Any questions I should ask a dealer?

[baker75]

Hello, My wife and I are currently driving a 1984 winnebago and are planning on moving over to a Trail manor "specifically a 1998 2619 to start. Mostly for the economy.

First are their any questions I should be asking a dealer when buying a used Trail Manor. What are the major defects that occur? They are installing new velcroe and a new battery before purchase. All appliances work. Anything else I should be watching for?

[Keith Wire]

Welcome to the group. You might want to look at the checklist here:

http://www.trailmanorowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2358

It contains a "New TM Acceptance Inspection" that might help.

Keith

[baker75]

Thanks, that really helps. I'll use this when making my purchase and during my first few setups/takedowns.

Also, I've seen quite a few mods on these sights. Is there a good document like this for the battery shut off , or some of the others? Thanks.

[baker75]

Oh and one other question while I'm thinking about it.
I will be pulling with a ford explorer sport. 4.0L V6 5000lb rating. how important is the WDH. I currently have sway bars I can use, but will I need a WDH on this type of vehicle instead?

[rtry9a]

I pull my 3027 with the same TV as yours, with WDH- It does great! IMHO, the WDH is a very good idea because of the Explorer Sport's shorter wheelbase. My rig is very stable on the road, much better than without the WDH.

[baker75]

rtry9a, what size wdh do I need?

[rtry9a]

It depends on how heavy you load it- Id guess a 750lb hitch is fine for a 2619, maybe a 1000 unit for a safety margin. To be honest, I have no idea which one I have; it was supplied as part of my TM original purchase. Others can probably give more informed advise.

[baker75]

You guys have been great. I found a hitch online, for 299 I'll probobly be ordering that. Did you put your own break controller in? I need to install mine and I'm not sure where to attatch and mount it.

[Leslie & Nick]

Did you put your own break controller in? I need to install mine and I'm not sure where to attatch and mount it.

You will need to have the brake controller mounted in your TV so that you can activate the manual control should ever need to. Try to mount the controller where you won't be hitting it with your knees as you get in and out. I had a trailer/hitch dealer install the brake controller (they didn't charge much) though in hindsight I probably could have done it myself (next time I will).

[rtry9a]

I mounted my Prodigy brake controller in the plastic tray underneath the radio. You can unplug/remove it when not needed; I just leave it there all the time, but I do disconnect the power wire at the relay (under the hood) when Im not towing.

[baker75]

I decided to have it done professionally. They are doing it now. I pick up the camper and head out for a nearby lake tomorrow.

[baker75]

update, My father in law has a large WDH that he isn't using, so I will be using that. My brake controller was installed to day as well as the 7 pin connector. Tomorrow morning at 8 am I will be picking my new TM.

[B_and_D]

You're going to love your TM! Have fun!

[baker75]

We had a great time in our TM. it was rainy and cold the first day we where out. But it gave me a chance to check out the camper real well. We had 8 people in it playing cards. I felt it had more space than my 27' Chieftan. The heater works great, we found a few minor issues. One light on the inside in the front flickers, I'll check the wiring this week. We even found a small old microwave underneath one of the bench seats that works. .... Bonus.
Plus I got 13 mpg driving 30-40 mph headwinds. It wouldhave been 2-4 in the Chieftan (honestly I probobly would not have driven home in that wind) It pulled awesome, and I have never had as good of nights sleep on a camper bed. We Love it.