Forum Discussion

bacmb's avatar
bacmb
Explorer
Apr 29, 2017

Old new Open Range

Just picked up a 2015 3x349rls. New to fivers, and traveled s long ways to get this one. I believe (operative word is 'believe') i got a good deal, but there are a couple of concerns I'd appreciate feedback on. First, there are cracks in the edge seal/ caulk on the roof. The corners are very poorly done, owner swore whatever was done was by dealer. I'm not terribly worried about those, just not sure whether to strip off and start clean, ourcaulk over. Pictures attached.

The second is a much larger concern. I found a bubble about the size of a hand in the corner of the pin area, on the door side. Sent this to open range (heartland?), and got a pretty quick response that the tech was pretty certain this was frame flex, not delamination. He gave me a measuring test to try, and RV had to stay under 1/8" difference to pass. Measure between spot on pin and spot on jack while jacked and while hooked up on tow vehicle, weight off of jacks. It appears to be between 1/16 and 1/8. I'm thinking I should pull down to dick Gore and let them evaluate.

Am I being overly cautious? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for any input!

Chuck

Link to photos
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Apr 29, 2017
    IMO being overcautious is better than being blasé about it. If nothing else, have it checked for you own peace of mind, I would.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2017
    No you are not over cautious. Actually, you are quite meticulous. Good finds and you are being pro-active for a fix before they become a problem.

    Not so sure about the bubble, but you are doing the right thing getting it check out.

    About the sealant? It's not really recommended to remove the old sealant. Just clean it (check youtube.com, lots of videos on this), and re-caulk the cracks. Removing the old could cause more problems, so you just reseal the cracks in the calk.

    Congrats on your new purchase.

    Here's one of many youtube videos that shows how to take care of your roof, calking, and how to do it. Really simple: Click here.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Apr 29, 2017
    I have a 2012 Open Range. Check the screws along the edge of the roof. I found a bunch of them loose back when. I spent an afternoon removing and resealing the screws across the entire edge on both sides. The parent Company is Highland Ridge not Heartland. They were purchased by Jayco and then Jayco was purchased by Thor.
    For better or worse now Highland is one of the many Thor brands.
    I would be leary of any hand sized bubble you are smart to pursue this issue.
    For more info and help with your new purchase you may want to join the
    Open Range Owners Forum
  • guidry's avatar
    guidry
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2017
    I had frame flex on my OR, so you're aware OR's have that issue. It was a fairly easy fix although for me it was under warranty. Hurry and get yours repaired under warranty if you can. Good luck
  • bacmb's avatar
    bacmb
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2017
    Unfortunately (a) OR warranty doesn't cover second owners (I was informed by them), and (b) I think the warranty was only one year... whatever fix has to be paid for, it's all mine!
  • HouseApe's avatar
    HouseApe
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2017
    The OR warranty is two years bumper to bumper and IS transferable to a second owner.
    This is a know issue on the 3X and they will fix it.
    Last page of the 2015 owners manual has the warranty transfer form.

    https://www.highlandridgerv.com/assets/front-end/pdf/owners-manuals/2015%20Highland%20Ridge%20RV.pdf
  • HouseApe's avatar
    HouseApe
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2017
    bacmb wrote:
    Unfortunately (a) OR warranty doesn't cover second owners (I was informed by them), and (b) I think the warranty was only one year... whatever fix has to be paid for, it's all mine!


    From the 2015 owners manual

    This limited warranty applies to the first consumer purchaser, and the next subsequent owner, only. This limited warranty may be transferred once during the two (2) year warranty period. However, the subsequent owner must submit a warranty transfer form to Highland along with the applicable processing fee to make the warranty transfer effective.
  • Wagonqueen_Truc's avatar
    Wagonqueen_Truc
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2017
    The caulking is no big deal. Check and re caulk the cracks every other year or so. Self leveling Dicor is the best. Your other issue doesn't look, to me, like delamination ( I had a TT that was a complete loss due to it within 5 years of purchase/new) but I would be concerned to get a professional opinion.
  • carpetguy2's avatar
    carpetguy2
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2017
    I have the same issue on my 2016 OR.Same bubble and a lot more issues.I haven't seen my rv since October. dealer sent it out to a body shop to fix as Highland Ridge told them to.After 3 attempts to fix the bubble (delamination issue) they couldnt.Now it has to go to the manufacturer and the whole entry side wall has to be replaced.Been a complete disaster buying this rv..Have 7 pages of work done and only had it in my possession for 3 months.
    I have pictures same as yours on open range forum.aswell
  • bacmb's avatar
    bacmb
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2017
    HouseApe - thanks for catching that warranty note; we're a few months past the expiration, but it can't hurt to ask. That information came from the manufacturer, but it's obviously conflicting with the book.

    Carpetguy2 - that's not great news, especially since mine's NOT under warranty. Not sure how eager they will be to replace the sidewall on a camper six mints out of warranty, owned by a second owner, at their expense.

    Wagonqueen - I really don't know, but am getting out checked out. The wall doesn't sound hollow, there's no sign of any leak, and so on.

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