How do they do it?

[Blue_Ridge_2]

We've been looking at new 5th wheels and were impressed with the Open Range lineup. My question deals with their "Lite" models. They have "Lite" models, with the same floor plan, the same square footage and the same "stuff" inside as the non-lite units. So,how do they trim 1,000 pounds off of these models. Don't tell me it's the nitrogen filled tires. They both have them.
Also, do you think the "Lites" would hold-up as well as the non-lites?

[ontariofarmer]

One thing we have found when looking at lites compared to others is the the holding tanks are smaller. You can save big time on weight there. (GVW)

[rhagfo]

anaro wrote:
Often times they shave cargo capacity as well.

Yes, you will notice the "Heavy's" have full width closets, where the lights have a shelf.

Ours at 32" weighs 9,820# Dry, and we tow at about 11,000#, I like to think that weight helps it feel stable in a good wind!

[anaro]

Often times they shave cargo capacity as well.

[Francesca_Knowl]

We've spent a lot of time trying to decide on a rig type for a very long trip we intend to take and have stumbled over this phenom a LOT. We haven't yet reached any decisions per unit/type, but for what it's worth here's something we stumbled over during this research phase:

When we looked closely at both "regular" and "light" Open Range fivers, we found that they all weigh pretty much the same per square foot; the difference is only a matter of size/square footage.

Here noting that we didn't see any "matching floor plans" in the choices offered, so maybe you're seeing something different. We just looked at specs pages for both types and did the math, which works out to about 28lbs m/l per square foot regardless of type. There are a few other small variables, but for the most part it's constant. You'll see what I mean if you try dividing gross wt. by sq.footage of the models listed at these two pages:
O.R. "Light"
and
O.R. "regular"

There appears to be little if any difference at all in construction materials, at least as indicated by the only page they have up per how they're built: Fifth wheel construction details..

[hone_eagle]

DiskDoctr wrote:
Why do they do it?

every time the weight increases past the point of a class of truck (or any TV)you lose "customer base"
- sorry hunny you can't have granite counter tops because we only have a 1/2 ton-
Once in duely range the population of trucks goes down again and so does the customer count.

[NC_Hauler]

bpounds wrote:
This page shows some of the generic differences in the light version.

Open Range RV Light Vs Mesa

Tabs at the top allow you to compare other models.

Good deal...Well, I kinda figured something would have to be smaller or lighter...thx:)

[fla-gypsy]

DiskDoctr wrote:
Why do they do it?

Marketing and to save on manufacturing cost

[DiskDoctr]

Why do they do it?

[bpounds]

This page shows some of the generic differences in the light version.

Open Range RV Light Vs Mesa

Tabs at the top allow you to compare other models.

[NC_Hauler]

I never did see what two "identical" models he was comparing....

[SAR_Tracker]

A fiberglass shell will weigh a lot more than an aluminum shell.

Once the shell weighs less, you can could go with fewer frame members, lighter axles, then use thin plywood versus real wood for things....

[Dick_B]

How about a lighter frame? Is `lite' the same as `lighter'?

[glazier]

A high profile unit will have an extra foot of sidewall the entire length of the coach, that adds some weight. If the heavier unit is a wide body, and the lite is 8' wide that adds weight too.

[NC_Hauler]

They've had to "cut back" somewhere...framing material of the wall's? lighter furniture? lighter A/C's? smaller propane tanks? There are a lot of variables...I would think that a brochure would explain why it's considered a "Light"....

What models are you comparing to each other? Great looking units, but if the Light is identical to which model you're comparing...for the Light to weight 1,000# less, something HAS to be different. Manufacturer had to cut something somewhere.

I looked at the brochures and couldn't tell what models you were comparing against each other....again, good looking units.