I spoke to Ed at the TM factory about TM framing (wood or aluminum). He informed me that the transition to aluminum framing for the lower box occurred in the early 1990s, and that the tansition to aluminum framing for the upper shells occurred over several years, between 1995 and 1998. Ed said that the only way to know for sure whether the upper shells have aluminum framing is to remove the various layers of the upper shells, which for obvious reasons is not advisable.
Because a prospective purchaser of a used TM is concerned about wood rot and moisture within the walls of the shell, Ed offered a practical test. Ed suggested that if the upper walls are bowing and rough, most likely moisture is present. If, however, the walls are smooth and straight, it is unlikely that there is any moisture or wood rot present.
|