Forum Discussion

brianosaur's avatar
brianosaur
Explorer
Jun 22, 2019

So, how does Highland Ridge Open Range rank?

Thor > Highland Ridge > Open Range UL or Mesa Ridge?

I know by reading enough, every manufacturer of every brand, on every line, will eventually receive posts about glitches, small issues or major problems with the RV that they, or someone they know, have owned.

I am trying to get a general *sense* of where HR OR stands from the long timers and mods on RV.net?

I recently POSTED about the insured total loss of our 2018 TT. Now we are spending dozens & dozens of hours on the hunt (net & phone) for a new one so we don't lose out on the season.

We keep coming back to the Open Range UT2802BH

...or its 100% exactly identical except for stickers (according to an email from HR) sister rv the Mesa Ridge MR2082BH.
  • As you already know you will get a lot of opinions. Most of them will be the ones who have had problems. We sold our dp motor home and went back to a fiver. It came down to Grand Design or Open Range. During our touch and feel period the difference was a mute point. The OR 3x had the insulation we wanted, quality and most importantly the floor plan. I would buy another and recommend it.
  • The post sale Highland that is now part of the Thor conglomerate produces average to mediocre RV'a at best.
    I would not by a newer unit and I own an Open Range.
  • The ultra lites have that laminated foam floor with 24" between the aluminum joists. I envision a soft, spongy floor after a couple years. That scares me away.
  • My advice is go to the Open Range owners forum and ask questions. My 2013 Open Range Roamer 5th wheel has been a great trailer. Mostly close trips, but have done a few west trips. Zero problems for us.
  • Not very high in our book.


    2012 Open Range 297RLS.

    3 trips to the factory in the first 1-1/2 years and frame flex at pin box still not corrected. Too many other issues to list here. Out of 6 RVs owned this was by far the biggest piece of junk. Kept it almost 3 years then dumped it just to get away from it. Took a good loss and was glad to do it. I don't know hiw anyone can say they're better than anyone else. Just a mass produced RV built from the same exact materials and components right down to the LCI frame as most everyone else.

    I attend Hershey and 3 other RV shows every year and look in depth. I noticed no big improvement in Highland Ridge in 2018 from 2012, maybe a step or two down IMO.
  • We've been looking at the 280RKS 5th wheel and TT. Overall I'd give them a good rating, based on quality and fit/finish.
    They seem to respond to complaints from owners.
    We owned a Rockwood and now a PrimeTime. I would rate the Open Range a little higher.