electric popup option

[funpilot]

I had the opportunity to talk to a former RV center that used to sell TM products and was quite complimentary about them. One question he asked me was "Has TM created the electric pop-up option yet?" I did not even know that was being considered. I would be very glad to be a test subject if I order a new one from them .....


Anyone else hear anything about that?

 

[Bill]

There is an electric slide on the slide models. Haven't heard about an electric setup for the shells of the folding models. If it were in the works, I would think it would have been announced - or at least hinted - in the TM Newsletter.

The new RISE pickup truck camper does raise its roof hydraulically with an electric pump. Likewise the RISE upright trailer also goes straight up and down electrically, just like the old Hi-Lo, but it does not fold and so does not increase its interior length when you set it up. But these are new models, both non-fold, and I don't think is what you are talking about.

Bill

 

[Padgett]

Just offhand a starter motor would have plenty of torque, the problem would the gear train and synchronization. I keep thinking a hooped L-bar could handle the initial up and out to a point where the movement is mainly horizontal and easy. For the forward modile it could rest on the tongue bars, problem would be a pivot point about three feet behind the rear bumper.

Personally find it harder to move the slide (broke the handle first time I tried & not in the parts catalogue, anyone know a source ?) than to lift the modules after a bit of adjustment.

Only real issue I had was if too easy to lift, it becomes hard to latch down.

My Vixen has an air cylinder to raise the pop-up roof but it only needs to move about 18". Modules need to move about 60" in an arc so would require either a gear or track.

 

[Redtail cruiser]

I got a letter in the mail today from Cleo Eickoff, VP of Marketing for Trailmanor.
She says that they are in the process of finalizing the production design for the RISE and are calculating it's cost.

She indicates that we can expect more information and a brochure soon.

 

[scrubjaysnest-TMO]

The more power options you put in, such as electric slides, the harder service your batteries get dry camping. Also increases things that can break. There we several reason we didn't go with a Hi-Lo and one was the hydraulic lift system.

 

[Padgett]

Can understand the RISE as a truck camper. An extending module like the TM would not work because there is only one place to put the door & you already have a bed over the cab.

OTOH as a travel trailer, it does not make much sense compared to the rest of the line. I can only think of three advantages:
1: power lift
2: more storage when down
3: door access when down.
and a major disadvantage
- floor area does not increase

That said the only way this makes sense would be if the engineering/tooling was almost free.

 

[Redtail cruiser]

The RISE trailer concept will be a desirable option for those people that were drawn to the Elkmont. A lightweight trailer that will now have a low towing profile. The power lift system will be popular with people that have physical limitations or don't like the expandable models. The interior floor space will be the same as the other models, with the Murphy bed conversion to a sofa during the day.

If Trailmanor can bring this to market at a reasonable price point, I think there will be a good market for sales. In a few years I may want one too.

 

[commodor47]

. . . (broke the handle first time I tried & not in the parts catalogue, anyone know a source ?) . . .

Found this one on Camping World site:

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/9-inch-white-grab-handle/49595

Dick

 

[Kidkraz]

When searching about the Trailmanor I found a video about the RV Power lift. There's no sound to the video, but the company came up with some type of motor which would lift the shells electrically. Interesting to watch.

http://www.rvpowerlift.com/contact_info.html

 

[tentcamper]

Can understand the RISE as a truck camper. An extending module like the TM would not work because there is only one place to put the door & you already have a bed over the cab.

OTOH as a travel trailer, it does not make much sense compared to the rest of the line. I can only think of three advantages:
1: power lift
2: more storage when down
3: door access when down.
and a major disadvantage
- floor area does not increase

That said the only way this makes sense would be if the engineering/tooling was almost free.

We saw the RISE prototype while we were at the factory. Think of it as the light weight construction of a TM. It is a box design like the HI-LO that is driven by hydraulics instead of electric motors and cables and pulleys.

 

[funpilot]

When searching about the Trailmanor I found a video about the RV Power lift. There's no sound to the video, but the company came up with some type of motor which would lift the shells electrically. Interesting to watch.

Here is the website. Look at who to contact:

http://www.rvpowerlift.com/contact_info.html

 

[Padgett]

Note that the web site is from 2009, sent an e-mail to ask if it is available. Knew that it is possible, real question is cost and complexity.

Used to be a joke about my employer that we could build anything and make it work. Once.

 

[Bill]

I got a letter in the mail today from Cleo Eickoff, VP of Marketing for Trailmanor.
She says that they are in the process of finalizing the production design for the RISE and are calculating it's cost.

Tim -

I seem to recall seeing this PowerLift system a long time ago, and assumed it went belly-up. Maybe not. I wonder why Cleo didn't mention it in her letter?

Bill

 

[Redtail cruiser]

Bill,

I inquired, on the TM website, regarding the RISE trailer and submitted my contact info to get updates for future information. Cleo's letter was a response.

I don't think the PowerLift system in the video, is what they will be using on this new trailer, but maybe a variation of it. Time will tell.

 

[Padgett]

Think the RISE is vertical pistons most likely air operated. The problem is synchronization though may be relying on pressure equalization. To use just one you would need a slide channels at each corner and a center column right in the middle of the camper (poss. at the center corner of the dinette). Could also use one in each end.

The TM OTOH needs a 90 degree rotary motion that is essentially linear. Power may be applied to just one pair but need to match the angles on both sides or it will bind.

 

[rvcamping]

....HI-LO that is driven by hydraulics instead of electric motors and cables and pulleys.

The new Hi-lo prototype has electric lift not hydraulic this time around.
https://www.facebook.com/KerolaCamperStore?ref=br_tf

 

[TrailManorMan]

I live twenty minutes from that company and unless they hit the lottery / have a rich uncle or a major investor nothing is going to happen in my opinion.....

 

[Padgett]

Been thinking a bit more and something like a combination power seat (synchronization)/power window (raise in an arc)mechanism should work.

Do think a power opening TM would make more sense with less model complexity than the Rise.

Have a thought about a single motor rack and pinion mechanism that would be inexpensive but not ready for prime time yet since some bugs yet (AC sits in best location for the motor).

 

[TrailManorMan]

Believe it or not, the HI-lo is making a slow comeback, I actually saw a prototype of the new owner production model. I now think they may return soon at least on a limited basis. I actually took a picture last month of the unit.
I still think the Tm is way better design as up and out allows for way more useable space and lighter weights.

 

[Savage709]

Open your TM electrically?

I just read this post that was three years old. It was about a system that remote electrically opens your TM. http://www.rvpowerlift.com
Go watch the video and see for yourself.
It's a company that Bob Eichoff (the owner of TM) has and the website is still up and running, so I would believe they are still in business. My question is ...Has anyone installed one of these systems on their TM? I would love to hear about that!:hearts:
TC