What To Look For ??

I had never heard of or seen a TrailManor trailer until yesterday (10/06/01). I really like the concept and am looking to move up from a "pop-up". I have read a lot of good comments and a few bad ones. BUT...what do I need to look for in the way of problem areas on a used 1998 model?? I raelly don't need testimonials... I REALLY NEED a list (?) of possible problem areas. Since I am totally unfamiliar with the product I really don't want to wait until I buy it and get on the road and find out I really got took....
Thanks A Lot For ANY and ALL Comments.
They can be addressed in this forum or emailed to me
jim
[email protected]

[2swans]

2slo(clever name),

i ,too, am hoping to sell our VW camper so we can buy a 98 TM. we saw "ours" just about 3 weeks ago. so i read every thread on this fabulous site that seemed to pertain to what to look for in a used trailmanor. (many kind and knowlegeable folks on this board). i was so impressed with their suggestions, i have just completed copying almost every thread on the site(hope there aren't any copyright issues here, chris!), in case we get our TM and can't always find the website in the future.

among many helpful suggestions for those of us looking to buy was one by paul heuvelhorst called "what to look for in a used TM", i believe. you'll find it in the history section, near the bottom.  hope this of some help to you, and best of luck.

2swans

We were in the same situation as you about 5 weeks ago.  We just picked up our trailmanor 3023 yesterday.  We asked  a ton of questions.  My advice would be to get the dealer to let you play with the unit for a few hours.  Our dealer was great we asked if we could open, close, setup, close up, all on our own.  We spent about 4 hours analyzing and looking and figuring out "how they did that" without the dealer on top of us.  For the money the unit is great.  My parents have been rv'ing for years they have one of the mansions on wheels and were very surprised at how nice the trailmanor was.  Things to look for if buying used is the condition of all the moving joints, the fridge (if out of level they don't last as long).  The tires.  We bought new and are very very pleased.  If you live any where near Cape Cod we highly recommend MCD RV Center in Yarmouth.  They just let you "play" for hours with the trailmanors.  

hi. i am a new owner but that won't stop me from giving some feedback :) check out the electrical system, especially the water and heater system. now that i know a little bit more, i would suggest that you pay a consultant fee to one of those mobile rv specialist that make house calls and have him/her review the trailer before purchase.

I agree with Paul, that is part of what we did when we played with the trailer for so long.  We went through all the systems with a fine tooth comb.  For the most part they are very simpistic.  If you are just a little technical you can handle the systems.  In my personal opinion the most complicated are the refreigerator when you have a problem.  That is the most "mechanical" (in other words the one the most switches and buttons).  

We bought ours used (one year old) not so long ago.  So far it is trouble free (except for that dinette table -- you've probably found the thread).

If you know RV systems, the task is easier, but try everything.  We focused on wearables (moving parts).  It isn't often feasible, but if you can follow behind a vehicle towing the trailer, watch for wobbles, walking doggy (going down the road crooked), and loose parts.

If you can talk with the previous owners, you can also get a good feel for the condition of the trailer.

Good luck!  Ours was a very good find!