New owner (1990 M-26) questions

Thanks to the advice from several members of this group, and the overwhelming positive experience of other owners, I am now the proud owner of a 1990 M-26 (3023 in today's model naming scheme).  I drove almost 900 mi round-trip on Saturday to pick it up.  I thought I was bringing back an M-22 (2619) since the owner advertised it as 26 ft long, and I understood the 2619 to mean 26 ft open, 19 ft closed.  Now I see on the TrailManor web site that it means 26 ft "Equivalent Travel Trailer Size-Open".  What the heck is that supposed to mean?  Well, I bought it anyway, though the extra length means I must store it outside instead of in the garage.  Interior is in great condition, exterior looks like a 12-year old travel trailer:  normal paint fade and dents/scrartches.  Purchase price was $5050.  From what I can tell I got a great deal!

I have two immediate "problems" I would like to take care of, though:

• No owner's manual or documentation of any kind.  Would I be able to get one from the factory?  If anyone else on the board has one, I would be happy to pay for photocopying or scanning and shipping costs.
• When in the closed position, there is a gap between the seal on the rear of the front shell and the top of the rear shell.  This gap is nearly 1" at the ends.  Do I need to replace this seal?  Is this a major undertaking?  The trailer is currently sitting in an extreme nose-up angle to prevent rain water from running in through this gap, but I am worried leaves and debris blowing in and even rodents sneaking in.

 

I have the same gap and haven't had any problems so far.  However, I think my TM would do well with a tune-up from the factory or some other trained/experienced individual.

It doesn't sound too bad.  Don't forget there is a double seal (one on each half).

You may be able to adjust the latches to close the gap a bit, but be carefull not to overstress the catch and tear it out....  
If I get mine adjusted, I'll post what I did to correct things.

Just call the factory and they will send you an owner's manual notebook.  At least they did for me!

Yes, on the manual, TM offers one that is VERY detailed for about $20.00. I purchased one myself although my TM is a little different than the newer models and has different appliences etc.......but for general info, it's really good. It's around 1/2" thick. Again, the "equivelent" thing is derived out of the fact TM's open up over the hitch giving you that much extra room you wouldn't have in a conventional trailer when it's fully opened up, (as well as open rearward as well).

[glow=red,2,300]Happytrails..........[/glow]

???  I am wanting to order a cover for my TM from the factory.  can some one give me a phone number to call and place an order?  Thanks bet

??? I am wanting to order a cover for my TM from the factory. can some one give me a phone number to call and place an order? Thanks bet

The factory phone number is 865-426-7426. Ask for Jimmy Davis.

thanks,i need one to,and can anyone tell me why my awning will crank up but not out?mike

[Bill]

You've responded to a 6 year old thread. A better phone number would be (800) 707-7061. Jimmy Davis died several years ago - you'll want to ask for Ed Lytle.

Bill