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Old 11-26-2010, 04:59 PM   #1
pauloh
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Black Hills, SD
Posts: 90
Default Newbie w/ NTM 2004 3124KB...dealer moved it while set up

Hope this isn't too long for a first post:

After weeks of lurking this forum soaking up information, this week I found and purchased a 2004 TM 3124KB in very nice condition. Here is my experience, with a couple questions at end:

I bought it from a small dealer/trailer lot where they mostly sell flatbed and horse trailers--my TM was on consignment from a private party. This former owner (who'd bought it new) and his wife came out and gave me the TM tour at the lot, after I'd already inspected and bought it (we'd spoken by phone earlier)...they were proud to show me features and truly sorry to see it go. Very nice older couple and I believe what they told me: that it had been pulled less than 5000 miles was verified by the lack of tire wear and the nice condition of the undercarriage. The tires (15 inch Marathons, incl. the spare) are original and still have the little nibs on them...rest of unit is excellent too; the former owners (and elderly mother) had spent considerable time using the TM, just not pulling it very far to do so.

It was unfortunately well below freezing with 30mph wind the day I purchased, and, travel plans forced me to hurry a bit...I LOOKED at everything, and took a chance that appliances will work...it all LOOKS practically new. Former owner stated he had drained the water out weeks ago and that everything else works great. I could not take the TM with me that day, so the dealer is storing until I pick it up in a week or two about 300 miles from where I live. I do have about 50 photos of nearly every part of the unit I purchased.

One oddity was that the former owner said the TM had sat unused for 18 months at one time and the brakes were not working well when he went to pull it afterwards. So he checked the pads and thought they were "dried out"...he had them replaced somewhere, and while there, the shop offered to replace the "wheel assemblies" (maybe he meant "brake assemblies") for just a few bucks more so he did. Now, I'm quite sure the original wheels and tires are on this unit, but where the wheel is mounted does look brand new...new wiring to the brakes, new hub (I think). But I didn't climb under there again with the former owner, too cold. I'll try to post a photo of one side...the tires look worse than they really are because of dried mud on them. Again, I have not actually towed this TM nor tested these brakes yet, and I didn't take the wheels off in my inspection.

The former owner was very annoyed to realize that the dealer had moved the TM about 100 feet from its previous display site on pavement, to a site in the back of the muddy lot, WITHOUT putting down the trailer. This happened a few days before I came to purchase. I of course learned this after I'd already cut the check. There seem to be no major problems from this move (please comment on potential problems if any!) One slider related to taking down the bathroom wall has pulled out its screws...as we took it down this was noticed by the f.owner who pointed it out to me. He claimed it was not that way when he last used it. It looked like something I can fix. The outside bed/slide locks or whatever they are called (piece of square tubular aluminum that engages a pin above it, see photo) were partially or completely disengaged at all 4 corners, but could be pushed back into place without force.

Soooo....

I'm pretty sure (from reading this wonderful forum) that I should replace those tires soon even though they look like new, they are probably at least 6 years old. The size is ST225/75R15. What brand is recommended...are Maxxis currently in favor here? They seem a bit harder to find, from vendors I recognize anyway. Carlisle is now claimed to be made in USA but 4 reviewers at Amazon hated them (they "blow" says one, ha ha). Or back to Marathons, Sams Club has them online ($111.00). I looked at the tires forum here but am still uncertain about this.

I'm thinking I should obtain the "date fresh" tires myself somewhere and ask the dealer or a nearby tire shop to put them on (including the spare). Alternatively, I could try to get 300 more miles out of these tires, probably driving in cool temps from 20 to 50 degrees, and deal with the tires this winter back home at a local shop I trust. Advice welcome...

Despite the dealer's misguided action moving the camper while set up, I like him and he offered (included in $99. prep fee) to check the appliances, hook up water/electric, and go through all functions with me in his large heated shop the day I pick it up. The former owner stated he wants to be there for that, which I expect will be a great help. I am concerned the shop workers will damage something just putting it up, they are not familiar with TM.

The former owner and I put the camper down (it folded smoothly I thought) before parting company and it is stored that way for now in the back of this lot. The former owner is storing the deep-cycle batteries for me, to avoid freezing weather, since I was unable to take them with me at the time of purchase. We hit it off pretty well and I'm looking forward to talking with him again.

I've got other questions but will save them for a much shorter future post....thanks for your patience and any advice.
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Pauloh
TM: 2004 3124KB
Maxxis ST225/75R-15D1 tires
TV: 2007 Toyota 4Runner, V8, 4x4
Tekonsha P3 Brake Controller
Reese 49586-020 Trunnion WDH
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