Forum Discussion

eb145's avatar
eb145
Explorer II
Feb 03, 2015

Open Range 347RES - anybody seen one?

Open Range has a new model and floorplan in the Mesa Ridge and Roamer line - the 347RES. It is a drop frame with an L-shaped couch that might be comfortable to sit on. And heck, maybe even comfortable to sleep on the foldout bed.

Has anyone been in one? Or bought one?

This model came out just recently. Jayco purchased the Open Range company last spring. I wonder if this 347RES model has the potential to be a winning combination of Jayco's engineering and manufacturing quality control and the Open Range style and design features.

From my reading a sample of posts on the Open Range owners forum, it seemed Open Range had some quality issues with their frames and slideouts. But the owners loved the design and features so much they tolerated the quality issues as long as Open Range fixed the problems. Perhaps Open Range got in financial trouble from all the warranty repairs they had to do - I really don't know.

Anyway, since it is February, we may as well discuss something on this forum.

Thanks,
Ed
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Feb 12, 2015
    mtofell1 wrote:
    The 347RES floor plan looks outstanding. It looks like an extremely well laid out trailer. I particularly like the W/D hookups which seem so rare for some reason in mid-size fivers.

    What I'm really anxious to learn is an actual weight from an owner. The 11,000 dry weight sounds good but I know there is some variation in how manufactures come up with that. Is it going to be 12K rolling down the road (SRW capable) or 14K (getting into DRW territory)?

    Here's a link to a dealer in TX with one and there are 154 pictures. It's the best look I've found:

    http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2015-Open-Range-Roamer-347RES-113699741

    Something I haven't found but am curious about is with the residential fridge option is there an inverter? Don't you need one?

    That dry weight is based on no options. If you add lots of options like a 2nd A/C, washer dryer,on board genset you will add to the dry weight figure. This is true of all manufactures.
    OR units are often 1000-1500 # lighter than the competitions comparable units due to there cable slide system which allows for lighter beams.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Feb 12, 2015
    I'd have an issue with the venting for the stove top. Normally the smoke or whatever is vented to the outside wall.
  • heffnerfam's avatar
    heffnerfam
    Explorer
    Feb 11, 2015
    Check out family camping outlet in Pottstown pa. We were just looking at this model today. We really loved the layout. Very spacious. We are new to 5th wheels and are looking to upgrade. Not sure what questions you have about it.

    Bob
  • mtofell1's avatar
    mtofell1
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2015
    The 347RES floor plan looks outstanding. It looks like an extremely well laid out trailer. I particularly like the W/D hookups which seem so rare for some reason in mid-size fivers.

    What I'm really anxious to learn is an actual weight from an owner. The 11,000 dry weight sounds good but I know there is some variation in how manufactures come up with that. Is it going to be 12K rolling down the road (SRW capable) or 14K (getting into DRW territory)?

    Here's a link to a dealer in TX with one and there are 154 pictures. It's the best look I've found:

    http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2015-Open-Range-Roamer-347RES-113699741

    Something I haven't found but am curious about is with the residential fridge option is there an inverter? Don't you need one?
  • bucky's avatar
    bucky
    Explorer II
    Feb 04, 2015
    I didn't know that Jayco was in the mix now with OR. I see that as a step forward. We keep seeing OR's we like, I'll be more likely to buy now that I know that.
  • byrdr1's avatar
    byrdr1
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2015
    Nice floor plan similar to my Cougar 327RES. Thats about i can offer the L shaped couch is wonderful, many a snooze fest in my camper..
    randy
  • Dandy_Dan's avatar
    Dandy_Dan
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2015
    If you are wondering about the quality and factory assistance, my 2009 is the 162 unit they built and did have some minor problems. They are now in the 19,000 units. The factory is excellent to work with and very helpful if you need repair. My dealer decided to close up shop leaving me no where close to go. I called OR and made an appointment and took it back to the factory where I was treated excellent. They went above and beyond to do what I wanted. Most of mine was new slide seals and cosmetic but still I was very impressed with the folks I dealt with.

    Yes, Jayco did buy Open Range but it is still a stand alone company and Randy Graber (who started OR) is still an important asset to the company.
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Feb 03, 2015
    ED I'm not sure what you read on the OR forum however there have not been any widespread frame issues. There did seem to be a run of cable linkage problems on the newer 2013,2014 models. However for the most part those issues have been addressed as well.
    I have a 2012 model and I have had no major issues. Factory response has been very good resolving a couple of minor issues that I fixed myself
  • KC8RXQ's avatar
    KC8RXQ
    Explorer
    Feb 03, 2015
    I know I am not directly addressing your post but from one Ed to another, go back to the Open Range owner's forum and ask the tough questions. The replies for the most part are unbiased and if the model you are looking at is that new there may not be many on the road - yet. If the membership numbers are any indication of Open Ranges acceptance to the RV world, they must be doing something right.

    I have a 2012 Open Range 386FLR and while it did have a few minor (truly minor ones) warranty issues, my view of OR has been favorable.

    Good hunting on your choice of RV.

    Ed/KC8RXQ

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