TrailManor Owner's Forum - View Single Post

01-15-2006, 08:04 AM

Just to be clear, I'll be visiting my "local" TM dealer in Coloma, MI when time/weather permits(clear now but will it be when I'm ready to go?). I'll be visiting Dannys in Coloma WI in May. Oddly, WI is actually easier for me cuz it is close to my normal travels, though easily 11+ hours away. The dealer in MI is on my to no place I normally travel to.

After seeing the list of dealers, I consider myself fortunate to be within 1 hr of a dealer (local). I'll be taking my time to be certain that I'm making the right decision, since I tend to hang on to things for a very long time. That is why the quality issue is HUGE with me. Unlike many of you who went from tent campers to the TM, I'm working in the oposite direction going from a hard side to a folding trailer.

I am fortunate in that I have a very serviceable RV now in a 13 yr old unit. But dry weight is 4115, 7000 GVWR. Add food & stuff and some water to the trailer, dogs and bikes or the tandem to the truck with occupants and I'm using maybe 6000# of my 7900# towing capacity on the truck. This allows for some underestimation by the factory on the weight and probably is more real life. Assming Ford is also too generous with their tow rating, I really don't have that much of a safety margin.

Maybe the TM wll give me the high level of quality construction that I insist on. If so, it offers a feather weight RV which allows me to downsize my TV which saves $$$$. All this an I can still enjoy camping! I can only wish.

At the other end I get an RV with side slideouts and a diesel puller, bad fuel economy (horrible when towing) and a very light wallet. Maybe I have a screw loose for even considering this option?

Looking forward to seeing a TM for myself.

01-15-2006, 08:04 AM	#13
Grouse Guest Posts: n/a	Coloma Just to be clear, I'll be visiting my "local" TM dealer in Coloma, MI when time/weather permits(clear now but will it be when I'm ready to go?). I'll be visiting Dannys in Coloma WI in May. Oddly, WI is actually easier for me cuz it is close to my normal travels, though easily 11+ hours away. The dealer in MI is on my to no place I normally travel to. After seeing the list of dealers, I consider myself fortunate to be within 1 hr of a dealer (local). I'll be taking my time to be certain that I'm making the right decision, since I tend to hang on to things for a very long time. That is why the quality issue is HUGE with me. Unlike many of you who went from tent campers to the TM, I'm working in the oposite direction going from a hard side to a folding trailer. I am fortunate in that I have a very serviceable RV now in a 13 yr old unit. But dry weight is 4115, 7000 GVWR. Add food & stuff and some water to the trailer, dogs and bikes or the tandem to the truck with occupants and I'm using maybe 6000# of my 7900# towing capacity on the truck. This allows for some underestimation by the factory on the weight and probably is more real life. Assming Ford is also too generous with their tow rating, I really don't have that much of a safety margin. Maybe the TM wll give me the high level of quality construction that I insist on. If so, it offers a feather weight RV which allows me to downsize my TV which saves $$$$. All this an I can still enjoy camping! I can only wish. At the other end I get an RV with side slideouts and a diesel puller, bad fuel economy (horrible when towing) and a very light wallet. Maybe I have a screw loose for even considering this option? Looking forward to seeing a TM for myself.