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Light Fifth Wheel Series M-297RLS

Curly2001
Explorer
Explorer
I have found a 2013 Open Range Light Fifth Wheel Series M-297RLS for sale and am wondering what your thoughts are on the unit? From what I gather it has Schwintek slides in it. Not too sure how they work but I have heard some areas they have had issues. Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Curly
2019 Chev. Double cab 2500HD, 6.0, 4:10 diffs, six speed auto
2013 Heartland Sundance XLT 265RK
8 REPLIES 8

SailingOn
Explorer
Explorer
Gearboxes in the cable-operated slide system in the 297RL had multiple failures a couple of years ago. There were design changes and failures have since been much less frequent. We had three failures within a year, and after that practice I can now change a gearbox in about 30 minutes. So of course we've had had no failures now in two years of frequent use; Murphy's law.
Click here for the BAL-Norco website with installation manual, service manual, parts list. The gearbox part number is R25076, available on Amazon.
Buck: 2004 Wilderness Yukon 8275S, now memories.
Star: Open range LF297RLS. 2 air conditioners!
Togo: 2014 Winnebago View Profile, 2013 Sprinter chassis; 16 mpg
Snow: 2020 F250 diesel
AD5GR

Curly2001
Explorer
Explorer
I looked at the unit again and it does have BAL cable slides not Schwintek. I was incorrect on the first post. I don't have any experience with BAL so I am trying to get more information now on them.
Thanks,
Curly
2019 Chev. Double cab 2500HD, 6.0, 4:10 diffs, six speed auto
2013 Heartland Sundance XLT 265RK

mtofell1
Explorer
Explorer
Second Chance wrote:
Our dealer used to carry Open Range - dropped them due to quality and warranty issues.

Rob


Every dealer that has ever discontinued a brand says that. It's like telling all your friends you were the one to break-up when your girlfriend dumps you. Fwiw, every RV manufacturer has warranty and quality issues.

mileshuff
Explorer
Explorer
The Schwintek slides had lots of reported issues several years ago. Most of the reports were with larger heavy slides. Smaller slides do not seem to have such issues. My 2014 Winnebago has a Schwintek bedroom closet slide. It's rather small and light. After five years no issues. The main slide is a more conventional gear driven.
2014 Winnebago 26FWRKS 5th Wheel
2007.5 Dodge 2500 6.7L Diesel
2004 Dodge Durango Hemi 3.55 (Used to tow TT)

Campinghoss
Explorer
Explorer
We looked at several different models before we purchased ours. Open Range had some features that we really liked and as far as quality, that is more of a **** shoot in any models. We sold our motor home and went with the fiver in sig. I have had no issues quality related other than two led lights on the awning and the on board water pump. The cable slides are not an issue. We have had gear driven, hydraulic and now cable slides and no issues with any of them.
If the camper you are looking at now fits your lifestyle go for it.
Camping Hoss
2017 Open Range 3X 388RKS
MorRyde IS with disc brakes
2017 F-350 6.7 with hips 8'bed
Lucie our fur baby
Lucky 9/15/2007 - 1/30/2023

Second_Chance
Explorer II
Explorer II
Our dealer used to carry Open Range - dropped them due to quality and warranty issues.

Rob
U.S. Army retired
2020 Solitude 310GK-R
MORryde IS, disc brakes, solar, DP windows
(Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
2012 F350 CC DRW Lariat 6.7
Full-time since 8/2015

Curly2001
Explorer
Explorer
Thanks
2019 Chev. Double cab 2500HD, 6.0, 4:10 diffs, six speed auto
2013 Heartland Sundance XLT 265RK

JKJavelin
Explorer III
Explorer III
Not positive, but I think it has all cable slides. BAL made some bad gearboxes for them in 2015,so a 2013 shouldn't have issues.
JK
2018 Ram 3500 Laramie Cummins 6.7
2016 Open Range RF316RLS
Titan Disc Brakes
Trailair pinbox
Morryde AllTrek 4000 w/ wetbolt kit
Demco Autoslide
570 watts of Solar

2017-2022 555 Nights
2023- 106 Nights