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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Buying An RV -> Fifth Wheel info
Post Info TOPIC: Fifth Wheel info
rbks


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Fifth Wheel info
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Hi - We are getting down to the wire to buy our fifth wheel for full timing.  Have done lots of research on most of the manufacturers talked about here on the forum but found a Highland Ridge at a dealership when we went to look at a Heartland Gateway yesterday. I had not done any research on this model.  It was the Open Range 3X (421BHS we need one with an extra room/bunk house).  Does anyone have any advice on this make and model?  Although it appears from the literature to be a well built model and of course from what the salesman said it definitely looked like it.  But came home and looked at some reviews last night and comments did not seem favorable.  Especially one review on the BBB regarding leaking problems with the slides and getting warranty work done.  MRSP lists in the 80's but looks like we can get it in the 60's as a "show special" because they are having a state wide show this week.  Also, can anyone suggest comparable well built product in the same price range?  

Thanks in advance for any help!

The Hergs - newbies/beginners...confuse



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Beverly

Four NC Hergs traveling in a Dodge Ram 3500 Dually pulling a 2016 Voltage 44ft Toy Hauler

 
jayc


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The Heartland Gateway is not one of Heartland's ones that is warranted for full time use, however I've never heard of them denying warranty for using one. Heartland has had an outstanding record of warranty and customer service. 

I've never owned an Open Range product and can only relate what friends that had them have told me. The information that you have uncovered is probably correct but use your own good judgement.

Good luck



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kb0zke


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I don't know of any big, red flags for either company, but both have some small, yellow ones for me. Heartland used to be a stand-alone company, but was purchased by Thor a few years ago. Since then there have been some concerns expressed on the Heartland Owners' Forum. Open Range also was a stand-alone company until fairly recently (a year or so ago) when it was purchased by Jayco. Open Range was originally an offshoot of Arctic Fox, intended to be a step up, but the reality didn't ever quite match the dream. It wasn't intended to be in the DRV or New Horizons category, but definitely a step up from AF. There were quality issues from the beginning, and Jayco bought them with the idea (I think) of infusing some much-needed cash to create a higher quality 5'er.

I'd suggest that you join both brands' owners forums. Ask your questions there, and you will probably get some straight answers. Be open and honest about what you want/need and the owners will tell you whether or not the coach you are considering is compatible with your needs/wants.

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David, kb0zke

1993 Foretravel U300 40'

Build number 4371

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Terry and Jo


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Also, with regards to the pricing, any good dealer is NOT going to charge you the MSRP.  As a "sort-of" general rule, I think most dealers will come off of MSRP by anywhere from 20 to 30 percent of any new units.  I can't speak to used units, so I can't help you there as to what kind of discount they would give on used.  It probably would depend on what they "gave" for the used one on a trade.

Since David mentioned DRV, if you could consider good used units, check out the Rolling Retreats website to see what they have.  You can get a better unit (used) than some of the other brands for pretty good prices.  I just suggest that you not look at any model years that had the Schwintek electric slide system on the bedroom slide.  Lots of problems with those.  I think the years they used Schwintek was 2012 and 2013.

Terry



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Terry and Jo

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rbks


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Thank you guys for taking the time to give feedback! JayC - Good info about Heartland! David - Have been on the Heartland Forum but forgot about looking at the Highland Range Forum. Great idea! Terry thanks for the pricing info. Took your advice on another post and have been looking through the inventory at Rolling Retreats. Decisions, decision, will keep digging...we have a few more weeks and then it is jump time! :)

Beverly
The Hergs

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Beverly

Four NC Hergs traveling in a Dodge Ram 3500 Dually pulling a 2016 Voltage 44ft Toy Hauler

 
NWescapee


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Trace and Lee on this forum have an Open Range, have been FT for a year. You might want to check out their blog or contact them for their thoughts and opinions.

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FT - July 2013

 

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rbks


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Thank you! Very helpful!

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Beverly

Four NC Hergs traveling in a Dodge Ram 3500 Dually pulling a 2016 Voltage 44ft Toy Hauler

 
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