RE: New Blue Ox Bed Saver
There is an individual on another thread who says he dropped his 5er using a B&W hitch. He had the handle latched back so it couldn't close, hooked up, and then pulled forward without unlocking the handle. It can happen, but you really have to work at it. But then operating under that assumption you should have an alarm so you don't forget to put your slides in before driving off. :)
The thing that gets us fan-boys aggravated is the assumption that the B&W hitch can be mis-hitched and the 5er dropped. That can't happen, but yes, a person can have a brain fart and not allow the hitch to close.
FWIW you can forget to put the pin in the handle and you still won't drop the trailer. BTDT. The 5th wheel pin will not pull out of the jaws. When the jaws close and the handle swings to the rear the hitch is locked. Putting the pin in will keep someone from pulling the handle, but the hitch is solid even if you forget to put the pin in. I drove all the way out of the campground, down the road to the interstate before I saw it was not pinned. No problem, I went back, swung the handle and put the pin in.
Yes, I'm a B&W fan-boy and proud of it. :)
How to you figure one drops a fifth wheel, they have a brain fart as you say , is leaving the hitch locked in the open position not a mis-hitch as you call it. You can ,and will drop a fifth wheel with a B & W if you leave the hitch open, how else besides a high hitch do you think a fifth wheel will come loose. What comes to mind for me is leaving the hitch in the open position.
RE: New Blue Ox Bed Saver
This comment is for people that have not purchased a hitch. Or are thinking about another.
Get a B&W you do not need a bed saver, save your money. With their simple yet strong design as long as the kingpin and 5th wheel plates are touching the handle is closed and locked and a visual that the 1" thick silver jaws are closed around the kingpin it is properly hitched and no pull test is need.
This is amazing every time I read this from you. Let me point these things out to you on my REESE hitch , as long as the kingpin, and 5th wheel plates are touching , the handle is closed and locked, a visual that the REESE 1" thick BLACK JAW are closed around the kingpin it is properly hitched, and no pull test is needed. I will take one step back if the handle is closed on my REESE hitch ,and locked, then there is no need for a visual the jaw is closed. Granted I could paint the jaw silver or white, but why I don't really look at it anyway. The kingpin ,and fifth wheel plates are touching the handle is closed , and locked I am hooked.
So IMO if you do the things mentioned above ,and even add the pull test on any hitch then save your money , forget the bedsaver.
The visual really is not needed just another thing for someone to do if they want peace of mind.
Not sure how to take your post.
My post was for people looking for a new or needing a replacement hitch.
If you are confident in your hitch that is great.
I would be confident with any quality hitch, as I said before it is not the hitch, it is the guy using it. They all accomplish the same thing.
RE: New Blue Ox Bed Saver
I would paint the jaws white anyway, allows for simple check and peace of mind.
I have no problem with that, the problem is with the guy hitching not the hitch, if painting them white helps ,great do it. You can drop a fifth wheel with any hitch, you are fooling yourself thinking you can'tWell, we'll have to agree to disagree on that one. :)
What painting the jaw white , or any hitch can be dropped. I didn't think there was anything there to be disagreeable with. One can paint the jaws white, can't hurt. Don't latch any fifth wheel hitch properly you are going to drop a fifth wheel, is there something there that you are in disagreement with. I am not pro bedsaver if that is what you think.
RE: New Blue Ox Bed Saver
I would paint the jaws white anyway, allows for simple check and peace of mind.
I have no problem with that, the problem is with the guy hitching not the hitch, if painting them white helps ,great do it. You can drop a fifth wheel with any hitch, you are fooling yourself thinking you can't
RE: New Blue Ox Bed Saver
This comment is for people that have not purchased a hitch. Or are thinking about another.
Get a B&W you do not need a bed saver, save your money. With their simple yet strong design as long as the kingpin and 5th wheel plates are touching the handle is closed and locked and a visual that the 1" thick silver jaws are closed around the kingpin it is properly hitched and no pull test is need.
This is amazing every time I read this from you. Let me point these things out to you on my REESE hitch , as long as the kingpin, and 5th wheel plates are touching , the handle is closed and locked, a visual that the REESE 1" thick BLACK JAW are closed around the kingpin it is properly hitched, and no pull test is needed. I will take one step back if the handle is closed on my REESE hitch ,and locked, then there is no need for a visual the jaw is closed. Granted I could paint the jaw silver or white, but why I don't really look at it anyway. The kingpin ,and fifth wheel plates are touching the handle is closed , and locked I am hooked.
So IMO if you do the things mentioned above ,and even add the pull test on any hitch then save your money , forget the bedsaver.
RE: Maybe found my diesel.
The truck does look good and is fairly priced. Check the vin, early '99's had a smaller turbo that later 99's. My brother in law has an early '99 with 280K and it runs perfectly. Gets 19 to 20 mpg. My 2000 has 173K and I've had it for a little over a year and 10,000 miles. Great truck, great mileage.
This month a 1999 F350 dually with the 7.3 and only 63,000 miles sold for just under $21,000 at a government auction for siezed vehicles. WOW. That's a lot of money for a 14 year old truck, but when compared to the price of a new one, not bad I guess for a truck that should last a lifetime.
You are correct on the early 99, I own one since new, and have no desire to sell it, yes there are differences , but that appears to be the late 99, not positive, but the early 99 has the diesel emblem up on the front of the front fender, the 99.5 had them on the rear of the front fender towards the bottom.
RE: ARRRGGG!!!!!!!
Have no experience with this issue,don't even have our 5th yet, but according to our directions that came with our new Reese Pro, you are suppose to leave the landing gear all the way down on the ground before taking your test pull.
If you want to take the chance of bending the landing gear go ahead. No good reason in the world to not just raise the landing gear slightly off the ground. If it pulls loose it drops the inch or so causing no damage. I guess their thinking is with the wheel chocks in place it is not going to move, and cause any stress on the landing gear, maybe or maybe not depends on how tight the chocks. I just raise the landing gear an inch and be done with it.
RE: Caution - When installing LT 235/85R16's vs ST235/80R16
You would think that the number of Montana Fifth Wheels that have switched from the 80R to the 85R , myself include, would have brought up the problems you mentioned. Check with the MOC they don't seem to concern themselves with the size change in any year or model Montana fifth wheel.
RE: 7.3 PSD Transmission question
I own an F350 SRW 7.3 with the automatic transmission and just over 100,000 miles.
I've seen people talk about transmission problems, and wonder about whether I should have it rebuilt before it gives problems?
What are the symptoms of upcoming failure, or does one just suddenly stop working with catastrophic failure?
Is it cheaper to have it done before failure? It's easy for me to take it off the road for a while at this point, but not to easy while we are away with the camper on top.
Is there something wrong with it now ?? I have towed heavy with mine for nearly as long as I have had it ( early 99 ). I wouldn't touch it until it goes if it does. The one bad thing they have is a small transmission cooler, and IMO most of the 4R100 were killed because of over heating. With that being said I would install a 6.0 transmission cooler ,and a accurate gauge if you haven't already.
RE: Nicest/best built 5th Wheels??
Just got back from looking at the Bay Hill (Fife, WA) dealer. For the $$, not overly impressed. We also looked ta the Artic Fox (Silver Fox and Mountain Fox)...likewise, neither impressed us to change our mind on the Montana. Ceiling height in the Silver Fox, for a full side 5ver, was low for my 6'3" frame and I nicked my noggin on a light fixtures in the hall/bedroom. One of the floor plans with the rear kitchen essentially eliminates access to the refer when not extended...not good planning to my mind. The 3150RL has the refer directly opposite the door and allows full use of the kitchen and bedroom with slides in -- good planning!
My 2 nickels for what their worth.
The floor plan will not be very imnpressive when you have to take the unit back to the dealer for repetitive warranty repairs.
I know many Montana fifth wheel owners with no repetitive trips to the dealer, myself included. Sure some have problems, pick a brand that doesn't .
I know many that have had repetitive trips to the dealer for the same issues. As an example - 5 fluid tank failures in one Montana 5th wheel, 3 in another - same modle same tanks. The real measure is what is the rate of repairs required by manufacturer. The published reliability reports show Montana as having a higher requirement for repairs. So you can site what you think you know all you want. It isn't what you would like it to be. So what you are saying is that the new corporate philosphy at Montana is: "We are no worse than anyone else?" All RV Manufacturers are bad so it is ok if we are bad also. Sounds to me like you have never been involved in Quality manufacturing.
Dean, It is obvious you feelings on the Montana Fifth Wheel, it has been noted numerous times. They are no better nor worse then any other brand.
Let me get you up to date , I worked in Highway safety products for 42 years. Yes I am or was up to speed on quality. Few know what has to go into quality control on the product we built. Pretty important stuff when it has to perform when we run cars ,and trucks into the guardrail ,bridgerail, cable rail ,extruders etc ect. Peoples lives depend on the quality of our product,so yes I do know a thing or two about quality control.
Were they no worse than others? Did they all perform to expectation? Unfortunately those drivers that met up with substandard items probably didn't live to report it.
Trust me ,we had quality checks in place, substandard as you call it didn't leave the plant.
It may surprise you ,you are not the only one on the planet that understands quality. I purchased a fifth with no illusions, there are plenty like you on the internet to tell us what junk the rv's are. I must of been one of the rare ones that got to date four good rv's. Lucky me.
RE: Nicest/best built 5th Wheels??
Just got back from looking at the Bay Hill (Fife, WA) dealer. For the $$, not overly impressed. We also looked ta the Artic Fox (Silver Fox and Mountain Fox)...likewise, neither impressed us to change our mind on the Montana. Ceiling height in the Silver Fox, for a full side 5ver, was low for my 6'3" frame and I nicked my noggin on a light fixtures in the hall/bedroom. One of the floor plans with the rear kitchen essentially eliminates access to the refer when not extended...not good planning to my mind. The 3150RL has the refer directly opposite the door and allows full use of the kitchen and bedroom with slides in -- good planning!
My 2 nickels for what their worth.
The floor plan will not be very imnpressive when you have to take the unit back to the dealer for repetitive warranty repairs.
I know many Montana fifth wheel owners with no repetitive trips to the dealer, myself included. Sure some have problems, pick a brand that doesn't .
I know many that have had repetitive trips to the dealer for the same issues. As an example - 5 fluid tank failures in one Montana 5th wheel, 3 in another - same modle same tanks. The real measure is what is the rate of repairs required by manufacturer. The published reliability reports show Montana as having a higher requirement for repairs. So you can site what you think you know all you want. It isn't what you would like it to be. So what you are saying is that the new corporate philosphy at Montana is: "We are no worse than anyone else?" All RV Manufacturers are bad so it is ok if we are bad also. Sounds to me like you have never been involved in Quality manufacturing.
Dean, It is obvious you feelings on the Montana Fifth Wheel, it has been noted numerous times. They are no better nor worse then any other brand.
Let me get you up to date , I worked in Highway safety products for 42 years. Yes I am or was up to speed on quality. Few know what has to go into quality control on the product we built. Pretty important stuff when it has to perform when we run cars ,and trucks into the guardrail ,bridgerail, cable rail ,extruders etc ect. Peoples lives depend on the quality of our product,so yes I do know a thing or two about quality control.
RE: Nicest/best built 5th Wheels??
Just got back from looking at the Bay Hill (Fife, WA) dealer. For the $$, not overly impressed. We also looked ta the Artic Fox (Silver Fox and Mountain Fox)...likewise, neither impressed us to change our mind on the Montana. Ceiling height in the Silver Fox, for a full side 5ver, was low for my 6'3" frame and I nicked my noggin on a light fixtures in the hall/bedroom. One of the floor plans with the rear kitchen essentially eliminates access to the refer when not extended...not good planning to my mind. The 3150RL has the refer directly opposite the door and allows full use of the kitchen and bedroom with slides in -- good planning!
My 2 nickels for what their worth.
The floor plan will not be very imnpressive when you have to take the unit back to the dealer for repetitive warranty repairs.
I know many Montana fifth wheel owners with no repetitive trips to the dealer, myself included. Sure some have problems, pick a brand that doesn't .
RE: LT vs ST tires
My current tires are ST235/80R16 E rated. My trailer fully loaded weighs 14,400 lbs and the pin weight is about 2450 lbs. My axles are rated at 7,000 lbs.
Thanks. That narrows a search down a bunch however you can forget all the LT E and XPS Ribs recommendations for your 7k axles.
Your ST235/80-16 E tire has 3500 lbs of capacity.
The LT235/85-16 E tire has 3042 lbs of capacity.
The Goodyear G614 load range G with 110 psi at 3750 lb capacity. Your wheels will require 110 psi rating which theu may have.
Another popular upgrade is going to a 17.5 " wheels and commercial grade LT tires. The 215/75R-17.5" is about the same diameter as your current tires.
Voice of reason, Some do not get this.
RE: What size Bottle Jack is appropriate?
It may surprise some ,but my OEM jack that came with my truck will lift a wheel on my fifth wheel which is around 13.5K. I tried it to see, and it really was not that much effort to lift one wheel. I no longer lug around my bottle jacks. Between my truck jack, and GS Roadside I am covered. For home use I have 12 ton's, they do whatever one needs, but on the road they stay home.
Yep same here, don't carry the extra iron when not necessary. I gave the ole F250 jack a test one day. Blowout on the rear truck tire. Twas jacking it up when a wrecker driver stopped to "give advice and make some money." Said hey you will have to unhitch the fifth wheel before you jack it up. I already had the truck jack shored up and was in the process of cranking the thing up. I was nice to him and said that I would be fine. He shook his head and blew some black smoke on me when he left. The truck jack lifted it with ease. You can always give it a try before hauling more weight around.
I am sure you have the same jack that I do in my F350. They lift very well. Got tired of lugging around stuff that either I don't use at all ,or like my bottle jacks that might be needed. Looked for better options, less weight etc etc .
RE: What size Bottle Jack is appropriate?
It may surprise some ,but my OEM jack that came with my truck will lift a wheel on my fifth wheel which is around 13.5K. I tried it to see, and it really was not that much effort to lift one wheel. I no longer lug around my bottle jacks. Between my truck jack, and GS Roadside I am covered. For home use I have 12 ton's, they do whatever one needs, but on the road they stay home.
It may surprise you to know that the OP didn't ask whether he needed one or not. He asked what size.
I know what he asked,and it was answered, read my post again, 12 TON, just gave another option, like lugging around a refillable air tank, there are many things we don't need to haul around, there are better options. You might try it, it might be a little easier on those tires of yours. Could cut down on your blowouts.
RE: What size Bottle Jack is appropriate?
It may surprise some ,but my OEM jack that came with my truck will lift a wheel on my fifth wheel which is around 13.5K. I tried it to see, and it really was not that much effort to lift one wheel. I no longer lug around my bottle jacks. Between my truck jack, and GS Roadside I am covered. For home use I have 12 ton's, they do whatever one needs, but on the road they stay home.
RE: Air Compressors - AGAIN!
You need a minimum of 150 psi to easily fill the 110psi pressure you need.
I have found that I can easily fill my 110 psi tires using my craftsman 125 psi compressor by allowing the air from the tank to get low enough to start the compressor pump. Once the pump has started, it will easily push the 110 psi needed for the tires. If you have 110+ psi in the tank and start to fill the tire, the pressure will drop below 110 psi but it may NOT start the compressor and will therefore NOT push 110 psi. However if you drain the tank pressure just enough to start the compressor (just bleed a little air out), you are home free.
Same here - The Craftsman 3 gallon easly stores in the front corner of baesment and is easy to carry over to another site to help someone that is out of hose reach. I got good rubber hose and fittings as I didn't care for what came with the compresor. Randu
I too have the same Craftsman Compressor, have never tried to inflate my G614's to 110 psi. with it. It inflates my truck tires to 80 psi. no problem. Have you used yours to inflate to 110 psi. I inflated my G614's with a larger compressor in my garage, and have never had to add air out on the road. It is a great little compressor
RE: Firestone ride rite air springs...
I don 't know what the configuration is on your truck but I can tell you they don't fit properly on a 2003 Ford F250 4wd Lariat ext cab with long bed.
They must have made a drastic change in your 2003 Superduty configuration compared to the Early 99-2002 Superduty. I have personally installed Firestone air bags on both the early 99, and a friends 2002. They fit just fine ,not a problem with them. Mine have been on the truck nearly 7 years, and the friends for 6. I would think if they didn't fit I would have taken them back to where I bought them.
The dealer contacted Firestone since they couldn't get them to fit properly. Firestone told the dealer to modify the truck until they fit properly. I wouldn't allow them to make changes to the truck.
Well all I can say is you are a first, never heard of anyone complaining they don't fit. I would be totally surprised if your suspension is any different then the 99-2002. There is not one bit of difference between my early 99 ,and my friends 2002, they both took the same kit.
Unless you have my exact 2003 truck configuration you don't know what you are talking about.
That may be true if you have made changes to your OEM suspension, but if not you have nothing different then the rest, and I do know what I am talking about. I would suggest you tell the rest of the forum your special one of a kind suspension configuration, that makes these air bag kits not fit properly to your special configuration . It may save some guy some grief down the road.
RE: Keysone Montana 3900FB
We love our Montana, so obviously I'm prejudiced. lol. Welcome to the club.
X2. Love our 3585SA Monty!! Also really enjoy the MOC Forum. Great source of info on the Montys!!
We too love the Montana fifth wheel, can't say I really enjoy the MOC, but it's not a bad place for info, but too clicky for me. All you need to do is go to Quartzsite to find that out. It took me twice, but I learned.
DW and I have never been Quartzsite but I have made a few nice friends on the MOC Forum most notably LonnieB, the tire expert there as we also talk back and forth on Facebook.
I will back up a little, we now have some very good friends that we met in Quartzsite, matter of fact spent some time with them in the Grand Cayman this winter.
RE: Firestone ride rite air springs...
Something wasn't right with your installation. I chose the Firestones because they were bolt in without any truck modification required. Either the dealer had tried to fit the wrong kit to your truck or they did not know what they were doing. It was an easy installation done in my driveway that did not require jacking up the truck or even removing the wheels when I did mine.
Same here
