First time RVers ... should we go with an Open Range

[Clarkeco712]

Hi, from North Carolina and would be first time RVers while finishing our home, but hoping to continue using it for light travel. Looking at a 2016 Highland Ridge Roamer RT310BHS and towing with a 22 Ford F150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 max trailer/tow. Is the Open Range slightly higher quality like some on the internet claim it to be? That would be our #1 draw, but would like to verify. Thanks!

 

[Fishcrib]

Our 2015 307BHS has held up well. Most of the time it has been on a permanent site though.
I don't recommend you tow that rig with that truck.

Mine is about the same size and tow with a 3/4 ton just fine. I had a 150 before and that was white knuckle.


Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

 

[jarhead-ORO]

Not only should you ask yourself if your truck can pull it, make sure your truck can stop it.Dave

 

[campinghoss51]

What part of NC are you in?

We have had several campers and one dp motorhome. Our 388 has and is serving us well. Personally I would prefer purchasing a camper made pre 2020/2021 than a brand new one like you are doing.

Your tow vehicle is not quite enough to safely pull and stop the camper you are looking at. I would up grade to a 3/4 ton.

 

[DustyR-ORO]

Not only should you ask yourself if your truck can pull it, make sure your truck can stop it.Dave

Here are the weight specs on this trailer: Dry Weight 9,265 lbs.; Payload Capacity 2,235 lbs.
GVWR 11,500 lbs.; Hitch Weight 1,210 lbs.

Technically you could pull it, but the trailer loaded probably will weight in around 10,191. That is keeping it as light as possible. I towed that kind of weight with a 4.7 Toyota Tundra and it worked it hard. My main concern is stopping it, your tow vehicle weights roughly half of your towed weight. Your major problem stopping is not the planned stop. The major problem is the panic stop brought on by someone else's bad decision.

JMHO!

 

[tomkatb]

Due to the length likely crosswinds would be dangerous. Also trucks passing.

You need a 3/4 ton truck.

 

[KWoodhead]

You should also consider your hitch. With a TT that size, you might want to look at a ProPride 3P hitch. Not a cheap hitch, but worth the money. I've towed a 2017 RT340FLR for over 70K miles with the ProPride hitch. Never had any sway issues even in significant x-winds.

 

[cdlnut]

Wake County NC here... HELLO, we recently bought a Open Range 275 RLS .... Had a 2022 Ram 1500 .... but stepped up to a 2500 and so glad we did.... Stops Better Starts better and tows much better! We are in NC bought from Horizon RV / La-Grange NC .... I would step up to a 2500 for travel!

C&S