Are newer units getting heavier or lighter?

[modhatter]

Trying to check approx GVWR of an older (yr 2001) 3026, and I am picking up some very conflicting data. The sticker that comes on the unit that states the GVWR- is supposed to be the dry weight of the unit plus all the additions, like stove, ac, awning, empty tanks etc. Is that correct?

In reading through old posts, I see that units prior to 2003 were made from wood framing instead of aluminum framing now used. The aluminum framing being the lighter of the two I assume. In looking at an older 1999 model #3026 on line, it shows on the sticker approx 3500lbs GAWR (not GVWR) odd...

In looking at a 2004 yr model 2619 on line (the smallest) the dealer states the dry weight at over 2900 lbs., and the GVWR at just over 4,000 lbs.

Anyone know how the weight of these units have changed over the years? I am up to speed with the current models of course. Anyone have an older 2000 or 2001? What does your GVWR state in lbs.? I can only assume the trend is to make them lighter, but since I can't retrieve any of this data, I thought some of you might know.

[ShrimpBurrito]

I can only assume the trend is to make them lighter, but since I can't retrieve any of this data, I thought some of you might know.

Actually, you can, thanks to the wayback machine. :D

According to the 2001 version of their website, the 2619 has a dry weight of 2380 lbs, but of course this is with the usual caveat that options ARE NOT included in this figure....options which most people have, including AC, batteries, awning, microwave, etc., so these options may be included in the weight the dealer gives you.

According to the current TM website, the 2619 has a dry weight of 2673 lbs, so yes, I'd say they are gaining weight. Some factors that may be attributing to heavier weights:

- larger tires -- TM now has 15" tires on all models, whereas there used to be only 14" wheels and tires on the 2619 and 2700 series models

- linoleum in the entire interior, whereas there used to be carpet on most of the floor

- roof mounted AC; older units used to have window units, which are less powerful and I presume a bit lighter

You can access these older pages here:
http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://trailmanor.com

Dave

[modhatter]

Thank you ShrimpBurrito. I had located that site before, but was not able to pull any information off of it. This time when I tried it, it worked. Must have been my computer. Thanks again.

[Bill]

Just to confuse the issue, some things that used to be options are now standard. A spare tire, for example, was an option before about 2002. Possibly the propane tanks (as opposed to the propane in them). And I think the battery. In order to account for the bulk of the change, some research in this direction is needed.

I'm under the impression (not confirmed in any way) that equivalent models weigh about the same as they always did. In other words, when TM designers added something, they found a way to take out a more or less equal amount of weight.

Bill

[Wavery]

Actually, the 1" x 1" aluminum frame is heavier than the light weight 1" x 1" pine that they used to use. The strength and durability was worth the trade off for weight.