RE: Open Range 5'er vs. Monte Vista
JDUBYA: I completely understand the pain you are feeling. Last year my Holiday Rambler Savoy fifth wheel spent more time at the dealer then it did at my own house, completely lost memorial day weekend.
My step over the fuse box WILL open completely because the tread that opens is shorter then the step width.
I pull the trailer with a 3/4 ton and have no leveling issues.
As for mileage, I don't pull the trailer that far to calculate.
My unit has an April 1 mfg date, maybe yours was earlier and the kinks were worked out. I am very happy with my unit and have not had it back to the dealer.
I think I am going to take the front King pin A support off, when I am on unlevel ground hitched up the support likes to hang up on the rail of the box, not cool.
Brian
RE: Open Range 5'er vs. Monte Vista
We have a 337RLS, #344 and don't have as many issues as JDUBYA, but have a couple.
Our unit has a ladder on the back to access the roof.
We also have 16" tires (not sure of the load rating).
The panel under the second step has a push to release cover which took me a little time to figure out.
The sensors I have the same comments on, I had a full level on the fresh water when I pulled out of home and when I arrived 25 minutes later at the camp site it said 1/3 full.
The front bed room is very warm and the ceiling and floor ducts have no adjustability.
The AC unit is the same that we had on our Holiday Rambler Savoy so we are aware of how the remote works (line of site required).
Our unit has (4) 20 lb LP tanks.
The 19" Jensen TV in the bedroom can pull in a clear picture and more digital channels then the 26" Sanui. We also get electrical interference on the 26" from the ceiling lights.
For us the storage underneath is an increase and we have a lot more room after all our gear is packed.
A split door on the front would be nice to access gear when you are hooked up. However, I no longer have to use the hitch adjustment for tight turning which is nice.
Just back in tonight and can't wait to get out again.
RE: Open Range Owners
We purchased a 337RLS and have only towed it home at this point. Come Memorial Day weekend we will take it out for 4 days.
Some of the nice things I have seen so far are the ease of towing and no need to shift the hitch for manuvering in tight turns even with my short bed length.
The head room in the bed area is enough for me (6'-2" tall) all the way to the front.
Nice quantity and lots of room. Stocking next weekend and then pull out on May 23. I'll post again after our first time in two weeks.
RE: Visit to Open Range Factory
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.
