I visited the Open Range factory a few weeks ago and it was quite an experience. I have lived in Elkhart County for over 45 years and haave seen many of the factories and this is the most impressive I have ever visited.
The people who work there are very friendly from the President on down the line. The quality of workmanship was second to none. To say the least, I was totally impressed!
The bottle gas set up is 3 smaller tanks for a good reason. If you run our of propane and are not near a propane station, you can make an exchange at a hardware store, etc. and it will get you by until you reach a propane outlet.
Stop by the factory if you have a chance. You will be glad you did.
I will pick up my new Open Range in two weeks!
I don't want to burst your bubble, but there is a thread on another forum re this brand. One poster, who is an avid RVer and works PT at an RV dealer, said to avoid this brand. He has checked them out in detail and would not have one. Lots of eye candy, but not solidly built...as evidenced by being 3 to 4000# lighter than similar sized models of other manufacturers.
If it was my money, I'd look around a bit before taking delivery on one of these models.
Weight alone is not a very good indicator of quality IMO.
Compare Open Range 337 at 33ft 6" with KZ Durango 305SB3 at 33ft 9":
UVW is 8,580 for the OR and 8,628 for the Durango. GVWRs are 10,740 OR and 10,500 Durango.
These are lighter for their lengths than say Komforts which are known to be "heavy",(a 2003 Komfort 29FS is 31ft 11" and UVW is 10,206 with aluminum siding) but people here seem to think their Durangos are ok and not flimsy. So why should Open Range be thought flimsy and Durango be ok when they are the same weights for their length?
Open Range does save weight with the cable operated slides and I think also the siding. Fibreglass siding does weigh more than aluminum siding by perhaps 500lbs on a trailer that size.
Most mid range 5th wheels in the 34' range (Cedar Creek, Silverback, Montana, Mountaineer, Everest, Challanger, Big Horn, Cardinal, Prairie Schooner, Big Sky, Hitch Hiker, etc) will have GVWRs around 14k to 16k. Top of the line rigs (Teton, Excel Suites/Mobil Suites/Select Suites, etc) will vary from 17.5k to well over 20k. IMHO, 11k is too light for a 'high quality' unit. A unit that light has had some corners cut or cheaper and lighter materials used.
FWI, I have also heard that the quality is not good on the Open Range 5th wheels. They look good, but cannot pass an up close and personal inspection.
Thanks to all of you for your concern. I really do appreciate it. However, I not only think you are wrong, I know you are wrong about the quality of the Open Range. The individual who designed this unit has been associated with NewMar Corporation, Keystone, where he designed the OutBack and was vice-president of the lightway division.
He has worked with KZ and owned his own retail lot in Amarillo Texas for eight years. He has always been a person who demands quality and that will never change.
You may wonder how I know all these things about him! Well, he is my son-in-law and I believe that gives me ample insight to know something of the quality that goes into his product.
Again, thanks for your concern, but I will stick with Open Range without an sleep loss whatsoever.
why does heavy = quality? I mean to a point i understand, but there is SO MUCH MORE that goes into that equation. Type of construction, materials used small variations in size, size and brand of appliances the list goes on.
IF YOU are happy with your choice of trailers then you got the best one on the market.
BJ wrote: Thanks to all of you for your concern. I really do appreciate it. However, I not only think you are wrong, I know you are wrong about the quality of the Open Range. The individual who designed this unit has been associated with NewMar Corporation, Keystone, where he designed the OutBack and was vice-president of the lightway division.
He has worked with KZ and owned his own retail lot in Amarillo Texas for eight years. He has always been a person who demands quality and that will never change.
You may wonder how I know all these things about him! Well, he is my son-in-law and I believe that gives me ample insight to know something of the quality that goes into his product.
Again, thanks for your concern, but I will stick with Open Range without an sleep loss whatsoever.
He told you all didn't he lol I hate to tell you these people on here might know more about RVING than you just maybe. It's ok to be proud of your son in law but that does not mean that these people are wrong.
BJ...don't let this bother you. Alot of people on this forum think that they know everything there is to know about RV's...even if they've never owned a particular unit. Trust me, been there and done that with this forum.
I looked at the Open Road and thought the construction, etc., was quite good for a mid-range unit. I also thought the look and decor were the best I've seen in a long time...great designers!
Congratulations on your new rig and hope you really enjoy it!
I'll second that comment about the folks on these forums. Lots of opinions...
I talked with a factory rep from Open Road during the Madison RV show up here in Wisconsin. I too was curious as to the lighter weight of the units and was told about their cable system on the slideouts (which saves a lot of weight). As an engineer, I was intrigued with their "outside of the box" thinking along with their use of engineering materials to help keep the weight down in the rig. I would have given them a serious look if I was in the market. Nicely built unit with great eye appeal both inside and out.
I am semi new to this, second year with a fifth wheel, and found the Open Range to be very nice, good quality name brand equipment. Jensen audio, Norcold 8 cu ft frig, Carrier AC unit, Maple cabinets, Corian counter not what was listed in the brochure (unless I read too quick) similar weight and look of a Titanium for a lot less money.
The factory rep explained the smaller LP tanks and it made sense. If you are out camping you can exchange the smaller bottles unlike the 30# tanks. Not an issue to me either way.
I did buy a 337RLS this weekend and take delivery of it tomorrow. Time will tell if the choice was good but I couldn't resist! My unit was made April 1 and has some minor changes from the brochure which made sense...to me that means continual improvements which is good.
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He told you all didn't he lol I hate to tell you these people on here might know more about RVING than you just maybe. It's ok to be proud of your son in law but that does not mean that these people are wrong.
