Specific Recommendations for Improving TM

[ccc6588]

I purchased my 2004, 3023 TM on Feb. 14, 2004 (Valentine's Day). I've been on about 5 camping trips none lasting more than 3 days.

Unfortunately, my TM had some problems which did not seem like the norm for the experience of the vast majority of owners. These were not expected as I always try to find quality products and felt very confident that TM was the choice. These were not operator errors or ignorance, but real problems which have been posted previously and will not be mentioned in this recommendation.

TM did rectify the situation at no charge to me except for my time and energy. I am satisfied with their response. I would have preferred never having the need to call them.

There was a learning curve involved with the TM and operator ignorance as well. This is my first RV. I am not being critical of TM. I am just offering for continuous improvement opportunity for a very neat product.

I find the TM very attractive. I have always received great comments on the TM from other campers each time I camped. She is beautiful and people seem to gravitate towards her. I had a lady come up before I even set up to get a close look. I invited her in to take a look. I had one gentleman who helped me back up to a tight spot and turned out he knew more about it than I did since he wanted to replace his real old Pop-Up and doing some serious research. One kid remarked, "that is so cool". I also have friends who we've invited and more are looking forward to a trip. So she definitely attracts a lot of positive attention and I am growing fond of her. So here is my recommendation:

#1 - Have a owners manual that matches the elegence and engineering innovation of the TM. Why not innovate and come up with a video guide (video, CD, DVD, whatever) or use pictures extensively. A picture can say a thousand words. The current manual is outdated, incomplete and poorly written. Most owners' manual or instruction guides are poorly written and I am sure everyone has experienced having to assemble something using an instructions that was probably written overseas by those who don't speak English or see illustrations that do not match your product (how frustrating). Once in a while you find a manual that is well written. These are priceless! Come up with a better manual to do justice to the neat product.

#2 - Provide options for the bed. I think the current one is too hard for me and I have yet to experience a good nights sleep in it. I sleep better on the couch bed. Why not offer a few options rather than having to improvise or modify and get egg foams and foams of other kind, etc. when the bed does not suit the owner. The manufacturer can provide some sales points on the importance of a good nights sleep. Pennywise and pound foolish may apply where sleep is concerned. But, preferences for beds are also very individual so offer options. Coleman does for their pop ups.

#3 - Have some sort of access for the water tank for dry camping. A hole with a door approximately 3 inch by 3 inch (similar to outside shower) should do it. To put water in the tank, you have to open the shell. Both camping sites I went to where I had to fill up with water had severe slope which was less than ideal for filling up with water. The other option is to fill up at home and haul 20 gallons of water for the trip. Perhaps you've considered and decided against it due to safety, engineering or cost. If not, consider it.

#4 - The pin mechanism for the dining table is dangerous. It pops out easily when you put the table back to the folding position. In addition, when you have little kids, they could easily pop it out accidentally or intentionally. Once loose, it is took me hours trying to figure out how to get it back together and darn near pop me in the face as the small metal piece is both sharp and springs. Even my dealer had a hard time with it. I cut myself trying to put the darn thing back it place after getting the how to from the dealer. It has been a major source of irritation for me even after learning how to use it properly. It needs to be more secure, especially for kids. This would be an easy and cheap fix. The explanation I got was that it is standard and purchased from a vendor. TM has a choice of which product and vendor to use. Go with a more sturdy and idiot proof design. I will make a modification to this item. And where is the instruction for this item?

Many of the tiny mechanisms need to be reviewed for design. The window awning also did not screw properly never holding the awning in place because it would not screw to a tightened position. The dealer was well aware of this issue. These little minor items need permanent, idiot proof solutions during manufacturing install and when the owner operates.

This also applys for the screws holding the shells. Mine came loose and was missing. In this case, it could be a potential safety issue or cause damage to other parts during tow. I now check each trip. Can you have a design where screws coming loose would be darn near impossible? I'm sure you can.

The same applies for the fire extinguisher holder. Each time, I've towed, it came loose. I just put it secure between the sofa parts when towing after the first 3 times. There must be a way to have it hold and make it easy to get out when needed. Perhaps 2 straps are needed instead of 1.

#5 - Make sure wooden doors are not squeaky when delivered. I didn't know whether this was normal or not until, the first night camping when the we needed to go during the night. It was fixed with PAM oil spray the following morning. Similar situation with dresser door. Squeak check should be SOP for QA checks. I now have WD-40 handy.

#6 - Make sure that a bumper to bumper inspection is done on the unit. I didn't realize all the tiny little yellow specks all over the TM until I went to wash it. I suspect it is adhesive residue. Also there is way too much excess caulking all over the place. My fingernails came in very handy to remove the yellow residue, but it took time and energy. I still have not removed all.

#7 - The entrance door pin and latch needs to remain fixed when towing. The hole for the latch is a single screw. When I opened the shell the last time, somehow the pin hole and latch worked loose so that the latch got turned upside down and the door could not be opened. For a moment, my blood pressure shot up. Thankfully, I was sharp that day and within a few minutes got out a plier and turned the hole and got it back in the normal position to open the door. The hole for the latch needs to be mounted so that it will not move easily. A single screw will move with force, so a design with 2 screws will be needed or some other solution.

The clamp that locks the door in place on the left side has also lost tightness. I suspect this area needs some additional attention. The screws used for this area is not an Allen or a normal Philips. Therefore, I have decided to make a 100 miles to have it taken care as a secondary item along with another issue (warped cabinet door).

I also recommend that TM have an illustration of all the different tools needed or provide a simple tool kit needed for the different types of screws, Allens, nuts and bolts they use. These could be sold as an option or provided. The cordless drill which makes raising and lowering the leveling jacks so much easier could also be provided or sold as an option.

#8 - Definitely provide extra fuses for free. This could save a camping trip. Fortunately, I've had no issues here.

#9 - Review some of the top modifications done on this site and implement some of the great ideas. Shower nozzle holder? Fluorescent light? etc.

One day, I could imagine TM having a titanium based trailer that is stronger and lighter than it is today.

[CC_Turtle]

Hi,

i think those are great suggestions.. i especially agree with #4 - the table legs. i have had so much problems with those... i was thinking of just replacing them with something else.. has anyone done that?

teresa

[BobWilson]

Those are all nice-to have options and conveniences and perfection that costs somebody time and money. You can hire someone to do it for you. Or you can buy a more expensive RV. TM is in business to make money like everybody else. I had problems with my TM when I bought it too and each person is going to have a different set of problems and needs. But I wouldn't expect more out of TM than what you got. The engineers have worked hard to try and please the general public and that is a hard thing to do. But if there is a manufacturing flaw that they made, they will try to do whatever is reasonable to fix it.

[Cateye]

My issues were never with the basic design but rather workmanship and shipping units with obvious and visible problems that should have been corrected before leaving the factory. Quality Assurance is not implemented effectively at TM.

[ccc6588]

Those are all nice-to have options and conveniences and perfection that costs somebody time and money. TM is in business to make money like everybody else. I had problems with my TM when I bought it too and each person is going to have a different set of problems and needs.


The more perfect the manufacture the more money they will make in the long run.

It appears there is a lot of opportunity in the RV industry for someone to really to stand out for quality. Why not TM? I guess Toyota is synonmous with quality in the auto industry. Why should TM not strive to be the Toyota of the RV industry? I personally think that the more they think about the customer satisfaction the more money they will make.

[Chris_Bauer]

I love my 3326 and hate having to sell it. That goes for my previous 2720SL too. But what I learned in the process of researching before buying was that the RV industry is highly unregulated and anyone can build just about anything. There are lots of complaints about junk that has been produced and sold (check out The Court of Public Opinion). Fortunately for us, the TM has remained in good standing.

I belong to quite a few forums and have seen nightmares and feel sorry for those who did not investigate their purchase first. It appears that most of the big problems belong to big rigs, specifically Class A motorhomes.

I have my list of wishes for the TM. I am hoping that my new TM will have some, if not I can ask for them from the factory. I am sold on this product ;). There are some quality issues, but for the money, savings in tow vehicle and now the savings in gas, I'm glad I own one.

I will be leaving on Aug. 1st for three weeks, TX, NM, CO. Can't wait 8).

BTW, all of your points are well taken and I know they are watching us ;D.

[ess2]

ccc6588: Thanks for info. I have been concerned about quality & short cuts in some areas of the TM. I looked at new 3023's built in Nov.03 & Apr.04. There was improvement in some places so maybe they are getting the word-Mostly good design but poor workmanship. Having spent years debugging a Class A/454 where chassis maker didn't talk to RV maker I'm not going to get stung again! I was close to making a deal on new 3023 but the more I see & learn on this forum the more I think I'll wait for 05 or 06. In time feedback & QA should make a Great TT.

[Caver]

My dealer (Auto Ventures in Chesapeake VA) did take the time to go over every item in our 3023. For the table leg adjustment he reiterated that it was a poor design and showed us how he dealt with it. It's come apart on me and it takes a few minutes to put back together since I have to figure it out each time.

I have only found one item that was not installed correctly which was a plastic vent for the gray water tank under the shower which is like the vent on your kitchen sink. It was just laying there so I screwed it in. I'm a little concerned that the vent is only a few inches away from the converter but I haven't read of anyone having a problem with this. I'll be careful about over filling the gray water tank which would be indicated by standing water in the bottom of the tub.

I would like a more up-to-date manual which lists the fuses and bulbs like a car manual does. I had to go around and look at the fixtures to see what bulbs were used to purchase the spares. However, there were some spare screws included in a small plastic bag.

I actually received more accessories with the TM than I expected such as the hoses, stool, TP, and toilet chemicals.

ess2: It's a tough call to delay purchasing an item to wait for improvements. You can see how much fun the TM owners are having and you'll have to decide how long you can wait.

Ray

[CC_Turtle]

I was close to making a deal on new 3023 but the more I see & learn on this forum the more I think I'll wait for 05 or 06. In time feedback & QA should make a Great TT.

about a year ago we bought a 04 2720sl.. we had 1-2 minor issues (one being the table) but we returned it to our wonderful dealer in Anaheim and they fixed the problems immediately and of course without charge. when we bought our TM, Matt and Scott from the dealership went over everything with us--spend hours learning how to raise and lower, etc. This is my first anytype of trailer, but the quality is great... after a year of use...still looks brand new!

i think one of the biggest differences between the TM and other trailers is the support you recieve from the dealers. I have a friend who just spent 50K+ on a new RV...the gas tank doesn't fill full, the toliet doesn't work, the seals on the door are not straight.. etc.. the worse part is that the dealer/manufactor won't fix the problems! she had to get a lawyer and is trying to get a buy back through the lemon law.

today's TM models are great now - fun - easy to use...we love ours :) when you are ready to buy, you will know it.. everything you buy always will have improvements in the newer models.. but if i waited for a product to be perfect before i bought - i would be a millonaire because i never bought anything ;D

good luck with your decisoin...

[shunter917]

I agree with your assessment of the water tank. It would be much better to have exterior access.

I've never had problems with the table leg - just lucky??

The comment about the awning I don't get. You do realize that after you extend the awning and adjust the "legs", you then reel the awning back in a little until it is tight, yes?

[ccc6588]

The comment about the awning I don't get. You do realize that after you extend the awning and adjust the "legs", you then reel the awning back in a little until it is tight, yes?



I meant the Window Awning. The Fiamma Awning works fine. TM and the dealer were well aware of the window awning screws not tightening properly on some of their units. This should also not be extended all the way out. The dealer also warned me not to tighten the latch for the shell since the screws could pop out (the 4 that you clamp on during the last part of closing the shell). Make sure this is not too tight. There are a lot of these little things like this that are not explained in the manual, which is why I recommend they update their manual (hopefully they get very innovative).

Ed of TM and the dealer suspect my TM was "rushed" for the RV show. I suspect that they had a lot of new workers because of the high volume they experienced.

http://oakridger.com/stories/010604/bus_20040106034.shtml

TM is a small manufacturer and I suspect that there were some short cuts taken to meet the heavy volume. I agree with the assessment of one poster and feel that something is missing in their quality control/assurance to allow something like my TM to be shipped. I did not go ever every nook and cranny of the TM during checkout. I had a lot of faith that the quality would be superb. I am sure that it was an major challenge for them to meet the heavy volume and hopefully they learn from the experience. However, I will be much less trusting next time when buying an RV. I did check out the Jayco website showing their QC on a video (maybe TM needs something like this). Maybe mine was built on a Monday by an individual or two who were hung over?

I recommend everyone to use EdFelkers List for checking out the RV prior to taking it home. I was not aware of this site until after delivery.l In retrospect, I would have done it on a weekday when there is less customer traffic as well. Don't rush!

I think the guts of the TM is great. I would recommend greater attention to details on every little details to get to the next level.

[jbeletti]

I have problems with my table leg locking mechanism nearly every time I use it. I end up fixing it with leatherman tool I keep in the trailer. I reported this and a few other items to my dealer and will have him look at it next time I get up his way.

Jim

http://www.beletti.com/travel

[Bill]

What kind of table-leg trouble are you folks having? On my first time out, I pulled the leg out too far, and sure enough, it was a little bit of a pain to get back in. Since then, I haven't pulled it out too far.

Sounds like you are having a different problem ...

Bill

[jbeletti]

Hi Bill,

Inside my table leg, there is a 2 part locking mechanism. It's this 2 part mechanism that gives me trouble. When I extend the leg, the mechanism sometimes falls apart. It's just not held captive in the leg well. Maybe I'm missing a spring or something?

Jim

[Bill]

Yeah, I remember that two-part mechanism. Seems to me there were a couple different ways it could go together - with differing results.

Unfortunately, I just put my TM in a storage lot across town. Although we have no HOA, we have a snippy lady next door who has nothing to do but complain to all the neighbors about "that awful trailer" - even though it was tucked into a corner and only half visible from the street.

I hope to have it out for a trip within a month. I'll try to remember to check it out then, and post back.

Bill

[ccc6588]

I have problems with my table leg locking mechanism nearly every time I use it. I end up fixing it with leatherman tool I keep in the trailer. I reported this and a few other items to my dealer and will have him look at it next time I get up his way.

Jim

http://www.beletti.com/travel


Mine was fixed, but it falls apart too easily. It fell apart when the dealer showed me how to use it correctly. Even when in the proper position, it is an accident awaiting to happen. I have 2 youngsters and I would hate for them to intentionally or accidentally knock push the short exposed end and knock the whole table out of place. I have several potential modification for this.

I have a lot of extra Allen wrenches from the one large one I needed for the leveling jacks. I could just insert it into the hole and put some duct tape around the long end. That would be more secure. I'm going to the hardware store tonight and look for a nut and screw that has a handle.

[kidsplayhouse]

We went to pick up our new 2720 on Friday (unfortunately due to incorrect wiring we had to postpone pickup). We did our walk through that day and the dealer had the same problem with the leg on the table. It fell apart on him as he was demonstrating how to set it up and take it down. He admitted he thought it was a very poor design. We also will be camping with 2 small children. I would be very interested in knowing of any tricks people use to make this work easier and be safer.

[efelker]

CCC:

Sorry you had so many irritants to correct. We haven't bought yet, but we've looked at a lot of campers and I have an opinion that says QC are two letters missing from most RV manufacturers lexicon. We even looked at Airstream and I was shocked at the quality of this $52K camper and how much their workmanship has erroded since the early 1990s. We looked at a Rialta (that's a VW commercial truck chasis with a motor home body built by Winnebago -- a mere $64K -- shoddy workmanship and really cheal lookinh veneered press board throughout. When I opened the kitchen cabinets they hadn't even vacuumed out all the saw dust from cutting.

I suspect that even with the problems you had, TM is still fairly high up on the list in terms of quality because they are not producing huge volumes and they can use teams to build slow, rather than quickly to meet the numbers quotas. I'm sure the description you gave of the show requirements is exactly what caused what happened to your TM. I've looked at lots of new TMs, and I've noticed some minor things but nothing that really sent up a red flag to say that their overall quality was pretty bad.

As important as initial quality is, I think what and how your dealers handles those problems is far more important -- and clearly one of the things that sets TM aparts. I've read a few threads here about bad dealer relationships, but I think by and large the TM dealers are proud of what they sell and will go out of their way to help. The problem is that usually we live several hours from the nearest dealer so we just suck it up and do the repaire as best we can.

I tried to hit most everything I could think of in the acceptance checklist I compiled. You've given me some additional things to add to the checklist.

Couldn't agree more with your opinion of the owners manual. Bob Strong, or Hal (forget who) sent me the electrons of the owners manual. Being a good AF maintenance officer, I wanted to ensure that I understood the "tech order" inside and out before I bought a rig and commenced my "on-the-job" training. My first impression was that it's a scanned version of a blue mimeographed guide. One of my projects (after we buy) is to write the "Ed Felker Improved Owners Manual." It will contain concise step by step instructions. It will contain digital photos to show the steps that are being described. It will be the "idiot's guide" to operating a TM. I have a son and two daughters (grown, married, and with kids of their own). They'll be borrowing both the TV & the TM -- and the guide I write will be for my mechanically challenged, "how does tab A fit in slot B", why can't a wrench be used as a hammer son-in-law. Once written, I'll share it with anyone else who might want it. I'll even offer it to the factory if they want to give it out.

And finally, I think one of the truly great things about a TM is what you see right here -- friendly people who go out of their way to answer other owner's questions and offer tips. I was sort of sold on the TM design. I sure wanted something easy to tow -- but it's the folks on this website that really sold me on the TM. I know if I have a question or problem -- someone on these pages is going to go out into their yard, sweep the two feet of snow off their winter stowed TM, pop that puppy open, just so that they can come back and tell me what they think the answer is. That's not exactly related to the factory quality that started all this -- but clearly the personal quality of the owners and their sense of TM community is an intangible quality factor you won't find many other places.

I hope you get all your issues rectified so that when you are listening to the crickets chirp (or the cicadas), under a perfect star filled sky, with those you love most -- the main thing on your mind won't be, "Hmmm, wonder why that inverter is making that noise?"

Good luck.

Ed

[armistjb]

I agree with Ed. I also have not yet acquired my TM, but have used this site for references and have been pleased to find it quite helpful.

The TM "family" may not be as large as some of the other clubs, but it seems close knit and friendly with members always willing to help.

I may never get my TM, due to living north of the border wher they are not sold, and to the limitations of my current TV ( limitations discovered on this site), but I enjoy checking in daily to see what information I can pick up.

John

[ccc6588]

CCC:

Sorry you had so many irritants to correct. We haven't bought yet, but we've looked at a lot of campers and I have an opinion that says QC are two letters missing from most RV manufacturers lexicon. We even looked at Airstream and I was shocked at the quality of this $52K camper and how much their workmanship has erroded since the early 1990s. We looked at a Rialta (that's a VW commercial truck chasis with a motor home body built by Winnebago -- a mere $64K -- shoddy workmanship and really cheal lookinh veneered press board throughout. When I opened the kitchen cabinets they hadn't even vacuumed out all the saw dust from cutting.

I suspect that even with the problems you had, TM is still fairly high up on the list in terms of quality because they are not producing huge volumes and they can use teams to build slow, rather than quickly to meet the numbers quotas. I'm sure the description you gave of the show requirements is exactly what caused what happened to your TM. I've looked at lots of new TMs, and I've noticed some minor things but nothing that really sent up a red flag to say that their overall quality was pretty bad.

As important as initial quality is, I think what and how your dealers handles those problems is far more important -- and clearly one of the things that sets TM aparts. I've read a few threads here about bad dealer relationships, but I think by and large the TM dealers are proud of what they sell and will go out of their way to help. The problem is that usually we live several hours from the nearest dealer so we just suck it up and do the repaire as best we can.

I tried to hit most everything I could think of in the acceptance checklist I compiled. You've given me some additional things to add to the checklist.

Couldn't agree more with your opinion of the owners manual. Bob Strong, or Hal (forget who) sent me the electrons of the owners manual. Being a good AF maintenance officer, I wanted to ensure that I understood the "tech order" inside and out before I bought a rig and commenced my "on-the-job" training. My first impression was that it's a scanned version of a blue mimeographed guide. One of my projects (after we buy) is to write the "Ed Felker Improved Owners Manual." It will contain concise step by step instructions. It will contain digital photos to show the steps that are being described. It will be the "idiot's guide" to operating a TM. I have a son and two daughters (grown, married, and with kids of their own). They'll be borrowing both the TV & the TM -- and the guide I write will be for my mechanically challenged, "how does tab A fit in slot B", why can't a wrench be used as a hammer son-in-law. Once written, I'll share it with anyone else who might want it. I'll even offer it to the factory if they want to give it out.

And finally, I think one of the truly great things about a TM is what you see right here -- friendly people who go out of their way to answer other owner's questions and offer tips. I was sort of sold on the TM design. I sure wanted something easy to tow -- but it's the folks on this website that really sold me on the TM. I know if I have a question or problem -- someone on these pages is going to go out into their yard, sweep the two feet of snow off their winter stowed TM, pop that puppy open, just so that they can come back and tell me what they think the answer is. That's not exactly related to the factory quality that started all this -- but clearly the personal quality of the owners and their sense of TM community is an intangible quality factor you won't find many other places.

I hope you get all your issues rectified so that when you are listening to the crickets chirp (or the cicadas), under a perfect star filled sky, with those you love most -- the main thing on your mind won't be, "Hmmm, wonder why that inverter is making that noise?"

Good luck.

Ed


Ed, this is an extremely thoughtful post. Again, I believe the initial quality of my TM was an abberation. I love the engineering of the TM and the American story that it is. I am part of the TM community now and only hope to see it get better and better and attract more and more customers. I think TM has the potential to be an Amerian icon like Airstream. She is a beauty and attracts so much attention on the road and in the camp. Attention to details in every aspect of their product could get them there and I would love to see them there.

I like my TM a lot despite some of the problems I've had. I'm sure I could have avoided many of these problems if I had known about this site before purchase. Part of it was learning curve and this site has been extremely helpful. Dealer and TM customer service have been good.

I have a copy of your step by step and they are extremely helpful. It takes time and energy to come up with a simple and concise manual with digital pictures and all. I would love to see you work for TM on this endeavor.

[bonzaibeaver]

Ed,

TM should give you the loan of a brand-new trailer, so you can use it while you write your manual and perhaps add to your already terrific checklists. After a year they could sell the trailer to you for fair market value (or less). That would be a win/win situation for both you and TM. The entire Trailmanor community would benefit from a deal like that.

Just my 2 cents worth,
Bonzaibeaver

[ess2]

Caver & cc-Turtles: You are right I'm running out of time waiting for the perfect TM! Super 1 finally met my price on their last 04 3023 so I'll pick it up next week! This forum has been a great help in understanding the TM. I look forward to learning more & solving problems-if any!! I plan to pull it from AL Gulf Coast to Alaska Soon!!

[efelker]

Bonzai:

As the saying goes, "... I could kiss you on the lips!"

Hey, Mr Hulsey, did you read what Bonsai said -- what a terrific!!!! suggestion -- and the manual would be incredible.

... but like so many other things that I've posted to this website, just one man's opinion.

Ed

[ccc6588]

I would be very interested in knowing of any tricks people use to make this work easier and be safer.



I just removed mine and used an Allen Wrench approximately the same size as the holes in the leg. I bought an extra Allen wrench set for the cordless drill to use for the leveling jacks. I just used the one that was closest to the size of the hole. It will now take about 5 seconds to put on and you could put it so that the 90 degree angle of the Allen in the hole. Very easy and very secure. I just put the Allen Wrench in the door storage compartment inside the TM.

[ccc6588]

CCC:

You've given me some additional things to add to the checklist.



Ed,

On the equipment list, a high pressure capacity tire pressure gauge is needed. All the manual ones I had were 50 psi capacity. I found a nice one at Radio Shack for about 10 dollars. It is digital and lights up in the dark and has 125 psi capacity.

Very nice tool.

Also, the screw TM use is a special type, #2 square bit. A normal Philips or Allen will not do.

[Denny_A]

We went to pick up our new 2720 on Friday (unfortunately due to incorrect wiring we had to postpone pickup). We did our walk through that day and the dealer had the same problem with the leg on the table. It fell apart on him as he was demonstrating how to set it up and take it down. He admitted he thought it was a very poor design. We also will be camping with 2 small children. I would be very interested in knowing of any tricks people use to make this work easier and be safer.

My wife seemed to have a knack for causing the table leg to fall apart whilst opening it. After 2 frustrating reassembly events, I vowed to catch her in the act.

It seemed, that while she was swinging the leg down, she would simultaneously be sliding the extension downward too. If done quickly it would travel past the proper engagement position and wack the floor, causing the leg to stop short of the proper spot. Then she'd swing the leg backward and start pushing and pulling on the slide mechanism. It would either fall out completely or jam hopelessly.

Since we learned to swing the leg fully into position first, then extend the slider - no problems.

Denny_A

[ccc6588]

My wife seemed to have a knack for causing the table leg to fall apart whilst opening it. Since we learned to swing the leg fully into position first, then extend the slider - no problems.

So do the dealers. It is a poor design. The insides of the leg and the tin are sharp so you have to be careful when reassembling. Also you have to sit underneath the table to try to fix it. I just use an Allen Wrench now. Can't get any simpler than that.

[katbird]

Recommendations: #3 - Have some sort of access for the water tank for dry camping. A hole with a door approximately 3 inch by 3 inch (similar to outside shower) should do it. To put water in the tank, you have to open the shell. Both camping sites I went to where I had to fill up with water had severe slope which was less than ideal for filling up with water. The other option is to fill up at home and haul 20 gallons of water for the trip.


----I noticed that the when the TM is closed, one of the the windows is right over the valve for filling the fresh water tank. Has anyone thought about rigging a way to access it for filling through the window--possibly by leaving the latch unlocked? (but I guess this would damage the screen). I sure wish the factory would address this. I would prefer not to haul water for miles and miles, and since I cannot store the trailer at home I really have no option but to fill it at the campground when I get there.

[Queeniereads]

I thought your suggestions were great , and I would underline the word "suggestions." For those of us who have not yet had a problem with the items you mentioned, it gives us things to watch for and ways to deal with them if they happen. I found your post most helpful! Some of the modifications did not sound particularly costly, and I assume TM might consider them in future versions. All of this was one reason I enjoy reading this forum -- helpful and positive. Happy camping! Queeniereads aka Judi
PS I would like to append a "smilie" but they do not have a QUEEN on there.

[michigander]

We have a 2720SL. I would also like to be able to fill the water holding tank with the unit closed. I think it would also be important to be able to monitor the fill level while doing this. We have a minor leak where the filler hose connects to the tank and it would get quite messy if overfilled. I don't have any easy suggestions as to how to accomplish that! Perhaps a guage mounted on the outside?

I'd also like to have some ventilation in the bedroom at a higher level than the current windows. Something that could be open without compromising privacy so much. I don't think this would need to add to the cost of production.

[genesc]

I went to the Arizona RV show last week and looking at other RVs, gave me some ideas on improvements that IMO would add greatly to the TrailManor experience.

1. My wife hates the oven. She cannot light it. I have to lay on the floor to light the oven. If I would have known that there is an upgrade for the stove with a piezo knob to light the oven and burners, I would have ordered it at the time that we purchased our new TrailManor.

2. Drawers instead of doors on the kitchen cabinets. Also, drawers instead of a door under the bathroom sink. That door cannot fully open. Drawers would solve that problem. Also, I have heard of complaints from people of having to bend over or get on their knees in order to reach into the rear of the cabinets. Drawers would solve that problem.

3. A tilt drawer under the kitchen sink to store washing material. Relocate the water heater switch and the sewer, fresh water and battery indicators in the bathroom.

4. A small builtin electric heater in the bathroom.

5. Plastic or fiberglass to surround three walls in the bathtub, with flexible waterproof seals on places that fold. Only one shower curtain would be necessary. Also would one have more elbo room.

[Bill]

I have to lay on the floor to light the oven. If I [had] known that there is an upgrade for the stove with a piezo knob to light the oven and burners, I would have ordered it at the time that we purchased our new TrailManor.Interesting thought. Who told you about the option? I wonder if a piezo lighter could be retrofitted?

To check on this, I contacted Atwood about the model of the oven that is used in the TM. They told me that there is a piezo option for the stovetop burners, but not yet for the oven. They "are still designing that". The manual that came with the oven appears to support this statement - it shows piezo elements for the stovetop, but not for the oven.

Actually, the problem would never have come up if Atwood (or Suburban) had just reversed the burner assembly, putting the pilot light in the front instead of way at the back. I never understood why they built it that way.

Bill