Forum Discussion

adidas4862's avatar
adidas4862
Explorer
Mar 18, 2015

Open Range vs Sandpiper Bunkhouses

We are new to RVing and could use some expert advice! We're going to purchase a 5th wheel bunkhouse (we have a toddler) and we were about to buy the Open Range 413RLL when we stumbled upon the new 2015 Forest River Sandpiper 371REBH with the bunkhouse on the side instead of in the rear. We LOVE this new model because of the extra living and kitchen space. We will be pretty much full-timing for work and we feel that the extra living space would be very beneficial since we're sharing space with a 1.5 year old.

Does anyone have experience with both of these companies? What were your likes / dislikes? We've noticed that the Open Range brand is always listed significantly higher - is there a legitimate reason for that? Any advice would be welcome and much appreciated as this will mostly be our home for probably the next couple of years.
  • Stefan's avatar
    Stefan
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2015
    Go to the forest river forums, TONS of info on that particular model in the 5th wheel section.
  • PenMan's avatar
    PenMan
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2015
    My Forest River was a 2007. We wanted a larger trailer as we got ready to retire and chose the Open Range. We really didn't have many problems with the FR but like I said, the fit and finish was clearly not as good as we found in the OR.
  • adidas4862's avatar
    adidas4862
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2015
    PenMan wrote:
    I have owned a Forest River trailer and currently own an Open Range. I find the Open Range to be much higher quality in fit and finish items. All the major manufacturers use the same appliances, etc. so nothing to compare there. I know a lot of people on the forum seem to dislike the cable slide systems on the Open Range trailers but I personally like it much better than gear system we had on the Forest River. It has proved to be much more reliable and easy to work on. Just my opinions.


    What year was your forest river? I know they have changed some stuff. My brother-in-law has a 2012 open range and the 2015 forest river I feel is very comparable and maybe has some nicer features. I am just looking to make the right choice.

    Thank you,
  • PenMan's avatar
    PenMan
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2015
    I have owned a Forest River trailer and currently own an Open Range. I find the Open Range to be much higher quality in fit and finish items. All the major manufacturers use the same appliances, etc. so nothing to compare there. I know a lot of people on the forum seem to dislike the cable slide systems on the Open Range trailers but I personally like it much better than gear system we had on the Forest River. It has proved to be much more reliable and easy to work on. Just my opinions.
  • dblr's avatar
    dblr
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2015
    If you like the mid bunk room take a look at the Brookstone one by Coachman
  • Halmfamily's avatar
    Halmfamily
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2015
    We are going three years with our FR Sandpiper, now a Sierra and have had only a few minor issues. Warranty took care of those. The 371 REBH is a great unit, love the floor plan. Wish they had it out three years ago.
  • guidry's avatar
    guidry
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2015
    We love our Open Range and they come with a 2 year warranty. Open Range management is great and I've never had a problem they weren't responsive to. There is also a forum for OR owners so you can do research and ask questions of OR owners. I know nothing of Forrest River. God luck
  • Dog_Folks's avatar
    Dog_Folks
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2015
    We are in the market for a new trailer to full time in also.

    Much research done and more than one e-mail exchange with the Open Range factory.

    Talked with present owners.

    Our new one will be an Open Range.

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