Open Range RV Problems & Solutions

Although recreational vehicles aren’t indestructible, Open Range RV problems seem more numerous (and concerning) than other brands. Many owners complain about aesthetic, quality, and mechanical issues plaguing it.

You might want to check out the potential concerns of owning an Open Range RV before you buy one from this brand. And if you’re clueless about the issues plaguing Open Range, worry no more.

We prepared this post to help you stay informed about common complaints regarding Open Range RV.

Commons Issues in Open Range RVs

Many Open Range RV owners love the brand’s impressive looks, functional floor plans and commendable exterior kitchen amenities. Unfortunately, everything seems to stop there. So, what plagues this RV manufacturer?

1. Unreliable braking performance

Brake failures or insufficient stopping power is a safety hazard. You don’t want to drive an RV or any vehicle with questionable braking performance, lest you court accidents.

Although almost all vehicles experience brake pad and rotor wear, these issues are more pronounced in Open Range RVs. Inadequate air purging from the brake lines and electrical concerns can also make RVing less safe.

The solution:

Isolating the brake issue is vital. You must postpone your trip and bring the RV to a mechanic, unless you’re knowledgeable about Open Range RV’s brake system.

2. Poor rust and corrosion protection

Driving Open Range travel trailers on roads sprayed with deicing agents or near the coast exposes these RVs to salt’s corrosive effects. While no vehicle is immune to rusting, Open Range’s offerings have a knack for faster oxidation.

The solution:

Driving in salt-rich environments is unavoidable. Hence, periodic inspection of the RV’s exterior is necessary to spot the early signs of corrosion.

Once spotted, Open Range RV owners must scrub the superficial rust with sandpaper or wire brush. You can clean the area with rubbing alcohol to ensure zero surface contaminants before applying an anti-rust sealant.

3. Low-quality materials

For a used RV that costs upwards of $20,000, it’s understandable to expect good-quality materials. Although Open Range RVs aren’t for the luxury market, they’re not for the budget-conscious either.

Unfortunately, most vehicles from this company have thin walls, poor-quality seals, and other “lackluster” materials (i.e., low-quality lighting fixtures and poor insulation).

These components are more prone to damage (i.e., structural issues and leaks) than other RV brands.

The solution:

Frequent inspection of RV materials is necessary to identify potentially problematic components. You can replace or upgrade parts with higher-quality versions.

4. Inconsistent RV leveling performance

Leveling an Open Range fifth wheel or travel trailer can be a hit or miss, no thanks to its unreliable leveling mechanism. Faulty calibration and sensor malfunction are the most common culprits. Sadly, these issues require a more technical approach.

The solution:

Manually leveling the RV is an excellent solution, albeit temporarily. A technician might need a more comprehensive look at your camper’s leveling system to identify the cause.

You can use stabilizer jacks to raise your RV off the ground. Check the rig’s level with a bubble level or a similar device while adjusting the RV’s four corners.

5. Water leaks

We can only assume inconsistent quality control measures prevent Open Range from rolling out RVs without “leaky” issues. Low-quality materials translate to damage- and cracked elements, including doors, windows, vents, ports, and roofs.

Although seals can crack with constant UV exposure, the problem seems more prevalent on Open Range RVs.

The solution:

Applying waterproof sealant on “all” potential water ingress points is impractical. Hence, you must isolate the leaky section and smear a water-resistant coat on it.

Check water system lines, especially the connections where a loose adapter might cause the leak. Tighten them as needed. Inspect the RV roof for cracks, holes, or splits, and see if a sealant solves the problem.

6. Plumbing system clogging

Although not exclusive to Open Range RVs, clogging in pipes and other plumbing fixtures can bring your RV adventures to a halt. After all, nobody wants a mess in the kitchen, including leaky or busted pipes.

We can only assume Open Range’s poor choice of plumbing materials is to blame. They can crack or attract more grease, grime, and dirt, leading to clogging.

The solution:

Removing grease, food scraps, loose objects, and other particles from drain pipes should clear the clog. You can use a plunger  to force the obstruction outward or a drain snake to hook debris from the pipes.

Pouring pipe “decloggers” or a baking soda-white vinegar-hot water combination can also clear a clogged RV kitchen plumbing system.

7. Slide-out issues

Open Range RVs are also prone to slide out problems. Electric motor failure or dysfunction, slide-out hydraulic leaks, actuator malfunction, and a defective slide out switch are the most common issues facing Open Range RV owners.

These issues can cause the RV slide out to function less than perfectly or fail completely.

The solution:

Checking the slide out system’s fuse for signs of breakage should be your first concern. If it’s busted, replacing the fuse with a new one should make the slideout operational again.

You can also check the breaker panel and see if it’s tripped. Re-engaging the breaker switch should solve the issue.

If none of the above tricks solves the problem, you can consider a mechanical issue with the slideout switch. Grab a multimeter and test the slideout’s electrical wires. Replacing the switch might be necessary if there’s no power to it.

The slideout actuator might also need replacement if the gears or wiring are defective.

Try applying lubricant on the RV slide out tracks if you haven’t done so in six months or a year. Ensure to remove all debris first while you’re at it.

Fixing slideout hydraulic issues requires determining the presence of a hydraulic fluid leak. You can replace the gaskets or seals in the RV’s hydraulic fluid cylinder or have a technician perform the job.

8. Propane leaks

Gas leaks are a safety hazard, exposing your RV family to danger. LPG fitting (i.e., O-rings, connectors, and hoses) corrosion, deformity, and damage can leak propane gas. Loose connections can also be problematic.

The solution:

Smelling gas in the RV should prompt you to close off all gas supplies and open doors, windows, vents, and other openings. These actions improve airflow.

If you don’t smell gas, you can apply soapy water on LPG fittings and connections to check for the presence of bubbles. Tighten all loose sections with a wrench.

Here’s a summary of common Open Range RV “adverse” user experiences with their corresponding “solutions.”

Conclusion

Open Range RV problems can occur in any other brand. Unfortunately, most RV owner concerns center on these issues. In hindsight, many of these problems are preventable if only Open Range would adopt higher quality materials and more meticulous quality control measures.

Still, Open Range RV has its loyal followers. They seem not to mind the aesthetic, mechanical, and quality issues prevalent in the brand. We can only assume other factors are vital when sticking with an Open Range RV.

Moving on to alternative brands, what issues do you think you might encounter?

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