consideration

[delsurfin]

I am a retired 71 year old with grandkids. I have a 29 ft 5th wheel and find it to be a considerable effort to use. Very weird towing and a great effort to set up. I went from several apaches to a hard wall and found my camping experience going downhill since. I now feel part of the problem is the towing of a beast behind me. I am considering a large pop up or a hybrid.
I attended a trail manor owners get together in Williamsburg where I live in the early2000-2003 time frame I think. It was quite interesting except several of the owners had major issues with leaks and hard wall rotting or delamination
I think now the wall and floor and roof use a aluminum-foam construction which has eliminated that problem?
when did the change take place?
Any and all feed back is appreciated
Thanking all in advance
ED

[BrucePerens]

The Trailmanor is not always easy to lift and lower, especially if you happen to have a wind blowing into the front shell as you attempt to lower it after having lowered the rear shell. If you are having physical problems, I might not recommend it.

Since you have a 5th wheel, I guess you're towing with some sort of pick-up. Otherwise I would have asked about the size of your tow vehicle and its tow rating. Most people who age out of the Trailmanor go with a Lance.

[Padgett]

Most of the leaks/rot was in the pre-2003 wood framed units. My '06 has the aluminum sandwich panels and stays dry even in a Florida frog strangler.

[tentcamper]

When at the factory, they told me 2003 was a major change year including the aluminum frame

[LoveToCamp]

I camped in a few very nasty storms, and had no leakage problem (I had a 2012, then a 2014 TM). If maintained, there should be no water infiltration problems during storms.

As mentioned above, be sure you are physically able to raise and lower the shells. Most of us don't find it difficult, but not all of us are physically as capable as others. Your physique will determine if a TM is right for you.

[tentcamper]

I was talking to person that bought my 2003 2027, He had a 1998 3023. He said a big concern with the TM's predating the aluminum frame, was the leaking along the roof side edges when the caulk failed. He said in many cases it would leak with none or almost no indication inside. But it would rot the frame along side of the roof frame.

He was looking for a 2003 or newer. He said with the aluminum frame and the new aluminum extruded corner trim between the roof's side and the walls. He said that if you do get a leak from the caulk failing you might never know it and the frame will not rot.

I check the roof caulk every year.

Most the leaks I have read about on the post 2003 models seem to be at the vents and AC unit which seems to be an issue across the entire RV industry.

Other leads that seem very few are alone the roof center seam and a some windows.

I don't think I have ever heard of anyone having water leaking past the bag seals between the two upper shells.

[Padgett]

Agree, if you leave the vents open in a rainstorm, they will leak. Otherwise normal maintenance and periodic recaulking is good.