Forum Discussion

Diesel_Bob's avatar
Diesel_Bob
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014

May buy this trailer and need comments

We are seriously looking at a 2012 Keystone Montana 343 RL . Does anyone have any experience both positive or negative with regards to this unit??? Thanks in advance
  • Depending on what kind of rig that is, you may find faster answers in the appropriate forum.
  • You might do an on-line search for the Montana's owners forum. You'll find tons of interesting reading there.
    Quick tip; beware of leaks around slides.
  • While I can't advise you on that particular model, I can say that what is more important is the actual pin to rear bumper condition of the unit.. The Montana line as a whole is the number one selling fifth wheel for a reason. It more boils down to how the unit was cared for. A good walk through, especially the roof, caulking, etc should tell you a lot. I am super anal about every detail on my rig, but many people aren't. Most dealers do not spend the time to go through and detail every item and they will tell you that they did. With used, you buy what you get so look carefully and compare before you buy. Make sure to download a RV PDI checklist (Pre delivery) and review it before you get serious about a particular unit. Follow the checklist to a T before $ changes hands. You can find a good checklist here: Keystone owners forum

    Good luck
    Steve
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    I find it interesting that the length of that unit is five feet longer than my Copper Canyon, but has almost identical dry and GVWR. I would like to know where the weight went.
  • I owned a 2006 Montana 5th and it was a nice trailer. I was a bit disappointed in that it seemed like things just kept breaking - landing gear left me stranded twice, gray water gate valve leaked (even after being fixed once) + various just cheap construction things - loose faucets, leaking drain under shower, doors not latching, cabinet hinges breaking, etc, etc.

    Being one of the first expensive RVs I bought I was disappointed. I sold the trailer when the economy turned down back in 09 and bought a new Forest River (Salem) TT last year in 2013. Honestly, the Salem is the same or worse in terms of problems - water heater runs cold after 2 gallons, brakes and wheel bearings squeal and basically suck + same problems with cheap misc. stuff - loose/leaking faucets, hinges breaking, etc, etc.

    In the end I think RVs are just generally poorly built so if you've never owned one before go in with your eyes wide open. After I sold my Montana I swore I'd never own a Keystone product again. After owning Forest River and generally learning more about RVs I'd probably take another look. Aside from the problems I thought it was a very nicely setup unit and fairly luxurious.
  • what does asking about a Montana 5th wheel, got to do with Tow Vehicles?:h
    the OP doesn't even make mention of what tow vehicle he has.

    if anything, this thread should be moved to the 5th Wheel Forum.