Community Forums

Cartist · 08-02-2015, 03:07 PM

Now that Jayco is the new proud owner of OPEN RANGE, what type of support are the owners going to have, such as questions about the 5th wheels they purchased from OPEN RANGE, plus helping them with troubling problems? I would like to know.

LadyFitz... · 08-02-2015, 04:18 PM

Hard to say but I recently noticed that the 2016 OR models are cheaper looking this year like the Jayco models have been doing every year for the past several years.

Cartist · 08-04-2015, 10:32 PM

Well now I am not sure who owns Open Range, we are so disappointed because they seem not to back up there product, It's hard to find information on parts etc. to replace items that are broken or malfunction.
Would like to find someone who knows this 5th Wheel inside and out for help.
R. E. Nibarger

davidki · 08-12-2015, 05:58 PM

Did you call Jayco Customer service direct, they should be able to tell you...

SoCADesertRat · 08-12-2015, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cartist

Well now I am not sure who owns Open Range, we are so disappointed because they seem not to back up there product, It's hard to find information on parts etc. to replace items that are broken or malfunction.
Would like to find someone who knows this 5th Wheel inside and out for help.
R. E. Nibarger

Jayco has in fact purchased Open Range. However, they operate as totally separate companies as far as we customers are concerned. Each has its own manufacturing, warranty service and staffs.

SoCADesertRat · 08-12-2015, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyFitz...

Hard to say but I recently noticed that the 2016 OR models are cheaper looking this year like the Jayco models have been doing every year for the past several years.

LadyFitz,
As someone looking to replace my current 5th Wheel, I would appreciate you sharing what it is you saw in the 2016 OR models that is "cheaper looking".
Thanks in advance.

Mr_D · 08-12-2015, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCADesertRat

Jayco has in fact purchased Open Range. However, they operate as totally separate companies as far as we customers are concerned. Each has its own manufacturing, warranty service and staffs.

Maybe and maybe not. Just depends on what Jayco tells them to do. Cutting back on support/service/quality/staffing is one way to cut expenses and add profit.

SoCADesertRat · 08-14-2015, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Maybe and maybe not. Just depends on what Jayco tells them to do. Cutting back on support/service/quality/staffing is one way to cut expenses and add profit.

I intended to refer to customer contact - the buyers' concerns with warranty issues -- not intending to infer that Jayco would not have any positive or negative influence over OR. "Parents" always influence their "kids" for better or worse.
Thanks

LadyFitz... · 08-14-2015, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCADesertRat

LadyFitz,
As someone looking to replace my current 5th Wheel, I would appreciate you sharing what it is you saw in the 2016 OR models that is "cheaper looking".
Thanks in advance.

The first thing I noticed was the valences and swags were replaced with a cheap looking valence that looks like short shower curtains (big, grommeted holes in the top of a flat curtain threaded over the curtain rod. The pleated shade was replaced with a cheap looking flat blackout shade that barely covers the window, letting light in through the sides and eliminating any privacy since there are no swags or lambrequins to block light or snoopy eyes.

Over on the OR forums, there have been complaints about OR switching to a cheaper slide motor gearbox and drive shaft that have been stripping and breaking and that OR was using undersized switches and wiring for the slides.

SoCADesertRat · 08-15-2015, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyFitz...

The first thing I noticed was the valences and swags were replaced with a cheap looking valence that looks like short shower curtains (big, grommeted holes in the top of a flat curtain threaded over the curtain rod. The pleated shade was replaced with a cheap looking flat blackout shade that barely covers the window, letting light in through the sides and eliminating any privacy since there are no swags or lambrequins to block light or snoopy eyes.

Over on the OR forums, there have been complaints about OR switching to a cheaper slide motor gearbox and drive shaft that have been stripping and breaking and that OR was using undersized switches and wiring for the slides.

Thanks LadyFitz.

I appreciate your observations.

Lvtocmp · 08-27-2015, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cartist

Well now I am not sure who owns Open Range, we are so disappointed because they seem not to back up there product, It's hard to find information on parts etc. to replace items that are broken or malfunction.
Would like to find someone who knows this 5th Wheel inside and out for help.
R. E. Nibarger

Open Range is still run by Randy Graber but was required to create a new name when Jayco purchased them, it's called Highland Ridge RV/Open Range. They have several product lines 3x, Roamer, Light, Journeyer, Mesa Ridge, Highlander (toy hauler) and a new line coming out this fall Ultralight. Jayco may own the company but it is still under Randy's control and doing very well. If you need service or parts contact Highland Ridge RV in Shipshewana, IN. I think you'll find they treat their customers very well.

Lvtocmp · 08-27-2015, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCADesertRat

Thanks LadyFitz.

I appreciate your observations.

The new slides are 42 inches and need a bigger motor. Also the company has replaced switches on most units that got the bad switches. Ours work great now. We've had very good service from the service center. Our dealer was useless when it came to getting a repair done, so we took it to the factory and were treated very well. As for the new curtains with the big grommets in them 'I love them'. To me they look modern.