Lots of Questions about TM and 3124Ks

[Buck Mills]

First, forgive my long post. I have scoured the pages for few days but haven’t found direct answers for many of my concerns. I’ll be calling TM on Monday to get some answers from them but owners may have better solutions-advice?

I’ve pretty much decided on a 3124Ks. I’m even considering a brand new Anniversary Edition, unless I could find a much better deal on a recent model. The Anniversary Edition looks sweet! I currently have a 2005 Chalet XL1910. I considered the TM’s before I bought this one but I was sold on the VERY EASY and quick set up. I’m planning on retiring this coming December and spending a year traveling the US and to decide where to retire. It will just be me and my cat.

The TM set up may not be that hard but it still isn’t as easy and fast as the Chalet but for a year long adventure I would rather have more room and more comfort. I have not gone to a dealer yet but I have looked at a 2720SL when in Yellowstone a few years ago and believe the 3124Ks would work well. I would be using my 2000 v8 Tundra for TV. There is a RV show in Denver next weekend and if TM is showing I may go, there is also a dealer in Colorado Springs with a 2007 3124Ks which I may look at.

Of the options I could have built to order in a new model I have a few questions.

• Low Profile Roof Air Conditioning- Does this provide heat too, seems like I read somewhere it did?
• TV Antenna w/Amplifier - Would I need this is I got the Satellite system?
• Hanging cabinet over sink, Hanging cabinet over stove - Are these too much of a pain to setup, in frequent stop camping than they are worth?
• Microwave Box w/Drawer - What does this really do, is it necessary
• All Woodgrain Vinyl Floor - Would look nice, any concerns?
• Swing Hitch (reduces length by 2') Can this be changed later?
• TV Shelf Is this necessary if you get the 17” LCD?
• Satellite Dish/TV Ant Combination Can this be used with Directv or only Dish network?
• "17""LCD TV/CD/DVD w/TV tuner" Can these be used as a computer monitor for my laptop???
• Plumb Quick Connect for Ext Grill Is this necessary with the Anniversary edition, can it be used with an outdoor stove as well?
• Power Lift/Level Jacks W/Remote "$2,170.00 " Expensive, but it might be a valuable extra.
• Anniversary Edition Package *"$2,940.00" again an expensive extra, but I do really like the marble look countertops, the leather looks nice, the outdoor grill… If I am living in this for a year a pleasant environment would be a plus.

When added in all my desired options the bill came close to 40K. I suppose I could find a recent 2005-2007 model and add some of the custom items myself but I have seen 2006-2007 models with fewer options for 26000 anyway.

Additional Questions.

I like to boon dock in NF and BLM land when possible. Any suggestions for TM’s on somewhat rough roads? The wash boarding has shaken a few things loose in my Chalet, should I expect worse in a TM? Should I drop some of the luxury items because I may be on rough roads>
I couldn’t use some of the luxury features when boon docking, but I’d also be staying in commercial CG’s with power at times.

I also need a solution for internet but I’ll probably just get one of the ATT usb cards so I can connect when I am in more urban locales. The satellite systems are way too expensive.

Do you know if you can add an extra access door. I was thinking about a small door I could use to put my cat inside while the TM is closed for times when I stop and don't want to leave her in the car. I'd assume it'd stay more comfortable in there if I stop for lunch or something.

Thanks,
Buck

[Digger]

I will try to answer a couple of your questions based on our setup. We picked up our 3124ks last spring and love it. We had planned on a 2720sl but after getting to look at both and comparing, we went with the 3124ks for the greater storage area and counter space. First thing we did was order it with a queen size mattress instead of the king. Still plenty big enough but it gives you an eight inch space along either side of the mattress for storing items that you would normally keep at your bed side, You wouldn’t have this with the wall to wall king mattress. It took a minute or two to hang both cabinets the first couple of times until I got the feel of where the hangers were. Now it doesn’t take ten seconds to lift them off the floor and hand them both. For us they are worth it. We have a small microwave that sets on the floor while traveling. Another couple of seconds to place in on the counter next to the stove. Never saw the need for the box w/draw but someone else that has one may love it and can help you on that. Do you really need a swing hitch with the 3124?. We skipped the built in 17” TV and got a 19” flat screen LCD w/built in DVD player for around $300. It only weighs a couple of pounds and rides nicely flat on the chair seat while traveling. Gives us an extra TV for our home when not on the road. This is a great forum and I’m sure you will get plenty of help from other members on the rest of your questions. Oh, the cat, I think it would be much happier in the car. There is little to no room in the TM when closed . It would also be dark and no windows or anything to look out.

[Bill]

Lots of good questions here, Buck. Let me take a stab at some of them - others will chime in, too.

* Roof air provides heat? Only a little bit. It is billed as taking off the chill, but not as a real heater.
* TV antenna. You may have heard that over-the-air-TV will go all-digital very soon, and older TV's don't receive digital. You will still be able to use the roof antenna, but you will need either a digital TV, or a digital converter box (supposed to be very inexpensive). However, this is relevant only to over-the-air broadcasting - if you have a satellite system, you will seldom need OTA TV, so I think the antenna would serve no purpose.
* Hanging cabinets are a pain? Our over-the-sink cabinet has not proven to be so. The trick is to load it/them with only lightweight stuff - paper towels, paper plates, plastic silverware, paper napkins, etc. When done this way, it lifts right up into place with virtually no effort.
* Microwave box. Certainly not necessary. In my mind, its real function is to fill an inconvenient and otherwise hard-to-use gap in the counter, by filling the gap up to the height of the adjoining countertop. We then put our microwave on this spot, leaving the space beside the stove free for cooking chores. The drawer is nice for cooking gadgets that don't fit elsewhere.
* Vinyl floor? Don't know, but I wish we had it.
* Swing hitch. If you don't order one now, it CAN be changed later, but to my knowledge there are only a couple welding shops that have actually done one. I don't know if the factory would do a retrofit. You are looking at some big-ticket options here - why not spring for this one right up front? It will increase the value of the TM at trade-in/up time.
* TV Shelf and 17" TV. It is NOT necessary, but it may be handy. Our members have found a number of ingenious ways to mount a TV, including simply setting it on the kitchen counter. Use the Search tool to find several discussions.
* Using a satellite dish with Direct TV or Dish? Don't know.
* External grill. The fitting is a standard propane quick disconnect, so it can be used with any appliance that has a matching fitting. On the other hand, a recent discussion on this board showed that many members were not enthusiastic about this option either. Use the Search tool to find it.
* Power Lift. Again, member feeling was generally down on this option, due to its high weight and high cost. Unless you are wheelchair bound, there are other options. Again, use the Search tool to find the discussion.
* Is the Anniversary Edition worth it? I think this is a personal decision, since it is largely esthethics. I'm not sure any of our members have reported it on it yet.
* Boondocking. I don't think there is anything to be aware of except that a longer trailer doesn't work as well on rough roads. It will tend to drag more easily, and won't turn as tightly. To my knowledge, none of the appliances/features are particularly sensitive to harsh ride.
* Adding a cat door. I'm sure it is easy to do, and any competent RV shop could do it for you. Personally, I would never put an animal in a closed TM. Besides the claustrophobe factor - there is very little space, and the space is irregularly-shaped and full of scary objects - you have no idea how hot it will get in there, and how quickly, from sun loading.

Bill

[P and B]

Buck,

Just so happens that we have one of these so let me see if I can help here.

1.) the AC has a "heat strip" in it. We use a small electric heater because that sucker is just "too darn loud". We've tested it though and it works if you can tolerate the noise.
2.) TV set up. Get your own TV (cheaper) and yes get the antenna- even if you have a satellite set up. I'm guessing that there will be times when you can't hit the satellite but the site might have cable or, if it's nasty, you might just set up the antenna and troll for something to watch. BTW- most LCD TVs now have a VGA input you can use to make it a monitor. Also, you can use either the external input or an FM modulator to use the stereo as your audio source- Hi-Def video deserves a little higher def audio if you ask me.
3.) Swing hitch- primarily for storage. Have read a couple of older articles indicating that they may not be as sturdy as their fixed counterparts (something to think about or maybe someone else will respond).
4.) Cabinets- no problem- like Digger indicates.
5.) Floor choice is personal I think. We got the tile only because we didn't think it would show dirt as fast.
6.) Personally, I wouldn't buy either the auto leveling jacks or the anniversary edition- again, your choice though. One thing you should have is the electric tongue jack.
7.) We have the MW/convection oven. I think it's a great option. We had a gas oven in our class C and hardly used it. Of course, you have to be plugged in for this over to be of any use at all.
8.) I saw the anniversary edition on display at a local RV show. I don't really like the grill that close to the RV. I carry a little propane bottle powered grill and sit it on the picnic table away from the TM. Wish it had a few thousand more BTUs but I feel the same way about my stove at home. Perhaps I should have moved into a restaurant?
9.) Dry camping has a bit more to it. First, you can only carry 20 Gal of fresh water in this model. That's not a lot. You should figure out how to carry or retrieve another 20 or only plan a few days boondocking before heading for a full service place. Second is power. Lots of info on this forum regarding power options. 2nd battery would be a must. Other than that, the only other thing I'd consider would be a generator but they're noisy.
10.) Bad roads- problems are probably the same or maybe a little less with the TM since is compresses down and takes most things that flop with it. I think you should still be careful.

I think you and the cat will be very happy. I doubt the TM is any nicer inside when you're parked. Consider a solar fan to keep the inside of the vehicle cooler. Good luck. I'm sure you'll have a blast. Oh, one last thing, since the cat can't help you back up (at least I don't think he can), you might want to consider some kind of backup camera. I'm thinking about putting one in and I have help.

Good luck.

Phil

[CAmark]

• Hanging cabinet over sink, Hanging cabinet over stove - Are these too much of a pain to setup, in frequent stop camping than they are worth?
We do not have this/these - we don't miss it but it would be nice to find at least something without getting onto the floor to look in the cabinets.
• Microwave Box w/Drawer - What does this really do, is it necessary
We did not get this feature but did find a plastic drawer that is stout enough to hold a small microwave on top and keep misc stuff in the drawer. It fits nicely where the micro-drawer is designed to sit.
• All Woodgrain Vinyl Floor - Would look nice, any concerns?
We have the all vinyl floor and just today, as she swept up some sand, DW said, "boy, sure glad we don't have carpet."
• Swing Hitch (reduces length by 2') Can this be changed later?
We have this on our 2720SL -- have not used it yet. The TM sure looks larger in a garage than a tape measure led me to believe it would, more a comment on wishful thinking...
• TV Shelf Is this necessary if you get the 17” LCD?
We use the TV Shelf as a "night stand" rather than to hold a TV...just convenience.
We have a stand-alone 17" LCD TV that sits on top of a set of 4 plastic drawers next to the refrigerator.
Mark

[Al-n-Sue]

Buck - just joined the forum and saw your post. It was interesting becaus we just put down a deposit on a 2003 3124KB at the dealer in Colorado Springs. I think most of your questions have been addressed, so I'd just make a comment - go to the RV show in Denver. The Car Show will be there and they always have a great display and lots of people to answer questions. Plus they make some really good deals at the show. As far as "boondocking," the Car Show has a specially equipped 2720 made just for the back country. You might want to talk to them about their mods and see what would apply for your unit.
Good luck!
Al

[markandanne]

The Car Show will most definitely be at the show. I'm planning on going on Thursday when the show opens. I've emailed them to ask which specific models they will have there but I know they had 5 or 6 different models at the January show.

- Anne

[B_and_D]

All I have to add is about traveling with the cat. I originally thought that the closed TM would be a great place for the cat, but there really isn't much room in there, as Bill already stated. If it's really hot (we take a portable, fold-down soft carrier with us) we put the cat in the carrier when we stop and take her out with us. We look for places to eat that have outside dining areas and shade; we've never been turned away because we've had the cat in the carrier at our outside table. We've had small restaurant owners invite us in with the cat at slow times. When it's cooler, it's not a problem leaving the cat in the TV; we always bring along a litter box and a water bowl, park the TV where we can see it, and crack the windows a bit.

Thinking about the TM when it is closed, I think it would be fairly difficult to put in a cat door that would make the inside accessible, since you have both top shells to deal with plus the lower shell.

I don't think our cat really likes camping, but I know she is definitely happier just being with us than being left at home. This will be our 19th year with her.

[ng2951]

If the cat wasn't 19 years old, I think it would be foolish to travel with one. Cats do not like a tolerate a change of scenery very well. But since this critter is 19 I would think the spring in its steps has long gone.

[Buck Mills]

I have to say I like conveniences, I would prefer a TV that didn't have to be packed away each time I move but it is a pretty steep price. May just get a 17-20 iMac and an adapter for TV use. It is still cheeper and serves more purposes.

Convenience again when looking at the Leveling system, but it is expensive.

I think I've decided on the Bullseye DDS Mount instead of the roof mount for the satellite dish. Anyone doing high def in their TM?

Electric tounge lift was a definite as was the solar panel.
Awning was another definite.
Might just go with the plumb quick connect for the grill and supply my own.

And the cat, cat is 17 years old and mostly sleeps these days. In general wouldn't travel with her but if I'm to be gone that long I'd want her with me. May be the solar fan and the portable carrier are the way to go.
Another Idea I have had is to add the little door and some way to attach a kennel over the opening for those times I am camping. That way if I'm out hiking she could get outside if the weathers nice. Maybe have the cat box in there so it's not in side?

As for backing up, I've gotten pretty good with my Chalet, but was thinking about putting the front receiver hitch on my Tundra to carry bike and could use that in more difficult situations. There are times where the back up cam might be handy though.


Thanks all, anymore suggestions welcome.

[Scott O]

I think most of your questions have been answered. Concerning off-road use, my gut tells me the TM is just not robust enough for much banging around on dirt roads. We frequently visit the SoCal desert and I have decided not to take our trailer there as the roads are generally heavily rutted or washboarded. If you know the dirt road is relatively smooth, then it would probably be fine. But if the road is not well maintained I would really give some thought to taking the TM. There is also the potential issue of dust getting inside when you drive... We enjoy keeping our TM nice and that doesn't fit with much dirt road use!

[Buck Mills]

I'm a little discouraged with what I am hearing about dirt roads. This just may not be the vehicle for me. My Chalet isn't the greatest on the dirt roads but I'd hate to have even less access.

Just talked to the Car Show in Colorado Springs and they have something almost like what I was looking for. :(

[PopBeavers]

Personally, anywhere I would not drive a nice car, say a Corvette, I would not tow a camping trailer.

I have towed motorcycle trailers on dirt roads and at 45 mph down a dirt road they bounce a lot. It is interesting to watch a trailer bounce so high that the wheels are off the ground.

If you are willing to drive slow, say 25 mph, then I wouldn't worry about it. But to cover 50 miles on a dirt road is going to take two hours at that speed.

You did not specify if it was a maintained dirt road, such as some county roads in rural America, or a forest service road in a national forest. The former is probably graded once a year. The latter is full of ruts.

The dirt roads that I would like to travel down to go camping require a high ground clearance vehicle with four wheel drive. I won't take my TM there.

[camp2canoe]

It looks as though most of your inquiries have been handled so I'll address your front hitch comment. I am a true believer in having a front receiver installed on any TV. I have years of towing experience with sailboats and consider myself a pretty good trailer backer, but it makes SUCH a difference when you can see what you are doing. You can also make very precise steering inputs as you don't need to be turning the entire TV before turning the TM. My driveway has both a hump and a curve. The garage doors are just inches wider than the TM. For me the front hitch means that I won't be scraping the logo off the awning (again). It is also invaluable for backing into primitive campsites where you may need to manuver between trees. Lastly, the front hitch is, as alluded to, a great place to carry a bicycle rack as you can keep an eye on them and don't need to worry about backing into something and ruining a nice bike. Yakima makes a front rack accessory and a canoeing friend uses that to carry a kayak way forward when towing his 5th wheel. Welcome to the TM family! - camp2canoe

[sail_ski]

I will address the boondocking questions as others have answered most.
I boondock 4-6 weeks a year where no power is available

Solar- I have a 115watt solar panel and controller this will re-charge your batteries. Notice I said batteries I have three. This will give you plenty of
capacity. I Have top for Pu truck. Made a slot for solar panel storage that slides in and is pinned. solar panel lays horizontal about 2.5 feet above truck bed.

Lighting- replace current overhead lights with LED type lamps. This draws
less than a third of power per bulb saving a lot of energy.

Water- Portable or colapsable containers-I have three- Fill these up at water station load in back of Tow Vehicle. Hook up to portable 12volt pump with garden hose & fill your TM without lifting . Harbor freight sell's a small 12volt pump which when connected to a trailer adapter plug on back of tow truck/van works great.

Inside water saving --Get plastic containers that fits in sink & tub to capture grey water. By doing this your grey water tank does not have to be dumped as often.

Tow Vehicle if pu. Made 4x6.5 ft rolling platform for truck bed. It's easy to make and put ball rollers underneath so platform will slide. The platform contains (8) plastic tubs for storage and space left over for other misc things. Will send you picture if you like. Above the platform the solar panel is mounted so all storage can slide out for easy acces have about $90 in material.

If you have any other questions feel free to email me @ [email protected]. Good luck with your travling I will be on north Padre Island for windsurfing April- Mid may. Wyoming in August Yeh for Semi Retirement.
Have F150 with 2720SL with windsurfers/Kayaks
:)
Bob

[markandanne]

You probably found this out already from talking to the Car Show but I received a reply from them today and it said "We will have all of the floorplans at the show except the largest one - the 3326 King model."

- Anne

[Buck Mills]

Thanks Anne, I called the Car Show on Monday and talked to Dave Novak an he gave me the information about their being there and what models they'd have to show. I plan to go over probably Friday and Saturday.

They have almost exactly what I am looking for in a new 2007 model. Anyone had any idea what kind of discount is appropriate because of the older model? I know they haven't changed much from 07-08 but in resale that extra year will make a difference, though the unit may be perfect.

I understand they give a discount if you buy from the RV Show but wonder what more I should try to shave off because of the older model.

I going over and ?may purchase while there. Anyone interested in an 05 Chalet XL1910.

Thanks

[Buck Mills]

Lighting- replace current overhead lights with LED type lamps. This draws
less than a third of power per bulb saving a lot of energy.

---Can you replace the lights without problems when connected to 110. I though I heard the LED lights couldn't handle the 110/

Water- Portable or colapsable containers-I have three- Fill these up at water station load in back of Tow Vehicle. Hook up to portable 12volt pump with garden hose & fill your TM without lifting . Harbor freight sell's a small 12volt pump which when connected to a trailer adapter plug on back of tow truck/van works great.

:) IN my chalet I had some portable water containers that I would bring inside, sit on the counter top and had a short hose that feed out the window to gravity feed the water tank.

Tow Vehicle if pu. Made 4x6.5 ft rolling platform for truck bed. It's easy to make and put ball rollers underneath so platform will slide. The platform contains (8) plastic tubs for storage and space left over for other misc things. Will send you picture if you like. Above the platform the solar panel is mounted so all storage can slide out for easy acces have about $90 in material.

:} I currently have a truck with a touneau cover which folds in four sections so I can access items all up and down the sides. Granted I can't carry as much which the cover as I could with a full shell. Was thinking about getting a full shell when I do the long trip which has the flip up side windows, but your solution may be as good or better and cheaper.


Thanks

[sail_ski]

Buck

The LED's can not be run directly by 120V ac power.There are LED lamps that step down the power but that is not what you want.

All of the overhead lights of the Trail manor are run at 12 volt's. The source of power is done two different ways but the results are the same.

1. TM is hooked up to Shore power @ 120VAC. The inverter in your TM steps the power down to 12 volts - actually its a bit higher about 13.8 to 14 to let your battery charge. the stepped down power runs the lights, Pump Etc

2. No connection to shore power. Run everything off of battery. If 120 volt
power is required an inverter from 12 to 120volts is needed to run TV.

- Easiest Replacement
12v LED lights. One of the many links is www.superbrightleds.com. The TM 12v incandescent overhead light is an 1141 bulb or equivalent. Also an automotive 1156 light bulb will work. So look for bulb with at least 19 led's These however are not cheap but fit in the existing bulb socket- no wiring required.

Another easy option
I have just discovered that Walmart carries a stick up or stick on LED light (Tap Light with 4 AA batteries) made by Meridan. Also Walmart has another called (Wireless LED puck lights) made by RiteLite. I'm in the process of testing these to see if they will work. LED ring camp lights. I'm looking for these locally.

The stick ons require no wiring. They work with internal batteries. Internal batteries can be eliminated by Wiring to the TM bulb socket I will post a voltage regulator that can be wired from socket to stick-on. The voltage for stick ons are 6, 4.5 & 3 volts depending on model.

More difficult option
Change wiring on tap-on or camp ring light & wire directly to existing bulb socket eliminating unit batteries. Voltage regulation is required and requires a few simple components. I'm an Electrical engineer so I can do this stuff and will post if cheaper lights work out.
Bob

[Bill]

Sail_ski -

That's a good summary of the situation. Let me make a couple minor comments.

1. Terminology. The TM does not have an inverter. It has a converter, which converts 120 VAC shore power to 12 VDC. Of course, just as you said, the owner can add an inverter to go the other way - change 12 VDC to 120 VAC shore power.

2. I'm really glad you added the note about the voltage regulator. A few years back, one of our members had a terrible time with unregulated "12-volt" LEDs. There are higher-voltage transients in the electrical system which burn out unregulated LEDs, and that gets really expensive.

3. Don't forget to consider 12VDC powered fluorescent lights, such as those from Thin Lite. Your TM has at least one of them, in the bathroom. DC fluorescents draw a little more power from the battery than LEDs, but they illuminate a much wider area. They are great for areas that need "area illumination". LEDs tend to have a spotlight effect, which is great for "reading lamp" sorts of applications, such as the lamps under the front overhead cabinets. Both LEDs and DC fluorescents are a great improvement over the old incandescent bulbs.

Bill

[Buck Mills]

Went to the RV show this week end and put the Down Payment on the 2007 3124Ks unit. Hope to go over next week end or the one after depending on weather to pick it up. I'm a teacher and March 24th begins our spring break, I'd like to take it some where nice for the break.

[Bill]

That's great news, Buck! Welcome to the club. I'm sure you're going to love it.

Now you have to become a full-fledged Sponsor on this board, so you don't miss any of the goodies.

Bill

[markandanne]

We're tentatively planning on picking up our 3124KB on March 28th as we're busy the next couple weekends ... and we want to upgrade our TV in the interim anyway. Would have been fun to meet another forum member while we were both picking up our new units! Our spring break begins March 31st and we plan to try her out then, too, although it will probably be in our driveway due to other commitments already planned for the break. We want to get in as much "practice" as possible before our big trip this summer.

PS Bill: You'll notice our second 'big' purchase yesterday was becoming site sponsors here. :D

-Anne

[Al-n-Sue]

Great news Buck. We were at the show on Saturday - I was hoping I might run into you - always great to put at face to a name. We made a deposit on our 2003 3124kb last week and Dave told me it arrived on Saturday. We'll go take a look on Tuesday and start arranging for pickup. I've never bought something this big sight unseen - but my salesman said if I didn't lock it up last week, it would be gone before the show! And he is likely right - Dave turns them really fast. It may be a few weeks before mine is ready, but we are anxous to take it out sometime next month -pending a nice April in Colorado!
Maybe we'll run into each other along the way.
Good luck.
Alan

[Bill]

PS Bill: You'll notice our second 'big' purchase yesterday was becoming site sponsors here. :D

-AnneI'm glad to see it. Most folks agree that the Sponsor fee is cheap for all the info available from the members of this board.

BTW, our daughter and her husband live in Longmont, near Ute Creek Golf Course. Perhaps when we visit them in spring and fall - and park our TM in the street in front of their house - we'll get a chance to meet.

Bill

[Fdxflyer]

We have a 3124KS so a couple quick notes:
1.We got ours in Colo. Sprgs. and the swing hitch was added by them. The shop they use did a real nice job.
2. Ours is a 2007 that supposedly had risers as standard but we added 2 1/2 blocks anyway and am glad we did. It is just enough extra to give us the clearance we have needed on several occasions.
3. It was supposed to come with a 40 gal. water tank but didn't so we added another 20. Not a problem.
4. We have the vinyl floor which we like but we have had a problem with it bubbling in front of the heater when it gets hot. TM says that has never happened (I don't believe them) and the dealer tried but failed to fix it. I added a magnetic heat register deflector to direct the air up and keep a carpet in front of the heater. That pretty much takes care of the problem.

[Buck Mills]

I got to the Colorado RV show around 10 am. Purchased within an hour or so. There seemed to be several people interested in the 2007 3124Ks so it encouraged me to go ahead with the purchase.

I got the impression you could not install 40 on the KS. I would love to add the extra 20!!

The extra lift? Maybe I should go with that too but the rep that was there indicated how easy it was to perform, like I could do it myself? So maybe I will wait on that. David acted like I should go with the standard and the 15" tires would likely create a high enough base.

I was around the show until about 1 pm browsing some of the other vendors and exhibits.

Weather is looking a little poor for this weekend, but I may go pick it up anyway so that I have it for the beginning of our spring break which is the next week.

Hope to see some of you on the road.

[Buck Mills]

We have a 3124KS so a couple quick notes:
1.We got ours in Colo. Sprgs. and the swing hitch was added by them. The shop they use did a real nice job.
2. Ours is a 2007 that supposedly had risers as standard but we added 2 1/2 blocks anyway and am glad we did. It is just enough extra to give us the clearance we have needed on several occasions.
3. It was supposed to come with a 40 gal. water tank but didn't so we added another 20. Not a problem.
4. We have the vinyl floor which we like but we have had a problem with it bubbling in front of the heater when it gets hot. TM says that has never happened (I don't believe them) and the dealer tried but failed to fix it. I added a magnetic heat register deflector to direct the air up and keep a carpet in front of the heater. That pretty much takes care of the problem.

So where did the extra 20 go? I just figured I'd add some more portable containers.

I'm going on my 1st real trip in my new TM Sunday

[lnussbau]

We looked at the Chalet (at the Car Show in Colorado Springs) before winding up with the 2720SL- just the wife and me, and the extra living space is nice).

Note that the Car Show is a very experienced TM dealer, and they've been pretty decent to work with. They're one of the better dealers out there.

• Low Profile Roof Air Conditioning- Does this provide heat too, seems like I read somewhere it did?

Yes, it does provide some heat -- takes a while to notice, though, and it's loud and draws a lot of juice. Useless, of course, when you aren't plugged in. We bought a small Holmes electric heater that, so far, has given us all the heat we want, even when set on low (the propane furnace isn't exactly quiet either, though it works without shore power). It's also a MUCH better choice if you're running on a generator (we have the Honda 2000i).

• TV Antenna w/Amplifier - Would I need this is I got the Satellite system?

Since we don't have satellite, we find this handy on the occasions that we actually watch TV, and you might consider what it means for resale some day, even if you don't need it yourself.

• Hanging cabinet over sink, Hanging cabinet over stove - Are these too much of a pain to setup, in frequent stop camping than they are worth?

The hanging cabinet is nice -- we keep plastic plates and cups, condiments, etc. in it, and it only takes a few seconds to hang -- lift, slide in to catches, and release. Much better than having something else in the way on the floor or counter to store these items.

• Microwave Box w/Drawer - What does this really do, is it necessary

It just makes the small counter space next to the wardrobe be level with the rest of the counter. We find it handy, and we store silverware in the drawer.

• Swing Hitch (reduces length by 2') Can this be changed later?

I don't think the Car Show carries this from the factory, though you can order it. However we wanted this feature, so they installed it themselves. They actually do it better than the factory (at least in 2006), as they install a couple of large, heavy bolts to hold it together and eliminate the slop (and other potential problems) that was in the factory unit. It works well, and seems to be as strong (the way they did it) as it would be without the swing hitch.


"Do you know if you can add an extra access door. I was thinking about a small door I could use to put my cat inside while the TM is closed for times when I stop and don't want to leave her in the car. I'd assume it'd stay more comfortable in there if I stop for lunch or something."

If you look carefully at the TM when it's closed up, you'll see that you'd have to cut through both the top and bottom shells, as well as the bottom door half, to put in a cat door. The two top halves overlap for a good chunk of the middle of the TM when it is closed. And there's not a lot of room inside when closed, plus it's bound to heat up in the sun. Ventilation would be lacking, also.

I can't really comment on your other items, though. Good luck.