What's wrong with TrailManor?

[JessWD]

What does 5 stars mean?

Since I requested a list of all the "bugs" you don't like in a TM, and I now
see a 5 star on this post.....does this mean I get a free Pepparoni Pizza?

What does 5 stars mean?

Jess

 

[B_and_D]

It means that someone (me) rated this a very good thread. I did that because I think people are being really honest about what they do and don't like about their TM's and that this particular thread will be helpful to others who are considering buying one.

I like pizza too. If you buy a TM and we ever end up in a campground together, I might consider buying!

 

[Cateye]

I too, think that it is important to present both sides of the satisfaction issue. We had a very bad workmanship issue with our TrailManor, that required its return to the factory (contact me by e-mail if you would like the details). After its return, we found that the factory had created addional workmanship issues that bordered on dangerous:new_cussi .

We have now resolved these issues, decided to put them behind us, and enjoy our investment. Since then, We have had very few complaints . Just the minor problems like screws continuing to fall out etc.

Unlike others, we use our TrailManor off-road (living in Western Colorado presents some interesting camping challenges) and have had no problems with dust or damage. We do take the time to pack it tightly and pad with towels and blankets to keep loose items and furniture from moving during transit. We also pad the bathroom walls to keep them from "banging" together.

There is something about the TM that we really enjoy but we have not been able to "put our finger on it". I think it has something to do with owning a unique camper and the fact that it is cozy and relaxing to camp in.

 

[Walt Spangler]

hello Jess, I purchased a 2005 2720SL after much research.
the wife had a bad experience with the conventional trailer [her ex almost lost it--anti sway not tightened]. therefore, either pop-up, Hi-Lo, otr TM.
popup--forget it- canvas drying issues.
we looked at the Hi-Lo and honestly the workmanship leaves a lot to be desired. Crawl under the Hi-Lo-particle board, painted black: the TM
totally insulated and encased in aluminum. Weight- another issue.
I tow mine with a 1994 jeep grand cherokee w/ trailer package and was assured that it would "climb" the big hills [Rockies] with no trouble.
also, in order to keep weight down, no china, etc. [also for breakage and glass shards] We bought the lightest weight cooking and serving utensils we could find [Wal-Mart "specials].
I have no problem with the battery operating the fridge when traveling. Guess it has to do with how the system is hooked up to the tow vehicle.
Condensation only happenend on a cold, rainy, dreary night.
And I am 70 years old, weigh 170 at 5'7" and can open and close the TM alone, if set level, as the "book" states. the wife is 5'4" 145 and ,yes. does struggle, but can "operate" it.
Of course, there is always something that will displease you , but as the saying goes"just get over it".

Walt

 

[Seleya]

I have a 2000 3124KB and am 5'4". While I am athletic, I can open the trailer without a problem. The repairguy even remarked how he thought it would be a pull and it just lifted in his hands. When I open the trailer on uneven surfaces (usually when I meet friends on the way to dog shows and need to throw their stuff into the trailer), I use the bumper to push off of (not usually necessary but it helps on big hills). None of my friends have had a problem opening it either and even my young nieces can do it.

I initially had some problems with fit and finish and workmanship issues. When you pay what I paid for a trailer, you expect screws to be screwed (or even present). We fixed things up as we went along and only occasionally have to tighten something. We use a lightweight bungee from the wheel on the door to the top of the awning just to keep the door in check -- they sure could use something there a wee bit more effective than that silly little plastic stop.

I got the 3124KB for the room (I was told by rving friends before buying that the #1 mistake people make was underestimating "comfort" room). I also wanted the double couches instead of the dinette and the king bed in the back. We have *comfortably* travelled with 4 women -- two on the king bed, one on the front bed and another on the fold-out couch. We have also entertained more friends inside with the larger couches, a chair in the aisle and even someone lounging on the front bed. All this and at least 2 retrievers running amok in the trailer.

Overall, I really enjoy my trailer. It has proven to be amazingly stable, including staying steady when a WHEEL fell off my 1992 E150 van -- the tow truck men took one look at my rig sitting stationary at the end of a hilly off-ramp in a monsoon, the wheel sticking out from under the van at a 20 degree angle being held on by one, very bent and failing bolt, and remarked they couldn't believe they weren't pulling pieces out of a ditch! :new_Eyecr It is roomy, it doesn't control my life while travelling and it is very comfortable (I like the beds).

Vicky

 

[katbird]

being a little picky

Just finished our first trip in our new 3124KB, over 2,000 miles to Big Bend National Park and back. Loved our TM--it was very easy to tow and I'm a pretty nervous driver, but it went pretty well once I got some practice passing, pulling into gas stations, etc. Haven't gotten parking down yet, but there is always another camper there who directs me (and doesn't get exasperated, like DH does!).

My only complaints are:
1) The water pump is noisy.
2) It adds 20 minutes to breakdown time folding up and storing all the bedding. (Can the trailer be closed over a Travasak that is left on the bed?)
3)The stovetop grate bounced off onto the floor going over (extremely) bumpy I-10 in Louisiana--evidently there are some clips, but they don't hold very well or I don't know how to fasten them correctly. (The fastener that holds the outside storage area door closed also broke off during that phase of the trip. I still think it was the bad road.)
4) You can't fill the fresh water tank with the trailer folded. (I did read one post about doing it upside down through the drain valve? Sounded complicated and time-consuming.) Looking through the front window and seeing the cap right there so temptingly close, yet so inaccessible. . . has anyone tried to rig the window so they can open it from the outside? I sure wish the factory would solve this problem with some sort of outside window opening and closing/locking mechanism.

We picked up a nail somewhere and had a flat on the TM. It was very scary because we had just arrived at Big Bend when we noticed it and the park is a v-e-r-y long way from ANYWHERE. A very nice man at the Panther Junction gas station inside the park changed it and patched it for us (even staying 20 minutes after closing time to finish) and it held up well throughout the rest of the trip and home. (But you do have to open the trailer to change the tire! I wouldn't like that much had we been on the side of the road instead of at a gas station.) The lug nuts were so tight he spent 30 minutes and it took all his strength to get them loose.

These are my only complaints and I consider them minor ones. The bed slept great with just a 1 1/2 inch memory foam addition, all of the appliances worked great. Plenty of room for 2 adults. We dry camped for 6 nights and the dealer-provided battery stayed on G (I'm assuming the indicator works correctly). We used battery-operated Coleman lanterns for light at night since we had read that the cabin lights deplete the battery. Didn't need the furnace or air conditioner. Cooked outside most of the time and used mostly paper plates, but did wash the silverware, an occasional pot, and glasses (dumped my dishwater in the drains provided by the campground when my holding tank started showing 2/3 full) and of course used the pay showers (next time I think I could sneak in at least 2 showers in the trailer without exhausting the holding tank). Took bottled water for drinking and the fresh water tank was nowhere near empty, gray water on 2/3, and toilet nowhere near full when we left (used it all the time except for #2). I was really pleased with the way the trailer lived and everything worked.

So far I have not been able to open the trailer by myself (easy when both of us pull, though) but I can close it by myself except that occasionally it takes two of use to lock the bars (the ones midways of the sides of the trailer)--one to push down and the other to push the clamp into place. It seems to be getting easier the more it is opened and closed, though. Next time I want to try the trick posted earlier about lowering the jack on the front and then the rear prior to opening the shells.)

Have to say that all of the knowledge I gained from this website made a huge difference in the success of this trip with two novices. The orientation at the dealer's and the owner's manual just wouldn't have sufficed!

Kat

 

[Glenn in TN]

It's taken me a while to read this whole thread (its been a while since I've been on.) My wife usually tows our TM with her Excursion (overkill I know - but we had a Dodge Caravan when we 1st upgraded from the popup). She usually has it put up before I get back from the bathroom (she hates to stop on the road - we're oposite of the norm). Of course she is a fortysomething MS redneck girl.

The biggest complaint I have (besides still having some set up/down) is the dinette seats. Ours is a 1997 2619 and when I sit on the cushions very long, I feel like they are concrete.

I have the biggest deep cycle battery from our local Bass Pro Shop and it has lasted us over 6 days of dry camping in the Smoky Mountains. It is about dead the last night (lights very dim and pump working slower - I know that can't be good for it) but it makes it. We do run the fridge on propane with out the vent fan.

About the bedding issue, we used to travel with our beds made. My wife sleeps on the front bed with one kid and I on the back with the other. She insists on: 1 sleeping bab, 2" foam egg crate, sheets, and comforter. I noticed after doing this on several trips that the spring latches were pulling off of the tops. Now they are very bent and won't hold the tops down. She tells me that there is plenty of clearance inside and her bed clothes can't be the problem. All those with DW's - HELP!

 

[fcatwo]

I haven't contributed anything to this thread so I'll add a couple of comments:

(1) The beds: They are not a problem for us because we are happy with the standard mattresses, use TravaSaks and can close without problems. If they were a problem I think I'd look into adding spacers to the hold-down latches so the tops don't have to come down quite so far. An inch or two of extra highth should solve the problem for most people.

(2) The toilet: I think this problem will be put to rest when Ray, Bill and others move to larger TMs and figure out (and share with the TM factory) a way to add a black-water holding tank with vents to replace the existing system. The smaller TMs probably don't have room underneath for another tank but the larger ones should. Had I not found this site and learned that our E-Magic toilets has an internal fuse that had blown I would have probably replaced ours with a marine toilet rather than spend money on the Thetford. I found a toilet in a boating catalog that was essentially a 9-gal, above-floor holding tank with a flapper toilet on top of it. It had the same base dimensions as the E-Thetford and should have been easy enought to plumb into the existing drain. I've heard that others have replaced their E-Ts so there are probably several opptions. Venting would be the major hurdle but that must be solvable .

 

[Bill-TMO]

We have had no problems with the toilet - but still, I'm intrigued. Can you tell us more about the marine toilet you describe (mfr and model)? I did a quick scan of West Marine and didn't see it.

I don't think venting is a big obstacle. DancinCampers did a nice through-wall vent project last July, as I recall. A SEARCH turns it up.

Bill

 

[RockyMtnRay]

(1) The beds: They are not a problem for us because we are happy with the standard mattresses, use TravaSaks and can close without problems.

I'll second this notion...I find a TravaSak on top of the regular mattress more than enough padding. Probably helps that I do hours of high intensity physical activity every day when I'm out camping. The TravaSak compresses nicely...I've never had a problem with closing the shells even though I just leave the Travasak on the rear bed when I close the trailer.

(2) The toilet: I think this problem will be put to rest when Ray, Bill and others move to larger TMs and figure out (and share with the TM factory) a way to add a black-water holding tank with vents to replace the existing system.

'Twon't be me. Since I travel solo (and fully intend to continue doing so ), my 2720SL is just the right size...big enough to not feel claustrophobic but small enough to fit in my garage.

As for a smell, I gotta ask what smell? Probably because I only use the toilet for urination (but do use a full 8 oz bottle of Thetford blue stuff per charge), I've never had a problem with smell...and I do have very sensitive nose. I dump the toilet only when it gets full...which is usually after about 7-10 camping days.

 

[fcatwo]

Bill: Sorry but I don't have info on the marine toilet. I went through that process a little over a year ago (maybe two) while we were down in the Texas Rio Grand Valley and the marine toilet was in a catalog our local RV repair/parts place had. I came within an inch of ordering one but we were nearing the end of our stay and I wasn't sure it would arrive before we left. It cost about $400.00 as I recall and after finding out I could fix the Thetford with a $0.25 fuse I couldn't justify looking into it again. It was a fairly heavy fiberglass structure by the way. I assume they didn't want to get sued by some 400lb guy who found it didn't hold up when he was being bounced around in rough seas . I'll sleep on it and see if I can remember more.

Ray: Our use of the TM toilet matches yours exactly and we don't have an odor problem either. We did use the toilet in our 5th wheel for more serious business but it had a large vented holding tank. We would do the same in the TM if equally equipped but we don't consider it a problem-- more an acceptable accomodation to gain the benefits of downsizing. I considered replacing it primarily because I thought I was about to spend $150.00- $200.00 to replace the pump in the E-Magic.

 

[braymon2]

I am a "prospective buyer" living in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. While I feel this particular thread is one of the best I've ever seen for giving out useful info on TM, I really have to agree with PopBeaver about scaring prospective buyers away.I've read the entire thread and I'm just not sure about buying a TM. Since I need to buy a new PU anyways,I'm thinking maybe I should consider a "regular" TT. All these problems with batteries, converters, electrical in general cause me concern.Yeah, I'd probably have similar problems with a TT as well.

Some of the things mentioned are in my mind really minor ( cabinets low etc.) Some of the other stuff does not seem so minor. From a prospective buyers viewpoint one of the most positive aspects to this thread is that I believe just about everyone said they really liked their TM.

My wife and I are experienced tent campers who just want off the ground.What drew me to TM was the easy setup and easy tow.If I do go with TM I'm thinking I should go with the 5000# axle. Sounds like a wise move.

If there is anyone on here from central FL who has purchased a TM from Cooper's RV I'd really be interested in your comments.

This is an excellent website that also has some very helpful ideas.You should not take my concerns as a put-down to TM but more form a real newbie w/o your experience.

Bill R.

 

[TexasThunder]

I'm not experienced but as a recent newbie who went thru the decision making process, there were two high priority items on my list that the TM could deliver. Easy towing. Its low profile allows it to go down the freeway and not get blown around by big trucks passing by or high winds. If you only do local stuff then this may not be a concern. The other is I didn't want to store it offsite (I wanted to keep it handy for whatever), meaning the TM is invisible to my neighbors and the HOA won't be contacting me. Your situation may be different.
Its not perfect for sure, but the things it does well, it does very well.

 

[grill-n-go]

I am a "prospective buyer" living in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. While I feel this particular thread is one of the best I've ever seen for giving out useful info on TM, I really have to agree with PopBeaver about scaring prospective buyers away.I've read the entire thread and I'm just not sure about buying a TM. Since I need to buy a new PU anyways,I'm thinking maybe I should consider a "regular" TT. All these problems with batteries, converters, electrical in general cause me concern.Yeah, I'd probably have similar problems with a TT as well.

Some of the things mentioned are in my mind really minor ( cabinets low etc.) Some of the other stuff does not seem so minor. From a prospective buyers viewpoint one of the most positive aspects to this thread is that I believe just about everyone said they really liked their TM.

My wife and I are experienced tent campers who just want off the ground.What drew me to TM was the easy setup and easy tow.If I do go with TM I'm thinking I should go with the 5000# axle. Sounds like a wise move.

If there is anyone on here from central FL who has purchased a TM from Cooper's RV I'd really be interested in your comments.

This is an excellent website that also has some very helpful ideas.You should not take my concerns as a put-down to TM but more form a real newbie w/o your experience.

Bill R.

You are right all the electrical stuff is the same in a TM as in a TT.
We have a TM because we can keep it in our garage. Fringe benefit, easy towing.

We use our bathroom/toilet exclusively with an 8 Oz. bottle of the chemical never had a problem with odor or whatever.

Since getting our TM, We've discovered that we can get into some cool places that only allow small pop-ups .

Bottom line is that we got into a TM thinking we were settleing for something less than a TT because of our storage limitations. Now we would'nt buy into the towing problems of a TT even if storage was not an issue.

 

[BOB_STRONG]

Pros & Cons of TM

I don't care what brand RV you buy or how much it cost, you will have some problems with something. It's built on an assembly line by humans. Every RV has pros & cons to it. For us, the pros outway the cons for the TrailManor. I didn't have to buy a huge tow vehicle to pull our 3326King. I still get decent gas mileage with my Durango. Now a days this is very important with the price of gas going up all of the time.

Another great selling point for the TrailManor is the resale value. We are on our third TrailManor, and we received an excellent trade in price for our 2 TrailManors. From what I hear, they have one of the best resale values of RV's on the market.

The ease of set up is great. Towing you have one size unit, and when open, you have added another 6 feet of length.There is a little learning curve, but if you had a popup, then the TrailManor will be a breeze.

Sure, I would like to see a larger refrig . It would be nice to have a permanent screen door, but these are things you have to over look. Don't forget yhat the TrailManor comes with the same name brand appliances
as other RV's. They all can break or have defects.

Having owned TrailManors since 1992, I can say that we are very happy with the TrailManor. The best part is that the TrailManor company stands behind the product. You could not find a greater company to deal with. Anytime that I needed a part, Jimmy Davis and now Ed Lytle are there to serve you. For me this is very important instead of getting a run around when you call a company because you need something.

It's hard to find this kind of service. The people at TrailManor know how important it is to keep a customer happy.

 

[TandemKids]

For Braymon2

We bought our TM 2619 new in Jan. 04 and tow it with a 97 Blazer that is equipped with a V6 engine and has 120k miles on it ( We did have a Transmission cooler installed). Our TM tows like a breeze, and although we have had a few minor problems it, we would buy another one in a New York minute. I would love to get my hands on the King size TM with the larger bed and separate dinette.

As far as buying a pop-up trailer, I would say this: We bought a new Forest River pop-up, kept it for three months, and then took a hosing and traded it off for our TM. While I don't recommend doing what we did unless you have a lot of discretionary money lying around, I am glad that we have the TM instead of the pop-up.

Happy Camping,

Michael

 

[fcatwo]

Bill

You asked a couple of months ago about a marine toilet I had checked out that has an above floor 9-gallon holding tank and could serve as a replacement for the electric Thetford. I haven't found that one but I did Google up a SeaLand Marine Traveler 711-M28 that is very similar and about the same size. Our TM is closed so I can't check the floor dimensions in the bath but I'll bet the 711-M28 will fit. It will probably require fairly heavy modification but a determined person should accomplish that easily. It is priced from $360.00 to over $500.00 at the various online dealers.

Our Thetford is not causing problems but I suspect I'll look into one of these if it does.

 

[Queeniereads]

I am a "prospective buyer" living in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. While I feel this particular thread is one of the best I've ever seen for giving out useful info on TM, I really have to agree with PopBeaver about scaring prospective buyers away.I've read the entire thread and I'm just not sure about buying a TM. Since I need to buy a new PU anyways,I'm thinking maybe I should consider a "regular" TT. All these problems with batteries, converters, electrical in general cause me concern.Yeah, I'd probably have similar problems with a TT as well.

Some of the things mentioned are in my mind really minor ( cabinets low etc.) Some of the other stuff does not seem so minor. From a prospective buyers viewpoint one of the most positive aspects to this thread is that I believe just about everyone said they really liked their TM.

My wife and I are experienced tent campers who just want off the ground.What drew me to TM was the easy setup and easy tow.If I do go with TM I'm thinking I should go with the 5000# axle. Sounds like a wise move.

If there is anyone on here from central FL who has purchased a TM from Cooper's RV I'd really be interested in your comments.

This is an excellent website that also has some very helpful ideas.You should not take my concerns as a put-down to TM but more form a real newbie w/o your experience.

Bill R.

I am just learning how to include the quotes, so excuse me for leaving the whole thing in. I just wante to reply to a few points. We had a TT before the TM. Besides the fact that we totlaled it, we loved it. But, our new TM is giving us 14 miles to the gal and the same floor space that we had with our TT. Even though it was a lightweight TT (Grand Surveyor), we only got 8 to 9 miles to the gallon. THe TM is easier to tow. It is easier to back into spots. It is easy to set up. THe only things we miss (we have the 3124KS) are a real dinette on a slide unit and the bigger refrigerator. We bought a plug in cooler to take care of the food overflow -- like sodas and cookies. We would recommend the TM. We are approaching 60 and it is very easy to handle. We forsee keeping this unit for quite awhile. Queeniereads aka Judi

 

[mav1124]

Well I have been reading these threads on the Pros and Cons of a TM. Well having owned a 30' Airstream TT, sold it and still have a 36'Alpine Coach motor home. wife won't let me get rid of the "beast" all RV's all have problems. Try getting the AC unit repaired, toilet, anything. Ya, talk about expensive. The smaller units are soo nice and easy pull and work on. I live Orlando, Fla and humidity and rain are part of life. The condensation well it's part of life, I had it in my Airstream. Just bought a fan and let it run to move the air around. I am looking at the 2720SL or SD cause we travel and fish with our canoes and kayaks.. It's just two of us.
The unit we looked at in Orlando, my wife opened and closed the TM by herself and she is no wonder women. Sure a large frig would be nice, but come on, these are "travel trailers not apartments. If you want bigger buy a bus, now let me tell you those problems are bigger.

I found this site and thread to be extremely helpful. we like the layout of the 2720SL, the chair and couch make it homey. Easy to setup, Easy to tow.
Big draw backs:Not crazy about the bed position and toilet and water & gray tank capacity.

But I do favor the option for the heavier axle and the 15" tires.
Question ? : We had a full screened porch on the Airstream and the Alpine, can a full screened porch be added to the awning on the TM is so who makes one ?
The toilet seems to be a pain on the TM. Can or will TM install for a price a better vented/fanned unit ?

 

[Denny_A]

Re: Screen Enclosure

.........snp......
Question ? : We had a full screened porch on the Airstream and the Alpine, can a full screened porch be added to the awning on the TM is so who makes one ?

Fiamma (awning maker) have a rather expensive enclosure, which most folks aren't wlling to consider.

Another member pointed out that J.C. Whitney have a less expensive, but not CHEAP, Screen Enclosures at the following link:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2002627/showCustom-0/p-2002627/N-111+600005202+0/c-10107

HTH - Denny_A