Fifth wheel choices...help!

[96Tony]

We're considering four fivers, and wonder if anyone has pro/con opinions about these rigs.
All are pretty similar in price, low $40's.

Expected use would be warm-weather snowbirding, with medium travel distances between various 3-4 week stays.

1) 2011 Montana 3400RL (used, but in very good shape)
2) 2011 Montana 3465SA (almost unused, stored indoors)
3) 2013 Montana High Country 343RL (brand new)
4) 2014 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS

All opinions are welcome, thanks in advance!

[Ron_Nielson]

Thermopane windows is a must. Warmer in winter, less condensation, quieter all year, cooler in the summer. Can't see in during daytime, so some added security.

[Mile_High]

Just note that the High Country is a "light weight" alternative to the normal Montana line. It is even lighter than the Mountaineer. With that, if you are towing with a 3/4 ton truck it has advantages, but if you are towing with a larger truck, I think you would be sacrificing some rugged construction (frame, suspension) with the High Country vs a standard Montana. (Do some research on what "Helium Technology" really means, then compare tires, axle ratings, cargo capacity, etc.

[mickose]

I am also looking at both the Montana High Country and The Reflection. The post about the black tank being to small does not fit the specs for the High Country. My info shows it has a 50 gallon capacity which still might be to small if you do a lot of boon docking. The Reflection has even less at 43 gallons. Still don't know which to go with myself since they are quite favorably comparable to each other. .

[miboje]

Dog Folks wrote:

96Tony wrote:


Expected use would be warm-weather snow birding, with medium travel distances between various 3-4 week stays.

Regardless of the brand get one with good insulation. We expected the very same thing. We were going to "stay in the sun." We were always going to be in moderate weather. That does no happen.

From 8 years experience let me share with you: It is going to happen that you be in low or freezing temps despite your best planning. Get one with good insulation.

RE:Insulation - That's very good advice.

[RVcrazy]

I would suggest an alternate in your price range: Nuwa Hitchhiker Discover America. The former manufacturing facility checks over any used units and fixes whatever needs it before offering the unit for sale. They are good people to work with. http://www.kansasrvcenter.com

Good luck on your choice!

[laknox]

96Tony wrote:
We're considering four fivers, and wonder if anyone has pro/con opinions about these rigs.
All are pretty similar in price, low $40's.

Expected use would be warm-weather snowbirding, with medium travel distances between various 3-4 week stays.

1) 2011 Montana 3400RL (used, but in very good shape)
2) 2011 Montana 3465SA (almost unused, stored indoors)
3) 2013 Montana High Country 343RL (brand new)
4) 2014 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS

All opinions are welcome, thanks in advance!

If you plan on doing =any= boondocking, cross the High Country off your list. With only a 28 gal black tank, you'll be very limited...unless you like pooping in the woods after it gets full. I've seen < 20' travel trailers with nearly double the black capacity. I've crossed the High Country off my list because of this. That being said, the Grand Design is probably better overall quality than the Montanas, from what I've read around the various forums.

Lyle

[n7bsn]

If I was going with the used, I would tend to the one stored indoors.

RVs are NOT designed to be out in the weather, unheated, unoccupied in all kinds of weather. The weather gets to them and bad things happen.

[cummins2014]

2-MTnesters wrote:
We have the 2010 Montana 3400RL and love it. More than enough cabinet storage and the belly storage is large enough to carry all of my junk. Also the remote that operates all of the slides, jacks, awning etc. is a very nice feature. I did purchase a set of scissors jacks and place in front of the forward axel when set up just to eliminate frame flex/bounce. That accompanied with the SteadyFast stabilizers has made it rock solid. If the 5er that you are looking at does not have the second air in the bedroom I would highly recommend having one installed because these campers are really to large for a single unit in my opinion. The build quality seems to be very good and so far have not had anything go wrong with the exception of the wheel seals giving out and coating the brakes with grease but Dexter made good on that by supplying all new brake assemblies and seals. There is also a Montana Owners Forum that you may want to join and ask all the questions you want. Great group of people and a wealth of information. HERE is a link to the MOC forum. Good luck and happy travels with whichever 5er you decide to get. Tim

Having a little older 3400RL a 2008, it has been a pretty trouble free rig, I echo pretty much what has been said above. They are not known for their great graphics, which is my only real complaint, but then many other brands have the same graphic issues. Good luck with your choice.

[Traveler_II]

A good used rig gives more bang for the buck. Floor plan is important, it what you see every time you use it. But speaking for the guy that has to fix things, make sure the frame, suspension tires are in good shape.

[Dog_Folks]

96Tony wrote:


Expected use would be warm-weather snow birding, with medium travel distances between various 3-4 week stays.

Regardless of the brand get one with good insulation. We expected the very same thing. We were going to "stay in the sun." We were always going to be in moderate weather. That does no happen.

From 8 years experience let me share with you: It is going to happen that you be in low or freezing temps despite your best planning. Get one with good insulation.

[randeez2001]

I've always been told...."go with the Floorplan that suits you best".

[2-MTnesters]

We have the 2010 Montana 3400RL and love it. More than enough cabinet storage and the belly storage is large enough to carry all of my junk. Also the remote that operates all of the slides, jacks, awning etc. is a very nice feature. I did purchase a set of scissors jacks and place in front of the forward axel when set up just to eliminate frame flex/bounce. That accompanied with the SteadyFast stabilizers has made it rock solid. If the 5er that you are looking at does not have the second air in the bedroom I would highly recommend having one installed because these campers are really to large for a single unit in my opinion. The build quality seems to be very good and so far have not had anything go wrong with the exception of the wheel seals giving out and coating the brakes with grease but Dexter made good on that by supplying all new brake assemblies and seals. There is also a Montana Owners Forum that you may want to join and ask all the questions you want. Great group of people and a wealth of information. HERE is a link to the MOC forum. Good luck and happy travels with whichever 5er you decide to get. Tim

[donn0128]

Three of the four are Thor products. Montana claims to be the number one selling fifth wheel on the market. Since two of them are are used, condition is your number one criteria. No one can legitimately tell you any more, because after all it is your money and YOU and DW are the ones that have to be happy with your choice not us.