Open Range RV building top quality fifth wheels and travel trailers
The RV industry is starting to put forth quality RV trailers, campers and fifth wheels. One new company is Open Range with an exciting new line up for 2011
Online, June 3, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Open Range RV Co., one of the industry's newest manufacturers, specializes in a "whole new range" of fifth wheelers and travel trailers. Randy Graber of Elkhart, Indiana, a 25-year veteran of the Northern Indiana RV industry, founded Open Range RV Company in Shipshewana, Indiana and the new company began operations following incorporation in August of 2007.
All Open Range models come with a 42-inch-deep slideout. They contain a large flat-screen TV, entertainment center and 2-year limited warranty. "It's intended for the extended-stay person who is going to spend a few months in the south in the winter,'' said Open Range President Randy Graber. Introducing five 2009 models as part of the new mid-priced Open Range fifth-wheel series, the startup company's first product came off the line in early November featuring lightweight, silver metallic fiberglass exterior panels imported from Europe on a welded-aluminum superstructure. Standard features include Corian countertops, rear power stabilizer jacks and glass french doors separating the front bedroom from the rest of the coach. In an unusual twist, Open Range is marketing the fifth-wheel series according to the line's square footage, rather than length. "Length doesn't mean much today with all the slideouts that RVs have," said Graber.
Open Range also cuts overall weight by using five-sided aluminum superstructures that are welded. This puts aluminum in the walls and floors, along with a cable slide out system that rids the use of heavy and messy hydraulics. This makes Open Range one of the lighter weight fifth wheelers in the industry, even with 4 slide outs. Very specific and detailed attention is given to the exterior of all Open Range products.
From the windows, graphics, skirting and covered I-Beam (for a finished look and to prevent rust), Open Range has a fine exterior look to its fifth wheels and travel trailers.
According to Gary Stanley, National Sales Manager, "Our customers are most excited about our recreational vehicles inherent lighter weights. Naturally they are excited about the opportunity to save fuel and have a better traveling experience. Our fifth wheel products include a power leveling system. That rivals the systems utilized in the motor home sector. Our customers arrive at the camp site and push buttons to level and stabilize their coach. This sets us apart from other manufactures!" Gary adds, "We also feel we stand apart from other RV manufactures in that we provide industry changing innovation. Our silver metallic exterior gives us a full body paint appearance. We set the standard for higher insulation- which allows for more comfort. We have 100'' exterior and our main slides are 42'' deep- this allows for more interior space, by the way our models numbers tell how many square feet are in a coach. While we have more room inside we've been able to deliver a lighter, easier to tow Recreational Vehicle.
Open Range RV states "We stand alone with lighter, better insulated, and more innovative products. When talking about price however, we compete with Montana (Keystone), Cedar Creek and Cardinal (Forest River).
2010-2011: Gary Stanley, National Sales Manager, tells us, "We are excited to be introducing our new "Roamer" Fifth Wheel line! This Fifth Wheel will enter the Mid-Profile fifth wheel price arena, but will feature a true stand-up bedroom. And with our innovation the weights will even be comparable. So now our customers will not have to sacrifice livability.
The Journeyer travel trailers rate high in popularity and are considered, by dealers, a "maverick in their category". The 2010 Journeyer JT287RLS is built to last for years while remaining completely affordable at a mid-price point category.
According to dealers, "The 2010 Residential" (R398 RSS) and the 2010 "Open Range" (345RLS) in the fifth wheel line are selling very well. Among travel trailers the 2010 Roamer Travel Trailer (303BHS and 296BHS) are almost selling themselves; both are very popular with a hybrid floor plan that is room enough for 8 RV-ers to sleep, is equipped with a tough fiberglass construction type, and has 2 spacious slides.
Comments: Open Range RV is a new company and thus a little difficult to fairly rate product and consumer satisfaction due to a lack of reviews. However, what we do find is very positive. And dealers "absolutely love them", as one expressed when speaking of Open Range. "They sell themselves because Open Range pays attention to quality and detail. And the little details are the things our customers love." Dealers also expressed appreciation for the involvement of both the company and its factories. "They are very supportive, often coming in person to visit and provide support for their product". Despite the company being the "new kid" to the industry, this kind of following among dealers, and with the high quality and attention to detail paid by the manufactures, we feel Open Range will soon be the one "everyone else wants to be".
They do have an excellent, easy to navigate website, one of the best we have seen. Their virtual tours offer a wealth of information, and their galleries have large, clear visuals. Very detailed charts, including Comparison, Standard Feature, and Option charts, leave nothing to question.
To learn more about fifth wheels or travel trailers one website we have found to b e invaluable is; http://www.jrconsumer.com. J R Consumer Resources Inc. publishes RV Ratings & Reviews for the entire industry, along with important RV buying tips and other RV resource guides.