Floorplan and construction all passed our wants/needs checklist - RV-Dreams Community Forum

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

Floorplan and construction all passed our wants/needs checklist

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

We liked the 3x line and they remain on our shortlist. We liked the 378RLS and 379RLS but rejected the the 388RLK (for us it didn't work). Our reasons, were the layout of the entertainment center vis a vis the viewing position/location (apparently a deal breaker for both of us). The other is the rear kitchen. The kitchen itself is just fine, no complaints there, however we were concerned about the location, being at the back seems to make it vulnerable to vibration and shock damage compared to a more central or forward location. We have no experience here with this, only anecdotal stories to go on but the reasoning seemed sound. Since we plan to upgrade the suspension on any purchase to Mor/Ryde IS this may not be a problem but for now this is a concern for us. For you, if it works then that is fantastic.

Ultimately we need some additional storage options and the Lifestyle Luxury 395SR has moved to the head of our list... for now. We are waiting to hear more from Lifestyle regarding specs and some anecdotal reports about the new Titan 2.0 frame which, from some reports, is not as good as the original Titan frame. This may or may not be an actual issue but we are nonetheless a bit wary. We plan on a factory tour in the future as we are only 2.5 hours away.

Just my 2 cents, Brian

ON edit: Lifestyle went out of business in June 2016... they have been scratched off our list as the desired unit never came into production.

-- Edited by BiggarView on Wednesday 26th of April 2017 05:21:40 AM

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

Brian:

This is why I ask here. I never even thought there might be any issues with road vibration with a rear kitchen. I will check into that to see what I can find out as we are really in love with that particular floor plan. I love the economy of kitchen space along with the sweeping curve of the counter space with room for stool seating.

I guess, however, that the final decision will be based on not just loving it, but safety and practicality.

Thank you so much for your two cents.

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

I can't provide an opinion on Open Range, but in regards to a rear kitchen, I have a few thoughts. Before we went FT we had a TT with a rear kitchen, I LOVED the layout. However, it wasn't good for weight distribution, the fridge and stove add more weight to the very back, adding bicycles to the back had us overloaded on the rear axle. If you can find the right weight distribution it might be a wonderful set up.

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ruth:

Thanks for your input. We plan to visit Cold Springs RV in Weare, NH this weekend to take a second look at this particular model and because I have information you have given me I can ask about the weight distribution with the rear kitchen. I'm not always certain that we'd be getting either an informed response from a salesman or (I know I should be fair but I can't help it) a truthful response, but we can hear what they have to say about that issue and if they have facts to back up what they say.

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

I hadn't looked at Open range recently but just took a peak online. Finally a front living floor plan I could live with! It seems other versions really sacrifice bedroom storage for the front living. If we were still considering a 5th wheel we would seriously look at this one.

Now, back to your question. I would worry a little about the bounce factor with the rear kitchen. I really like the wide open floor space, but the layout of the seating relative to the entertainment center doesn't work well for us. Just some things to think about...

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

Buying an RV is definitely a "buyer beware" situation. Sales people may not know (or care) about the correct answer to your question. To many sales people, the "correct" answer is whatever will get the buyer to sign the contract. To be fair, many RV sales people don't really know their products very well. Some of them have never been inside an RV that wasn't on a showroom floor. Try to talk to someone who has experience with actually using an RV. In addition, you can often call the factory and ask specific questions.

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ckerr wrote:
I hadn't looked at Open range recently but just took a peak online. Finally a front living floor plan I could live with! It seems other versions really sacrifice bedroom storage for the front living. If we were still considering a 5th wheel we would seriously look at this one.

Now, back to your question. I would worry a little about the bounce factor with the rear kitchen. I really like the wide open floor space, but the layout of the seating relative to the entertainment center doesn't work well for us. Just some things to think about...

Carol: First of all, thanks for taking a peek and letting me know what you think. The open space is amazing. We also had doubts about the seating as relates to the view of the entertainment center. I know in many of the other models that the tv pulls out and rotates for best view wherever you wish to sit. I think I am remembering correctly that this is the case with this model as well, but again, when we look at it again at the dealership this Saturday I want to make certain this is the case.

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

David: Very good idea to call the factory and ask specifics. Especially as regards the rear kitchen and weight distribution. Thanks for the idea.

JayKim-no regrets · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are looking at new 5'ers at the moment too, we have narrowed it down to 3 units, #1 is the Open Range 37RL model, we love the layout and the center kitchen, also the reviews are excellent. #2 is the Grand Design Solitude, this one is my favorite, but doesn't have a residential fridge and that is one of our 'needs', we can change it out, but would prefer not to have too. #3 is the Cedar Ridge, has everything we want and is lower on the price. Got some thinking to do, but no rush.

Good luck, let us know what you decide on.

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

Crazy Update. Well, I decided to call Highland Ridge and ask them about the weight distribution especially with regard to the rear kitchen model. They called me back and gave me what I thought was a reasonable answer. They said that as a portion of road testing for this model, they packed in 3404 lbs. into the unit (1K lbs of that into the rear or kitchen area) and that this, along with the full size residential fridge instead of the smaller one, was tested for 500 miles over extreme road conditions. What they found was that there was no undue reaction inside the rv and no where on the tires to indicate any overload of the rear axle. Does this sound like a reasonable explanation to those here that gave advice? Let me know.

But, what was unexpected and I don't know how to take it is the fact that our phone rang shortly after that and it was the dealership that we are traveling to tomorrow to view the rv again. They wanted to know what time we were coming so they could make certain there was no ice around the unit and so they could have it fully open for us. I told them I had no idea when we'd be there tomorrow and was given the gentleman's cell phone number so we could call when we were on our way. No pressure here! Should I take this as good communication between the manufacturer and the dealer or should I have this feeling of being pressured already that I have. What would you think?

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

To be the skeptic, the mfr could have packed 3404 lbs of lead in the rig in various places to simulate the weight of the actual items and the description of 500 miles of extreme road conditions is strictly their definition or terminology. They could have driven down the interstate on a sunny day. It could mean anything. Then again, they could have loaded 3404 pounds of plates, glassware, pots, clothes, dvds books, sporting gear, food, etc. and driven over Pike's Peak... you never know what they did to assert their claims. I suspect it's somewhere in the middle of those two extremes. Don't get me wrong, I'm not disparaging them just giving fair warning. The dealer wanting to prepare the rig for an inspection seems normal enough. The two 3X models that we saw impressed us when we saw them in SE TX last year and fit into several of our budget scenarios thus the reason for keeping an eye on them for future reference. Don't forget to pinch yourself occasionally while looking at the unit to retain your perspective. biggrin "Crazy" is a dangerous word to be using when shopping around for a large purchase. Think dispassionately and enjoy the rig inspection. smile

FWIW

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

That 's the way we looked at their answer too. So there was really nothing definitive. We will have to weigh all of the other pros and cons and keep that in mind. We are more than a bit uncomfortable with a dealer needing any time to prepare a brand new unit in any way for someone to view. Mu husband (we'll call him the magician for this purpose, "now you see me now you don't") believes that we should not be expected but just go to view the unit when we are ready to, which will be soon but not necessarily tomorrow. We will however enjoy the inspection when we go. It's all very confusing.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

With regards to them saying they tested the unit for 500 miles, I'm not sure that would be enough miles to really be towing, especially with regards to tire wear or overload on the rear axle. Now, if they had given you actual weights on each of the two axles, I'd say it would have been a better answer..

For what it is worth, when we researching back in 2008-2010, Open Range was a back-up consideration for us with regards to a full time fifth wheel trailer. However, we had already seen the DRV models (Mobile Suites in particular), so we had a preference for that model. Only if we couldn't have economically purchased a tow vehicle would we have really gone with Open Range. At the time, they were fairly new and weren't as "tested" as DRV and Carriage had been. (Carriage was another consideration at the time.)

Terry

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

We've been full time in the Open Range 486 FLR since April 2014 and love it!!! We took out on of the couches and turned it into a desk area and underneath the bedroom had the most storage we had seen in any mid-priced model. The Open Range has held up very well with our moving around and the slides have been fine (our biggest concerns with the pulley style). Actually Lee likes them better because you can see them and work on them if there is an issue. My favorite part of the Open Range has been the woodwork. Ours is lighter in color and many people who have seen our rig say it is the most "homelike" inside. The company has been fine the few times we have had an issue and those issues have largely been due to things coming loose from shaking which I think everyone has to deal with.

Huge fan of Open Range. Not sure why more people don't full time in them since they are so reasonably priced. My only do over would be insisting on G rated tires at the time of sale since we did have two blowouts and had to upgrade all the RV tires.

Trace

Glenn West · RV-Dreams Family Member

When we looking we like the floor plans of OP but were put off by the chassis on their units. It was 10" on a 40' camper. Thin steel also. This was a few years back. We also did not like the "engineered wood" cabinets. I understood the low price.

BoAndRach · RV-Dreams Family Member

For what it's worth, the nice thing about dealerships expecting you and knowing what you want to look at is that they can have the unit(s) open, plugged in, cool/warm, etc. I can tell you from experience that I had absolutely no motivation to poke around in an RV, in July, in Texas, in 100 degree heat without the unit's a/c cranked up :). Some offered to open them up/turn them on, others invited us back so they could have the particular rig open, etc. Often we didn't wait around or go back. I don't think we missed out, but we may have. Just something to consider.

Good luck with your search! Hope you find exactly what you're looking for!

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

Glenn West wrote:
When we looking we like the floor plans of OP but were put off by the chassis on their units. It was 10" on a 40' camper. Thin steel also. This was a few years back. We also did not like the "engineered wood" cabinets. I understood the low price.

We wouldn't have liked it a few years back either. In 2011 they changed hands and you are now looking at handmade solid wood cabinetry and one of the best builds that we've found. That was what attracted us to this particular rv. But again, you are right about years ago, there were plenty of complaints then, but check the recent reviews and even better, if you can, go and see one for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

BoAndRach wrote:
For what it's worth, the nice thing about dealerships expecting you and knowing what you want to look at is that they can have the unit(s) open, plugged in, cool/warm, etc. I can tell you from experience that I had absolutely no motivation to poke around in an RV, in July, in Texas, in 100 degree heat without the unit's a/c cranked up :). Some offered to open them up/turn them on, others invited us back so they could have the particular rig open, etc. Often we didn't wait around or go back. I don't think we missed out, but we may have. Just something to consider.

Good luck with your search! Hope you find exactly what you're looking for!

You are 100% right! Not having much experience in this area I was a bit nervous. It just felt awkward but I understand now. When we were pulling into the lot we called to let them know we were there. So NOT pushy about sales. Very informative. Salesman came out with pack to power up. However, I do wish we had seen your reassuring post earlier as, being NH at this time of year, the cold inside while we were looking was bone chilling. Still, this is really number one on our short list with just a couple of views elsewhere before a decision is made. It was just as great as I remembered from the Boston RV show.

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry and Jo wrote:
With regards to them saying they tested the unit for 500 miles, I'm not sure that would be enough miles to really be towing, especially with regards to tire wear or overload on the rear axle. Now, if they had given you actual weights on each of the two axles, I'd say it would have been a better answer..
For what it is worth, when we researching back in 2008-2010, Open Range was a back-up consideration for us with regards to a full time fifth wheel trailer. However, we had already seen the DRV models (Mobile Suites in particular), so we had a preference for that model. Only if we couldn't have economically purchased a tow vehicle would we have really gone with Open Range. At the time, they were fairly new and weren't as "tested" as DRV and Carriage had been. (Carriage was another consideration at the time.)
Terry

I thought that about 500 miles too (not long enough). Unfortunately sometimes the answer you get is the answer you get. My husband wasn't impressed with the answer because as he said, "They could tell you anything they wanted to". And I guess he's right.

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lee and Trace wrote:
We've been full time in the Open Range 486 FLR since April 2014 and love it!!! We took out on of the couches and turned it into a desk area and underneath the bedroom had the most storage we had seen in any mid-priced model. The Open Range has held up very well with our moving around and the slides have been fine (our biggest concerns with the pulley style). Actually Lee likes them better because you can see them and work on them if there is an issue. My favorite part of the Open Range has been the woodwork. Ours is lighter in color and many people who have seen our rig say it is the most "homelike" inside. The company has been fine the few times we have had an issue and those issues have largely been due to things coming loose from shaking which I think everyone has to deal with.

Huge fan of Open Range. Not sure why more people don't full time in them since they are so reasonably priced. My only do over would be insisting on G rated tires at the time of sale since we did have two blowouts and had to upgrade all the RV tires.

Trace

Trace: So glad to hear from someone who has had actual experience in an Open Range. Is your model the one with the movable kitchen island? Glad you mentioned the slides and your thoughts on them as I will pass that on to hubby (his department, not mine). I so agree about the woodwork. Nicer than I have seen in any other rig. A bonus to hear from actual fulltimers with Open Range experience that the company has been decent so far. All useful information. Thank you.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Karen,

I don't know if you are aware of it or not, but there is an Open Range RV Owner's forum out there. You could check that out, but keep in mind that forums have a tendency to draw people that are looking for answers and solutions for problems. If one sees a lot of that and you are interested in a specific model, you can register and ask your questions. One I've always suggested asking was this: "If you were to buy another RV, would you still consider "brand/model" as a possibility?" If folks say they wouldn't buy the same brand/model again, then ask why they wouldn't. If they do say they would buy the same again, then if most answer in that fashion, one could consider it to be a very good option for an RV.

Open Range RV Owner's Forum

Terry

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry: That question will be the one I ask because I believe it would be the most "telling". If a great many people would buy the same make/model then it's probably for us and if not, then it's probably not. Thanks for the suggestion and link.

Glenn West · RV-Dreams Family Member

ChefMom wrote:
Glenn West wrote:
When we looking we like the floor plans of OP but were put off by the chassis on their units. It was 10" on a 40' camper. Thin steel also. This was a few years back. We also did not like the "engineered wood" cabinets. I understood the low price.
We wouldn't have liked it a few years back either. In 2011 they changed hands and you are now looking at handmade solid wood cabinetry and one of the best builds that we've found. That was what attracted us to this particular rv. But again, you are right about years ago, there were plenty of complaints then, but check the recent reviews and even better, if you can, go and see one for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Are they still using 10" chassis on longer units? That was the big turn off. And I was trying to help you. We love our Teton.

ChefMom · RV-Dreams Family Member

GlennWest: I know you were trying to help and it was appreciated. All good thoughts. I will ask my husband about the concern you have for the chassis and his response will let me know if it should be our concern as well. Please, always jump in to help people when you can here. I, at least will never take any offense from a different point of view and welcome your assistance in helping to make a huge decision.