Open Range - RV-Dreams Community Forum

RonandJacki · RV-Dreams Family Member

Open Range

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ron and Jacki,

At one time we also looked at the Open Range models. Specifically, we were looking at one of the Residential models. The units were very nice looking inside and had a good layout in their floorplans.

If I remember right, I think that the mechanism for operating the slides is similar to what is in some of the motorhomes, so it isn't a new concept. My biggest issue with that system is whether the cables will break or come loose at some point, thus making the slide operation impossible until the cable is repaired.

Now, having said that, keep in mind that it was a kind of uninformed concern as I could find no one that could ease my fears about cable breakage nor assure me that a broken cable wasn't hard to fix. I would also have liked to know if there was a back-up system for those scenarios. They do have the capability of using a power drill to operate the motor, should the motor quit for some reason. But, that still doesn't address the cable situation.

We didn't go with the Open Range because Jo and I will be full-timers at some point and I wasn't impressed with the size of the Open Range's frame. If I remember correctly, their frame is a 10" frame. By comparison, in the DRV models, the Select Suites series has a 12" I-beam frame and the Mobile and Elite Suites models have the 15" triple-box frame.

Since the frame, axles, and wheels are the foundation of the RV's, it is important to pay close attention to them. As someone said once on one of the forums that I frequent, "it's like a category 5 earthquake on these things because we are pulling them around on rough roads."

Good luck in your research and looking.

Terry

Mallo · RV-Dreams Family Member

A lot of people seem to like Open Range units to me they just seem plasticy.

You may want to look at the thread on RV net (full timers forum) from the guy who full timed in an Open Range for a year if you have plans to spend significant time in one.

Mallo

RonandJacki · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for your replies. Very much appreciated. As for the situation with the cables,I addressed that question primarily concerning stretch. The rep stressed that these are "aircraft" strength steel. However, he allowed me to get up on the step chair and inspect the fasteners at the ends to take care of the slack adjustments. After posting last night, I took a trip over to the Open Range forum and found only one incident where a cable was showing some sign of fraying, which the factory handled quickly and without any argument. They appeared to work with customer problems quickly and efficiently. Two or three real complaints, but over all, the owners on the forum seemed pleased with their units.

My DW and I looked at the Mobile Suites and are impressed with those units. However, we will be on somewhat limited funds post retirement and the cost was going to be too much with the price of the Suites and the necessity for a larger tow vehicle, as in a diesel. The Open range would fit into our price range and our weight limits. We're still a few years away from the actual event, so who knows what may transpire between now and then.

TxYellowRose · RV-Dreams Family Member

We, too, were very impressed overall with the OR Residential model and came "this" close to making an offer last year. We went to a neighboring dealer to compare welds, components (plastic in OR vs wood in Montana) and ended up with our present Montana.

With all the issues we have with our Montana, there have been moments we have said, "Gee, we should have gotten the Open Range!"

However!

I forget which forum it was (perhaps an OR forum I stumbled on recently) where several people were talking about fraying of the cables on the slide system. If I can find that again, I'll post the link here.

We did not get the OR due to the cable system, use of plastic vs wood on the interior, the Montana frame and welds appeared heftier, the fact that OR has only been in business a short time and other reasons.

That Residential sure was a beauty, though!

Rob_Fla · RV-Dreams Family Member

We too looked at a Open Range 5er several times, we never got that warm fuzzy feeling.

Nice layouts and a lot of "Out of the Box" ideas but just seemed like too much plastic and too light weight in materials to be a good fulltime product.

Also went to a RV Show in South Florida while we were in the area, while looking at one of the Residential models I noticed something funny in the rear of one of the slide, it was a broken slide cable tucked into the slide seal area trying to conceal it.
That was the last Open Range unit we stepped in !!!!

-- Edited by Rob_Fla on Sunday 16th of June 2013 08:31:19 PM

Timdeb72 · RV-Dreams Community Member

We purchased the 2009 337RLS. We were impressed by what the salesman told us about this new R.V. And it owner. That was our first mistake. On our first trip we had serious issues. During the build they put axles on that were much too small for our rig. Coming home from our first trip the axles bent. We had to have our 5th wheel towed. At first Open Range Denied that the axles were too small until the repair technicians confirmed that they were. I won't make this too long by relating to you all the repairs we had to have on this rig, I will tell you the next major problem. After the first rain, we woke in the morning to a literal swimming pool. Nearly every inch of the 5th wheel was deep in water. We called the manufacturer and again they denied any wrong doing. We were accused of not leveling the rig which supposedly caused the rain to come in. First of all, we always level it both ways, plus we would have had to had it SO off level we wouldn't have been able to keep our gas going. Long, long story short, and many more water issues, the local dealer found that NONE of our windows nor the door was sealed! This was a 3 year ordeal with Open Range. Never, Never again will we buy another, plus if we see another O.R. Owner we talk and find out they have had several problems. Not as severe as ours, also anyone that seems impressed by it's looks and ask us how we like it, we say "run don't walk away from this company" we won't sell it because in keeping honest we would never allow someone else take this rotten lemon.

Timdeb72 · RV-Dreams Community Member

P.S. after re-reading your message I remembered that we have continuing problems with one of our slides. It jumps, scrapes and cuts our flooring. It wears off the bottom finish of the slide. So far no fraying of the cables.

victorianlady51 · RV-Dreams Family Member

THANK YOU all for posting!!! We're still in the "research stage" and won't have the option of trading our 5er a few years down the road. We had looked at an OR at a rv show and liked the floor plan. BUT we know that it's stuff that you can't see that is most important.

We value this forum and your options!!! Thank you

Timdeb72 · RV-Dreams Community Member

You are welcome. Makes us feel good that we can help someone avoid the stress we have ruined vacations that we have.