Community Forums

Tybraker · 02-01-2011, 06:47 AM

We're going to get back into RVing after 7 years of being away. A hurricane took our 25' Aerolite in 2004 and we've been "camping" by renting camping cabins ever since. We're thinking about a Trailmanor ... benefits of towing like a popup but no soft sides and a little more room. I'd love to have anyone's comments - both good and bad - regarding Trailmanor. We're spending the day Saturday looking at trailers and would love comments before the big tour.

Superslif · 02-05-2011, 07:29 PM

Happened to look inside a Trailmanor at the RV show last month. Having a Aerolite hybrid, I thought it (Aerolite) had much more room than the Trailmanor.

The 05' Aerolite's went to a 8' wide floorplan starting in the 05' model year. Before that they were 7-1/2'. Also the small slide in the Aerolite's really opens up the living space. The inside width I thought was tight. Their spec list the outside width as 7'7". With the roof section fitting over the bottom section, that causes the inside width to be much smaller.

Then you come to price. They seem to be twice the price of a hybrid. Yes, the cabinets were a higher grade.

Aerolite is starting to produce a new floorplan for their hybrids. It won't be ready for another month (232E) or so. My 05' Aerolite Cub (hybrid) 24' has only a couch slide. This new 232E floorplan will have the couch and kitchen in the slide (minus the frig).

Our floorplan is #236 with so much counter and cabinet space. Have used our Aerolite hybrid well over 300 nights in 6 seasons. Since then I have not found another hybrid with such a great floorplan. Was looking to either get into a 5er or buy a new Aerolite if there was a floorplan that was equal in what we have now. #236 Aerolite Cub Pix's

bakerkids · 02-11-2011, 09:12 PM

I've very rarely, if ever, heard anything negative about Trailmanor.

Bug512 · 02-25-2011, 07:54 PM

Like a pop-up camper (we owned one years ago) I think the loading and unloading of one would be a pain. Along with the smaller refrigerator.

And your resale audience is smaller with this kind of trailer.

Randy the sly old fox · 03-17-2011, 07:05 PM

Trail manors are great TTs for the majority of camping needs. I have a friend who has had one for several years now - tows it with a Tacoma. The biggest problem is that you need to set it up to load, then tear it down to tow, second problem is lack of good seals around the middle (at least in this unit) to keep the cold out - friend is a fair weather camper.

I think the TM offers the hard sides of a TT, low tow hieght of a Pop Up - two things hybreds can't

tomwalt · 03-17-2011, 07:23 PM

Welcome and enjoy your search for that RV that was meant for you. I looked into Trailmanors (as well as hybrids) a few years back - I like the TM concept and design. I recommend looking at the used ones (even if you plan to buy new). That will show you where the weak areas are in each design (i.e. leaks). If you buy used make sure all recalls are complete. TM had a couple years where the wheel wells were square (or hex) and the tires rubbed when on rough roads - there were new round wheel well fixes available.

goldwingerx2 · 03-18-2011, 07:17 PM

We had a 90 25foot and loved it. We camping in late fall early spring with no problems. We had it until we upgraded to Class A.

Superslif · 03-21-2011, 06:49 PM

On any used hybrid, the first thing to look at is where the bulk end material meets the wall, especially along the roof line....

As far as cold weather camping in a hybrid, if the night time temps are in the 40's a small electric heater will do. In the upper 30's you will have to use the furnace. And the outer ends of the bunk will get a little cold. We have camped where the temps at night were in the upper teens. Just used sleeping bags on the bunks....

husk · 04-03-2011, 06:59 PM

I love the fold-out Trail Manor concept (have never owned one)...I would buy one except, when folded down for travel..there is no access to the bathroom in case of an emergency.

My wife and I have sensitive stomachs, and sometimes as we travel, we have an urgent need for a bathroom stop. Our present trailer is conventional..so it's just a matter of pulling over, and using the bathroom.

Trail Manor has a new model called the Elkmont, that does not fold down...I had interest in that as well for the light weight........I googled an owners chat site, and there were many complaints..surprisingly many..because as we know all models have some problems...

Don't let that stop you..but I would read the owners complaints, and make sure that the factory has addressed those problems. regards.

TXiceman · 04-03-2011, 07:43 PM

We have looked at the Trailmanor trailers and they are very interesting. The ones we looked at had some issues with fit and finish, especially on the inside. Also, we noticed some of the seals did not match well around the door are which would lead to drafts and water leaks.

Be sure you go over the unit and get any of the trim issues fixed before you sign and drive off.

Ken