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Guest
I purchased my 2004, 3023 TM on Feb. 14, 2004 (Valentine's Day). I've been on about 5 camping trips none lasting more than 3 days.
Unfortunately, my TM had some problems which did not seem like the norm for the experience of the vast majority of owners. These were not expected as I always try to find quality products and felt very confident that TM was the choice. These were not operator errors or ignorance, but real problems which have been posted previously and will not be mentioned in this recommendation.
TM did rectify the situation at no charge to me except for my time and energy. I am satisfied with their response. I would have preferred never having the need to call them.
There was a learning curve involved with the TM and operator ignorance as well. This is my first RV. I am not being critical of TM. I am just offering for continuous improvement opportunity for a very neat product.
I find the TM very attractive. I have always received great comments on the TM from other campers each time I camped. She is beautiful and people seem to gravitate towards her. I had a lady come up before I even set up to get a close look. I invited her in to take a look. I had one gentleman who helped me back up to a tight spot and turned out he knew more about it than I did since he wanted to replace his real old Pop-Up and doing some serious research. One kid remarked, "that is so cool". I also have friends who we've invited and more are looking forward to a trip. So she definitely attracts a lot of positive attention and I am growing fond of her. So here is my recommendation:
#1 - Have a owners manual that matches the elegence and engineering innovation of the TM. Why not innovate and come up with a video guide (video, CD, DVD, whatever) or use pictures extensively. A picture can say a thousand words. The current manual is outdated, incomplete and poorly written. Most owners' manual or instruction guides are poorly written and I am sure everyone has experienced having to assemble something using an instructions that was probably written overseas by those who don't speak English or see illustrations that do not match your product (how frustrating). Once in a while you find a manual that is well written. These are priceless! Come up with a better manual to do justice to the neat product.
#2 - Provide options for the bed. I think the current one is too hard for me and I have yet to experience a good nights sleep in it. I sleep better on the couch bed. Why not offer a few options rather than having to improvise or modify and get egg foams and foams of other kind, etc. when the bed does not suit the owner. The manufacturer can provide some sales points on the importance of a good nights sleep. Pennywise and pound foolish may apply where sleep is concerned. But, preferences for beds are also very individual so offer options. Coleman does for their pop ups.
#3 - Have some sort of access for the water tank for dry camping. A hole with a door approximately 3 inch by 3 inch (similar to outside shower) should do it. To put water in the tank, you have to open the shell. Both camping sites I went to where I had to fill up with water had severe slope which was less than ideal for filling up with water. The other option is to fill up at home and haul 20 gallons of water for the trip. Perhaps you've considered and decided against it due to safety, engineering or cost. If not, consider it.
#4 - The pin mechanism for the dining table is dangerous. It pops out easily when you put the table back to the folding position. In addition, when you have little kids, they could easily pop it out accidentally or intentionally. Once loose, it is took me hours trying to figure out how to get it back together and darn near pop me in the face as the small metal piece is both sharp and springs. Even my dealer had a hard time with it. I cut myself trying to put the darn thing back it place after getting the how to from the dealer. It has been a major source of irritation for me even after learning how to use it properly. It needs to be more secure, especially for kids. This would be an easy and cheap fix. The explanation I got was that it is standard and purchased from a vendor. TM has a choice of which product and vendor to use. Go with a more sturdy and idiot proof design. I will make a modification to this item. And where is the instruction for this item?
Many of the tiny mechanisms need to be reviewed for design. The window awning also did not screw properly never holding the awning in place because it would not screw to a tightened position. The dealer was well aware of this issue. These little minor items need permanent, idiot proof solutions during manufacturing install and when the owner operates.
This also applys for the screws holding the shells. Mine came loose and was missing. In this case, it could be a potential safety issue or cause damage to other parts during tow. I now check each trip. Can you have a design where screws coming loose would be darn near impossible? I'm sure you can.
The same applies for the fire extinguisher holder. Each time, I've towed, it came loose. I just put it secure between the sofa parts when towing after the first 3 times. There must be a way to have it hold and make it easy to get out when needed. Perhaps 2 straps are needed instead of 1.
#5 - Make sure wooden doors are not squeaky when delivered. I didn't know whether this was normal or not until, the first night camping when the we needed to go during the night. It was fixed with PAM oil spray the following morning. Similar situation with dresser door. Squeak check should be SOP for QA checks. I now have WD-40 handy.
#6 - Make sure that a bumper to bumper inspection is done on the unit. I didn't realize all the tiny little yellow specks all over the TM until I went to wash it. I suspect it is adhesive residue. Also there is way too much excess caulking all over the place. My fingernails came in very handy to remove the yellow residue, but it took time and energy. I still have not removed all.
#7 - The entrance door pin and latch needs to remain fixed when towing. The hole for the latch is a single screw. When I opened the shell the last time, somehow the pin hole and latch worked loose so that the latch got turned upside down and the door could not be opened. For a moment, my blood pressure shot up. Thankfully, I was sharp that day and within a few minutes got out a plier and turned the hole and got it back in the normal position to open the door. The hole for the latch needs to be mounted so that it will not move easily. A single screw will move with force, so a design with 2 screws will be needed or some other solution.
The clamp that locks the door in place on the left side has also lost tightness. I suspect this area needs some additional attention. The screws used for this area is not an Allen or a normal Philips. Therefore, I have decided to make a 100 miles to have it taken care as a secondary item along with another issue (warped cabinet door).
I also recommend that TM have an illustration of all the different tools needed or provide a simple tool kit needed for the different types of screws, Allens, nuts and bolts they use. These could be sold as an option or provided. The cordless drill which makes raising and lowering the leveling jacks so much easier could also be provided or sold as an option.
#8 - Definitely provide extra fuses for free. This could save a camping trip. Fortunately, I've had no issues here.
#9 - Review some of the top modifications done on this site and implement some of the great ideas. Shower nozzle holder? Fluorescent light? etc.
One day, I could imagine TM having a titanium based trailer that is stronger and lighter than it is today.
Unfortunately, my TM had some problems which did not seem like the norm for the experience of the vast majority of owners. These were not expected as I always try to find quality products and felt very confident that TM was the choice. These were not operator errors or ignorance, but real problems which have been posted previously and will not be mentioned in this recommendation.
TM did rectify the situation at no charge to me except for my time and energy. I am satisfied with their response. I would have preferred never having the need to call them.
There was a learning curve involved with the TM and operator ignorance as well. This is my first RV. I am not being critical of TM. I am just offering for continuous improvement opportunity for a very neat product.
I find the TM very attractive. I have always received great comments on the TM from other campers each time I camped. She is beautiful and people seem to gravitate towards her. I had a lady come up before I even set up to get a close look. I invited her in to take a look. I had one gentleman who helped me back up to a tight spot and turned out he knew more about it than I did since he wanted to replace his real old Pop-Up and doing some serious research. One kid remarked, "that is so cool". I also have friends who we've invited and more are looking forward to a trip. So she definitely attracts a lot of positive attention and I am growing fond of her. So here is my recommendation:
#1 - Have a owners manual that matches the elegence and engineering innovation of the TM. Why not innovate and come up with a video guide (video, CD, DVD, whatever) or use pictures extensively. A picture can say a thousand words. The current manual is outdated, incomplete and poorly written. Most owners' manual or instruction guides are poorly written and I am sure everyone has experienced having to assemble something using an instructions that was probably written overseas by those who don't speak English or see illustrations that do not match your product (how frustrating). Once in a while you find a manual that is well written. These are priceless! Come up with a better manual to do justice to the neat product.
#2 - Provide options for the bed. I think the current one is too hard for me and I have yet to experience a good nights sleep in it. I sleep better on the couch bed. Why not offer a few options rather than having to improvise or modify and get egg foams and foams of other kind, etc. when the bed does not suit the owner. The manufacturer can provide some sales points on the importance of a good nights sleep. Pennywise and pound foolish may apply where sleep is concerned. But, preferences for beds are also very individual so offer options. Coleman does for their pop ups.
#3 - Have some sort of access for the water tank for dry camping. A hole with a door approximately 3 inch by 3 inch (similar to outside shower) should do it. To put water in the tank, you have to open the shell. Both camping sites I went to where I had to fill up with water had severe slope which was less than ideal for filling up with water. The other option is to fill up at home and haul 20 gallons of water for the trip. Perhaps you've considered and decided against it due to safety, engineering or cost. If not, consider it.
#4 - The pin mechanism for the dining table is dangerous. It pops out easily when you put the table back to the folding position. In addition, when you have little kids, they could easily pop it out accidentally or intentionally. Once loose, it is took me hours trying to figure out how to get it back together and darn near pop me in the face as the small metal piece is both sharp and springs. Even my dealer had a hard time with it. I cut myself trying to put the darn thing back it place after getting the how to from the dealer. It has been a major source of irritation for me even after learning how to use it properly. It needs to be more secure, especially for kids. This would be an easy and cheap fix. The explanation I got was that it is standard and purchased from a vendor. TM has a choice of which product and vendor to use. Go with a more sturdy and idiot proof design. I will make a modification to this item. And where is the instruction for this item?
Many of the tiny mechanisms need to be reviewed for design. The window awning also did not screw properly never holding the awning in place because it would not screw to a tightened position. The dealer was well aware of this issue. These little minor items need permanent, idiot proof solutions during manufacturing install and when the owner operates.
This also applys for the screws holding the shells. Mine came loose and was missing. In this case, it could be a potential safety issue or cause damage to other parts during tow. I now check each trip. Can you have a design where screws coming loose would be darn near impossible? I'm sure you can.
The same applies for the fire extinguisher holder. Each time, I've towed, it came loose. I just put it secure between the sofa parts when towing after the first 3 times. There must be a way to have it hold and make it easy to get out when needed. Perhaps 2 straps are needed instead of 1.
#5 - Make sure wooden doors are not squeaky when delivered. I didn't know whether this was normal or not until, the first night camping when the we needed to go during the night. It was fixed with PAM oil spray the following morning. Similar situation with dresser door. Squeak check should be SOP for QA checks. I now have WD-40 handy.
#6 - Make sure that a bumper to bumper inspection is done on the unit. I didn't realize all the tiny little yellow specks all over the TM until I went to wash it. I suspect it is adhesive residue. Also there is way too much excess caulking all over the place. My fingernails came in very handy to remove the yellow residue, but it took time and energy. I still have not removed all.
#7 - The entrance door pin and latch needs to remain fixed when towing. The hole for the latch is a single screw. When I opened the shell the last time, somehow the pin hole and latch worked loose so that the latch got turned upside down and the door could not be opened. For a moment, my blood pressure shot up. Thankfully, I was sharp that day and within a few minutes got out a plier and turned the hole and got it back in the normal position to open the door. The hole for the latch needs to be mounted so that it will not move easily. A single screw will move with force, so a design with 2 screws will be needed or some other solution.
The clamp that locks the door in place on the left side has also lost tightness. I suspect this area needs some additional attention. The screws used for this area is not an Allen or a normal Philips. Therefore, I have decided to make a 100 miles to have it taken care as a secondary item along with another issue (warped cabinet door).
I also recommend that TM have an illustration of all the different tools needed or provide a simple tool kit needed for the different types of screws, Allens, nuts and bolts they use. These could be sold as an option or provided. The cordless drill which makes raising and lowering the leveling jacks so much easier could also be provided or sold as an option.
#8 - Definitely provide extra fuses for free. This could save a camping trip. Fortunately, I've had no issues here.
#9 - Review some of the top modifications done on this site and implement some of the great ideas. Shower nozzle holder? Fluorescent light? etc.
One day, I could imagine TM having a titanium based trailer that is stronger and lighter than it is today.
. There are some quality issues, but for the money, savings in tow vehicle and now the savings in gas, I'm glad I own one. 
