Oh how time flies! Its now been 180 days since we started full-timing in our 2010 Open Range 385RLS (4 slideouts) 5th-wheel. The house is sold and my wife and I are still working full-time until we can retire sometime after March 2011. We want to share with you how things are going and how our 2010 Open Range 385RLS has been holding up.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Open Range Manufacturer Warranty
You should know that the Open Ranges manufacturers warranty does void parts of your warranty for anyone full-timing in its units. We were never told this by the dealership (Deans RV in Tulsa Oklahoma) that sold us the unit (no big surprise), even though they were well aware of our plans of full-timing. We did get the following email that was sent to a friend of ours, it was sent by Scott Harris from Open Range. We can only hope that Open Range stands by their units for us full-timers.
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EMAIL FROM OPEN RANGE:
Well, I'll be happy to provide this info via e-mail, but there are some
gray areas that I would like to discuss. Our 2 year warranty as written,
does exclude using this product for residential living, however, many
people ( FULL TIME ) with our products. We provide customer service, and
honor this warranty for the prescribed amount of time. We do not cover
excessive wear & tear, worn carpets/soft goods etc. It is the customers
responsibility to deliver their unit to the authorized dealer for
warranty repairs. In other words, we are flexible with this exclusion.
Please feel free to contact this office with any further questions.
Thanks
Scott Harris
Open Range R.V.
Warranty Dept.
phone 260-768-7771x122
fax 260-768-4890
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Since we are still working full-time, we have not been on the road with it much, opting to mostly stay put getting familiar with the 5er and what it takes to keep one up and running. We only have about 150 miles on the trailer itself and have hitched and un-hitched about 12 times. So we really have not had the chance to put the unit through much of a road stress test yet.
Lets look at how the unit has been holding up and what has been fixed/address/modified.
First off, nothing to this point has required us to take the unit in for "repairs". That being said, we are not afraid of getting our hands dirty and getting things done. Lets face it, most RV's are not made up of components that are very sofisticated/complicated or that require much skill to repair. We have to ask ourselves, what is the fix and is it worth all of the effort, time and expense to pack up for the move to a dealer and possibily be without our "home" for an unknown amount of time to have something fixed at a dealer? Then we ask ourselves, can we effectively fix the issue?
Shower Leak
The first time we sprayed water in the shower we noticed the shower would leak around the base of the encloser. The fix was simple. We used a caulking gun w/ clear caulk and caulked every seam and possible area it may leak.
Cargo Bay Door had a Minor Leak
The cargo bay door under the master bedroom slide was leaking a very small amount during long stretches (days) of rain. It appeared that the water running off of the master bedroom slide-out may have been concentrating on a specific spot of the cargo door and forcing a small amount of water inside the cargo area. The fix was simple. We used a caulking gun w/ clear caulk and caulked the top and sides of the cargo door.
Slide-Outs - Minor Seperation of Caulking at Floor Seams (outside)
While walking around the unit during a periodic inspection we noticed that caulking placed at the seams at the floor level on some of the slide-outs were starting to seperate. This seperation, although very SMALL, may offer moister and water a way inside of the walls. We removed the old caulk with a razor blade. We then used a caulking gun w/ clear caulk and caulked the seams on the big living room slide-out and the master bedroom slide out. We will continue to watch the other two slide-outs which had shown no signs of this seperation yet.
Lose Hose Clamp on a Water Line Causing Small Leak in Cargo Area
While inspecting the cargo area with a flash light and looking into the service/utilities compartment (where the plumbing, vacum, power supply cables etc are located) we noticed a wet area on the carpet floor under one of the water lines. After further examination, we discovered that one of the metal clamps which was clamping a water hose to a shutoff valve was just a little loose allowing the line to drip. The fix was simple. We used a 1/4" socket to tighten the clamp. While there I checked another clamp and found it needed a little tightening. This spring we will exam each connection and probably do that once or twice a year. We suggest using a socket to tighten the clamps and not a screw driver, it just works so much better.
Locks and Latch on Cargo Doors Pulling Away from Seams
While inspecting the cargo doors and the latches, we noticed that where the thumb latches and locks actually latch to the door frame to secure them, the seams under those items whould cause a gap. We used a caulking gun w/ clear caulk and filled the gaps, preventing or reducing the amount of water entering the cargo doors. The manufacture drilled holes in the bottom of the cargo doors to allow water to exit, but we feel the less water getting inside of the door the better.
Trailor Flat Tire Change
Right after we first picked up the unit, we had a tire with a slow leak. We ended up having to take it off twice to finally get a lasting repair. Having the tools on hand for the repair was great. Trailer tire ramp, torque wrench, digital pressure gage and air compressor. We pulled the "good" tire up onto the ramp which lifts the flat tire off of the ground. We replaced the tire and pulled off of the ramp. Note: The Trailer Aid tire ramp worked like a charm, but we did learn that we need to put down one of our leveling boards under the ramp to get the 16" tire all the way off the ground to change it. Trailer Aid
Dresser Drawer
About 60 days into our full-timing the bottom dresser drawer in the bedroom came apart as some other owners have had problems with. We did have it full of clothes, socks, jeans, t-shirts but nothing to crazy. It was only held together with staples. We fixed it by removing the drawer, then used Gorilla Glue and glued the corners, edges, pre-drilled a few holes and placed three small one inch screws in the corners where it came apart.
Toilet Leak
About 120 days into our full-timing after flushing the toilet we noticed a small amount of water on the floor near the pedal side and rear of the Thetford Aqua Magic Style II toilet. We discovered it was coming from the water valve. We contacted Thetford who shipped us a replacement kit which was still under warranty. The only thing I had to send them was my rigs information + VIN number and the part numbers on the back of the toilet.
Cable Fraying
After reading other users posts about some problems with the cables becoming fraid on the slide-out cable system, we inspected ours. Although all of the posts I have read so far have noted problems with the large slide-out at the top next to the door. We found one frade or cut strand of cable on the big slide-out on the bottom cable towards the rear of the unit. I watched the videos at (WWW) just to be better informed about the cable system. We will be contacting Open Range about this issue in the near future.
The following link provides technical information about the slide mechanisms used in Open Range RVs: Accuslide Index
The following link provides the BAL Accu-Slide service manual pdf: Accuslide Service Manual
Small Window Blind String Replacement
We have had to replace one blind string that was fraying. I simply when to a local Cloth World, purchased some replacement string and replaced the damaged string.
Light Cover Over Kitchen Counter (This ones my fault)
6 months into our full-timing, one of the six 12v lights over the kitchen counter went out. The replacement bulb was about $6. I wasnt sure how the round covers came off, I tried twisting it to the left which didnt seem to work, so I thought maybe they just pop off, well they dont! I broke one of the plastic clips that keeps the cover on. You are suppose to twist them just a little to lock and unlock them. I put a couple of pieces of velcro on the cover to keep it into place.
Stove Ignitor
The front ignitor for the burner has stopped working. We are having to light the front burner with a lighter or match now. This is a new issue we have not addressed yet.
Some Of The Extras That Have Come In Very Handy
Air Compressor - Used for topping off the tires from time to time, blowing out electric heater vents, inflating water rafts, and blowing out the A/C units. We also purchased a 50' extension hose that reaches everything we need to get to.
$140 - Kobalt - 5.5 Gallon Oil Free Dolly Air Compressor 25-Piece Accessory Kit Air Compressor
Tire Air Pressure Monitor
DORAN 360RV - 8 WHEEL TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM
$499 monitors the 4 trailer and 4 truck tires in real time Tire Air Pressure Monitor
Exspinsive but it really gives us peace-of-mind. It notified us of our slow leak very quickly. We also use it each time we get ready to hook up, making sure all the tires have the proper pressure. The number one failure of tires is having the wrong pressure.
Surge/Power Protection
Progressive Industries Progressive Industries
We purchased the EMS-PT50C $389 (should have went with the hardwired version)
It protects a number of things relating to power use, its another item that gives us peace of mind.
Branch Trimmer
Early on we picked up a couple of scratches all of the way down the side of our 5th wheel from high branches while pulling into camping spots. Now one of us will jump out as we are pulling into our camping spots with the 6' long pruner and cut off any branches that threaten to damage our rig. We use the two way radios to tell the driver to stop while the other one makes a quick cut. With the pruner you can reach all the way to the top of our 5th wheel.
$40 - Corona - 6' PowerGlide Long Reach Pruner Branch Trimmer
Two Way Hand Held Radios
Its simple, GET SOME! They are a huge help when trying to place your rig, no yelling, and a constant reusurance that when your moving that its going well. The person outside is constantly telling the driver they are clear of objects and are moving in the right direction. When the driver stops, the person outside stops talking giving the driver a chance to say something if needed.
AT&T Wireless Highspeed Internet
USB Connect Mercury
$60 month - 5gb a month usage www.3gstore.com
MBR1000 wifi router $190 allows you to connect up to 32 wireless devices to your single AT&T internet card. We have 6 wireless devices that hook up to our network. The USB Connect Mercury card allows you to attach an externally mounted antinie to inclrease your signal if needed.
Splendide Stackable Washer and Dryer Vented
A must for us while working fulltime. We are very happy with this washer and dryer. Whatever you do make sure its a vented OUTSIDE dryer.
Superglide 18000lb Hitch
Lots of debate on whether or not someone needs this, costs a little more, but we have peace of mind that we wont damage our truck while making sharp turns and manuvers. Works great.
A/C Units
We have two and think its a must have for a 5th wheel this large. One dealer tried to convence us that one would freeze you out during the hot summers. After doing our first summer with two units, we know that salesman was doing what they do best, saying anything to make a sale.
Floor Electric Ceramic Heaters
Lasko Remote Control Ceramic Tower Heater with Digital Display
$45 each, we place one in the living room and one in the bathroom/bedroom area. They are very quiet, swivel, have a thermostat and work great. After 180 days of full-timing we have only used ONE (1) 20 lb propane tank (refill $16). Some people have complaned that the upper bedroom area is a lot warmer that the down stairs living area. For us using two electric heaters, one on each end of the 5er allows us to set each at a different temperature eliminating this problem. Floor Electric Heater Tower
Some Mods We Have Done
Tilt-a-rack
Installed a Tilt-A-Rack 410ACR on our OR 385RLS with our class 3 hitch. Also installed the silent hitch pin & lock to secure the carrier as well as remove all of the 'play' left in the hitch, there is only a small amount of 'play' left in the carrier itself. www.atvsolutions.com
The rack weighs 60 lbs and the Kymco People 200 scooter weighs in at 250 lbs.
We have not had the chance to load the scooter, since we don't have it with us right not, but will send you an update once we do.
I did put in a call to OR and asked about what we were doing. They said they do not encourage the installation of a class 3 hitch simply because, with that hitch you can put way to much weight on the rear of the fifth wheel. But for my specific application it should work fine. So we will see...
Travelon Fog Free Travel Shaving Mirror $17 (Yes it still fogs up, but it is really handy to have in the shower for shaving) Fog Free Mirror
Oxygenics Body Spa RV Showerhead $29 - (TIP: Install a shut-off switch, it will stop the drip when the shower is turned off) Body Spa Shower Head
Heat Cable To Prevent Your Water Hose From Freezing During Cold Weather $25 Heat Cable
Spa Sensations 4" Memory Foam Mattress-Topper $139 (King Size) (Really improves the feel of your bed) Spa Sensation
Wireless Thermometer
We place the sensor in the cargo area next to the water hose connections using velcro. I can now easily see what the temperature is in the cargo area which lets me know if I should turn on some heat in that area.
Wired Thermometer
We dropped a wired sensor down the hole in the floor next to the front kitchen water lines in the belly. This area is separated from the cargo area and is a little more difficult to get "electric" heat into that area. This allows me to watch the temperature in this area separate from the cargo area temperatures.
Corner Cushions
Foam rubber bumper pads on the master slide out - A little pricey for what they are, but they work (real world testing) and blend in with the rig colors.
Water Filter System w/ Watchdog Battery Operated Water Leak Alarm
Sorry not a great picture of it.
The water filter system uses two whole house filters, one setament & one charcoal filter. It also has two pressure gages, one reading the pressure coming into the filter system and one reading whats going out of the filter system. In between the two pressure gages is a 'regular house' water pressurer controller. Its a sofisticated system, a little bulky, and a little pricey, but gives us peace of mind that we are not over pressurizing the 5er, that the water is relativly clean, has good pressure and water flow.
Remote Holder
We installed two wooden remote/cell phone holders in master bedroom on the slide-out walls next to each side of the bed.
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2010 Open Range 385RLS
2009 Chevy Durmax/Allison 2500HD Ext Cab
PullRite SuperGlide 18k
southernkilowatt wrote: Great post and great pictures! Keep up the good work lol. Congrats on the rig it sure looks like a nice one.
Thank you!
We wanted to share our story with anyone that may be thinking about taking this little adventure on, so that they would have an idea of what might come their way.
Excellent post, many common sense issues noted. Lots of good information for people going to full timing, it isn't easy. Very few RV dealerships will tell you that the RV isn't for full time use. A few manufactors, such as our will say, our 5th wheels are constructed for full time use. But we have owned 5th wheels and the manufactor did know we were full timing, and never had a issue in repairs, and we took ours back to the manufactor for the one issue we had and it was repaired and no problem when I told the repair center we were full timing. Again great report and pictures. GBY....
2012 Chevy Silverado 3500HD DRW's LTZ
CM Hauler Bed
Trailer Saver Air Ride
Pressure Pro Monitor
2011 Chevy Tahoe
2010 Mobile Suites 38 RSSB 3
"Montana" our Sweet Furr Kid
12/21/10 "RIP" miss you!!
I like your attitude. To Fulltime, you have to be handy, creative and not let little leaks and squeeks bother you. It's refreshing to hear a post like yours!
2009 DRV Mobile Suite 38TKSB3 (38RSSB3)....our custom home w/2011 upgrades
2010 Ford F450 KR CC 4x4......his office
Working Fulltimers since 3/2005
"Shoot for the Moon! Even if you miss it, you will land among the Stars."
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