Montana 305 RLS

I purchased a 2013 Montana High Country 318RE in March of last year trading in a 2010 Sprinter TT. The Sprinter had a gear driven slide out and performed flawlessly for the nearly three years that we had it. The Montana has the cable slide outs and after a full season of use the cable system has performed flawlessly. The main difference beside one system is gear driven while the second system is driven by cables and pulleys is the weight between the two system. The dry weight for the 25 foot TT had a shipping weight of 6,284 with the one slide. The Montana had a shipping weight of 9,183 with three slides and 34.5 feet nearly 10 feet longer. Simple physics states that the heavier the load the greater the fuel consumption. However, aerodynamics also is a major factor. Though towing nearly 3,000 pounds more my fuel consumption has decreased. Weight therefore is the primary difference weather could have a minimal affect since the cables are exposed to the elements ice and snow, rain however would not be an issue. If however, I had a slide stuck in the open position because of a motor failure the cable is easier to access to manually retract the slide. Just make sure you have an electric drill to use the retraction tool. Another thing to consider is the weight difference between the two 5vers both shipping weight and pin weight and then the tow capacity of your tow vehicle that should be your deciding factor .