If you are currently looking for a pre-owned rig that balances luxury with ruggedness, the particular 2016 open range 5th wheel is a design that actually deserves the spot on your shortlist. It's among those trailers that has age gracefully, mostly mainly because Highland Ridge (the manufacturer) was doing some pretty forward-thinking stuff back then. Although some trailers through that era begin to feel a bit "dated" or flimsy, these devices were built with a wide-body chassis and also a focus upon residential comfort that will still holds up towards brand-new models today.
Finding an used RV is always a bit of a gamble, but there's something about the 2016 lineup that hits a sweet place for full-timers plus weekend warriors alike. You get the advantages of modern floor plans without the eye-watering price tag of the 2024 or 2025 model. Plus, by now, any associated with the original "factory kinks" have usually been exercised simply by the previous owners.
That More Wide-Body Feeling
One of the particular first things a person notice when going into a 2016 open range 5th wheel is just how much area you have. They didn't stick in order to the standard 96-inch width that many manufacturers use. Instead, they went with a 100-inch wide-body design. You wouldn't think four ins would create a huge difference, but in the particular world of RVs, it's a sport changer.
When you combine that extra width using their flush-floor slide-outs, the interior feels more like a little apartment than a trailer. You aren't constantly bumping shoulders along with your companion while seeking to cook dinner or obtain dressed. The ceilings are high, the hallways are wider, and the general "breathability" of the particular living space is simply better. If you've ever spent a rainy weekend captured inside a cramped 5th wheel, you'll know exactly exactly why this matters.
Built for More Than Just Summer
The lot of individuals look at the 2016 open range 5th wheel due to its reputation for handling colder climate. Highland Ridge didn't just slap a "Four Seasons" label quietly and contact it each day. They will actually put some effort into the particular insulation and the particular heating systems.
Most of these types of units came along with a heated plus enclosed underbelly, which usually is crucial if you're planning upon camping into late October or planning up into the mountains. Additionally they utilized a "zero-degree tested" insulation package. Now, does that mean you should live within it during the Yukon winter? Most likely not without a little extra skirting and prepare. But for the average camper who deals with an intermittent frost or the chilly night, it keeps the high temperature in remarkably nicely. The R-values in the floor plus roof are significantly higher than what you'd find in a budget-friendly entry-level rig through the exact same year.
The particular Different Flavors: Roamer, Light, and 3X
When a person start browsing entries, you'll get a several different variations associated with the 2016 open range 5th wheel . It helps to know what you're looking at so you don't end up with more (or less) trailer than your truck may handle.
The Roamer series was the flagship. It's got just about all the features, heavy duty construction, and usually comes with even more luxury finishes. Then you definitely have the Light series. As the name suggests, these were manufactured to be lighter and much more towable regarding folks who might possess a 3/4-ton pickup truck and don't desire to max away their payload capacity. They're still spacious, but they make use of lighter materials within certain areas to keep the weight down.
After that there's the 3X series. This particular is the large hitter. The "3X" stands for the three-inch thick insulated walls. If you're a serious full-timer, this specific is the a single you want. The particular extra wall thickness provides incredible cold weather protection and also can make the rig really quiet. You won't hear every solitary conversation from the particular campsite next door or the highway sound as clearly as you would in the thinner-walled unit.
Living Features That Actually Work
The interiors associated with these 2016 models were ahead associated with their time. You'll often find items like: * Residential-style kitchens: A lot of floorplans feature a middle island with a heavy sink, that makes food prep so much easier. * The U-Lounge: Certainly one of Open Range's signature features was a huge U-shaped sofa that could seat half the dozen people easily. It's ideal for households or if you like to amuse. * Solid surface countertops: No cheap laminate right here; these feel sturdy and are quick cleaning. * PVC Roof Membrane: This is a big one. In contrast to EPDM or TPO roofs that need a lot of conditioning, the particular PVC roof utilized on these is definitely very low-maintenance and doesn't leave those annoying black streaks down the side of your rig.
What things to Watch Out there for (The True Talk)
Considering that we're talking regarding a vehicle that's nearly 10 years old, I'm not going to tell a person it's all sunshine and rainbows. Generally there are things you should check before handing over your hard-earned money for any 2016 open range 5th wheel .
First, let's discuss the Accu-Slide system . Open Range used a cable-driven slide system instead than the heavy hydraulic ones. Whilst these are excellent simply because they save pounds and are generally reliable, the particular cables do require to be modified and checked regarding fraying. If the previous owner neglected them, you might find the photo slides jumping or creating a weird grinding sound. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's something to inspect.
Second, check out the seals and covering . This applies to any RV, yet on a 2016, the factory sealant is probably reaching the particular end of its existence if it hasn't been touched up. Look for any indications of soft areas in the floor near the slide-outs or around the window. Water is the particular enemy of just about all RVs, and catching a small drip early can conserve you thousands in repair bills later on.
Lastly, take a look at the tires and suspension system . When the rig has been sitting in one spot for 3 years, those tires might look like they possess lots of tread, yet they might be dry-rotted. Also, these rigs are heavy. Create sure the leaf springs aren't compressed out and the particular shackle bolts are usually still in good shape.
Dragging the Beast
Towing a 2016 open range 5th wheel is surprisingly manageable provided its size. Since of the way they designed the particular front cap, you can often obtain a better turning radius than you would with older, boxier designs. This will be a lifesaver whenever you're trying to back into a tight spot in an older state park where the trees appear to be actively moving closer to your truck.
However, don't underestimate the weight. Even the "Light" variations have a significant hitch weight. You want to make sure your truck is up to the task. A dually is never the bad idea intended for the larger 3X models, but a well-equipped single-rear-wheel 3500/350 can usually deal with the Roamer plus Light series just fine. Just check your door jamb stickers before you obtain too excited!
Is It Worthwhile?
In the particular current market, the particular 2016 open range 5th wheel offers a lots of "bang for your money. " You're getting a rig that had been built when producers were still using a wide range of real wooden and solid materials, prior to the "lightweight in all costs" tendency really overtook plus made everything experience like it was made from balsa wooden and cardboard.
If you discover one that's been well-maintained—ideally stored within cover or even inside a shed—you're getting a luxury dwelling space that may easily compete along with newer trailers charging twice as much. It's comfortable, it's wide, and it's built to in fact be lived within, not just parked for two several weeks annually. Just do your due persistance, check those slip cables, and you'll likely have a wonderful home on wheels intended for many years in order to come.