Forum Discussion

2012Oudoorsman's avatar
2012Oudoorsman
Explorer
Jan 26, 2017

KZ vs. Open Range

I will be upgrading within the next year to a fifth wheel. We've been looking for a while to find campers that fit most of our wish list. We recently found two campers that fit the bill. I found a dealer within a hour (everything is an hour from where I live) from my house that has fantastic reviews and has both on the lot. They also gave me a good trade in value on my current camper. Unfortunately im not ready to complete the deal but it let me know what our camper was worth. They have both these camper on rv trader for the same price which is about 33% off msrp. Ive yet to visit the dealer.

https://www.highlandridgerv.com/products/2017/roamer/fifth-wheels/RF374BHS

https://www.kz-rv.com/products/durango-2500-fifth-wheels/D347BHF.html

One of my biggest worries with getting a fifth wheel is the front end flexing that some people have. Both of these campers have 2 year warranties which makes me feel better about it but I see it has been happening with open range. KZ doesnt have much of an owner forum that ive found. I obviously have some inspections to do on these campers for myself.


I was looking for opinions from people with these brands as they're not the most popular brands out there. Any major issues? Warranty denials? Cable slides make me nervous but have been used exclusively be open range for a while. I do know one person with a KZ and they had multiple warranty claims without an issue but one was a complete new roof membrane.


Thanks!

6 Replies

  • ChuckV1's avatar
    ChuckV1
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2017
    Howdy

    We just bought a Durango Gold G384RLT BUILT BY kZ, we looked
    at Montana's as well before buy this trailer and like the
    layout far better. The 2 year warranty is a limited one,
    but as with most a 1 year warranty that covers bumper to
    bumper.

    I inspected both brands top to bottom and liked the way
    the Durango was built. What I really like was all the draw
    slides were metal and not those plastic cheap peaces of
    dodo that allot of manufacturers put in now days.

    Also the cabinet door hinges seem to be better than other
    5ers that we looked at.

    Being that we came from a upper end Coachmen 5er that we
    have had for a few years (2006) we do see many improvements
    over what we had. Do I believe it perfect, no, do I believe
    that the workmanship is perfect or should I say up to par
    that we shall see in the years to come.:D

    I will say for the weight and the overall length along with
    the larger width it pulls just as good if not better than
    the old 5er.

    Good luck in your search, but do not let me nor anyone try
    to convince you that one brand is better than another. :)

    Its all in what you like and how well it fits your needs.
    I can say that every trailer we have bought they seem to
    say to us this is the one :B
  • 2012Oudoorsman's avatar
    2012Oudoorsman
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2017
    DutchmenSport wrote:
    A year from now, both of these campers may not be available. They will technically be a year older, and your current camper will be a year older. Before you purchase, you'll be going through this same exercise next year, only the value of your camper will be less and ... probably ... the cost of a new RV for the current year will be higher!

    My opinion??? Strike while the coals are hot!


    Your right but just not ready as the kids are just to young to use a bunk bed. The floor plans are new this year so I think they'll be out for a little while. Most companies are coming out with something similar this year. My current camper is a 13 and I've already replaced the tires last year with Maxxis so I don't see the camper costing me anymore to own and I've fixed a ton of minor things that go wrong. Yes values change but if I can't use the camper to its full potential I think it's better to wait until I can.

    Jack_Diane_Freedom wrote:
    I have owned both KZ and Open Range trailers with Open Range being our current one. In my opinion the quality of the Open Range far exceeds the quality of the KZ. Have had the OR since 2011, 3 slides with cable system with absolutely no problems.


    Thanks for the feedback!
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2017
    I have owned both KZ and Open Range trailers with Open Range being our current one. In my opinion the quality of the Open Range far exceeds the quality of the KZ. Have had the OR since 2011, 3 slides with cable system with absolutely no problems.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2017
    newman fulltimer wrote:
    Open range has sold out to Thor I believe.kz been around like 40 years one of the older ones still standing


    Thor ownes KZ. Click here.
  • newman_fulltime's avatar
    newman_fulltime
    Explorer II
    Jan 26, 2017
    Open range has sold out to Thor I believe.kz been around like 40 years one of the older ones still standing
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2017
    A year from now, both of these campers may not be available. They will technically be a year older, and your current camper will be a year older. Before you purchase, you'll be going through this same exercise next year, only the value of your camper will be less and ... probably ... the cost of a new RV for the current year will be higher!

    My opinion??? Strike while the coals are hot!

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