2012 Ohio RV Supershow: Open Range Mesa Ridge

One of the manufacturers relatively new to the RV scene is Open Range. Although Open Range has been around for several years now, I first came across its RVs only just last year at the Fall Detroit RV Show. Paul Sirian, Open Range's product representative, gave me a tour of the Open Range Journeyer. What struck me about that particular travel trailer was that, much like a fifth wheel, it had an elevated front bedroom that allowed for ample pass-through storage underneath.

Open Range and Sirian were also at the Ohio RV Supershow. This year, he showed me to the Open Range Mesa Ridge travel trailer. A quick video (above) about the Mesa Ridge is included in this post, where he talks about the RV's unique baked enamel-on-aluminum exterior cladding.

Another feature of this trailer is its window off the front bedroom. From the outside, there's a rectangle that has the Mesa Ridge lettering displayed within it on the front panel of the trailer . But from the inside, we discover that the same rectangle is actually a window. You can see out, but people outside can't see in. I'm told Open Range will soon include some sort of hard cover to serve as a rock guard for the window when the RV is in transit.

The Mesa Ridge model on display at the Ohio RV Supershow was the MR293R, one of seven travel trailer floor plans. The Mesa Ridge also comes in one of five different floorplans for fifth wheels as well.

I'll do my best to describe the interior, but I encourage you to go to the Open Range website where you can take a virtual tour.

As you step into the MR293R the bathroom is directly across from you. The three-piece bathroom features separate toilet and sink, with a corner shower. The toilet passes the all-too-important "sit test" (This may be Too Much Information, but I always sit on the toilet, with the doors closed, to determine whether there's ample room inside).

If the bathoom isn't your destination, then after you step inside you either turn right and head into the bedroom at the front of the trailer, or you turn left to go into the kitchen/living area.

The bedroom has a short curbside slide that pulls the 60-x-80 bed out to provide tremendous amount of room on all three sides.Across from the bed is a wardrobe closet deep enough for hanging clothes. A second door into the bathroom provides easy access from the bedroom.

From the outside (above) you can't see in. But from the
inside (bottom) you can see out without any problem.

As I mentioned, the kithcen/living area is on the back end of the trailer. The kitchen, which is in the middle of the trailer, features a large refrigerator with separate freezer, Corian counter tops and residential-style screwed cabinetry with hidden hinges. Stovetop and oven sit underneath the microwave, and the double sink rests inside the small peninsula.

Continuing further toward the rear, and along the curbside of the trailer, is the second of the unit's three slideouts. In this long slideout is the residential-style dining table with four chairs (or dinette-style) as well as the hide-a-bed sofa. Opposite this slideout is the third slideout, hosting the two captains chairs. With both slideouts engaged, there's enough room in the living area that you could host a dance recital. Across the rear wall of the Mesa Ridge MR293R is the flat screen TV and fireplace, which are surrounded by cabinet storage.

The fit-and-finish of the Open Range is truly impressive. What might be options or after-market add-ons with other manufacturers are standard features with Open Range. I've always said, as long as you take care of your RV, it'll last for years. But you know how with some RVs you can just tell that it'll take more effort to take care of than others? Well, everything about Open Range RVs just oozes quality. Next time you get a chance to get inside an Open Range, please take advantage of the opportunity and do so.

Mesa Ridge MR293R Specs
GVWR: 9,515
UVW: 7,540
Hitch Weight: 840
Axle Weight: 6,700
Gross NCC: 1,975
Exterior Length: 34'6"
Exterior Height: 140"
Exterior Width: 100"
Water Heater: 6 gallons
Fresh Water Tank: 50
Gray Water Tank: 60
Waste Water Tank: 30
LP Gas (lbs.): 60
Furnace (BTUs): 30,000
Tire Size: 15"
Awning Size: 16"