4.9K views
2 comments

Brand spanking new Open Range Light LT246RBS that was manufactured in April 2014 and we bought it off the lot in June 2014. Much to our dismay, we've only camped twice with it! Unbelievable list of issues... While looking at the camper on the lot, I found several pieces of molding that were either broken or damaged; two of the countertops were delaminated (they are pressed membrane); skylight over the shower cracked; the holds for the overhead cabinet over the couch had stripped out screws; entertainment center volume control didn't work; front TPO stone-guard was coming off the unit; and, the kitchen slide-out broke down! To add a little insult, the sales associate turn on the air conditioning and my entire family was showered with sawdust, which then covered the unit!

To the dealership's credit, they got parts from Open Range in 10 days and did all the repairs within 2 days because we wanted to go camping that weekend. Unfortunately, they did a pre-PDI check and the rear power stabilizers failed, they spotted a propane leak, and a dump valve handle broke! The stabilizers needed a new motor, and the leak was easily fixed, but they had to drop the underbelly to fix the handle so we what should have been day one of camping ended up being picking up our camper. The PDI seemed to be going well, but this is my 5th travel trailer and I know everything needs to be checked - water, electricity, appliances, so-on. We're in the camper and water is connected and my wife spots water coming under the bath door - the shower faucet was leaking! The dealer but a tech right on it as we continued. I was exercising the slide-outs, when we blew the fuses. Tech replaced, and the large slide blew again! They called Open Range who tells them we need new switches because they installed one rated for less than 1/3 the needed amperage!!! REALLY?!? I then found that the big Norcold fridge wouldn't run on Propane! Once again, they called Open Range and found this was a common problem and a part was needed! Again, REALLY?!? Parts were over-nighted, but our trip was a loss.

A week later, we tried to do the PDI again and complete the sales paperwork. We were in the home stretch till I found a sharp slice in the awning - didn't notice the first time with the cloudy overcast, but sun was shining right through it on take two... Dealer put some rip-stop on it and ordered a new one (3 weeks for deliver).

Got the camper home and fitted it up and decided we'd driveway camp for the weekend to make sure of things. Found that between the factory and dealer, NO-ONE knew how to hook up the entertainment center! I spent a little time working out the wiring and got everything working as it should. We were loading one of the overhead cabinets in the slide with a stock of paper good (cups, plates, napkins, and paper towels) when I noticed it drooping. Quick look - NO-ONE ran the screws for the cleat behind the face frame into the roof of the slide to actually hold the cabinet!!! Unreal. Fixed it and then I was leaning on pantry countertop admiring the work, and then I felt that it too had begun to delaminate!!! Feeling defeated, I took a seat on the couch and that's when I noticed the ceiling panels were drooping (it was 101 degF that day). I was really questioning my sanity of laying out nearly $30,000. for the camper! I personally don't understand what Open Range owners were talking about with exceptional build quality... I had two issues with my prior Forest River that we camped with for 8 years, and they were both simple recalls!!!

Called the dealer on Monday morning saying I needed another countertop replaced, and we got on a call with Open Range to discuss the ceiling. Apparently, a droopy ceiling is normal. The panels are only fastened at the edges and held by the lights and vents.

Finally, camping trip #1! It felt great to pull up and get set up without issue. We were having a great time till day 5 when my wife and I heard and felt a 'thud'. We tried to locate the source running around inside and out but couldn't find anything. Later that afternoon, I'm building a fire and look toward the camper and the underbelly looks low, very low. Investigating, I pushed up on it and it has water in it! I'm fit to be tied, and I come down on Open Range with a series of very intense calls. The arrange for my dealer to come get the camper from the campground the next day and we turn off the water and use the camp facilities.

Next morning I'm making coffee and I find that one of the countertops just replaced for delamination is now delaminating itself! C'mon, this is ridiculous! Dealer crew arrives and investigates what's going on under the camper. Turns out, my grey water tank fell from the frame and was caught by the underbelly material and the drain detached from the tank!!! Off to the dealership it goes for repairs.

It took 3 weeks to get a new tank, underbelly material and everything else for repairs, and another 2 weeks for repairs. My dealer was telling me Open Range said we were causing delamination of the countertops, but they pointed out they were delaminating while new on the lot and we just camped for the first time in months of ownership plus 3 of the 5 new Lights on their lot were also showing signs of delamination!!! Open Range, after some shots across their bow, agreed to replace all the countertops with a solid surface material, but that won't be done till winter inactivity per all agreed. Awning was replaced while in for the tank, and we checked it over good before we left the lot.

Just did trip #2, and I'm beside myself as the awning would not extend more than 1-foot, and kitchen slide-out is again malfunctioning!!!

ANYONE who believes Open Range represents quality, YOU ARE WRONG! Open Range represents Over Realistic pricing for lackluster build quality and a real lack of engineering to ensure the components work! How do you justify switches and motors too small for the job? How do you justify countertop material that delaminates in humidity installed in a camper? How can you possible justify not being able to hang a tank so that it can support its weight when full in consideration it is a holding tank?

I fully admit being taken in by the looks, it's really a great layout and use of space with fantastic storage! However, it's lipstick on a pig! Jayco recently bought Open Range, and it's now Highland Ridge RV. Maybe in time that ownership will trickle down to quality improvements. I just bought at the wrong time on flaky advice it seems. If we have any more problems, I will be seeking to be made whole for our lost time and unloading this pig for a tried and proven design...

Reason of review: Damaged or defective.

Monetary Loss: $1700.

Preferred solution: Let the company propose a solution.

Do You Have Something To Say ?
Write a review

Comments

chat-icon

Please avoid publishing any personal information and promotional content

You will be automatically registered on our site. Username and password will be sent to you via email.
Post Comment
Guest

Amen

Antonette H

I just submitted my review today. We seemed to have all different issues but that may be because I am NOT familiar with the external works of the mechanics etc.

We too were taken in by the looks and engineering of the dรฉcor. Your description of "lipstick on a pig" made me laugh because you hit it on the head BIG TIME! Thank you for adding to the fact that I know we are not alone in this Open Range nightmare. We have come across several units in our travels (6mths out of the year) all over the southeast.

EVERY owner was just as upset and dismayed as you and my husband and myself. ABHighsmith

Open Range Rv Reviews

  1. 40 reviews
  2. 24 reviews
  3. 10 reviews
  4. 3 reviews
  5. 12 reviews
Open Range Rv reviews