butkus21
On Galveston Bay
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Joined: 02/22/2004
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Quote:We have been looking at the Open Road for a while now. Just can't seem to make our mind up between it or the more expensive Mobile Suite or Carriage. For those of you who have them, how does the Open Road feel on the inside when it is wet and damp outside. We have a Travel Trailer now and it has the one inch foam walls but we had to buy a de-humidifier for the trailer and the towels while hung up in the bathroom seem to take forever to dry.
Living along the Gulf Coast, humidity, mold and mildrew are a big concern. Bought the trailer in June and even with the ducted a/c not cooling properly (warranty issue) the trailer does not retain humidity. Good luck on making the tough choice between the OR, MS or Carriage!! They are all great 5vers.
Terri
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Dukecity426
Belen, New Mexico
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Joined: 09/19/2003
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To all that are concerned about the "Open Road". Bandaid said it quite well. I must add that we had some small concerns with a few of the private companies that Pilgram International deals with, such as Dexter and the company that make the sink in the bathroom. Pilgram went the distance and contacted these companies and told them to help us. Every time we were treated with dignity and respect and our problems were taken care of. I have zero complaints and we love our 5th wheel. I hope that this helps. Later Bruce
2004 GMC 4X4 D/A CC SB, "Juice/Attitude", 4" SS Exhaust, AFE intake, 2004 Open Road 349-RLDS-5, two AC's, Reese 16K Slider, Bilstein shocks, Honda EU 2000i
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ghosst
ST THOMAS ONTARIO CANADA
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Joined: 11/16/2004
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we currently have a 90 mallard sprinter 32 footer.. we are looking at a 05 or 316RLS-5. a bit pricy but it is canadian dollars so prob not a big diff ,. about 50 thou. good looking 5er . thanks for the vote of quality with the open road. have a 95 dodge dually only have 80thousand kilometers on it ..about 48 thousand miles. cummins .4.10 auto 4 speed overdrive. pulls great..
john @ dianne 
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Chief Bob
Baytown, Texas
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Joined: 01/06/2003
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We also love our OR. I would buy another one but plan to keep this one a long time. We kept our Terry for 12 years.
The only thing to look out for is wiring for the second AC. Most big trailers need two AC's, at least in our part of the world. Our trailer was sadly not wired at the factory for two AC units. I understand the new ones are now prewired but check before you buy.
* This post was
edited 12/14/04 08:47pm by Chief Bob *
Bob Leiper
Retired Fire Chief
Baytown, Texas
2007 GMC C3500 SLT, CC, DRW, D/A, 56 gal tank, added NAV radio
2004 Open Road 357RLDS-5 #3730, Added Disc Brakes, 2nd AC, Doran TPMS
RBW 15K swivel, Prodigy
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J. K.
Dallas GA USA
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Joined: 02/05/2001
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Thank you for the reply and info. We presently have a Dutchmen 5th wheel that is 31' long. I believe your 357RLDS is about 37'. Did you have a shorter rig before getting your Open Road? I would like to know your experiences finding campsites to accomodate your length and also negotiating in and out of fuel stops. Will appreciate your feedback on this.
Ken & Sandra
Dallas GA
06 Americana GS3738
05 Silverado 2500HD Max & Alli
Pooch: Buttons
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Fry
Muncie Indiana
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Joined: 08/26/2003
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J.K.
One thing you have to get usto is the torsion suspension allows the wheels to flex more when backing. We have other campers tell us something is wrong as they see us back into spots the way the wheels bow out. Keep a check on the lug nuts because that flex and aluminum wheels along with the natural expansion and contraction of different steels cause the lugs to work loose. I pull my 2004 357 with a Goose Neck Adapter. This is a super way to pull for the type of camping I do most " Boondocking" and I do a lot of backing into tight spaces at race tracks all over. The range of movement with the goose neck makes it easier to back because the trailer can twist at a different angle than my GMC 3500 and not put stress on the trailer frame like a plate hitch does with its limited movement. As for getting into fuel islands its an adventure no mater what you are pulling. I can tell a true fiver puller by the size of the spare fuel tank in the truck bed. No spare tank - weekender camps local and may do a trip once a year. Three to four 5 gallon cans in the bed- camps enough to need the extra fuel but can't or does not want the tank in the bed all the time. Thats what I do. And last the hard core fiver 45 gallon tank bolted in the bed and the wife with a little lap dog.Don't see that many with cats guess mice don't like to travel. This is the guy you ask questions and get real good and usefull info from.
Bandaid has given you the real scoop about Pilgrim International and thats just the way this company is. Above I said the spare tank guy is the one to ask well thats how we first heard about the Open Road as several said Dave Hoefer is back in the business and hes got a coach well worth looking at. Needing more space we had to go back to a fiver and sell our 31' Class A. You have heard the Norelco guy say he was so impressed he bought the company well I was so impressed I started getting Open Road and Pilgrim owners together and now we have a group and are doing a second rally in Branson Mo.in 2005 on July 18-22nd at the KOA in Branson. I find Open Road and Pilgrim owners to be a group that has looked into many coaches, do their homework, and take pride in the investment they made. Being a weekender or full timer the Pilgrim products make my type of usage keep me doing it. The wife and I are looking forward to sitting on the full walk on roof at Talladega 1st May, two trips to the Indianpolis Motor Speedway, Weekend at the Texas Motor Speedway, Chicago Land Speedway, and Hay "Bandaid" looks like the Watkins Genn IRL race is back on the scheduel.
Last summer Pilgrim had reached the fifth largest Fiver/Travel Trailer company in the industry. Last week Dave Hoefer Jr. told me they were very busy so would not suprise me that by the Branson Rally the number one builder feels Pilgrim breathing down their necks. If anyone has made reservations in Branson and not have emailed me already be sure to send me a email so I can add you to the list of all that have already made their reservations.
FRY
2004 Open Road 357 RLDS
B&W Turn Over Ball
Colibert 205B Goose Neck Adapter
3500 GMC Crew Cab 4X4 Duramax Allison
Open Road Owners Club Member
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brenden
rehoboth beach, delaware usa
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Joined: 10/07/2003
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Sorry Idont have an 800 number but I do have there number.
574-825-8686
David Hoefer is the owner and I have to say
I own one and am very very please with everything about it
I was on the road over 100 days this year and I love it
mark berryman
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brenden
rehoboth beach, delaware usa
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Joined: 10/07/2003
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I have a 316rls and I love it. I paid less than 30k for my 2004
you mentioned 50k where the heck are you shopping
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traildog
Pendleton, IN USA
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Joined: 09/11/2003
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I love mine! I also love spending time at the dealer! (getting repairs done) Sometimes I wonder if I am the only one having problems with my O/R. Maybe I should have purchased one of those CHEESY 357's.
traildog
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Don Z
Austin, TX
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Joined: 07/24/2001
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Traildog,
You are not alone in having problems with your Open Road. Mine was in the shop for 7.5 weeks waiting on parts from the factory for repairs. The upper bunk window blew out while riding down the interstate and the entry door window was installed out of square to the door frame so we had to wait to get new ones shipped to the dealer. There have been many other items repaired or replaced under warranty.
To date, my Open Road has been in the shop for 25% of the time we've owned it. Not sure if there will be another Open Road in my future.
Don Z.
Open Road RV Owners Club - Texas Chapter Charter Member
2000 F350 Crew Cab Dually 7.3 PSD,Banks Stinger Plus,Line-X Liner,Prodigy Controller,Reese Signature Series 18K hitch
2004 Open Road 369RBHS #4283
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