Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve57
I am a long time camper and previous owner of tent trailers, A-frames, and travel trailers. I am really interested in TM ... I have not yet seen one in person and plan to visit my local dealership soon. I am concerned about the long term health and viability of the company. Will they be around 5 years down the road. What about parts and servicing... I would really appreciate some honest feedback from folks in the know.
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I am a 16-year owner, so I suppose that makes me at least somewhat "in the know".
The first TM was built (prototyped) in about 1973 by an engineer in Tennessee. See a picture and a quick discussion at
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ad.php?t=17784
He formed a company around it, and started production in the late 1980's, I think. The company continued successful production for more than 30 years, so you know the concept, the product, and the public acceptance are good. A few years ago, the founder experienced health problems, and sold the company to two of his senior employees. The new owners moved the company to Nebraska, and for various reasons they are having a slow start in that location. However, they are building trailers, and they are doing service at that location. We all hope and assume that they will get fully on their feet soon, especially as the national economy improves. But of course there are no guarantees in the business world.
During this slow time, their dealership network has thinned out pretty drastically, and they are in the process of rebuilding it. This means that for now, "a visit to your local dealership" may be a bigger task than it would seem. Where are you located, by the way?
As for service, most parts of a TM, such as the appliances, running gear, electrical system, etc. are common to many other RVs. They can be serviced by any RV service shop, so they are no cause for concern. There are a few TM-specific items, such as the lift system, that can be serviced at the factory or by the new dealers as they come on. These are not items that require service often - most of us have never serviced them. And with the exception of rebuilding body panels, most of them can be serviced by the owner, especially if he/she is a bit handy, with the help of experienced owners on this forum.
I hope this capsule summary answers most of your questions, and relieves your fears. Ask more questions as they come up.
Bill