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Old 02-21-2020, 06:07 PM   #1
sourdough
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New 5th Wheel Owner

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...

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.
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Old 02-21-2020, 06:14 PM   #2
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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
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Old 02-21-2020, 06:17 PM   #3
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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.
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Old 02-21-2020, 06:22 PM   #4
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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!
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Old 02-21-2020, 06:40 PM   #5
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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.
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Old 02-22-2020, 03:24 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sourdough View Post
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...

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.
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Old 02-22-2020, 05:56 AM   #7
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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!
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Old 02-22-2020, 07:13 AM   #8
sourdough
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Originally Posted by Vet4jdc View Post
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!
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Old 02-22-2020, 07:20 AM   #9
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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....
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Old 02-22-2020, 08:55 AM   #10
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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.
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Old 02-22-2020, 01:56 PM   #11
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Congrats! I know you made a good choice.
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Old 02-22-2020, 04:23 PM   #12
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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.

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Old 02-22-2020, 04:45 PM   #13
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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 . 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..

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.
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Old 02-22-2020, 04:45 PM   #14
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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.
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Old 02-22-2020, 05:08 PM   #15
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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.

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.
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Old 02-22-2020, 05:40 PM   #16
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Danny,
Read the whole thing. Just wanted to congratulate you and Susan. IMO a good break in trip would be one to Alaska. I am sure Puppy would enjoy it
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Old 02-22-2020, 05:46 PM   #17
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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".
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Old 02-22-2020, 06:04 PM   #18
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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.
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Old 02-22-2020, 06:21 PM   #19
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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.
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Old 02-23-2020, 06:16 AM   #20
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Advertis those take off tires on Craig's list. The farmers love them
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