Montana 36'

Front-living-room fifth-wheel trailer floorplans come and go on the winds of consumer
interest and manufacturer whims. Recent design trends, including more slideout rooms per RV
and more headroom in the trailers gooseneck area, have really changed the dynamics of such
a floorplan. The new Montana 3655-FL triple-slide fifth-wheel, which is a very popular
player in Keystones RV sales juggernaut, takes advantage of the additional space, offering
RVers a very appealing place to kick back and enjoy the lifestyle. We towed the Montana
with a Ford F-550 Super-Duty-based Classic Traveler from Fontaine Modifications. The
Fontaine with its Power Stroke diesel engine handled the trailer in fine style, and
likewise, the trailer cooperated with the Fontaine and gave us a worry-free trip.
Pass-through exterior storage bays front and rear, plus storage under the gooseneck and
exterior-access storage below the bed make for a flexible variety of places to stash
belongings. We found the pass-through spots especially handy for fishing rods and a small
stepladder. We enjoyed the many cabinets and well-placed storage drawers near the galley.
It always helps when there’s a place for everything in an RV, and since there’s also more
than enough working counterspace, we also had a place to prepare decent meals. For a
relatively new company, Keystone has been making a big splash in the RV market with
products that are priced right and smartly designed. The interesting new Montana front
living room model revives an old floorplan element and infuses it with new vitality and
practical application. For RVers searching for something different in a fifth-wheel, this
front living room may be just the homey touch they’re looking for. For more details, pick
up the May 2002 issue of Trailer Life on the newsstand. Then subscribe to Trailer Life – so
you can stay informed on the latest tow vehicles, tests and previews, RV equipment and tech
info. Fontaine Modification Company, (800) 366-8246; www.fontainemod.com Keystone RV
Company, (574) 642-4590; www.keystonerv.com