB, DRW, 4x4
1992 Ford F150 SC, SB, 4x4
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Old 01-08-2015, 06:26 PM   #54
gearhead
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No, I didn't have any tire problems. I changed the tires on our Cougar and on the Montana. Sold both sets of tires for $240 per set, so I recovered some of the bucks. If you don't change them you will be worrying about it. If you have a bad blowout you will be kicking yourself. I don't think Maxxis are the best that could ever be, but they are the best rated ST that are available. I just feel better knowing I have mitigated the tire issue to my best ability.
I went to the Houston Boat Show today. Dang if my "infamous dealer" wasn't there. I looked around to see if I recognized any of the sales folks. Nope. So I eased into their display area and peeked in a new Montana. They have the same cheesy lock on the glass shower doors. But...they have a new latch on the front closet doors!! The plastic straps are gone. They have a black iron gate latch on the doors to hold them together. Looks just like what you would find down at the hardware store! I'll be shopping tomorrow.
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Old 01-12-2015, 12:42 PM   #55
NotyetMHCowner
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Went to the Sevierville Tennessee show this past weekend and got to compare a 2015 Montana High Country 305RL and a Montana 3791RD that appears to have the same bedroom and bathroom as the 2016 305RL. The floorplan diagrams are identical.

The linen closet in the 2015 is beside the sink and accessible from the bedroom as well for restocking towels and things after laundry. The 2016 has the linen closet behind the toilet. It is hard to get to. You have to sit on the toilet or prop your foot on it to get to the shelves. They added a medicine cabinet above the sink also. That was the single biggest gripe I had with our last TT was bumping my head on the medicine cabinet every single time I brushed my teeth. That medicine cabinet will be coming off!!

The 2016 front closet has the washer against the wall on the right and the dryer against the wall on the left. The problem is that they open to the center of the closet! And they are elevated a little, so you have to slide your hanging clothes to the side to gain access to the washer then slide them the other way to get to the dryer. They also got rid of the vanity (that the DW was looking forward to) and added a window seat with a hamper below it.

The pantry on the front wall of the living area in the 2015 is gone and replaced with a longer hutch that runs the length of the wall. More storage space lost.

The pluses, for us, are 6k axles, 8 lugs wheels, generator already installed, and "newer" year model. If we were to buy a local 2015, it would be 2 years old as soon as we hooked up and pulled away. The Montana did have really nice night stands with receptacles on each one and a few cubbies on each as well. We hope that is the same as the 2016 305RL.

It just seems like they are going backwards a little instead of improving.

I am wondering if I could request, before my unit is built, if I could just have them NOT install the medicine cabinet and instead just leave it in the floor or something? I would rather not have the holes put into the wall. I may try to recess it or just put something else up that is really narrow.
__________________
2015 Montana High Country 305RL
Previous campers:
2008 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2603
1998 Coleman Grandview pop-up with slide

Trucks:
2006 Ford F350 CC, SB, DRW, 4x4
1992 Ford F150 SC, SB, 4x4
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