We are very interested in the Montana FL camper 3710. But got reports yesterday that the rear end drags and the bumper gets damaged.The person that has this camper is really sick about it and has torn the bumper off twice..Any other reports or stories. Thanks for any insight or suggestions for other similar designed campers etc.

Not heard of a problem but some questions about this "guy": - Does he have the hitch height set up correctly. If it's bow high, that will put the stern low and make it more prone to dragging. That's operator error not an issue with the trailer. - Where did these incidents happen? Some driveways have a sharp change in grade from the road to the driveway. Was he boondocking on rough roads? Again, it could be operator error not considering where you are driving. If you are arriving at one of these situations, you need to stop/slow down and figure out if you can make it.There's nothing special that I can see about this unit, so I'm betting it's operator error.There are some things you can do to mitigate: - If the axles are attached above the springs, you can have it moved below gaining you 4-5 inches of clearance. - If you have enough space between the overhang and the bed rails, you can often move the hitch down which will raise the stern. - If you do come to a sharp grade change, cross it at an angle will usually help. If nothing else, have someone get out and watch while you creep slowly across it.

Good reply above, from an obvious boat guy! :)Jerry

I once had a 36ft Mobile Suites and it came from the factory with built in skids at the back. Only dragged on the skids once coming out of a rediculous steep and short gas station exit that I should not have used. Pure operator error. I agree that "this guy" either had a poor set up or operator error in where he was taking his unit.

I would agree that that falls into the "Operator Error" category . .Without seeing the set up that is

I would suggest you go over to the Montana Owners Club forum and ask the question. I know there have been a few that have had a problem with rear end drag on very uneven surfaces. Some have added skid plates or rollers. But I don't know what floorplans those were. But I don't know that it is any more of a problem on Montana than other 40' 5ers with long rear overhangs.

Montana Front Living question...does the bumper hit often

cummins2014
Explorer
Jan 21, 2021
TXiceman wrote:
We have been all over the US with our 40 ft 5er in my signature line and never had an issue with dragging the rear of the trailer. The trailer sets perfectly level with the truck and and I have a bit over 6 inched bed clearance.

My thoughts are that the OP is riding his trailer nose high which make the trailer rear end low and more prone to dragging.

Ken

Its possible he's nose high, many are these days with the trucks getting higher ,and higher.

I have dragged my previous fifth wheel three times in the 12 years I had it . 2008 Montana 3400 RL 38 foot long. It didn't have one thing to do with the model. Sure it was prone to dragging under certain circumstances . It actually broke off the wing nut that tightened my Steadyfast stabilizer on a couple of those drags. Totally operator error if you will, it is what it is .If you would of had your fifth wheel where I dragged mine, you most likely would have dragged also . I too have gone thousands of miles with that fifth wheel, sure doesn't make much difference if you put yourself in a situation that it can happen . Some can go thousands of miles ,but remain on flat terrain in ,and out truck stops , and RV parks, and never had a have a problem such as yourself .
TXiceman
Explorer II
Jan 21, 2021
We have been all over the US with our 40 ft 5er in my signature line and never had an issue with dragging the rear of the trailer. The trailer sets perfectly level with the truck and and I have a bit over 6 inched bed clearance.

My thoughts are that the OP is riding his trailer nose high which make the trailer rear end low and more prone to dragging.

Ken
Michelle_S
Explorer III
Jan 21, 2021
It's just the nature of the Beast. We travel level with our 43' unit and have dragged a few times. You just learn to be careful with driveways and other dips in entrance ways and such.
StirCrazy
Moderator
Jan 21, 2021
it would be no more prone than my 39.5 foot cougar. I have scraped it once and that was coming out of a gas station that was built up way higher than the road with a very steep transition. this was my fault as I didnt notice it till it was to lait. I agree that it is most likly not set up level when towing or just plain old operator error like mine was.

Steve
dblr
Explorer
Jan 21, 2021
Friends almost bought one at the Tampa show last week but the one with the sunken bedroom and loft above but changed their mind just because of this issue. Not sure one without the sunken bedroom would do the same thing
bucky
Explorer II
Jan 21, 2021
The floor plan would have nothing to do with it. It's a level issue. Lifted truck or hitch height issue.
JAC1982
Explorer
Jan 20, 2021
I would agree with the suggestion to go on the Montana owners forum to find other 3710FL owners to ask them. It is not a floor plan they make anymore. If I recall from the Montana Owners Facebook group, the High Country 376/377FL has this issue occasionally, but it's a different floor plan and has a rear master with loft above it, so the rear is lower than normal.
goducks10
Explorer
Jan 20, 2021
@40' long and the axles towards the center that leaves a big section from the axles to the bumper. If the 5er is a couple inches high in the front that will compound the issue.
FWIW I have a 31' TT with the axles more towards the center vs rear. Just exiting my driveway one of my stab jacks almost drags. I'm running 16" tires and a robust suspension and my driveway's not steep at all.
My thinking is the guys pin high vs level and thats causing the rear bumper to drag more often.
Sandia_Man
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2021
Typical of any long RV on steep or hilly areas, our driveway is pretty steep and I have learned to drive in/out a certain way to avoid scraping rear end. It is not specific to Montanas as I have never owned one, any RV I have owned over 30' has caused this issue to occur.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jan 20, 2021
fowlthing wrote:
Thanks for the feedback...my understanding is that it has happened on local paved roads...we do live in a hilly area.. thanks..

Hilly areas are very prone to steep grade changes as you enter driveways or even crossroads.

Just driving along a paved road with no obvious damage, I can't see how even with a low clearance you would be dragging.