autoevolution
 

2022 Open Range Conventional Proves It's Not Too Late To Catch This Year's Off-Grid Magic

It's a common misconception that RVs need to cost you your entire life savings just to own, let alone operate. Again, it's just a misconception because here we are faced with the Open Range Conventional travel trailer from Highland Ridge RV, a camper that starts off priced at a tad under $24K.
2022 Open Range Conventional 12 photos
Photo: Highland Ridge RV
2022 Open Range Conventional (Interior)2022 Open Range Conventional (Interior)2022 Open Range Conventional (Bedding)2022 Open Range Conventional (Bathroom)2022 Open Range Conventional2022 Open Range Conventional (Storage)2022 Open Range Conventional (Bunks)2022 Open Range Conventional (Bedding)2022 Open Range Conventional (Bathroom)2022 Open Range Conventional (Interior)2022 Open Range Conventional (Interior)
Folks, today we're going to be exploring a mobile habitat that seems to offer a solid base for everything you may need to enjoy the greater outdoors. While that may be nothing new to you, what makes this bugger so dang special is that some units can sleep up to 10 people, and others start at no less than $23,730 (€23,810 at current exchange rates). Sounds like the sort of machine we need to pay attention to.

Folks, if the name Highland Ridge RV rings a bell, it means you've done your fair share of exploring. Heck, with a history in the RV industry that focused on offering future owners a capable and affordable RV, this crew was eventually bought by Jayco. However, Jayco was bought by Thor Industries, and today, Highland Ridge is still allowed to do things their way; their ideals have remained the same, as you can tell from the Open Range Conventional (ORC).

Now, like most other mobile habitats on the market, the ORC is also available in several floorplans and prices, depending on size, capabilities, and of course, your needs. Sure, these buggers start at under $24K, but by the time you're done decking out even the most basic unit, you will be dishing out a tad more.

2022 Open Range Conventional \(Interior\)
Photo: Highland Ridge RV
Nonetheless, there isn't much you can or need to add to each unit; they're built with the things you need while out in the wild. For example, the entire lineup of ORC RVs comes off the line with aluminum walls, a special "low-maintenance" Magnum Roof system, diamond plates for protecting essential areas, and fiberglass insulation for maintaining interior temperatures at an optimum. A thermal seal is also applied to the vehicle, including an insulated and heated underbelly with an insulated roof. There are countless other features included in the building of each ORC, but I'm going to leave some of the mystery to you.

After driving for what seems like hours because you probably have been, it's time to access the magic that is a camper. If you have a large family, it's time to send the kids off into the wilderness to play or do what kids do best. All the while, you and your significant other decide to take advantage of the free space and fleeting liberty, and as if ordained by nature itself, you start preparing the meal that will be offering your family the energy they need for tomorrow's adventures.

2022 Open Range Conventional \(Interior\)
Photo: Highland Ridge RV
To do so, future owners will take advantage of the CCP (Customer Convenience Package), which, might I add, is customary. With it, you'll have access to either two or three burner tops, depending on the floorplan you choose, a 17-inch (43-centimeter) oven, gas/electric water heater, roof-mounted A/C, and a plethora of external gear aimed at comfort and off-grid abilities.

Once your meal plan is complete, your family can enjoy dinner while sitting at a modular dinette. If there's nothing to talk about, which isn't likely, turn on the TV and remember to chew thoroughly. With bellies full, there isn't much else to do except for dessert by the fire and even the occasional wish upon a star.

Wishes made and s'mores devoured, it's off to the bathroom for sessions of brushing teeth, and if it was a long day, use a bit of your water to shower. Best of all, no matter the unit you end up with, each RV from this lineup places the shower separate from the toilet and other amenities. Why is this a big deal? Let's just hope no one eats the wrong berries.

2022 Open Range Conventional \(Interior\)
Photo: Highland Ridge RV
As for bedding options, again, it's dependent on the floorplan you ultimately secure for your travels. Some have just a double bed, some with an extra bunk, and others are full-on mansions with multiple double or queen beds. Furthermore, all units feature gear like indoor and outdoor speakers, range hood, and LED lighting, while the audio system allows you to control the mood through Bluetooth connectivity.

At the end of the day, there's much more to each of these units than meets the eye, and we have time for it. But you can continue this journey without me, so go, be free, and catch the last drops of this year's glamping season.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)

Editor's note: Images in the gallery display an array of interiors from unspecified models.

About the author: Cristian Curmei
Cristian Curmei profile photo

A bit of a nomad at heart (being born in Europe and raised in several places in the USA), Cristian is enamored with travel trailers, campers and bikes. He also tests and writes about urban means of transportation like scooters, mopeds and e-bikes (when he's not busy hosting our video stories and guides).
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories