sailor53
Sedona, AZ
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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To those with a recent Montana purchase, consider replacing the "Chinese Bombs" they use for tires with a quality brand. We have been very satisfied with our Montana until two of the tires self destructed damaging the rig. Yes, Goodyear stepped up to the plate and paid for the repairs and replacement tires, but we were inconvenienced greatly. JMHO
DW Barbara for 15 yrs
08 Ford F350 Lariat, PSD 6.4L, Ext Cab, 4X4, Line-X, DrawTite Signature 18K hitch, RDS 40 gal. Tank/Tool Box Combo, Mor/ryde RS suspension
09 Montana 3000RK, 10th Anniversary Add., Mor/Ryde suspension/pinbox, Spendide 2100XC W/D 
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Tom Holsinger
not applicable
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Joined: 07/19/2010
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My guess is its a combination of engineering and marketing hitting the sweet spot where most customers make tradeoffs between value and cost (aka price/performance). Montanas are hardly the best middle to upper-middle 5th wheels in terms of quality, but they're either significantly cheaper than competitors of comparable quality, and significantly better than most competitors with comparable prices.
Which hurts mass-market companies for big 5th wheels, such as Forest River, while leaving niche markets for higher-quality competitors.
OTOH, Forest River Wildcats and the better-quality Crossroads Cruisers are extremely effective competitors against comparable Keystone models. Those two just don't appeal to the same market as the larger Montanas.
The biggest threat to Montanas is quality control. Keystone has to stay on top of that. The types of defects which crop in Montanas should be watched carefully. Those indicating an unhappy labor force would indicate major trouble.
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Mile High
Denver, CO
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Joined: 02/05/2008
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Interesting - 6 of 28 spaces in the state park this morning filled with Montana. Not an overwhelming number, but the only brand here with multiple units.
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HawgGuy
Snyder, Texas
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Joined: 05/17/2004
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Tom Holsinger wrote:quality control. Keystone has to stay on top of that. The types of defects which crop in Montanas should be watched carefully. Those indicating an unhappy labor force would indicate major trouble.
I'd echo that. I have a relatively new Keystone product. Like the design, but the horrible QC defects I've noticed, and the sloppy workmanship make me wonder how much pride do the assemblers take in their job.
Bob, Theresa, Alek, Emily
2011 Newmar Ventana 3962
1994 FLXR, stroked
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LindanMick
Lee's summit
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Joined: 04/30/2010
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We went and looked at a few the other day. We looked at the smaller ones, 31-36 fter's. The wood was nice and I liked the sewage out water in panal. The remote for the slides and jacks was nice too. My wife couldn't get the fridge door open and the main outside door had some issues. It was a nice trailer and would be nice to have with the minor problems taking care of. We also looked at the lighter High Country, I liked it. 32 ft at 9000lbs., not too bad.
For now, we like our Flagstaff 8528DSRK, but you never know
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EricPatTravels
St Louis
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Joined: 08/12/2007
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We just ordered a 2011 3400RL can't wait to get it.
Keystone Montana 3400RL / 2011 F350 SD 6.7L
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davonelson
Pensacola, FL
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Joined: 05/13/2006
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I am not intending to knock the Montana but it is not "the best value out there". It is the best advertised and therefore appears to be everywhere. People should look deeper at companies such as Sunnybrook if they want their moneys worth. Not all RV makers have the wide distribution and and AD budgets. Look at www.rv-coach.com and see their owner ratings for example. Good luck!
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