New to group - pledging TS owner - need advice

[H.Huester]

Wife and I are full-timing for last year in a 31' Airstream travel Trailer - love it and want to continue for the next few years in a Class A. Researched the net, visited MANY lots/coaches and have settled on a used TS in the 38-40 foot range. Yes, I know TS are orphans, but we like the build quality, the coaches give great value for the money, and besides... they just feel "right".

Am looking for advice on what to look for as we try to narrow down to one coach. I have read through all of the posts on this site and did not find the information I am looking for:

Are there better/worst years?
Are there nagging issues that certain models/floor plans have?
Any specific long-term issues like suspension, alignment, engine, transmission, brakes, body panels, leaks, etc (I know about the X-brace on 40'+ models)?
Anything I should be looking for during the inspection (susceptibility to corrosion, cracks, etc.)?

Am pretty much looking for ANYTHING you all can share to help a newby wanting to buy a TS for full-timing.

Thank you VERY much for your help!
H.Huester

[Ann n Gene]

Well, the later year the better, just because they learned and the units got better with each year, not that the first ones were not great, they were. About the only big issue, as you have found out, was the X bracing (windshields popping out) but that was limited to the K2 chassis and it is a drag axle chassis. Really, there are few issues with the Travel Supreme, of course any coach can have leaks etc just do a thorough check of everything and you should be fine.

[H.Huester]

Thank you for your reply. A quick follow-on question for you: What is a "drag axle"? I know what a "tag" axle is, but never heard of a "drag" axle...

Thanks again for your input/help!
H.Huester

[turbo24]

Quote:

Originally Posted by H.Huester Thank you for your reply. A quick follow-on question for you: What is a "drag axle"? I know what a "tag" axle is, but never heard of a "drag" axle... Thanks again for your input/help! H.Huester

The 38' and 40' have had windshield issues also. Not a big deal, if it was me i would X brace any TS that i bought.JMO

[Ann n Gene]

Quote:

Originally Posted by H.Huester Thank you for your reply. A quick follow-on question for you: What is a "drag axle"? I know what a "tag" axle is, but never heard of a "drag" axle... Thanks again for your input/help! H.Huester

Sorry about that, the old trucker coming out in me. They are one and the same. Truckers have always referred to the non powered axle as a drag axle if it was behind the driver or a pusher axle if it was in front of the drive axle. Old habits are hard to break.

[sailor_lou]

They all seem well built, but as Ann n Gene stated the refinements got better in the later years. Since you are aware of the X-bracing issue, IMO you know the only real problem with a TS, except for maybe their lack of good documentation. They provided all the subsupplier manuals, but very little on the coach. Luckily, you can figure most thing out without too much effort.

Although I'm sure it may happen on any coach, the flexing/windshield issues seem common on the larger rigs with the K2 chassis. I have the 38'er with four slides on the Mountain Master chassis and no X-bracing. No issues with the windshield poping, tiles cracking, cabinets separating or even unusual noises. Other than the routine inspections identified above, I can't think of any TS specific items to look for when making the purchase.

Good luck with your search,

Lou
05 TS Envoy 38DS04

[justaroamer]

Hi, H.Huester. You are on the right track, great coach. Because I recently purchased a 45', I will be selling my '06, 42' Insignia Select upon returning home in a couple of weeks. The '42 has a tag axle as discussed earlier and is a great coach. On Mountain Master GT chassis and has been X braced. No issues what so ever in the 20k miles I have put on it. I may be interested in trading. Let me know if interested. Located in MO.
Rob

[H.Huester]

Thanks for the feedback - sincerely appreciate everyone's help.

Rob, moving up from a 31' Airstream TT to a 38' Class A is quite a bit of a jump for us - I think a 42' tag-axle would be way beyond our "needs". Not sure that is the wisest move at this stage of our adventure.

Thanks again for everyone's help!
H.Huester