Factory/Dealer failure to communicate

[Bailey'sMom]

Originally Posted by Oldkayaker

Thanks Bill, good info but the height question has been answered. I'm new to this forum and don't yet know member's preference. I edited my original post but some might prefer I add to the existing replies. My edit was: Edit rev.2: Just got a call from Todd at TrailManor informing me he measured the trailer and that the customer portal figure of 79.5" overall height closed with low profile AC is correct. Now all I have left to do is decide which options I can't live without and place an order with the only dealer who responded to my message even though it is over 500 miles from home. Earl

Hi earl

I prefer adding a new post unless my edit is for spelling or no one has yet responded. I think it is easier to follow for everyone.

As for options, I would definitely get both upper cabinets. Even if you don't have long stays, and don't pack to the gills, it is much nicer to not crouch down to reach everything. Just don't put heavy stuff in the upper cabinets.

Welcome to the forum. You won't be sorry that you buy a TM.

[Kidkraz]

Earl,

Have you considered a sport deck? I don't know if the factory still makes them, but I see there are a few owners out there in this forum. Don't know if the width would work though?

[LoveToCamp]

Earl,

Had a 2417 Sport, but sold it in January. Got a 2417 KD. Yes, the Sport is 6" narrower than any other TM.

Careful on height. I can't measure my 2417KD now (raining heavily), but my Sport came with 13" tires. I added a lift kit (2"). My new 2417KD came with 14" tires. Since my Sport was built in 2012, the new Sports may come with 14" tires. If you get the lift kit (only if you go offroad), it is now 2½", I believe. So, be sure that wherever you are getting the height of the TM, it is a 2014. Be sure to find out what tires it has, and if it has a lift kit.

The dealer should have a price list/order list. When I ordered mine, the dealer sent me their order list, and I used it to spec my trailer. It has prices on it.

I put my solar panel on after I purchased my TM, as they used to put 85 watt panels on, and I had used a 100w for less money on my previous TM. The trailer came wired for solar, with a nice controller. That saves some time in running wires, and is a better controller than came with my 100w panel kit.

I passed on the awning ($1,000), and instead purchases a $100 heavy-duty canopy from Walmart. If it blows away, it is much cheaper to replace than an awning. And, I can put it anywhere around camp I want to, instead of being right next to the trailer.

Seeing how you modified your Aliner, while I agree with Bailysmom about the extra cabinets, you may not have as much of a need for organization. I like ours, and recommend people get them, but you may be able to get by without. With the sofa instead of the dinette in the slide, you lose considerable under-bench storage. Hanging cabinets may come in very handy for you.

No place for a built-in microwave in a 2417, though. It is not an option for a 2417. If you need one, I would get it after you get your trailer, so you can figure out where you want it to go, and what size will fit there.

Don't give up on TrailManors. Some dealers may not be as intimately familiar with TM as others. My dealer in Colorado Springs has been camping in TMs for 20 years, so they know their stuff. It also helps that they sell more TMs each year than any other dealer. I know it doesn't help in your location, but there are very good dealers out there.

Good luck with your build!

I dug a little deeper on the TrailManor website and found this gem http://trailmanor.com/wordpress/wp-c...orbrochure.pdf under the Media tab. My original post was primarily to determine the height with AC and Todd of TM has verified the figure in this brochure is accurate. The hanging cabinets are not listed as an option on the 2417 Sport page but this brochure doesn't say they aren't available. I assume the storage under the sofa is about the same as that under the dinette seats. If not, I will reconsider getting the sofa. My plan was to sleep on the sofa and use the rear bed area for storage. The dinette is not very comfortable for sitting around on rainy days reading a book. My ALiner is now configured so that I leave home with all the food needed for 6 weeks and clothing requiring laundry facilities every 30 days. It should not be a problem fitting it in a TM. I will request an order form with prices and finalize the configuration. I have seen no mention of interior decor choices. Hopefully that will be addressed during the buying process. My thanks to all for the helpful posts, Earl

[ArkyDoodle]

We have a 2014 2417 Sport (as you've indicated) and it fits in a single car garage with a door opening of 106" wide x 82.5" to the header. No awning, low profile AC, TV bat-wing antenna.....but be aware that the exterior lights add about 4-5" to the overall width (which might not be reflected in the "official" width).....

Have u talked with the dealer in Hanover, PA? That is where I purchased mine and was very pleased with them. They were since bought out by Camping World but same management and still sell TM.
I'm not sure about the availability of a built in microwave, but I would pass on that option. Much cheaper to purchase and easier to use one that u put on a counter where it is also at a better height. And who knows, you might need to cook a pizza someday in the oven...
I'd pass on solar panels, but I'm not an expert on them as I have a generator.
I really like my awning, but understand there are other options and issues with one.
I'd strongly recommend you plan to spend time at a knowledgeable dealer where you can spend time in the model you are interested in and envision what options work.
Swing hitch is a real plus, and helps with resale as well.
Lastly, I have found the TM employees to be very knowledgeable, helpful and courteous. And yes busy. So usually they will respond, but perhaps not as fast as one would like. Nevertheless, they are very good folks.
Hope u find a TM that works for u and become a member of this forum as there is a lot of good info and very accessible with the search feature. And who knows maybe with the upgrade to a TM, your dw will join u?

[ArkyDoodle]

We also chose the 2417KS SPORT slide model with the couch and had the factory construct two additional cabinets (not listed in the options), one on the floor just ahead of the refrig/stove cabinet (not fastened to the floor) and an overhead cabinet above it. The guys at the factory custom made these to fit this unit based on dimensions suggested from our sales rep (maybe they were cabinets used in other models?).

The couch would be way, way too small for me to use as a sleeping option. There is storage under the couch seat but getting things in and out of cabinets is much easier than lifting the seat cushion --- but it's a good location for items that aren't used too frequently.

[ArkyDoodle]

No microwave or oven is available on the 2417, you'll have to use your own countertop microwave/toaster oven since there's really no place where you could build them in.

I already have two microwaves so that is not a problem. I will definitely have solar panels but haven't decided whether to do it myself or let the factory do it. I might keep the ones I installed on my ALiner. The dealer search for my zip code says Salem, VA is the closest to me. The search for Hanover's zip code says the closest is Knoxville! You would drive right through Salem to get to Knoxville from Hanover. I will try to find another method to locate TM dealers. I definitely need to see one of these things in person so will see if I can find the Hanover dealer and give them a call. Thanks again for all the info, Earl
Edit: That was easy, camping world of hanover website has no mention of TrailManor new or used. They are less than 100 miles from me.

[Bill]

Re solar panels. You should think about whether you want them bolted to the roof, or free-standing (i.e., movable into the sun, since in the east, you will normally put your TM in the shade.) Lots of discussion and different reasoning earlier in this Solar Power forum. Theft does not seem to be a big problem ...

Bill