2017 Highland Ridge Open Range Roamer RF348RLS Review

The Highland Ridge Open Range Roamer RF348RLS is set up for seasoned travelers in love with the RV lifestyle.

The nine floorplans available give you options from 32’ to 43’ in length. We’ll be taking a closer look at the RF348RLS, which is mid-range at 36’ 10” long.

The RF348RLS has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 13,995 lbs and a hitch weight of 2, 400 lbs. Its fresh water tank has an 85-gallon capacity, the gray water tank can hold 57 gallons, and the waste water tank can hold 41 gallons. There’s also a 20-gallon per hour quick recovery gas/electric water heater.

The Roamer 348RLS touts itself as being 10-15% lighter than the competition and its suspension alignment system is designed to reduce wear and fatigue on the chassis components. Easy campsite set-up is top of mind with its the automatic leveling system and telescopic stabilizer arms on the bottom part of each jack leg. The baggage doors are double insulated and there is generous pass-through storage, as well as heated and enclosed dump valves and underbelly, and an enclosed exterior utility center with black tank flush.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2017 Heartland Sundance XLT 291QB

There are four entry steps into the RF348RLS instead of the usual three, and the taller than usual entry door (6’4”) has a full-length window.

The inside of the Roamer is designed for longer-haul travels and comfort. The first thing you’ll notice is just how big it feels. Deep 42” slides are walk-in height and, combined with the coach’s 100” wide-body frame, this makes for a particularly roomy interior; the living space is almost 16” wider than most other coaches. The open concept layout makes the space feel even more spacious. There’s no carpet in the high-traffic kitchen and living room area, which not only makes it much easier to keep clean but also adds to the modern, open appearance.

The kitchen is impressive not just in size but in spaciousness and storage capacity as well. The island, which is also straight-up storage and worktop space, is on casters and wheels right out of the way should you need a larger space for, let’s say, a kitchen dance party.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 Starcraft Solstice 334CKRS

Solid maple cabinet doors front all the cupboards and there are plenty of them. All the drawers are full-extension – including one that houses the garbage can – which means it’s easy to reach to the very back. Corian countertops and a double stainless steel sink with high-rise pull-down faucet add to the luxury residential feel of the space. An 8 cu. foot stainless steel stainless refrigerator comes standard, and you have the option of a 23 cubic foot or 12 cu. foot side-by-side if you prefer. The three-range burner and 30” microwave give you the versatility of a quick meal re-heat or making a full gourmet dinner.

The dinette table, with its flip-down extension leaf and four chairs, is set beside nicely oversized picture windows that overlook your campsite.

The entertainment center is a dream for any couch potato or party host. A large LED television flips up easily to access the ample storage space behind. The stereo system, with CV/DVD/radio and surround sound, has Bluetooth connectivity, an inside sound bar and outside speakers so you can pair your device and stream your favorite music inside or out. You’re also set up with a digital TV antenna. On slightly cool days when you just want to cut the chill a little bit, flip on the electric fireplace for a nice cozy glow and just a bit of heat without burning off your propane supply.

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2016 Evergreen Lifestyle Luxury LS37CKSL

The large, yet cozy, living area has two comfy seating options. The rear area has a foldout Queen-size bed, two end table stands, and loads of tall, deep overhead storage cabinets. There are also two deep, reclining theater-style chairs set up to face the television and fireplace.

Step up to the bathroom and bedroom area at the front of the coach. The motion detector light in the hallway is a nice safety touch at night.

There are two entrances to the bathroom: one off the hallway and the other off the bedroom. The shower enclosure is a one-piece seamless enclosure, porcelain toilet with foot flush, and there’s a column of storage drawers and shelves, as well as an electrical outlet.

The bedroom has a King-size bed with venting windows on either side. There’s still even more storage space: a wide closet with shelf and mirrored sliding doors, wide-drawer dresser, and a space with washer/dryer prep. You have the option of adding an LED television.

The Highland Ridge Open Range Roamer RF348RLS starts at about $62,163. For more information, visit http://www.highlandridgerv.com/.