Forum Discussion

Curly2001's avatar
Curly2001
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2020

Light Fifth Wheel Series M-297RLS

I have found a 2013 Open Range Light Fifth Wheel Series M-297RLS for sale and am wondering what your thoughts are on the unit? From what I gather it has Schwintek slides in it. Not too sure how they work but I have heard some areas they have had issues. Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Curly
  • SailingOn's avatar
    SailingOn
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2020
    Gearboxes in the cable-operated slide system in the 297RL had multiple failures a couple of years ago. There were design changes and failures have since been much less frequent. We had three failures within a year, and after that practice I can now change a gearbox in about 30 minutes. So of course we've had had no failures now in two years of frequent use; Murphy's law.
    Click here for the BAL-Norco website with installation manual, service manual, parts list. The gearbox part number is R25076, available on Amazon.
  • Curly2001's avatar
    Curly2001
    Explorer II
    Jan 26, 2020
    I looked at the unit again and it does have BAL cable slides not Schwintek. I was incorrect on the first post. I don't have any experience with BAL so I am trying to get more information now on them.
    Thanks,
    Curly
  • mtofell1's avatar
    mtofell1
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2020
    Second Chance wrote:
    Our dealer used to carry Open Range - dropped them due to quality and warranty issues.

    Rob


    Every dealer that has ever discontinued a brand says that. It's like telling all your friends you were the one to break-up when your girlfriend dumps you. Fwiw, every RV manufacturer has warranty and quality issues.
  • mileshuff's avatar
    mileshuff
    Explorer
    Jan 21, 2020
    The Schwintek slides had lots of reported issues several years ago. Most of the reports were with larger heavy slides. Smaller slides do not seem to have such issues. My 2014 Winnebago has a Schwintek bedroom closet slide. It's rather small and light. After five years no issues. The main slide is a more conventional gear driven.
  • Campinghoss's avatar
    Campinghoss
    Explorer II
    Jan 20, 2020
    We looked at several different models before we purchased ours. Open Range had some features that we really liked and as far as quality, that is more of a **** shoot in any models. We sold our motor home and went with the fiver in sig. I have had no issues quality related other than two led lights on the awning and the on board water pump. The cable slides are not an issue. We have had gear driven, hydraulic and now cable slides and no issues with any of them.
    If the camper you are looking at now fits your lifestyle go for it.
  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Jan 20, 2020
    Our dealer used to carry Open Range - dropped them due to quality and warranty issues.

    Rob
  • JKJavelin's avatar
    JKJavelin
    Explorer III
    Jan 20, 2020
    Not positive, but I think it has all cable slides. BAL made some bad gearboxes for them in 2015,so a 2013 shouldn't have issues.
    JK

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