grouchy66

To add some objectivity here, here's a list of things you may expect when your TM gets a few years on it:

(1) during a deluge, my sidewall did leak on the inside
(2) wear marks on the ceiling, roof, & sides where the seals
     make contact while stowed
(3) velcro holding the flaps to the wall comes loose
(4) molding that secures the seals on the bottom I.D.
     around the entire circumference of the walls will crack
(5) front bedroom light sconces  flimsy & crooked
(6) vent light lens on ceiling discolors due to rubbing of seals
     against it while being towed
(7) excessive clearance between door & jam
(8) fastener security (screws) minimal; (randomly try to check
     the tightness of the screws inside & out & you'll see what I
     mean)
(9) compartment cover attached to rear bumper loose &
     becomes caught in rear half while closing
(10) antenna had small leak & coax badly weathered & have to
      manually deploy & stow
 
Some personal observations:


(1) beds firmer than I like
(2) bathroom small
(3) island beds not available (ingess & egress cumbersome for
     2 people)
(4) lite weight materials (plastic faucets, trim)  
(5) floor plans offered need to be updated (bigger bathroom &
     kitchen for example) to be competitive in this price range
(6) longterm durability & appearance questionable IMO

Likes:

(1) tows like a dream
(2) compared to a canvas popup, the TM wins easily
(3) all appliances work fine still
(4) the opening & closing mechanism has never failed

Repairs made so far:

(1) recaulked & replaced weather stripping trim on roof
(2) cleaned a/c filter & behind all grillwork
(3) replaced tanks, regulator & hoses with opd compliant type
(4) tightened or replaced 'hold down lever clamp hardware'
(5) installed new velcro (still in work)
(6) installed new agm battery
(7) new tires last year
(8) retaped exposed electrical harness
(9) installed electric tongue jack
(10) replaced some weather stripping around door

As you can see I have a ways to go to get it where it needs to be!  Bottom line for me @ least, for what I paid, my only other option was a canvas popup so I consider my TM a good purchase.  This being my first RV, unless I knew the previous owner was meticulous, I would not buy another travel trailer that was over a couple years old again.  It seems in my not so expert opinion, that after 5 years deterioriation begins & unless regular maint. is performed defects will accumulate rapidly.  Not knowing nearly as much what to look for when I bought mine a year ago has probably helped me if & when I buy another RV.  Having any 'folding' trailer has maint. issues that are inherant in the design IMO.

Don M
(grouchy66)
97, 2518