Want To Be A TM Owner

I think 2003 was the year they dropped wood and started using a steel frame and more aluminum. In 2003 they also moved the AC on most models from the back shell to the front shell, changed to a low profile AC, moved the spare under the trailer, and changed the bumper style. My 2003 (3124) has the AC in front and the spare under the trailer, but a standard height AC and an older 4 inch square bumper. A friend's 2003 (3023) has all of the above changes, so some of the changes must have come during the model year. So a 2003 or newer will eliminate a lot of the wood rot problems of older models and include the newer design features.

[arniland]

My understanding after visiting the factory this spring is that there was a major redesign of the TM roof starting with the 2003 model year. They incorporated a new aluminum extrusion into the roof framing at that point which made a substantial improvement to sealing to tops, if I remember Greg correctly. However, I am almost positive that we saw wood still used in at various places in the framing, including the roof. That is not, in itself, a bad thing. Wood just has to be sealed properly.

Before touring the factory we had considered two used TMs which had wood rot problems. We wanted to understand what the issues were. Right after the factory visit we bought our "new" 2007 unit. I voted with my checkbook. Can't say too much more than that other than we just returned from a 6 week, 8,400 mile, 20 state trip. Last weekend a 65 foot tall tree blew over in my yard narrowly missing the TM. If it had hit our TM, I would be out shopping for a new unit today.

Arn

[Bill]

Originally Posted by Al-n-Sue

... In 2003 they also moved the AC on most models from the back shell to the front shell, changed to a low profile AC, moved the spare under the trailer, and changed the bumper style. My 2003 (3124) has the AC in front and the spare under the trailer, but a standard height AC and an older 4 inch square bumper. A friend's 2003 (3023) has all of the above changes, so some of the changes must have come during the model year. So a 2003 or newer will eliminate a lot of the wood rot problems of older models and include the newer design features.

Al-n-Sue -

You are basically correct, but just to be clear, some of these changes were phased in over a couple years. No one should try to use these changes to determine the model year of a TM. For instance, like your '03, my early '02 had a roof air conditioner on the front shell, and the spare tire under the body rather than the rear bumper. When the unit arrived at the dealer, he was surprised at these changes, since they didn't yet appear in the spec sheets that were available to him.

At a couple times in the past, members have questioned the stated model year of a particular TM, based on these changes. Only the VIN sticker can dependably call out the model year.

Bill