Have you ever not been able to go somewhere because your TM is too big?

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-13-2008, 11:32 AM

We currently have a 2720SL, and have considered getting a 3023 or 3124 at some point to better accommodate guests. One disadvantage of the larger size is the inability to get to certain places, due to large dips in the road, tight switchbacks or sharp turns, small campsites, etc. Has anyone NOT been able to get somewhere because their TM was too large?

Any previous 2720SL owners out there who subsequently got a 3023 or 3124 have any experiences they can offer about things they like/dislike about the larger model?

Many thanks,
Dave

06-13-2008, 01:36 PM

The initial site we were assigned (a back-in, electric only site) at Bull Run Regional Park in VA was deemed to be "too small" once they actually saw my TM and so they switched me to a larger site.

I've been struggling with how to describe the size of our TM to campgrounds. When I called Bull Run to reserve a site I described it as "a hard sided popup, 24' down and 29' expanded", where I've previously measured the total front to rear length as 28'11", but I'm now thinking that using the marketing number of 31' may be more what the campsite coordinators are used to. I looked at the original assigned site, and I think I could have wedged myself into it, but I can see that it would have been tight in width and height at the back end. One big difference in the TM and a canvas sided popup camper is that the canvas sided popup will be much lower on the two ends; it only really has it's full height in the middle over the trailer box.

I'm generally finding that back-in sites are more remote and woodsy on this trip, so I'm leaning toward those sites. Also, anything with full hookups also means that they had to bulldoze any trees to add the sewer connection, so often the water-electric sites are more secluded and better shaded than the full hookup sites. But that's a observation after only a half-dozen campgrounds...

**B_and_D** · 06-13-2008, 02:33 PM

We've been assigned sites we couldn't get into, and reserved one that looked like it was on a campground "loop" road in Big Sur which turned out to be a small circular dirt area. It took us about 20 minutes to wrangle the TM into that spot.

There's lots of campsites and campgrounds I'd like to be able to get into that we can't take our TM to. I miss our truck camper for that reason.

**Joesjunk** · 06-14-2008, 06:40 AM

I had to pay extra and have an escort through the tunnel at Zion National Park, UT because the TM was too wide. I was 4 inches too wide because of the awning. It was no problem. Just a hassel.

**Bill** · 06-14-2008, 07:39 AM

Dave -

There is a wonderful National Park campground in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona, as I recall. On the way in, there is a deep drainage swale - down, and then immediately up again, steep on both sides. And a lot of drag marks on the pavement. I was a little apprehensive about crossing it, but I did so slowly and without incident. To my surprise, there was a behemoth big rig in a campsite down the road. I bet it was a little exciting as he crossed the swale, but he ignored the warning sign, and once you have reached the swale, there is no place to turn around. I don't know if a longer TM would have dragged or not. Our 2720 didn't quite.

I imagine you'll encounter a few campgrounds where the turns are really sharp, and a long rig might need extra care. There are a couple such places in Oak Creek Canyon, AZ, and I know the big rigs can't get into them (yay!) Again, I've always been able to work my 2720 around and get into a good spot, although it has sometimes required a bit of back and fill work. You might be able to do the same with a longer TM - but it would be even closer.

But overall, I haven't found very many such places. And I don't think I would regard this as a serious impediment to upsizing your TM.

Bill

**wbmiller3** · 06-14-2008, 11:11 AM

I got into this campground in Chiricahua too, my brother in his 30' box trailer refused to try.

Places I went with my popup that might be iffy for a TM are Mt. Nebo State Park in Arkansas and the Basin in Big Bend National Park. Both really nice places so I will be tempted to try if I'm in the area.

**Northwoods** · 06-14-2008, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joesjunk

I had to pay extra and have an escort through the tunnel at Zion National Park, UT because the TM was too wide. I was 4 inches too wide because of the awning. It was no problem. Just a hassel.

Like your Avitar with "our" Arch. Where are you parked? We live in a northwest suburb of St. Louis: Florissant. Have a good trip. Olga Smith

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-14-2008, 01:11 PM

Thanks for the feedback.

Speaking of that tunnel at Zion.....we were just up in Southern Utah a few weeks ago, and had to pay the above referenced $15 fee to go through. I was thinking the TM wasn't that wide....I'm 6'2", and I touch both side walls when in bed, so I figured it couldn't be that much wider. Those folks just automatically charge you $15 if you are towing any kind of a travel trailer. So the ranger walked out with a tape measure and loosely measured the TM. Counting my side-mounted radio antenna AND the awning, I was ONE INCH too wide. Ugh. Unbelievable. "That will be $15 please", she said.

Ok, whatever. We get the receipt and are told to place it on the dash, but on the reverse, it tells you that it is dangerous for vehicles over 7'10" to go through with 2-way traffic. Thus, the $15 goes towards expenses associated with stopping traffic one way so you can go through, and when you do go through, go down the center of the road, hurdling the center line. Makes sense, right? So I did that.

You might imagine my immense surprise when, about half way through the tunnel, we were greeted with TWO WAY TRAFFIC! I was completely dumbfounded. I stopped at the ranger station on the way out of the park to explain what happened. The ranger gracefully apologized, said they had some new folks on the job that he would immediately educate, and refunded my $15.

Dave

06-14-2008, 11:26 PM

I'm going to Zion in Aug. I'll stay clear of the tunnel to avoid the charge. Just got a parking ticket today so I'm done with road tax for a while... I hope.

06-16-2008, 12:30 PM

My 2005 TM 2720 has scraped the ground one time, exiting the parking lot at the local AAA office in San Jose. I have the factory installed lift kit.

Other than that, I have never had a problem, but I believe that some of the tight turns in some of the loops in some of the forest service campgrounds I go to in CA would be difficult with anything longer than what I have.