So I own an Open Range 399BHS 5th wheel. This is what I thought was "stylish" in the "RV world" and serves my family of 3 kids, wife, and 2 large dogs really well. The unit is ready for winter when we use it most and it is HUGE which is good for a trailer used while skiing. Here lies the problem... The RV industry as a whole is 10 years behind on so many fronts.
I opened my shiny new Apple TV product today. Amazing in simplicity of design, style, and functionality. Why do I bring this up in relation to the Open Range? The entire industry lacks a sense of modern design across form factors. There are companies that have more modern design in trailers, but not one of them is truly innovative and none of them would fit a family my size. There are lower end trailers/RV's that would fit my family at a reasonable price...but every single one of them has the paisley/flower design my grandparents would love. In comes the Open Range RV we bought. Not quite as ugly, more expensive, but also not technologically advanced.
The entire industry needs a lesson from Steve Jobs. In the world of trailers and 5th wheels there is a huge industry gap that could be filled by a well funded entrepreneur who thinks like Apple. Some day people will recognize that the way you dump the black tank can doesn't have to be how it has always be done (if I am plugged in why not have a built in incinerator or something similar? Motion activated exterior/interior lighting anyone? Wireless Iphone connections? How about a "technology package" upgrade?). The design of these trailers should reflect modern architecture both in form and function. The opportunity is huge for the right company with the right leaders... I hope someone takes note of not just making them look fancy, but also making them work technically for the next generation of RV owners.
Given the world of 5th Wheels as it exists today... The Open Range is a good first step to live High on the Hog... RV Style.
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