Montana 5er Recall - Keystone RV

[SLVRBLT]

Prior to buying a used '99 Montana 30' 5er last month from an individual, I contacted Keystone RV (the manufacturer) to inquire about some possible problems I had read about on the internet concerning frame and spring hangar problems on their 5ers.



I got an immediate response from their National Sales Mgr. stating that they had a service bulletin and recall in effect on certain models and that the one I was considering was likely included. He also stated that if this unit had not been retro-fitted, that after I purchased it, I could take it to a Montana dealer, certified weld shop, etc. and that Keystone RV would provide the kit and pay for installation. Since the 5er was such a "peach", I bought it.



I took it to the dealer yesterday and picked it up today after the retro-fit. They welded 2" square tubing between the spring shackles (across the trailer) to provide stiffening for the frame and hangars, and also gusseted all the spring hangars pretty "beefy". I crawled under it and inspected and was quite happy with the work and the design.



I wanted to post this in case their were other Keystone RV owners out there that might need the same work done. I think that some of their other models are also included.



Sorry for the long post, but felt this info should be shared.



Dave

 

[RWorth]

Did you take your RV to Dean's on 21st and Mingo. If so how was their service? We purchased a used 5th wheel HH premier. This has been one of the best investments for the family that I have made. Thanks and congrats on the new rv.

 

[SLVRBLT]

Dean's RV

RWorth-



Yes, I took it to Dean's RV in Tulsa. They are on 21st just West of 169. This was my 1st experience with them and I was pleased. Of course, I didn't have to pay for this so it was a fairly painless trip. I did have to sign the bill they will present to Keystone and it was $546. 00. I talked to the guy that did the work and he seemed very knowledgable and said he had been welding for 15+ years.



I did ask them what their labor rates were and they replied, $84. 00 per hour!!! I can tell you I didn't see any rocket scientists or anyone else there worth $84. 00 per hour! Needless to say, I won't be taking anything over there that I think I can do myself.



Dave

 

[RWorth]

Thanks for the reply. I understand what your saying of $84. 00 per hour. If they are asking for that maybe I should I look at another field. Getting away from the utility field and this deregulation. I live north of Tulsa, Collinsville, and there is quite of few of us from church that gets together and we go camping. People look at us we when have a camp fire going when the ambient temps outside are 100 deg. . Anyway good luck and have fun with your new 5th wheel.

 

[JSoloman]

I'm glad you posted the info on the Keystone trailers. I just got mine back from the suspension shop that has down work on my truck. I had it lifted 4" with box steel and the reinforced as you described in your post. The tech that did the work has done over 60 of the Montanas in the past year and a half. Its the 99 and 00 models he had mentioned to me.

 

[SLVRBLT]

JSoloman-



Yea, I think the mods. are the right thing to do. The trailer and shackles look like they should after the mod.



If you want to hear the gory details on a 28' Cougar trailer that the owner ignored the warnings about the retro-fit, email me. It was on the back of the lot at the dealer awaiting a decision from the Mfgr. (Keystone) on the damage. You wouldn't believe the damage and it was still towable!



Dave

 

[Jetson]

I have been wondering about this also, since I have been looking at Cougar and Montana 5th's. I want to add a rack on the back to carry 2 dirt bikes. A welder told me most 5th wheel frames are strong enough for that, but most TT's are not. But then I started hearing of the frame problems and am wondering about adding another 600 lbs. on the rear of a Keystone RV. Any thoughts?

 

[TowPro]

I just read about this last night in Trailer Life. They also said Keystone was offering a 5 year extended warrantee on the frame when you had it repaired. At least thats what I think I read.



My 2000 Fleetwood also got recalled to have the same thing done. They welded a 3" tube between the center spring shackles, and some plates onto the frame above the shackle. Looks real strong. Only one fleetwood model (305G) was recalled, because they have the slide mechanisams mounted through the frame right above the spring shackle.



My dealer also sent it out to a welding shop (after I asked if they has a certified welder on staff).



I went back and read about the Keystone thing again last night, Yes they are offering a 5 year warrantee on the frame if you have them fix it! I don't know if its 5 additional years, or 5 years from date of purchase

 

[SLVRBLT]

Jetson-



The new Montanas, Cougars, etc. have gone to 10" beams on the chassis. The older ones have 8". Either way I wouldn't worry about it if the rack were constructed correctly and attached to the trailer frame correctly. You might want to beef the frame up a little at the rear, install some stiffeners and attach the rack like a frame hitch. I would make sure you got a welder that knows what he's doing.



If you ask the Montana or Cougar dealer they're probably going to say "no". They usually don't like mods to the frame, etc. unless they do it.



I am planning in the future on adding a trailer hitch to the back of my Montana to pull a light trailer with 2 Harleys on it. Planning on doing this construction and attachment at my shop.



You might ask Barry his opinion on this. I consider him the resident expert on trailers. How about it, Barry?



Dave

 

[RAMalama]

Jetson -



I have a two dirtbike motorcycle rack on the back of my fifth wheel. It's a Fleetwood with real cheezy frame rails. The welder was pretty experienced with what to do as I had it done in Sothern California (El Cajon). I think with the right know how, you could have that rack added on regardless of what you buy.



Mine is two receiver hitches welded on, one to each frame rail. I can pull the pins and remove the two cycle (no pun intended!) rack in no time. I can do it myself but two people make it a lot easier. If you'd like pics I could email them direct...



Ian

 

[TowPro]

If this is a newer Fleetwood, the frame design with the waves in it has a name (fleetwood told me, but I can't remember) This design gives them more stregnth with less weight. They said "as long as I don't use the rear bumper, I could hang 500 lbs off the back"



I was looking for a class III hitch that would spread far enough to match the frame rails, but don't think I will find one. My next move will probably be to do it the same way you did.



I need to carry my KTM EX/C 300 on the back.

Originally posted by RAMalama

Jetson -



I have a two dirtbike motorcycle rack on the back of my fifth wheel. It's a Fleetwood with real cheezy frame rails.

Ian