A few things I would like

[Mountain Man]

There are just a few things I would like:

1. The option to add a second battery and low energy LED lighting.
2. Optional heavy duty axle and factory balanced 15 inch tires with metal valve stems on smaller size trailers.
3. Optional tire pressure monitoring system.
4. Have the trailer engineered to hold a small generator (Honda or Yamaha)

 

[PopBeavers]

There are just a few things I would like:

1. The option to add a second battery and low energy LED lighting.
2. Optional heavy duty axle and factory balanced 15 inch tires with metal valve stems on smaller size trailers.
3. Optional tire pressure monitoring system.
4. Have the trailer engineered to hold a small generator (Honda or Yamaha)

1. I added a second battery and a switch to control them. This is a simple project if the battery is in the front. It is a little more work if the battery is in the rear storage compartment. I am surprised that this is not a standard dealer option.

2. I have loaded my TM 2720 with every thing I own for camping and did not exceed the axle weight limit. Just adding a bigger axle may not increase your capacity. It might be that you would also need a larger frame. Some people have ordered the bigger axle. It is not on the list, but it has been done. I never understood why.

3. I would think that this is a simple add on. Just a couple of wireless transmitters inside the tire mounted to the wheel. I check my tire pressure every time I leave home for the weekend. I visually inspect and hand test for temperature at every stop. I am comfortable. Perhaps if I traveled more I would see some value in it.

4. Where? With my swing tongue, there is no room on the front. Without the swing tongue I think there is room, but building a universal mount for any generator the owner wants is likely not possible. A local welder could no doubt build you one for your specific generator. It can only be used to store it. I learned by experience to always place the generator down wind as far as the shore power cord will go. Otherwise I get fumes inside. I have the rear hitch receiver, but have never used it. Many people carry their generator back there in a standard tray.

 

[ng2951]

On the bigger trailers, there is plenty of room in the rear hold. That is where I stow the Yamaha.

 

[mtnguy]

There are just a few things I would like:

3. Optional tire pressure monitoring system.

Check out http://www.doranmfg.com/tirepressuremonitorproducts.htm, and do a search on Doran Pressure Pro on this site. Several of the members run this system (me included),and it seems to work great. Metal valve stems are probably needed before mounting the reciever, as the added weight could force a rubber valve stem up against the wheel at speed.

Chap

 

[countrygirl32082]

There are just a few things I would like:

4. Have the trailer engineered to hold a small generator (Honda or Yamaha)

When we were looking at TM's we spoke to Wayne at J.D. Sanders in Alachua, Florida and he told me that they could mount a Generator on the back of the TM. This was an option that was offered to us. We felt it was too close to the sleeping area and did not fully discuss it with him. We took him to mean a built in Genset (not sure of spelling) though.

 

[Mountain Man]

Thanks for all the replies, I will sort of respond in general terms:

1. For those of us that are electrically challenged, I would really like a factory designed option for a second battery.
2. Same goes for the generator. I would like it if TM engineered a turnkey generator solution, to include a secure space, venting, and electrical connectivity. Similar to what you can get in some travel trailers and motor homes.
3. I would like a factory TPM system. I realize they are somewhat easy to add. If they were installed at the factory, then the tires would come balanced with the TPM already mounted to the stems and you wouldn't have to do that yourself later. Also, the factory may be able to negotiate some volume purchase discount with a supplier.
4. After reading the forum about all the 14" Marathon tire problems, I would really like the 15" tires with metal valve stems, no real reason I guess for wanting an upgraded axle.

 

[agesilaus]

Our dealer told us that they would add a second battery when we bought it. I suspect your would be happy to do the same. It took me about 30 minutes to do the actural work and there was no high level wiring involved, since I put in a battery switch our setup was more complicated than most.

BK

 

[PopBeavers]

Thanks for all the replies, I will sort of respond in general terms:

3. I would like a factory TPM system. I realize they are somewhat easy to add. If they were installed at the factory, then the tires would come balanced with the TPM already mounted to the stems and you wouldn't have to do that yourself later. Also, the factory may be able to negotiate some volume purchase discount with a supplier.

According to many reports around here, the TM comes with wheels that are not balanced. If you want them balanced you do it yourself. Otherwise I would tend to agree with you.

 

[Mountain Man]

According to many reports around here, the TM comes with wheels that are not balanced. If you want them balanced you do it yourself. Otherwise I would tend to agree with you.

When I buy a new car, I expect the wheels to be balanced. In my mind, a travel trailer should come the same way, and that is my suggestion to TM. These trailers cost an awful lot. I shouldn't have to take the tires off a brand new one and take them in to be balanced in order to have a safe travelling experience. IMHO

 

[countrygirl32082]

From what I hear most travel trailers regardless of the brand come with tires not balanced. I imagine a high dollar motor home would come with the tires balanced.

 

[Queeniereads]

Our TM was ready to pull out safely the very first time we took it from the dealer. I don't know who balanced the tires, but they were perfect. Queen

 

[rickst29]

2. Optional heavy duty axle and factory balanced 15 inch tires with metal valve stems on smaller size trailers.

Done, although advertised. If you ask for it, they WILL build it. (note my sig. )

 

[DC Randy]

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE if they could come up with an outside velcro flap system as well. I know I've mentioned this to a few folks on here, and am currently working on a design for my rig.

I do NOT use my halogen lights under the front cabinets, as I learned they are in the perfect position to attract the small gnats and summer bugs in a straight vertical line from the front corners inside the cabin. I now soak a bug sprayed rag into each corner when I set up. and never use the overhead lights.

Having a velcro removable flap on the outside would solve this, and keep the draft down (especially on the rear bed). For heaven sake I can see light coming up through the corners in the back bed. Very hard to justify to folks looking at my TM who have spent 10K less and got a TT that is not as drafty.

Will post pics as soon as I have worked out the kinks.
Randy

 

[mtnguy]

Having a velcro removable flap on the outside would solve this, and keep the draft down (especially on the rear bed). For heaven sake I can see light coming up through the corners in the back bed. Very hard to justify to folks looking at my TM who have spent 10K less and got a TT that is not as drafty.

Randy

Randy, have you checked out the threads related to stuffing pipe insulation in the smaller areas, and swim noodles in the bigger gaps?? When I do that, I can no longer see the light coming in from the corners in the back bed, and ought to help the flying insect invasion.

Chap

 

[DC Randy]

Yeah I even bought some, and didn't like that. Again, these type "fixes" I think can be addressed by the factory designers. TM is well thought out, just think there are a few things that could be better (especially for 25-30K).

But don't get me wrong, I love my TM. Just think there are some improvements that could be made. I kinda feel embarrassed when other campers see me shoving swim noodles up under the camper. But that's just me.

Randy

 

[mtnguy]

I kinda feel embarrassed when other campers see me shoving swim noodles up under the camper.
Randy

Yeah, I kinda look around before I stuff those puppies, just to make sure no 1 is looking.

Chap

 

[P and B]

I know this is an older post but I'd like to add a few things:

1. I'd like to see a combination propane and electric furnace (if they make such a thing). I know there's a heat strip in the AC but the noise could wake the dead. I don't understand why the furnace folks can't make a combined unit so when I'm plugged in, I can use the electric option and when I'm not I can use the propane option.
2. I wish all the screens were removable. I've got stuff building up between the screen and the window and can't figure out how to clean them. This goes double for the overhead screens and yes I already replaced the one with the fan with a removable version.
3. Easily removable curtains. I plan on putting snaps on the top ends so I can at least unsnap them to remove them more easily.
4. Wouldn't it be nice to have a dark TM with dark curtains that won't show all the road grime (I realize it would still be there).
5. This one's kind of out there and probably not feasible but what about a window above the bed so you can see the stars at night? This one is low priority.
6. For units with only one axel, it would be nice to have skid wheels in case of a blowout. Maybe they could be made in such a way that you can drop them down when traveling and fold them up when you're manuvering so they don't scrape the ground.
7. Better, more secure, door design. Would be nice to have a screen door but I get that it's an issue with a folding type system.
8. I'd like to see a KS floorplan with an L shaped couch (lose the chair). We've kind of concocted one using a foam couch but I can see that, by removing the table on the sink side, an L could be created with a modular section that would be pushed in place and compensate for the different level of the slide.
9. Is there a different kind of ball hitch out there. I hate ours. I often have to release it on a grade and the release doesn't like to release. I've seen one that opens like a set of jaws. While they look like a smarter design, they may not be.
10. Backup camera option built in with wiring out to the plug. User would have to do their own TV wiring or perhaps a wireless system (that actually works) with a 7" monitor that could be suctioned on to the window.

I'd ask for a TM that cleaned itself but that would just be ridiculous wouldn't it?

Phil

PS Oh, I forgot one of the biggies- a quieter AC unit and a retrofit kit that would quiet down the one we have.....

 

[rumbleweed]

Simple answer to request #1. If you are plugged into a 30 amp service ( standard TM service) and standard at many campsites and you run NOTHING else ( including battery charger and CO monitor, you could get about 50% of the heating capacity of your propane furnace. This is a question of physics not a TM option.

 

[ib4classics]

Phil, boy do I agree about the air conditioner, I think they ought to send these to GITMO to drive them more crazy than they are.

 

[MariaG-TMO]

1. We use a small, portable electric heater a lot of the time, but it would be nice if it was built in.
2. I'll second that - so far my best fix is to vacuum the stuff out with the crevice tool from the outside. Not perfect, but it got most of it.
3. See my blog post titled "curtains!", address below in my signature. I love my new curtain rods with actual curtains instead of the RV type.
4. No matter what, you'll never run out of things to clean. *sigh*
5. That would be cool!
6. Ours does have skid wheels - I didn't realize they weren't on newer models.
7. Would be nice, but our door works ok. Better than the tent, is our mantra. *G*
8. Someday I'd like a bigger model like a KS - right now I'd settle for a more comfortable couch. It's like sitting on a slightly padded board.
9. Ditto! I HATE that hitch. There have been times I've had to smack it with a hammer to make it engage! Why my husband never has this problem I don't know!
10. What is this back up camera of which you speak? *G*