Pulling the trigger on a new Fifth Wheel

[pioneerclaims]

My 8 year old Colorado 32QB-M5-BS is no longer mine. After two major hail storms and some flooding this year on the road, the insurance company has chosen to total her as opposed to paying to repair/refurbish her. So, they took her away today. 😞

She was a good rig for her time. Her floor plan was perfect for what I needed the past 8 years... top third= bedroom/bath area. center third= living/kitchen/dining area. rear third= office/bunkhouse.

Shortcomings:? 30 amp, one a/c, low/mid-level unit, no washer/dryer.

As I practically 'live' in my fiver for as much as ten months a year for work assignments around the country, I have learned a lot about what I don't want, and what I do want.

Have been looking now for about three weeks at a suitable replacement. Requirements:?

1. Good Insulation / Four Seasons
2. 50 amp electrical system
3. Two a/c units
4. Good size kitchen with good appliances
5. Since the kids are grown and gone, don't need the bunkhouse configuration any longer.
6. Washer/Dryer
7. 30 to 35 feet.
8. Price between 40-48 K.

Problem when searching for a new unit is when you speak to one dealer, he trashes his competitor's comparable models. Other dealers trash their competitor's models also, so you don't get a 'true' picture.

Same thing when you look at the owner forums for each brand. Once you weed through the obvious 'owner-related issues', and check the RV.NET and other websites, BBB, etc.- you realize that no rig is perfect, and you just have to be happy with what you buy.

We narrowed our search down to the following five brands in a 30-35 foot model:

Columbus
Blue Ridge
Solitude
Open Range
Big Horn

After all was said and done, we settled on the 2015 ROAMER
RF337RLS by Open Range RV.

Will post new pictures tomorrow when we hook her up.

Wish me luck

[run100]

pioneerclaims,
You are absolutely banned from posting photos of your new 5th wheel, in fear of my wife seeing them. That could be expensive!

But seriously, that is one nice 5th wheel (just looked at some pics.) The livingroom looks quite cozy and the island in the kitchen provides nice counter space. One of my favorite features, is the pull-out counter in the bathroom, because it provides a place to put things when you need it, but can be put away to save space when you don't. Nice!

Congratulations and enjoy!

[pioneerclaims]

I like the extra storage of the island. Since I use this rig for work & play, I need the space. Everything tucks away neatly, and I can still use the bedroom, bathroom, stove and sink with slides in, and have access to the fridge as well.

Really nice unit. The only things I wish I had are a 12cu ft fridge/freezer (side by side) and a tad more under-belly storage space.

[amandasgramma]

Hook wrote:
I like the floor plan also.

What about with the slides in? Looks like you can use the bedroom and bath room but looks like you may lose some of the kitchen. Our old Snowbird had full use of everything with the slides in which we liked very well.

Sure do like it, if I go to another 5th that one would be high on the list.

Hook

We don't lose much when the slides are in. We can still fix a meal -- even cook on the stove if we wanted, and sit on the couch and relax. 🙂 The island tucks away onto the slide in front of the tv, so it doesn't impede the flow....

[Hook]

I like the floor plan also.

What about with the slides in? Looks like you can use the bedroom and bath room but looks like you may lose some of the kitchen. Our old Snowbird had full use of everything with the slides in which we liked very well.

Sure do like it, if I go to another 5th that one would be high on the list.

Hook

[amandasgramma]

jalichty wrote:
Looked at the floorplan and really like it. I think I would take a look at getting rid of the movable island, can you imagine how open this floorpan would be? Don't know if that would be taking away too much storage space or not.

NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! That island holds a LOT (we're full-timers).....and makes preparing food so much easier! Also, we had friends over for buffet the other night. 🙂 worked great!! The island tucks in by the tv console when traveling. Truly, there is so much room in this rig...the slides are deeper than most......We feel we're in open spaces compared to many rigs.

[jalichty]

Looked at the floorplan and really like it. I think I would take a look at getting rid of the movable island, can you imagine how open this floorpan would be? Don't know if that would be taking away too much storage space or not.

[pioneerclaims]

LOVE the new rig. Shook her down yesterday. Loading up all my 'stuff' today. I couldn't believe how much 'stuff' I had in the old rig. Since I don't have all the bunks like the old rig, I had all the brand-new sheets/blankets (six sets, never used), five folding camp chairs, some jackets and clothing to donate to the local battered women's shelter and to the American Veterans. Downsizing my 'stuff' is rewarding !!! (and lighter on those crappy tires, too)

[C-Bears]

Congratulations! Nothing like a new fiver. Good luck and safe travels.

[Coach-man]

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Best of luck to you!

[Veebyes]

WOW! Looked at the floorplan. That thing is real close to our Alpenlite 34RLR. The Alpenlite has a little more galley counter space with the 'J' configuration without the island but everything else in the lower section is about the same.

What is really nice is where the TV is mounted. It can be seen no matter where you are. It is not off at a right angle like so many layouts. It also can carry a decent amount of fresh water which is a big plus for any dry camping you might do.

[kennethwooster]

Congratulations. Have a friend that bought a big Open Range, and has used it in Colorado and South Texas. It has served them well. I think you will be well off.

[guidry]

Welcome to the Open Range family. Now immediately change your tires! See the OR forums about the cheap tire problems. There have been other issues with ORs (as with any other manufacturer) but the company is great to work with.

[goukcats]

Happy Trails.

[SkiSmuggs]

I like that you posted your criteria and the brands you were looking at. We looked at an Open Range model in 2011 and went with a Cougar High Country as the DW liked the looks of it better. After reading insulation specs, OR may have been a better choice, but I was limited by my tow vehicle. We are happy with the Cougar, but are paying attention to more than just weight for the next one.