Highland Ridge RV Exposed: Water Leaks, QC Flaws, Slide/Chassis Issues, Warranty Delays
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Highland Ridge
Location: 3195 N State Road 5, Shipshewana, IN 46565
Contact Info:
• info@highlandridgerv.com
• Customer 260-768-7771
• Service 800-283-8267
Official Report ID: 875
Introduction: Who Highland Ridge Is, and What Owners Report
AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Highland Ridge RV (the successor brand to Open Range RV) builds towable RVs positioned as “roomier, lighter-weight” trailers and fifth wheels. Open Range was acquired by Jayco in 2014, and Highland Ridge RV now operates as a Jayco division within Thor Industries—one of the largest RV conglomerates in North America. On paper, the brand markets four-season capability, value-focused pricing, and contemporary interiors. In practice, owner feedback across multiple public sources paints a more complicated picture: patterns of quality control issues, water intrusion, service bottlenecks, and warranty friction continue to surface, alongside safety-related recalls common to the broader towable RV industry.
What follows is a deep, consumer-first analysis of recurring problems and risk areas reported by owners and documented across complaint boards, forums, and regulatory databases. Where applicable, you’ll also find direct links to search results and public forums so you can verify and explore issues in detail yourself.
Owner Communities and Research Toolkit (Start Here)
Before you buy—or if you’re troubleshooting—plug into owner communities and third-party sources for unfiltered feedback. These are essential for spotting patterns and vetting dealer claims.
- Facebook Owner Groups: Join multiple Highland Ridge/Open Range owner groups to see day-to-day issues and fixes. Use this Google search to find them: Highland Ridge Facebook groups (Google search). Do not rely on a single group—join several to balance perspectives.
- YouTube Owner Reports: Watch first-hand walkthroughs and repair diaries. Start with a broad search: YouTube: Highland Ridge problems. Also see industry watchdog content from Liz Amazing’s YouTube channel and search her channel for “Highland Ridge” or the specific model you’re considering.
- Forums and Aggregators:
- Google: Highland Ridge problems
- BBB Search: Highland Ridge
- Reddit r/rvs: Highland Ridge problems | r/RVLiving | r/GoRVing
- RVInsider owner reviews: Highland Ridge problems
- Good Sam Community: Highland Ridge problems
- NHTSA Recall Search: Highland Ridge
- RVForums.com (use the search bar for “Highland Ridge”), RVForum.net, and RVUSA Forum (search “Highland Ridge problems”).
- PissedConsumer (manual search required) – search for “Highland Ridge” or “Open Range.”
Have you owned a Highland Ridge or seriously shopped one? Tell the community what you experienced.
Highland Ridge Product Lines and Corporate Structure
Highland Ridge currently produces a range of towable RVs. Product lines and naming have evolved since the rebrand from Open Range, so you may see older and newer names in owner reports and listings:
- Open Range (travel trailers and fifth wheels)
- Mesa Ridge (travel trailers and fifth wheels)
- Range Lite (lightweight travel trailers)
- Range Lite Air (ultra-light travel trailers)
- Highlander (toy haulers; some model years)
- Historical/Open Range legacy names (e.g., “Roamer,” “Light”) may appear in used listings and forums.
Corporate lineage: Open Range RV → acquired by Jayco (2014) → operated as Highland Ridge RV under Jayco → Jayco is owned by Thor Industries. This matters because corporate policy, warranty administration, and component sourcing are influenced by the parent organizations.
Get a Third-Party RV Inspection Before You Sign
Non-negotiable tip: Hire a certified, independent RV inspector prior to purchase—whether new or used. Your inspection report is your only real leverage before you sign. Once you take delivery, many owners report long waits for warranty service while their new RV sits at the dealer for weeks or even months, forcing canceled trips and sinking costs.
- Search locally: RV Inspectors near me
- Ask for a written water-intrusion test, a full roof and sealant report, slide system function checks, axle alignment and brake tests, and electrical/propane leak testing.
- Make repairs and punch-list items a condition of sale, with firm timelines in writing.
Did your dealer resist a thorough pre-delivery inspection? Share how you handled it.
Quality Control and Workmanship at Delivery
Recurring Assembly Defects and Incomplete PDI
(Serious Concern)
Across forums and review platforms, Highland Ridge buyers frequently describe new units arriving with notable build defects and incomplete dealer pre-delivery inspections (PDI). Reports include loose or missing fasteners, misaligned doors, appliance wiring issues, cosmetic trim separation, plumbing leaks at P-traps and fixtures, crushed or kinked ducting, and poorly sealed penetrations. While many RV brands struggle with QC, Highland Ridge owners specifically flag early-life repairs that could (and should) have been caught prior to handover.
- Common out-of-the-gate defects: dead outlets or GFCIs tripping, incorrect 12V fuse ratings, bath fans not wired, tank-level sensors reading erratically, under-mounted staples or screws protruding through paneling, and missing sealant at roof transitions.
- Impact on owners: Lost camping time, immediate returns to the dealer, and repeated service appointments during the first season of ownership.
Research these complaints and compare model years: Google: Highland Ridge problems | Reddit r/rvs threads on Highland Ridge | BBB complaints referencing Highland Ridge.
Water Intrusion, Roofs, and Sealant Failures
Leaks at Roof Seams, Slides, and Penetrations
(Serious Concern)
Water intrusion is a high-frequency and high-cost issue reported by towable owners across the industry, and Highland Ridge is no exception. Owners describe leaks at roof-to-cap seams, slide boxes (particularly during heavy rain or when slightly out of level), and around plumbing or wire penetrations. Damage can escalate quickly—soft subfloors, wall delamination, mold/mildew, and compromised insulation are all potential consequences.
- Typical leak points: front and rear caps, ladder mounts, roof accessories (ACs, fans, antennas), slide roof seams, and window frames.
- Why it’s serious: Even short-term moisture can lead to mold, electrical shorts, and structural degradation—repairs often run into thousands of dollars and may require extended downtime at a dealer or body shop.
Owner threads and videos to audit: YouTube: Highland Ridge water leaks | Google: Highland Ridge water intrusion | RVInsider reviews mentioning leaks.
Sealant Maintenance Burden and PDI Oversights
(Moderate Concern)
Even when no active leak is present, buyers often discover sealant voids soon after purchase. Proper sealing is fundamental; however, multiple owners report being told sealant is a “maintenance” item, shifting responsibility onto consumers—even when gaps are plainly visible at delivery. If you take delivery without documenting and correcting these deficiencies, warranty coverage can become contentious later.
Verify what other owners report: Good Sam forum: Highland Ridge leaks | Reddit r/RVLiving leak posts.
Slide-Out Systems: Binding, Leaks, and Floor Damage
Slide Mechanism Failures and Racking
(Serious Concern)
Owners report binding or racking in slide mechanisms (including cable-driven and rack-and-pinion systems), causing uneven travel, water intrusion, or scuffed flooring. If a slide goes out of square, seals may not compress correctly, creating a pathway for wind-driven rain. Some owners note repeated adjustments within the first season.
- Consequences: Floor gouges, weather infiltration, torn slide topper fabric, and motor overloads.
- Contributing factors: Tolerance stack-ups in cabinetry and walls, heavy loads in slide cabinets, and insufficient lubrication or adjustment during PDI.
Search for model-specific threads: Google: Highland Ridge slide-out problems | YouTube: slide failures on Highland Ridge.
Chassis, Axles, Tires, and Alignment
Premature Tire Wear, Axle Misalignment, and Suspension Issues
(Serious Concern)
Uneven tire wear, bent axles, and misalignment complaints appear across owner forums. Leaf spring hanger cracks and bushing wear can exacerbate handling problems and reduce braking efficacy. Owners also report under-spec’d tires from the factory (e.g., marginal load ratings) contributing to blowouts or cupping.
- Red flags at delivery: Trailer not tracking straight, steering wheel vibration (tow vehicle), feathered tire tread, or heat in wheel hubs after a short drive.
- Preventive steps: Demand a pre-delivery alignment check and document tire brand, size, and load index. Consider a weight-distribution hitch setup by a pro and a CAT scale weigh-in to confirm axle weights.
Review related reports: Reddit r/rvs: Highland Ridge axle problems | Google: Highland Ridge axle/alignment issues | NHTSA: applicable recalls.
Electrical, Propane, and Fire-Safety Concerns
Wiring Errors, Breaker/Fuse Mismatches, and GFCI Problems
(Serious Concern)
Owners have documented dead circuits, reversed polarity at outlets, loose ground connections, and incorrect fuse sizes from the factory—issues that can damage components or create fire hazards. GFCI circuits tripping under normal loads and intermittent 12V converter problems (e.g., WFCO/PD units cycling) are also noted in mixed-brand forums and review sites.
- Symptoms: Flickering lights, warm outlets, random breaker trips, or a burnt smell near the converter or fuse panel.
- Immediate action: Halt use if overheating is detected and get a licensed RV tech to inspect. Document with photos for warranty leverage.
Explore owner threads: Google: Highland Ridge electrical problems | Reddit r/RVLiving: electrical issues.
Propane System Leaks and Appliance Recalls
(Serious Concern)
Propane regulators, lines, and appliance components across the RV industry have been subject to recalls over the years. While not unique to Highland Ridge, owners should be vigilant: leaks, incorrect regulator installation, or faulty appliances (stoves, furnaces, water heaters) pose explosion and carbon monoxide risks. Always cross-check your exact VIN against recall databases.
Check safety bulletins and recall actions: NHTSA recall search for Highland Ridge and search terms like Highland Ridge propane leak and YouTube: Highland Ridge furnace problems.
“Four-Season” Claims, Insulation, Condensation, and HVAC
Cold-Weather Performance Falling Short of Marketing
(Moderate Concern)
Highland Ridge frequently markets “four-season” or “extended season” packages. However, owner reports suggest that actual cold-weather performance can be inconsistent across models and years. Common grievances include underperforming furnaces, cold floors, frozen lines despite heated underbellies, and heavy condensation on windows and wall panels—a precursor to mold if not managed.
- What to test: Infrared thermometer readings at floor level and inside cabinets on cold days, furnace cycle frequency, and condensation levels after overnight heating.
- What to verify: Insulation values, duct routing, and whether heat ducts actually service tanks and valves as claimed.
Corroborate with owner reviews: RVInsider: cold-weather issues | Reddit r/rvs: condensation on Highland Ridge.
Appliance and Component Reliability (Vendor Parts)
ACs, Refrigerators, Water Heaters, and Steps
(Moderate Concern)
Like most towables, Highland Ridge uses components from industry vendors (e.g., Lippert, Dometic, Norcold, Suburban, Furrion). Owners report failures in air conditioners not reaching set temps in hot climates, absorption refrigerator inconsistencies, water heater ignition troubles, and issues with powered steps or awnings. Even when these are vendor-specific failures, owners must often navigate warranty responsibilities between manufacturer, dealer, and the component supplier—a process that can add weeks of downtime.
- Mitigation: Verify component serial numbers against known recalls, document symptoms with photos/videos, and ask your dealer who will handle parts sourcing before you leave the lot.
See problem clusters here: Google: Highland Ridge AC problems | Good Sam: refrigerator problems.
Warranty Friction, Parts Delays, and Dealer Backlogs
Slow Turnaround and Disputes Over Coverage
(Serious Concern)
Owner narratives consistently highlight extensive wait times for warranty appointments, slow parts fulfillment, and disputes over what counts as “warranty vs. maintenance.” This is not unique to Highland Ridge, but buyers should factor it into their purchase decision. Some owners report their new unit sitting at the dealer for months, missing entire camping seasons while repair approvals or parts trickle in. After purchase, your leverage diminishes; that’s why a rigorous third-party inspection before signing is vital.
- What to get in writing: Repair timelines, loaner or campsite reimbursement policies (if any), and whether non-local dealerships will service your unit.
- Escalation: If timelines slip, consider formal written demands citing your state’s warranty laws (see legal section below).
Evidence sources: BBB listings and complaints for Highland Ridge | Reddit: Highland Ridge warranty problems | YouTube: warranty issue stories.
Pricing, Options, and Value Erosion
Overpriced Add-ons and Rapid Depreciation
(Moderate Concern)
Owners report dealer add-ons (paint sealants, alarm systems, extended warranties) that provide questionable value relative to their price, as well as option bundles that inflate MSRP without meaningfully improving reliability or comfort. As the market cooled from pandemic highs, many buyers found themselves underwater—owing more than the unit’s resale value—especially if their RV was in the shop during peak season.
- Due diligence: Compare the same floor plan across model years and brands; use used-listing prices as a proxy for real-world depreciation.
- Negotiation: Ask for out-the-door pricing with transparent breakdowns; decline add-ons you can purchase independently for less.
Explore depreciation chatter: Reddit r/GoRVing: depreciation | Google: overpriced options Highland Ridge.
Safety Recall History and Response
Recall Awareness and VIN-Specific Checks
(Serious Concern)
Multiple Highland Ridge models across different years have been subject to recalls related to vendor components (e.g., axles, steps, LP systems, electrical subsystems). Owners sometimes learn of recalls from forums before receiving official notices. Delayed remediation can increase safety risks and extend downtime if parts are backordered.
- Action step: Enter your VIN into the official database regularly: NHTSA recall search for Highland Ridge.
- Documentation: Keep recall letters and repair invoices organized; ask the dealer to reference specific campaign numbers on your paperwork.
Recall chatter and owner alerts can also be found by searching: YouTube: Highland Ridge recall | Google: recall notices Highland Ridge.
Legal and Regulatory Warnings
Your Rights if Warranty or Safety Issues Are Mishandled
Owners who encounter repeated defects, slow warranty responses, or safety hazards should be aware of the legal framework that protects consumers:
- Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act (Federal): Requires manufacturers to honor written warranties and prohibits deceptive warranty terms. If Highland Ridge or a dealer fails to repair defects within a reasonable number of attempts or time, you may have legal remedies. Keep meticulous records of every repair order, email, and phone call.
- State Lemon Laws: Coverage for RVs varies. Some states exclude towables from automobile lemon statutes; others include them or have RV-specific statutes. Check your state’s law to see if persistent defects significantly impair use, value, or safety.
- Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose can apply. If a “four-season” package fails to perform as advertised, implied warranty claims may be relevant.
- FTC Deceptive Practices: If marketing claims or dealer representations are materially misleading, you may file a complaint with the FTC.
- NHTSA Safety Complaints: Safety-related defects (brakes, tires, LP systems, electrical fires) should be reported to NHTSA. Multiple reports can trigger investigations or recalls: NHTSA recall/complaint portal.
- Better Business Bureau: While not a regulator, BBB complaints create public accountability and sometimes expedite responses: BBB: Highland Ridge.
Consider a free consultation with a consumer protection attorney if defects persist beyond reasonable repair attempts. Keep all evidence in one file—purchase contract, PDI sheets, inspection report, photos, and videos.
Product and Safety Impact Analysis
How Reported Defects Translate into Real-World Risk
Based on public owner reports and recurring complaint patterns, several categories elevate both safety and financial risks for Highland Ridge owners:
- Water intrusion and structural rot: Can collapse floors, cause toxic mold, and lead to electrical shorts. Financially, these repairs are among the most expensive and time-consuming.
- Chassis and alignment deficiencies: Impact stopping distances and trailer control; tire failures can cause catastrophic accidents. Misalignment accelerates tire replacement and wheel bearing wear.
- Electrical faults: Fire risk if wiring is undersized, misfused, or poorly grounded. Component failures cascade when voltage is unstable.
- LP system issues: Gas leaks and CO exposure are life-threatening. Recalls and annual leak testing are essential.
- Warranty/service delays: Prolonged dealer backlogs add to depreciation and can render a unit unusable during peak season, wiping out travel plans and rental income for some owners.
To understand how these risks apply to your specific floorplan and model year, combine forum searches with recall checks and YouTube owner diaries. For insightful industry context, see Liz Amazing’s channel and search within her videos for relevant topics like leaks, QC, and warranty navigation.
Steps Buyers Should Take Right Now
Pre-Purchase and Delivery Actions That Protect You
- Hire a certified independent inspector before finalizing the deal: Find RV inspectors near you. Make the inspection report part of your purchase contract.
- Demand a water-intrusion pressure test and a full roof/sealant audit. Require correction before signing.
- Verify slide alignment and test operation repeatedly. Inspect flooring for gouges after cycling slides in/out.
- Confirm axle alignment and tire load ratings match your expected payload. Weigh the unit if possible before taking it home.
- Test every system (AC, furnace, refrigerator, water heater, pump, outlets, GFCIs, USBs) under load for at least an hour each. Document with video.
- Check for outstanding recalls by VIN: NHTSA recall search.
- Get promises in writing: completion dates, who orders parts, who covers labor, and escalation contacts.
- Educate yourself on owner experiences: Use Google, YouTube, Reddit, and RVInsider to spot patterns.
Have a pre-delivery checklist we should add? Post your best tips for new buyers.
Reported Model-Specific Trouble Spots
Open Range (Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels)
(Serious Concern)
Owner narratives frequently mention roof and slide-related leaks on certain Open Range floorplans, cabinet and trim separation during travel, and refrigerator performance issues in hot climates. In some cases, the four-season marketing claims feel overstated relative to real-world cold-weather performance, particularly concerning floor temperatures and condensation.
Search: Google: Open Range problems | YouTube: Open Range RV problems.
Mesa Ridge (Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels)
(Moderate Concern)
Owners report a mix of QC issues at delivery (sealant voids, misaligned doors), intermittent slide racking, and minor electrical gremlins (tripping GFCIs, loose fixtures). Some models appear better constructed than others—scrutinize by model year and floorplan.
Search: Google: Mesa Ridge problems | Reddit: Mesa Ridge problems.
Range Lite and Range Lite Air (Travel Trailers)
(Moderate Concern)
Lightweight lines can be more susceptible to temperature swings and vibration damage. Owner posts point to cabinetry fastening issues, AC units struggling in high heat, and tire wear concerns. Pay close attention to cargo capacity; it’s easy to overload light trailers unintentionally, amplifying handling and tire problems.
Search: RVInsider: Range Lite problems | Google: Range Lite Air problems.
Highlander (Toy Haulers)
(Serious Concern)
Toy haulers carry heavier loads and endure more torsional stress. Owner feedback highlights ramp door adjustments, fuel station hiccups, and axle/tire stresses under near-GVWR loading. Garage sealing against fumes can be an issue if gaskets are misaligned.
Search: Google: Highlander toy hauler problems | Reddit: Highlander toy hauler issues.
What Highland Ridge Seems to Be Getting Right
To maintain balance, there are positive notes worth acknowledging. Multiple owners praise the brand’s roomy floorplans, storage options, and décor updates. Some report helpful factory customer service when properly escalated, and recall remedies—while sometimes slow—do get completed. It’s also true that many failures originate in third-party components used by most towable brands. That said, from a shopper’s perspective, the consistency of QC at delivery, dealer PDI thoroughness, and after-sale service speed are what you experience—and area-wide owner reports suggest these remain pain points that demand proactive mitigation on your part.
For buyer education and realistic expectations, watch industry critiques such as Liz Amazing’s channel and search her videos for the brand you’re considering. She frequently covers inspection strategies and warranty pitfalls that apply directly to Highland Ridge shoppers.
How to Verify Claims and Protect Your Purchase
Verification Checklist
- Triangulate every claim using multiple sources: Google: Highland Ridge issues, YouTube, and BBB.
- Talk to independent techs who see patterns across brands: find pros here: RV inspectors near me.
- Visit multiple dealers and ask to see units awaiting service; if many new Highland Ridge units are in the queue, that’s telling.
- Demand transparency in writing, including lead times for common warranty parts and which components are backordered.
Do you have data that confirms or contradicts these patterns? Add your evidence for other shoppers.
Rallying Point: What Owners Want Fixed
- Stronger factory QC and sealant QA: Reduce out-of-the-box defects that should be caught before shipping to dealers.
- Faster parts fulfillment and clearer accountability: Owners need reliable timelines and fewer “vendor vs. manufacturer” finger-pointing moments.
- Realistic four-season marketing: Ensure insulation and heating solutions align with claims, or clarify limitations.
- Chassis and alignment verification: Pre-delivery alignment checks and tire upgrades where margins are thin.
- Transparent recall communications: Proactive updates, with mobile service options where feasible to minimize downtime.
Conclusion: Should You Buy a Highland Ridge?
Highland Ridge offers attractive floorplans and competitive pricing within the Jayco/Thor ecosystem, but recurring owner reports across public platforms indicate elevated risk in several areas that matter most to buyers: water intrusion prevention, initial QC, slide alignment, chassis and tire longevity, and the speed and clarity of warranty support. For some families, attentive inspections, aggressive pre-delivery demands, and ongoing maintenance will be enough to enjoy their rig. For others—particularly those new to RV ownership or unable to DIY—these risks can translate into expensive, trip-canceling downtime.
Given the weight of public complaints and the seriousness of water, chassis, and service-delay issues, we do not currently recommend Highland Ridge for risk-averse shoppers. If you pursue one, do so only with a rigorous third-party inspection and a strong, written service plan—or consider cross-shopping other brands and models with a proven track record in the exact climate and usage pattern you need.
If you’ve owned a Highland Ridge or walked away during shopping, your specifics matter to other buyers—what floorplan, which dealer, what went right or wrong? Contribute your story to help the next shopper.
Share your Highland Ridge RV experience
What model and year did you own? What issues did you face, and how were they resolved? Your insights can save fellow shoppers time and money. Please add your detailed experience below.
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