Starting the Mods

[tentcamper]

We pick up the NTU 2003 2720. It towed great with the sienna that has two additional rear springs and heavy duty shocks and struts and an additional trans cooler.

We were only getting 16.5 mpg at 65 mph for our 600 mile trip. With our 3,300 lbs pup, we would get about 18.5 for about the same road conditions. It must be the larger frontal area.

Now were starting the mods, clean up and repairs.

Mods were working on:
1) Measured and pulled some of the curtains and ordered the fabric to make all new curtains.

2) ordered 8 LED lights for dry camping

3) ordered propane cover

4) need to remove water pump accumulator and filter from pup and install on TM

5) ordered stove flip up cover for suburban stoves

6) ordered WDH, reese Pro series 600. It is good for tongue weights between 200 and 600. This will give the TV a 525 tongue weight capability from 350 lbs without WDH.

7) Need to install a propane quick disconnect for our wave heater for dry camping.

8) Planning to install radio with one sitting in the garage. Leftover form the kids. lol This might be something to do when camping during the slow times.

9) Already moved the elec jack and group 31 battery form the pup. Had to buy a larger battery box since the pup had the battery in a covered area in the front, without a battery box.


Cleanup and repair things.

1) inside needs light cleaning. the normal spring cleaning

2) outside needs heavy cleaning of dirt and dark streaks and wax.

3) Need to painting of torsion bars that there is some places that the paint is flaking and light rust.

4) Need to adjust rear torsion bars. It's a little heavy when I first start to lift.

5) After getting the unit home. I notice it has a little gap between sections on roof when closed. When open it closes tight. Not sure if, I rise the close adjustment for the front section or tighten the close adjustment for the rear? Any ideas as to the correct way to adjust the close gap would be appreciated?

6) Need to cleanup and strip some caulk, adjust brakes and grease bearings. I'm going to head over to a commercial caulk sealant shop near the house and have them recommend the right caulk for the application. I have had very good success with their caulks and recommendations.

[tentcamper]

Oh, if anyone has a good weather dance. Please dance for us. Were tired of the cold weather and want to play with our new toy. lol

[Bill]

Originally Posted by tentcamper

We were only getting 16.5 mpg at 65 mph for our 600 mile trip. With our 3,300 lbs pup, we would get about 18.5 for about the same road conditions. It must be the larger frontal area.

The difference is about 4 gallons of gas in a 600-mile trip. I wouldn't get too hung up on it, especially since the TM is probably a few hundred pounds heavier - and a MUCH better experience when you arrive. And you're right, a slightly larger frontal area may be the difference.

Lotta good mods coming up. Keep us posted.

Bill

[tentcamper]

I'm not! I always figure pulling a camper, don't be concern about about MPG. I'm out for a good time. It a lot better then my old TT and TV at 8 mpg and the rest of the year without the camper 18 mpg.

The nice thing about the TM is I don't need a TV that gets 18 mpg when using it the rest of the year. I can have a TV that the rest of the year gets 25 mpg. Huge savings in gas per year.

[tentcamper]

Well it's moving along and starting to fell like our camper.

The inside is just about done. new curtains, washed all the cushion covers, wall, ceiling, steamed the carpeting, made some minor repairs installed LED bulbs, switched out the bath light with a double sided light with a dim and bright LED. Packed our stuff. Still need to install the stove cover and wash and wax the floor.

Outside the weather has not been agreeable for the deep cleaning. But have installed an elec jack, group 31 battery, installed a 2" lift kit, repacked the bearings adjusted the brakes, new spare tire, replaced the brake wire-nuts with the outside wire-nuts with some type of grease in them. Make some minor adjustment to the lift system . Still need to replace the running lights bulbs with LED's, need fix a broken tab on the rear brake light, and wash & wax the trailer. also, need to adjust the WDH

We have schedule a factory tune up in late May.

Just about ready to go camping.

[rvcycleguy]

Originally Posted by tentcamper

Well it's moving along and starting to fell like our camper.

The inside is just about done. new curtains, washed all the cushion covers, wall, ceiling, steamed the carpeting, made some minor repairs installed LED bulbs, switched out the bath light with a double sided light with a dim and bright LED. Packed our stuff. Still need to install the stove cover and wash and wax the floor.

Outside the weather has not been agreeable for the deep cleaning. But have installed an elec jack, group 31 battery, installed a 2" lift kit, repacked the bearings adjusted the brakes, new spare tire, replaced the brake wire-nuts with the outside wire-nuts with some type of grease in them. Make some minor adjustment to the lift system . Still need to replace the running lights bulbs with LED's, need fix a broken tab on the rear brake light, and wash & wax the trailer. also, need to adjust the WDH

We have schedule a factory tune up in late May.

Just about ready to go camping.

In your free time, you can come update mine...lol

I noticed you steamed cleaned the carpet? many TM owners have removed the carpet and replaced with a laminate wood product. Either an adhesive or floating floor type. I've done that myself and it was a decent weekend project with removal, prep and install. Makes a huge difference to be able to sweep out the entire interior. IMHO, why a TT of any type would have carpet is beyond my comprehension. Its an outdoor activity....you will track the outdoors in with you at some point.

[tentcamper]

lol

Thanks, we can see replacing the flooring for the reason you mentioned. But figured we would see how it works out.

In the past we have had campers both ways and it is a lot simpler without carpet, but it is nice to step out of bed on a cold night on carpet. It might be a future mod, but that's Joyce's call and I'm just the laborer.

[rvcycleguy]

Originally Posted by tentcamper

lol

Thanks, we can see replacing the flooring for the reason you mentioned. But figured we would see how it works out.

In the past we have had campers both ways and it is a lot simpler without carpet, but it is nice to step out of bed on a cold night on carpet. It might be a future mod, but that's Joyce's call and I'm just the laborer.

Good answer!! With the new flooring products and the colors, texture, and easy install methods available, its a great way to really update the TM and make it your own. Good luck. Happy Camping.

p.s. if and when you decide to go that route, its best to seal the aluminum floor with a primer sealer paint. I think I used Zinsser 1-2-3 Primer/Sealer. Rolls on and drys fast.

[Bailey'sMom]

Originally Posted by tentcamper

lol


In the past we have had campers both ways and it is a lot simpler without carpet, but it is nice to step out of bed on a cold night on carpet. It might be a future mod, but that's Joyce's call and I'm just the laborer.

That's one reason I have rugs throughout my camper. Softer on the feet and easy to pick up and shake out the dirt and sand. Especially when you have four extra paws that pick up everything.

My only regret with the TM is that my plush rugs that I had in my old camper don't work in the kitchen and hall because I can't easily open the cabinet, refrig, and bathroom doors, so I use those in the entry way instead and bought rugs that are flatter for the other areas.

[Kidkraz]

I also use runners in my rig. I can take them outside get most everything off them and put them back in for the next couple of trips. I didn't pay a lot for them, but they're nice looking and my feet don't freeze in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning.
Post pictures after it's all done.