Purchase Advice Please Montana vs. McKenzie

[DiDo]

2010 3750FL Montana, new $56,600

or

2007 McKenzie Medallion Estate, used $47,044

Both at the same dealer. Would really appreciate comparison info and opinions on these prices. Both have double pane windows, central vac, king bed, corian counters, double fridge, and similar equipment. Neither have water filter or washer/dryer.

We will be in our 5th wheel almost full time, traveling in mostly moderate climates.

Many thanks in advance.

[Rick&Cheryl]

Not sure what the list is on the new Montana,, so its hard to determine what the actual discount is. I'd be looking for at least 25% off. The Mocha interior might be a bit dark but since I havent been in one,,that too is hard to determine.
The Mckenzie concern would be the warrranty and factory support. I'd sure be careful before I bought it, even though its likely a solid rig. If you still arent sure, I'd suggest you keep looking, until you are more certain of your choice.
I'd also check out Carriage and NuWa before making any decision.
When you buy for full-time use, you want the best floor plan and rig for your use and making a big purchase such as this you want to be as certain as possible.

[RVhauler]

The Montana's are highly popular among the Snow Bird/Winter Texan's and have not heard much being said against them so that would say quite a bit for them. Have pulled quite a number of them from factory to the dealers around the country and they pull nice.

[DiDo]

Thank you for the good info!

Rick&Cheryl why the concern about factory support? What specifically should we be careful about? This is all new to us.

What kind of differences are there between a higher end vs. a mid-range trailer? Obviously they are things that people value enough to pay extra for since I see and hear those 2 brands a lot.

[Rick&Cheryl]

McKenzie was made by Monaco, however, Monaco today is a different company today due to the original Monaco going bankrupt.

Differences are many times hard to see. Look for fit and finish quality, what is standard vs what is an option, insulation, and etc.
Competition is so stiff among the various mfg'rs, there's really not many "true" secrets, so if one rig is $10,000 lower than another, if you look carefully, you can usually find the difference, if you are comparing new rig to new rig. Comparing a used rig to a new, is more difficult.

[DiDo]

Great info R & C thanks!

[shipwreck1]

Montana is one of the best seller and a very well respected name is full profile 5th wheels, cant go wrong with one!

[marcusallen]

So, which did you buy?

[DiDo]

Haven't bought yet. Waiting to get the truck first. Wanna make sure we have enough truck before we spend this much. Have ruled out the McKenzie. Still love the Montana floorplan the best.

The Carriage ones came highly recommended by many. Just can't spend that much and don't want one more than a year or two old.

[450Donn]

A three year old orphan and they are still wanting 47K? Offer them 25K for it and be prepared to walk. If it is new and been sitting for three years there must be something wrong. Colors or floor plan must be undersireable. No matter what it is three years old so only worth about 25K

[DiDo]

The McKenzie is used. Yeah for that much I'd rather have new.

[Wayne M]

Dido, had a Montana 3400RL. Got the MH for physical reasons (push buttons to set up). Now the new Montana's are push button also. DW wishes we still had the Montana. You can check out the Montanan Owners Club forum and get any information that you want. Of course, with the name of the forum, it will be FOR the Montana. I have heard that this is the 8th or 9th year that Keystone is the #1 seller. There must be something about them that makes that happen. We had great support from Keystone when we had ours.

Good luck. Do some homework.

Edited: This link may be helpful Fifth Wheel