Highland Ridge-Open Range Ultra Lite RV Exposed: Leaks, Delamination, Axle Wear & Service Delays

Introduction: What Shoppers Should Know About the Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite is a lightweight travel trailer line marketed for half-ton towability and family-friendly amenities. Highland Ridge RV, a brand under the Jayco/Thor umbrella, has sold the Open Range Ultra Lite series for multiple model years, and in more recent catalogs has repositioned or renamed parts of the line as “Range Lite.” On paper, these trailers promise contemporary interiors, solid insulation claims, and clever floor plans. In owner communities, however, recurring complaints about workmanship, water intrusion, chassis and suspension components, and long repair delays form a consistent theme you should weigh carefully before buying.

As you read, keep a critical eye on patterns: repeated reports across forums, BBB complaints, Reddit threads, and YouTube testimonials matter far more than any single post. If you’ve owned or shopped this model, share your real-world experience in our comments—it helps other buyers make informed decisions.

Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback Before You Buy

Independent Owner Groups and Facebook Communities

Join model-specific and brand-wide owner groups to read unfiltered feedback, service experiences, parts sourcing, and DIY fixes. Don’t rely on screenshots—ask follow-up questions and request VIN/build dates. To find relevant communities, use this Google search for Facebook groups and forums:

• Search Facebook groups for Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite (join several; compare notes across years)

Essential Sources and Evidence Links

• Google results: Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite Problems
• YouTube owner videos: Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite Problems
• BBB search: Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite (filter by manufacturer and dealer complaints)
• Reddit r/rvs: Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite Problems
• Reddit r/RVLiving search: Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite Problems
• Reddit r/GoRVing search: Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite Problems
• RVInsider owner reviews: Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite Problems
• Good Sam community: Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite Problems
• NHTSA recalls: Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite (review VIN-specific recalls)
• RVForums.com (use onsite search for “Open Range Ultra Lite” issues)
• RVForum.net (search Highland Ridge Open Range threads)
• RVUSA forum (use header search: “Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite Problems”)
• PissedConsumer (manually search: “Highland Ridge” and “Open Range”)

Watchdog Coverage and Industry Exposés

• Explore investigative RV buyer education from Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel and search her uploads for “Open Range Ultra Lite” or “Range Lite.”
• Consider her discussions on QC and dealer service bottlenecks: RV quality and warranty pitfalls explained by Liz Amazing.
• For shopping due diligence, watch Liz Amazing’s buyer-checklist videos and then search her channel for the exact model you’re considering.

Before You Sign: Get a Third-Party Inspection

Hire an independent RV inspector before money changes hands. This is your leverage point. Once the dealer is paid, owners routinely report waiting months for repairs, cancelled trips, and RVs stuck on lots awaiting parts. A pro inspection can surface roof sealing failures, misaligned slides, bad axles, wet subfloors, and electrical shortcuts that are easy to miss on a quick walk-through. Schedule early and make the sale contingent on passing.

• Find a local inspector: Google search: RV Inspectors near me

If you’ve had an inspection save you from a bad deal—or wish you had—tell us what you learned in the comments so others can benefit.

Reported Structural and Water Intrusion Issues

Sidewall Delamination and Soft Floors

Numerous owners describe bubbles or waves forming on fiberglass sidewalls months to a couple of years after delivery, often linked to moisture intrusion from failed sealant, window frames, or marker lights. Affected units may also present soft spots around the entry, under slide openings, or near bath and kitchen plumbing runs. Delamination repair is costly and time-consuming; many accounts suggest dealers defer or deny claims as “maintenance-related,” putting the financial burden on owners.

• Google: Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite Delamination
• Reddit r/rvs: Water Damage and soft floors in Open Range Ultra Lite
• YouTube: Open Range Ultra Lite Water Leaks
• RVInsider: Owner reports mentioning leaks

Roof Membrane, Seams, and Cap-to-Roof Sealing

Owners frequently flag early sealant shrinkage or gaps where the roof membrane meets front or rear caps and around fixtures (vents, antennas). Failure here can allow water to wick into luan and insulation, later revealing itself as interior staining or ceiling softening. Some buyers report discovering saturated insulation during their first annual reseal check, indicating factory sealing that didn’t bond or was inadequately applied.

• Google: Open Range Ultra Lite Roof Leaks
• Good Sam threads: Roof and cap sealing on Ultra Lite
• YouTube: Roof repair experiences on Ultra Lite

Slide-Out Mechanisms and Water Management

Reported slide issues include slow or binding operation, out-of-square slide boxes, and leaks during rain if awning toppers or seals aren’t aligned. Some owners reference repeated seal replacements and adjustments within the first year. Misaligned slides can chew up seals and scrape flooring. In heavier, full-depth slides, insufficient support can lead to sagging and water weeping through corners.

• Reddit r/RVLiving: Slide Problems on Open Range Ultra Lite
• Google: Ultra Lite Slide Leak
• RVInsider: Slide-related owner comments

Chassis, Axle, Brakes, and Tires

Suspension Alignment and Premature Tire Wear

Multiple owners report irregular tire wear within the first few thousand miles, sometimes tracing back to axle misalignment, bent axles, or under-spec’d suspension components. Look for feathering on tread edges and cupping. Some attribute these issues to heavy floor plans near the axle rating, combined with pothole impacts. Even if covered under component warranties (often Lippert), owners describe long waits for diagnostics and parts.

• Google: Ultra Lite Axle Problems
• Reddit r/rvs: Ultra Lite Tire Wear

Brake Wiring, Breakaway Switch, and Recall-Adjacent Issues

Trailer braking is a safety-critical system. Owners have documented intermittent brakes or weak braking force that later traced to wiring faults, poor grounds, or misrouted harnesses. Manufacturers issue recalls when patterns emerge, but fixes can lag. Always run your VIN on the NHTSA portal and verify recall completion documents before delivery.

• NHTSA recall lookup for Open Range Ultra Lite
• Google: Ultra Lite Brake Problems

Weight Distribution, Tongue Weight, and Sway

“Ultra Lite” branding can suggest easy towing, but real-world tongue weights sometimes run higher than brochure figures once batteries, propane, and cargo are added. Mismatched tow vehicles and under-rated hitches contribute to sway complaints. Walk a certified scale ticket for the exact unit you’re buying and size your hitch accordingly; owners often find that upgrading to a premium weight-distribution hitch with integrated sway control mitigates issues.

• Good Sam: Sway discussion for Ultra Lite
• Reddit r/GoRVing: Tongue Weight on Ultra Lite

Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, and Appliances

Water Leaks at Fittings, Water Heater, and Exterior Showers

Owners report loose PEX connections, uncrimped fittings, and leaks at the water heater bypass or outdoor shower housing. Minor drips can become major damage when hidden behind cabinetry. After delivery, perform a full pressure test (city water and pump mode) and inspect every accessible connection. Some owners re-crimp or replace fittings proactively due to repeat leaks.

• Google: Ultra Lite Plumbing Leaks
• RVInsider: Plumbing issues on Ultra Lite

12V System, Converter/Charger, and Battery Drain

Common complaints include dead batteries after short storage periods, converter fans running continuously, or miswired battery shut-offs. In some cases, GFCIs or fuses trip intermittently under load. Owners advise testing voltage at the converter, verifying negative bus connections, and ensuring that battery disconnects are wired to isolate both parasitics and the solar controller if equipped.

• Reddit r/rvs: Electrical Problems on Ultra Lite
• Google: Converter Issue in Ultra Lite

Air Conditioning Ducting and HVAC Distribution

Owners describe uneven cooling with hot bedrooms and cold main living spaces, sometimes due to poorly taped ducts or blocked runs. On single-AC floor plans, the unit may struggle in high heat. Some owners reduce temps by sealing duct joints with foil tape, adding return air filters, or upgrading to a higher-capacity AC if wiring allows.

• Good Sam: AC Problems on Open Range Ultra Lite
• YouTube: AC not cooling—Open Range Ultra Lite

Fit, Finish, and Warranty Service Experience

Trim, Cabinetry, and Interior Fasteners

Recurring early-life issues include loose cabinet hardware, misaligned drawers, staples protruding through trim, and veneer peeling at heat vents. Some owners report flooring cuts at the slide edge or furniture pulling from thin backing panels. None of these alone is catastrophic, but collectively they show rushed assembly and weak QA at the factory level.

• RVInsider: Quality Issues for Ultra Lite
• YouTube: Fit and Finish on Ultra Lite

Warranty Delays, Parts Backorders, and Dealer Bottlenecks

The heaviest complaint pattern centers on service delays. Owners describe months-long waits for diagnostic appointments, then additional delays for parts authorization and shipment. Several report multiple missed camping seasons due to backlogs. It’s common to be “deprioritized” once the sale closes, which is why a pre-delivery inspection is your best leverage point: insist on fixes before taking possession.

• BBB search: Warranty and service complaints referencing Open Range Ultra Lite
• Google: Ultra Lite Warranty Problems
• Find an inspector to document issues before the sale: Search “RV Inspectors near me”

Have you been stuck in a service queue after purchase? Add your owner report to help others plan.

Pricing, Value, and Payload Reality

Premium Pricing vs. Commodity Components

Although marketed with attractive interiors and feature lists, many components (furniture, hardware, appliances) are the same suppliers used across mid-market trailers. Owners question MSRP premiums when early repairs—resealing, slide adjustments, suspension tweaks—eat into the “value” proposition.

• Google: Is Open Range Ultra Lite Overpriced?

Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) and Real-World Weight

Some Ultra Lite floor plans ship with limited CCC, leaving little room after full water, propane, and routine gear. Overloading contributes to tire and axle failures. Before you buy, photograph the yellow sticker on the exact VIN, calculate your packed weight, and weigh the rig loaded for camping.

• Reddit r/GoRVing: Cargo capacity on Ultra Lite

Recalls, Technical Bulletins, and What to Verify

Recalls can involve brake wiring, LP system components, awning hardware, and other safety-related systems. Not all model years share the same issues. Always run the VIN on the NHTSA site and print the recall completion record from the dealer prior to taking the unit home.

• Check your VIN for Open Range Ultra Lite recalls on NHTSA
• Google: Open Range Ultra Lite Recall
• YouTube: Owners discussing recalls for Ultra Lite

For ongoing QC discussions and inspection best practices, you can also review buyer-focused content from Liz Amazing’s RV consumer advocacy channel, then search her videos for the specific model year you’re considering.

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

Warranty Rights and Obligations

When manufacturers or dealers fail to repair documented defects within a reasonable number of attempts or time period, consumers may have remedies under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (federal) and state consumer protection laws. However, many states treat RVs differently from passenger vehicles—motorhome lemon laws may not apply to towables, and you might need to rely on breach of warranty or unfair trade practice statutes. Keep a meticulous paper trail: dated photos, videos, written repair orders, parts backorder communications, and all dealer/manufacturer correspondence.

• File safety-related complaints with NHTSA: NHTSA Recalls portal
• Report unfair or deceptive practices to the FTC and your State Attorney General.
• Use BBB complaints to document patterns: BBB complaints referencing Open Range Ultra Lite

Arbitration Clauses and Dealer Agreements

Purchase contracts sometimes contain mandatory arbitration or limitations on consequential damages. Have an attorney review the contract if a large purchase or if you plan to full-time. If you proceed, negotiate in writing for a thorough pre-delivery inspection and punch-list completion with deadlines—and consider escrow or staged payments contingent on completion.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

How Reported Defects Affect Safety

Brake malfunctions, axle misalignment, and tire failures can lead to loss of control at highway speeds. Water intrusion can compromise floor and structural integrity, turning emergency egress into a hazard and increasing mold risk. Slide faults can jam exits and damage wiring. LP system problems are rare but serious—if you smell gas, vacate and shut off LP at the cylinders immediately.

Financial Risk to Owners

Owners frequently report multi-thousand-dollar repairs for delamination, roof rebuilds, or axle replacements if claims are denied. Extended downtime is another significant cost: storage fees, lost deposits on campsites, and missed travel. Depreciation accelerates when a unit develops a reputation for leaks or chronic repair history; resale values suffer.

If you’ve faced major repair bills on this model, post your ownership tips and what you’d do differently.

If You Already Own an Open Range Ultra Lite

Immediate Actions

• Document everything: date-stamped photos/videos, especially of leaks or structural changes.
• Run the VIN at NHTSA and request recall completion records from your dealer.
• Request a written repair timeline and parts ETA for any warranty claim.
• Conduct a thorough DIY leak test: pressurize the body with a fan (or use a pro “SealTech” style test) and mark all soap bubbles.
• Weigh your rig loaded for camping and adjust tire pressure and weight distribution accordingly.

Escalation Path

• Notify the manufacturer in writing (email + certified letter) of persistent defects.
• Request goodwill repairs if out of warranty but with early documented failures.
• File complaints with BBB, your State AG, and the FTC for unresolved warranty concerns.
• Consult a consumer law attorney regarding Magnuson-Moss warranty claims if multiple repair attempts fail.

Independent Inspection Can Still Help

Even after purchase, a third-party inspection often uncovers defects your dealer missed and can strengthen your warranty claim. Consider paying for a written report from a qualified RV inspector.

• Find a local RV inspector

Context: Any Signs of Improvement?

Some later model years branded as “Range Lite” appear to incorporate incremental updates and, in certain owner reports, fewer early-life issues. A portion of owners report trouble-free seasons. Nevertheless, overarching themes of inadequate sealing, QC misses at delivery, supplier-level component failures, and prolonged service delays continue to appear widely across owner communities. Always evaluate the exact VIN you’re considering and treat dealer assurances skeptically until verified in writing and by inspection.

Have you seen improvements in newer runs or specific floor plans? Tell us your story in the comments to help other shoppers focus their search.

Key Takeaways for Shoppers

• Inspect before purchase: Make the sale contingent on an independent inspection and completion of a punch list.
• Verify recalls by VIN: Get documentation that recall work is complete before taking delivery.
• Demand a proper PDI: Spend hours testing slides, AC, water systems, and every outlet—don’t rush.
• Know your weights: Get real-world scale numbers and ensure your tow vehicle and hitch are truly up to the task.
• Plan for service delays: Have a backup plan for travel in case the RV is sidelined for parts/service.
• Do your homework: Read through owner complaints and videos: YouTube: Ultra Lite Problems, Google search, RVInsider reviews.

Final Assessment

Based on aggregated consumer reports and public complaints, the Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite line presents notable risks in three areas: water intrusion and sealing integrity; suspension/axle/tire wear concerns; and prolonged warranty service delays. While some owners enjoy satisfactory experiences, the pattern of early defects and slow resolution is too consistent to ignore. If you proceed, treat a professional pre-purchase inspection as non-negotiable and require documented remediation of any findings before you sign.

Our recommendation: Given the breadth and severity of reported issues, we do not currently recommend the Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite for most buyers. Consider shopping other brands or models with stronger QC reputations and documented service responsiveness, and verify owner feedback for the exact floor plan and model year you’re considering.

Ready to weigh in with your own results? Post your ownership tips and outcomes so fellow shoppers can learn from your experience.

Comments

What’s your experience with the Highland Ridge Open Range Ultra Lite? Your insights—good or bad—help fellow RV shoppers make informed decisions.