Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
Hello everyone! We are doing it! We sold our home to the first person who looked at it (did not see that coming!) So now we have to find a 5th wheel by Oct. 2nd. We are really leaning toward a Open Range Light 5th wheel and we were wondering if anyone has one or knows someone who has one. And does anyone pull it with a 1/2 ton or heavy 1/2ton? We read that the Heartland Torque could be pulled with a 1/2 ton as well. Any information would be greatly appreciated. We are waiting to purchase the truck till after we decide on the 5th wheel.
What I have observed the paint fades badly. We did research them and we not comfortable with the infrastructure. They are lightweight. I would never advise anyone to buy a lightweight for full time use.
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2003 Teton Grand Freedon 2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 SOLD 2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L singled, ultrashift, hauling a 2016 Smart Passion
We just looked at one at the Raleigh RV show on Friday. We really liked the floor plan - this one had the front living room which I thought would feel claustrophobic, but, it really was surprisingly quite spacious. However the cargo carry capacity on that particular model was only around 1200 - 1500 lb. That is not a lot when you consider moving in all your stuff. Think clothes, pots & pans, dishes, grill, charcoal, groceries, tools, outside mat, chairs, extra table, sporting equipment (fishing stuff, bikes), cooler, all your hoses & attachments for water & sewer...Then remember water & propane. I maybe wrong, but, I think I have read somewhere that most full timers add around 3,000lbs of stuff when they are all packed up.
The Open Range factory rep was on site & told us we could pull it easily with the Ram 1500 we already have. My husband was VERY skeptical of this since we are currently pulling a 24' Passport Ultra Light that weighs less than the Open Range & you can tell the truck is working hard sometimes already. You have to not only think about the ability of the truck to pull the trailer, but, most importantly you want the truck to be able to stop it.
We have had our Passport Ultra Light for 3 years & take it out only 5-6 times a year for short trips & it is already showing its age. I would not recommend a "light" trailer if you intend to live in it full time. It simply will fall apart too soon.
Personally, we can't wait to be able to upgrade to a larger, more sturdy unit with a substantial truck that can pull it (and stop it)anywhere we want to go.
Take your time & do LOTS of research now so you won't have to upgrade in a few years. Besides looking at the different units is so much fun!
Thank you so much for that much needed advise, I read it all to my husband and you have a point about all of the stuff, and we have pretty much have everything that you mentioned! We have decided that we are just going to have to suck it up and buy a 3/4 truck and get a heavier duty 5th wheel. It just that the Open Range Lights were just so pretty!!!!
Thank you so much for that much needed advise, I read it all to my husband and you have a point about all of the stuff, and we have pretty much have everything that you mentioned! We have decided that we are just going to have to suck it up and buy a 3/4 truck and get a heavier duty 5th wheel. It just that the Open Range Lights were just so pretty!!!!
Dana
Since you are considering full time, I would highly recommend a 1 ton dual wheel pickup at a minimum. Better stability and stiffer suspension will carry a high profile 5th wheel much better. Higher tow capacity will also give you ore choices now and later. When looking at rigs for full time use, don't be fooled by what is just "pretty". Look at overall structure of the frame, suspension and sidewall construction. Then look at what is "pretty" in the units you feel meet the standards you want.
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"Bloom where you are planted"
Rick and Janice
2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3, Mor/Ryde King Pin and I.S., 17.5" Wheels w/ H Rated Tires, Automatic Level Up,
2012 Ford F450 Lariet, 6.7 L, CC, 4WD, DRW w/ Air Bags, Reese Signature 25K Hitch
