Prospective 2009 2720

[BradS7535]

As always, I make my life more difficult than it probably needs to be. But here I am, I found a 2009 2720QB that is close by and I will be going to check it out this Saturday. You may be thinking "Hey Brad, didn't you just buy a 2006 from out of state?" Yes...yes I did. I am still waiting on a shipper to pick it up and bring it to me, but I already paid for it, so I can't "cancel" the deal. The 2009 has a lot of things going for it that make me prefer it over the 2006.

2009 is newer (duh), has electric tongue jack, solar, from one of the photos it LOOKS like it has a 5000# axle with 15" tires/wheels, the microwave box, both hanging cabinets (2006 only had the one above the sink), updated interior (vs 2006) and seems to be in just as good of condition.

Obviously all your comments from my previous 2006 thread will still apply but I'm hoping to get some tips on what to look for and how to test everything on Saturday (since I wasn't able to look at or test anything on the 2006). I've attached the few photos I have.

Here is the info I've gotten from the owner so far:

He is the 2nd owner. First owner (older couple) returned it 5 days after buying it because they didn't want to set it up every time. Bathroom never used, can't remember ever using the stove or oven (always cooked on a portable grill outside), everything works. He said he is selling it because he is doing a cross-country bike trip and his wife will be following him and he/she doesn't want to have to set up the TM every time she stops.

So my questions are, if I'm viewing it at his house, can he just run an extension cord to plug it in for power, or will he need to make sure he plugs it into a 30A fused outlet? Also, what is the "proper" way to check all the water stuff (tanks, pumps, water heater) since he doesn't have a dump area? Do I just open the outside drain and let the water run out into his driveway? Thanks all.

Also as a side note, if I do end up purchasing this 2009, that means I will have a 2006 2720QB available for anyone who wants it. Since we are all fellow TM lovers here, I would sell it for exactly what I paid with shipping, don't need to make anything on it. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Padgett]

Should run fine on a 20A plug but AC may pop a 15A.

Does look like 6 bolt wheels (5k axle). Impression is that it has been stored outside so check rubber/tires very carefully.

Ask but plain water should not bother anything. When no dump is available I drain the toilet into kitty litter containers (small tote is on my list) but since there is one at the front of my house, I generally use that with a serpentine.

ps now an SD I might be interested.

 

[BradS7535]

Impression is that it has been stored outside so check rubber/tires very carefully.

You are correct, he said he stored it covered outside. What gave you that impression from the photos?

 

[Padgett]

Partly overall impression, partly the fender skirt. Plastic fades differently

 

[BradS7535]

Partly overall impression, partly the fender skirt. Plastic fades differently

Yes, you can tell by the fender skirts, but do you have concerns about the overall impression?

 

[br2_wdc]

Also as a side note, if I do end up purchasing this 2009, that means I will have a 2006 2720QB available for anyone who wants it. Since we are all fellow TM lovers here, I would sell it for exactly what I paid with shipping, don't need to make anything on it. Thanks for all the help.

Congrats on finding a 2nd unit which may work for you. If I remember correctly, you are located somewhere in California, which is the prime area right now to get top dollar for your 2006 TM, so the price you paid plus shipping is a reasonable expectation; anywhere else my guess is you would only be able to recover the price you paid.

As for the 2009 TM, I would tend to agree with you it looks to be the better unit, but as you know they will both work and function the same way. If it was me, I'd stay the course with the 2006 TM and get some TM experience under my belt this camping season. If it turns out to be everything you want, great, then look to upgrade the unit to a newer TM (or bigger) down the road.

If on the other hand the TM experience is not what you anticipated, you can then sell the unit a year from now without losing much money and go find something you'd prefer in a more traditional trailer or other RV option.

Either way, it's nice to have a 2nd option ... good luck!
-- Ben

 

[Bill-TMO]

That's a mighty nice looking unit. I see there is an electric outlet and a TV cable outlet on the kitchen sink apron. Is that standard now, or did someone add it?

As Padgett says, everything electrical except the air conditioner can be run on an extension cord from a 15-amp outlet. If you have a 12-gauge extension cord, and can find a 20-amp outlet (there is sometimes one in the laundry area - one of the slots is T-shaped), you may be able to run the air conditioner if you start it up slowly. I know I can. Just be sure no one tries to plug the big cord into a dryer outlet (220 volts).

As for water, again I agree with Padgett. You don't need a lot of water to test things, and it will be relatively clean water. Dump it on the driveway, dump it on the lawn, dump it in a bucket and carry it inside.

Ask him to start the refrig at least three hours before you arrive. If the refrig area doesn't seem cold, put you hand on the floor of the freezer - that is the first place you will feel coldness.

I don't know how to do a quick test of the solar system. Ideas, folks?

Bill

 

[BradS7535]

If it was me, I'd stay the course with the 2006 TM and get some TM experience under my belt this camping season.

I'm wondering why you would stay with the 2006.

Condensed version of the mess in my head:

As of this moment, I have not seen either in person (2006 is shipping from Ohio today). Essentially price is a wash between the 2 (including the shipping on the 2006). The 2009 is newer and has more options. Right now I am going on the word of the RV guy who sold me the 2006 that everything is working and in good condition as I haven't seen it myself. I will be able to inspect the 2009 on Saturday (maybe even side-by-side with the 2006 if it gets delivered. If both units are in good working order and similar condition, why would you "stay the course" with the 2006?

 

[BradS7535]

That's a mighty nice looking unit. I see there is an electric outlet and a TV cable outlet on the kitchen sink apron. Is that standard now, or did someone add it?
Bill

Thanks for the info Bill, I THINK the outlet and cable jack are standard now (outlet standard, cable standard if you get the antenna). That allows you to mount it on the bathroom wall to the left of the sink and have an outlet/cable hookup. I agree it LOOKS like a good unit, just like the 2006 LOOKS like a good unit. I may be in the nice position to compare the 2006 and 2009 side by side and have my pick between the two, and then sell the other.

 

[inghamm]

wow

WOW! The 2009 looks wonderful. I'm a bit envious.

 

[Padgett]

If the value is a wash then go for the new one else you may need a dealer license. Besides I doubt that your '06 has a 5k properly clocked axle.

Just a little clarification: I have an adapter to pull 120vac from a 220 dryer outlet but you need to know what you are doing (it only uses one leg and neutral and test twice before plugging in to be sure). For that matter have A Lot of adapters - did same with the RV I had before the TM.

Since mine doubles as a mobile guest room when I go to friends, I have ways to connect & run the AC (and have a 100 foot 10Ga outdoor rated extension cord).

Solar: first question is "how much" ? AFAIR the factory unit was only 80W and suitable for a 75AH battery. Since my pair is over 200 AH and have 200W of solar (and next time will go for 300, all that will fit on the rear module but then if I find a 2922KD...).

 

[br2_wdc]

I'm wondering why you would stay with the 2006.

Condensed version of the mess in my head:

As of this moment, I have not seen either in person (2006 is shipping from Ohio today). Essentially price is a wash between the 2 (including the shipping on the 2006). The 2009 is newer and has more options. Right now I am going on the word of the RV guy who sold me the 2006 that everything is working and in good condition as I haven't seen it myself. I will be able to inspect the 2009 on Saturday (maybe even side-by-side with the 2006 if it gets delivered. If both units are in good working order and similar condition, why would you "stay the course" with the 2006?

Good point, and I'll attempt to clarify. For me any decision involving different used cars options or in this case different RV's, I have to look at true "cost" of going from one option to another.

I understand your point on the price being a "wash" between them, but what I am asking is that the true "cost" of moving from one to the other? Not just money, but your time also?

For the 2009 TM, you'll need to take the time to see it this weekend; for me that was easily an entire day, but kinda fun since my son was with me.

Now the not so fun time: selling the 2006 TM. You'll need to prep the 2006 TM, get pictures, put it in CL or rvtrader.com, and then take calls. Given you have a hot product, you'll need to wade through MANY calls and emails, find the right person/persons, schedule time with each, and then sell it to someone who hopefully will have the money.

So if you have already added in the "cost" of your time to do all of the above (minimum of 2-3 days to whatever it takes to sell it (weeks?)) then no question you get the 2009 TM (assuming it checks out of course); complete no brainer!

 

[BradS7535]

Good point, and I'll attempt to clarify. For me any decision involving different used cars options or in this case different RV's, I have to look at true "cost" of going from one option to another.

I understand your point on the price being a "wash" between them, but what I am asking is that the true "cost" of moving from one to the other? Not just money, but your time also?

For the 2009 TM, you'll need to take the time to see it this weekend; for me that was easily an entire day, but kinda fun since my son was with me.

Now the not so fun time: selling the 2006 TM. You'll need to prep the 2006 TM, get pictures, put it in CL or rvtrader.com, and then take calls. Given you have a hot product, you'll need to wade through MANY calls and emails, find the right person/persons, schedule time with each, and then sell it to someone who hopefully will have the money.

So if you have already added in the "cost" of your time to do all of the above (minimum of 2-3 days to whatever it takes to sell it (weeks?)) then no question you get the 2009 TM (assuming it checks out of course); complete no brainer!

Understand now. I was taking into account some other "cost" things such as upgrades I was planning on having the dealer perform on the 2006 (lift kit, replace 14" with 15" wheels/tires...etc) which I won't have to do now on the 2009. But you are correct about the listing and selling it. I've already talked to the dealer and it sounds like I could probably make a deal with them for the 2006 for exactly what I spent on it so I would break even. If I wanted to spend more time on it, I could try to sell myself and probably get more for it, which would make the 2009 an even better deal. All good points and things I will consider.

I suppose having 2 TMs to choose from is a good problem to have at this point in time.

 

[BradS7535]

If the value is a wash then go for the new one else you may need a dealer license. Besides I doubt that your '06 has a 5k properly clocked axle.

Solar: first question is "how much" ? AFAIR the factory unit was only 80W and suitable for a 75AH battery. Since my pair is over 200 AH and have 200W of solar (and next time will go for 300, all that will fit on the rear module but then if I find a 2922KD...).

The '06 does NOT have the 5k axle, but I'm pretty sure the '09 does.

I believe the solar is factory, and you are probably correct in the 80W assumption. I wasn't planning on getting solar on my (now canceled) new 2016 order, and wasn't really an option I was looking for, but it is nice to have. Does anyone know if since it already has solar, if I would be able to upgrade the panels to more wattage at some point without much fuss about upgrading the controller and such?

 

[Padgett]

Biggest factor would be where on the TM is the solar panel and controller now ? (I've never seen a factory install). PWM 30A (360W) controller is about $30 so not really a factor. Issue might be the wiring. I have 10Ga wiring so could handle 300W. Also having the panels on the rear module requires retuning the torsion bars but simplifies wiring to the battery bank in the rear compartment.

 

[BradS7535]

Biggest factor would be where on the TM is the solar panel and controller now ? (I've never seen a factory install). PWM 30A (360W) controller is about $30 so not really a factor. Issue might be the wiring. I have 10Ga wiring so could handle 300W. Also having the panels on the rear module requires retuning the torsion bars but simplifies wiring to the battery bank in the rear compartment.

The last photo shows where the solar control panel is (where all the other control panels are located in front of the sink). I THINK the panels are located on the front shell. I also believe the batteries are located on the tongue of the trailer behind the propane tanks.

 

[Craigrrr]

I like that 09" I would swap my 08 SD for it

 

[Sterman]

The '09 is actually a later model '09 with the new exterior colors.
The first of the '09s (such as mine), had the blue exterior colors.
The '09 looks like it has most, if not all, options.
The unused bathroom and kitchen is certainly a bonus find.

 

[Craigrrr]

Like Sterman said late 09' as it looks to have led lights too. ! Ok I want it. Lol

 

[BradS7535]

Can someone tell me what height the tongue is when the trailer is level. I need to buy a ball for my hitch for our 2014 Flex. The flex is a fairly low riding SUV so I want to know if I need to get a ball with some rise (1-2"?) Or more. Thanks all. Really appreciate everyone's help on here. Hopefully everything checks out on Sat because the '09 does look really nice.