TrailManor

[C. Hains]

I was reading an old thread and saw that several people have a TrailManor.  I am going to the dealer tomorrow to take a look.  What advice, if any, do you all have for me?  
I like the idea of it towing more like a popup.  It also sounds like it is a whole lot easier to set up.
My TV has a towing capacity of 5000#.  I posted a question about hybrids on the General Forum and received some good advice - am looking now for some input from those of you who own the TrailManor - is it considered a hybrid?  Do you like it?  Any regrets about buying it, etc.
Thanks.

[Civil_War_Buff]

I was reading an old thread and saw that several people have a TrailManor.  I am going to the dealer tomorrow to take a look.  What advice, if any, do you all have for me?  
I like the idea of it towing more like a popup.  It also sounds like it is a whole lot easier to set up.
My TV has a towing capacity of 5000#.  I posted a question about hybrids on the General Forum and received some good advice - am looking now for some input from those of you who own the TrailManor - is it considered a hybrid?  Do you like it?  Any regrets about buying it, etc.
Thanks.

Well, your tow vehicle will handle any size TM that you may want.  The main piece of advice is to get a trailer that is big enough for your entire family.  I have heard that if you get one too small it can get a little cramped if the weather is not outdoor friendly.  We have the 2720 and for the two of us it is perfect.

To answer your question, no it is not considered at Hybrid, but a travel trailer.  There is no canvas that is customarily associated with a hybrid, and it is licensed as such.  

I have had mine since August 2002 and I still love it as I did the day we brought it home.  I find that with the ease of towing and setup we go more places that we did with our popup and we love the bathroom and the oven.  I would not hesitate to do it all over again...no regrets here, with the exception of the desire for an SL model over the straight 2720, but there are many benefits to having the extra bed too, so it is purely a personal one.  

If you have any specific questions, email me and I will be glad to answer questions that you might have.  Also, if you click on my weblink you can see my setup as well as links to other TrailManor sites including the TMOwners site.

Good luck and let us know how it goes tomorrow.

Larry

[aldebnj]

We love our 3023 as well.  We were looking for a replacement for our pop up for a long time and first looked at the Trailmanor last Summer while camping on Cape Cod.  Almost went home with one right there!  We ususally camp with 3 of us but for Memorial Day weekend my parents will be joining us for 5, so all of the beds will be in use.  Our set up time has gone down and we have lots of storage in the trailer.  It tows very well and my Expedition can handle it with out a wieght distribution hitch, but I may add one anyway.
 
If you have any specific questions, I can try and answer them too.  I hope this helps.
 
Al

[C. Hains]

I looked at several models yesterday and am considering taking the plunge! I was real impressed with how easily they go up and down.  Also love the decor and the features like low point drains, oven, etc.
I have to figure out now how to negotiate a reasonable price!  That's always a challenge for me.
Thanks for your input.
Any other suggestions and/or advice is welcome!
Carole

[NightOwl]

Carole, we love our two year old 3023 and have never regretted getting it for a minute although towing  it over the 4-5,000 foot mountains around us with our current TV (like yours, ours  has a 5,000 lb payload limit) takes some careful weight planning.  Be warned, unless you get the smallest, lightest TM, you will find yourself PAINFULLY close to your tow limit sometimes  depending on gear and options and passengers and their stuff.  And making steep climbs will  be something you cant take for granted.  (And I would NEVER try something like the Rockies with our current 5,000lb limit  TV since your engine loses compression with each thousand feet of altitude)

But you live in Ohio and if you arent planning to go far afield and tackle high passes like you find around Durango, Colorado, your TV should do just fine.

One thing that helps us is our Weight Distribution Hitch made by E-qualizer.  It is wonderful.  the people at the TM factory recommended it and we are so glad we got one.  I never feel  uneasy when we are towing--with this hitch, it is impossible for sway to develop, and  also having  a WDH gives your vehicle a bit more payload  capacity.

As for price, some people here and at other sites just flat out say it is too expensive and they think it is way overpriced.  I dont agree--lots of technology and special materials and construction techniques go into the TM; it is  cleverly planned and laid out and  is a very sturdy product.  The hard sides provide a bit of extra security and I have camped in our alone without feeling worried about safety.   I have towed ours 1,500 miles completly alone and find it easy to set up and close, also by myself.    

As for negotiating a price for a new one, you probably wont be able to get a large  discount off the listed price.  However, used ones in good condition are sometimes available and at very good prices so you might look around for a used one if price is a consideration.  (Usually a used TM is in quite good shape since their original price is so high--owners tend to take very good care of such a large investment.)

Like the others said, the bathroom, the AC, and the oven and all the other creature comforts are really wonderful and it is a true "travel trailer" when open.  I love the spacious, airey feeling in ours and once camped in it for 3 weeks straight without feeling cramped or  inconvenienced.