TrailManor Owner's Forum  

Go Back   TrailManor Owner's Forum > TrailManor Owners Community > Prospective Owner Questions
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-26-2014, 12:50 PM   #1
Crusty
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Looking @ 3124ks

My wife and I have been researching the internet for a TM and have settled on the 3124ks. (not yet purchased) We are new to the Camping World and looking for seasoned veteran's advice on TM and especially the 3126 ks. We will be towing the TM with a 2013 F150 Ecoboost super cab, short bed.
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2014, 03:11 PM   #2
davlin
TrailManor Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 489
Default

Crusty,

We have a 2007 3124KS, which we tow with a 2004 F150 5.4L. Your ecoboost should have no problems, provided it is equipped with the "tow package" that includes the auxiliary transmission cooler. You will also need a brake controller, if your Ford isn't factory-equipped.

The 3124, in a loaded and ready to tow configuration will have a tongue weight of about 600 lbs. My factory provided hitch is rated at 500 lbs "non-wdh" tongue weight capacity, so I use a weight distributing hitch (WDH). Check your hitch specs carefully.

You've found the perfect place to get your questions answered about Trailmanors.

Dave
davlin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2014, 03:28 PM   #3
Redtail Cruiser
TrailManor Master
 
Redtail Cruiser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: North San Diego County (Fallbrook)
Posts: 632
Default

Hi Jim & Diane and welcome to the forum.

I tow my 2720 with a F150 ecoboost and you will not have any trouble towing anywhere you want to go, even with a 3124ks. I recently took mine to the Eastern Sierras and could have gone 75 MPH over the steepest grade if I would've wanted to.

Good Luck with your search and ask all the questions you have. You will find the answers here.
__________________
Tim




"A man creates his own legacy. Create a legendary life"
Redtail Cruiser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2014, 03:31 PM   #4
Riwright
TrailManor Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 251
Default

Most people come here asking if they can tow with a Mini Cooper or a garden tractor.

I have a 3124KS. Fully loaded for camping it tips the scales at 4500 lbs. Don't know the Ford's numbers but I would think you are well within your limits. Just looking at a few Ford specs I see numbers quite a bit higher than 4500 lbs.

I tow with a 2005 Tundra Double Cab, I am more than 2000 lbs below my towing liimit. The rig is very stable and controllable under all conditions that I have encountered. I do a lot of mountain towing, some very steep. I get high winds and it tracks very well. Not a lot of rain and no snow.

I would agree on the Weight Distributing Hitch. Trailmanors have a high tongue weight and the WDH helps with that. The rear of the truck sags too much without it. You don't want a lot of weight taken off your front tires, this will affect steering an braking. The WDH levels things out nicely.
__________________
Camping Sunny Southern California
2003 3124KS
2005 Tundra Double Cab
Riwright is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2014, 03:44 PM   #5
MarkoPolo
TrailManor Master
 
MarkoPolo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Greeley, Colorado
Posts: 314
Default

Agree that the F150 will be more than adequate. The Andersen No Sway Weight Distribution hitch has been a great find for me. Somewhat different than other WD hitches, no bars to lift, and allows backing without removing.
__________________
Mark & Claudia - Greeley, Colorado
2016 Lance model 1995
2013 Ford Lariat F-150 Super Crew Eco-boost with 4x4 Off Road & Max Tow
MarkoPolo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2014, 04:03 PM   #6
Crusty
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Thanks for the quick responses, especially about towing suggestions. Our F150 has the factory towing package, rated for Class 1 - 4 and a max trailer rating of 6500 lbs. Now that we know we can tow the beast, can anyone tell us about the options we should add to the basic ks package. TM offered a canister toilet last year but not this, any thoughts? We want to make sure we get this right the first time so, all of your advice is greatly appreciated.
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2014, 04:30 PM   #7
Redtail Cruiser
TrailManor Master
 
Redtail Cruiser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: North San Diego County (Fallbrook)
Posts: 632
Default

If you're ordering a new one, it depends on your needs. If you're going to camp in warmer climates you'll want to add an AC unit; however if your dry camping you'll need a generator to power it.

The awning is nice, but if you're camping in wind prone areas, the awning is fragile and expensive to replace. We have an awning, but bring a 13x13 shade roof tent with us. It offers more shade and only costs $150 to replace if damaged. The Fiama costs about $800.

Upper cabinets are very useful.

Hope this helps but, if you give us an idea of what type of camping your planning and where, we can better answer your questions on options.
__________________
Tim




"A man creates his own legacy. Create a legendary life"
Redtail Cruiser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2014, 04:41 PM   #8
Crusty
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

My wife and I have traveled the world for work. We will retire in two years and plan on seeing the US. We hope to hit all 50 states. We have already been to Hawaii so, we won't have to float the TM. How flexible is TM when it comes to building what we want? Can you go to the factory or can you only buy through a dealer? Sorry, for the 50 questions but, as I said before, we want to get this right the first time.
  Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2014, 04:51 PM   #9
Redtail Cruiser
TrailManor Master
 
Redtail Cruiser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: North San Diego County (Fallbrook)
Posts: 632
Default

You can definitely go to the factory. If you contact them, they will give you the details.

Again, good luck, hope you find the perfect TM.
__________________
Tim




"A man creates his own legacy. Create a legendary life"
Redtail Cruiser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-27-2014, 05:35 AM   #10
davlin
TrailManor Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 489
Default

Crusty,

One of the most polarizing topics for TM owners seems to be the Thetford recirculating toilet; some love it, and some can't wait to replace it with something else. There's waaay too much material on this topic to summarize here, save to say that we've been Thetford owners for 20 years (two TMs) and like them just fine.

I would recommend you spend the $12 to become a full member, and then search on "Thetford" in this forum. In the end, you will probably have to come to your own conclusion.

Dave
davlin is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Adco cover for 3124ks customshein Exterior 7 10-08-2008 03:48 PM
Select Comfort in a 3124KS TM? More than you ever wanted to know! Queeniereads General TrailManor Topics 5 05-06-2008 06:28 PM
Used 2005 3124KS Owner Doug W. Prospective Owner Questions 10 03-26-2006 09:27 PM
Amputating my 3124KS' elec. power cord! Larry_Loo Electrical 11 08-13-2005 08:30 PM
AGM battery for 3124KS Larry_Loo General Maintenance and Cleaning 2 02-22-2002 03:21 AM


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:39 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 2022 Trailmanor Owners Page.