ksd wrote: We are considering ordering a new TT through our dealer. It would be built to our order. This particular manufacturer offers quite a few real "options" in addition to the "mandatory option" packages. Never having owned a TT before, we'd appreciate some advice as to how useful each of the following options is:
1. Tinted Safety Glass Windows
2. Exterior hung glass (Huh? What is that?)
3. Aluminum wheels IPO steel
4. Rear ladder
5. Electric awning
6. heated/wrapped holding tanks (TT underbelly is not enclosed, so they offer insulated holding tanks as an option)
7. Slider windows replace fixed on slide ends
8. Outside grill
9. Step light
10. Front window with rock guard
11. 15M BTU AC IPO standard 13.5M
12. 21 inch range IPO standard 17 inch
13. Dinette access doors (on ends of dinette, so you don't have to remove cushions to access storage)
14. Porcelain toilet (IPO plastic, I assume)
FWIW, this is abotu a 30 foot bunkhouse trailer that will be used for three season camping in the upper midwest by a family of five (kids' ages are 8, 5 and 3 at present). We will not be parking permanently at a site, but will take it with us on weekend and occasional week-long trips.
So, which of these, if any, do you think are worthwhile, and why? Right now, I'm inclined to skip the electric awning and go with the manual. I'm also inclined to skip the outdoor grill, as we do just fine bringing the one we have. The rest of the options, however, I'm just not sure about.
Thanks!
1. Maybe, your preference and if you have blinds you really don't need the windows tinted.
4. Yes easy access to roof
6. Toss up and if you never use them might be more trouble than worth
7. Maybe depending on other window locations for ventillation
9. Yes, can never have too much light
12. A big yes, we hate our tiny 17" oven
13. Yes, but make sure the seat base lifts since just using the door for full storage use is a hassle
Personally I would pass on all the rest
Larry
2001 standard box 7.3L E-350 PSD Van with 4.10 rear and 2007 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite 8306S Been RV'ing since 1974. TRAILER MODS
someone suggested better tires, I say running gear and tires...
and again this gets ignored... people only want the things they can show off to their friends...
Give it a rest, JJ. I'm the original poster. As I said above, I was asking only about those options that are offered by the manufacturer, as I need to decide whether the check those boxes at the time of order. The manufacturer does not offer upgrades on "running gear and tires." If it did, I would have included those on the list. This is not a custom built unit, and I can't spec it out any way I might want. If I had the money for a custom built unit, I'm sure I would spec it out with very high end suspension, tires and brakes.
If the suspension and tires need to be upgraded, I can and will do that on my own. I have reason to believe that the suspension will indeed need to be upgraded, and I will likely install a Dexter HD suspension. The standard tires are Goodyear brand radials, which seems like a solid start, and I can decide later whether I need to replace them with something better.
Moreover, the suggestion for better tires was not ignored. The 6th post in the thread is my response to that initial suggestion.
I would give a second thought to the front window with the rock guard. We really appreciate the front window on our trailer (front kitchen) and the rock guard is to protect the window during travel. It also functions as an awning while camping and lets us keep that window open during heavy rains.
If the trailer you are considering has a front bedroom, then perhaps it would not be as important, but my wife loves ours to admit light while she is in the kitchen and also so she can see what is going on in front of the trailer.
Barney
2004 Sunnybrook 30FKS TT
Hensley "Arrow" 1400# hitch
2002 Ford F250 Super Duty, 7.3L PSD
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someone suggested better tires, I say running gear and tires...
and again this gets ignored... people only want the things they can show off to their friends...
Give it a rest, JJ. I'm the original poster. As I said above, I was asking only about those options that are offered by the manufacturer, as I need to decide whether the check those boxes at the time of order. The manufacturer does not offer upgrades on "running gear and tires." If it did, I would have included those on the list. This is not a custom built unit, and I can't spec it out any way I might want. If I had the money for a custom built unit, I'm sure I would spec it out with very high end suspension, tires and brakes.
If the suspension and tires need to be upgraded, I can and will do that on my own. I have reason to believe that the suspension will indeed need to be upgraded, and I will likely install a Dexter HD suspension. The standard tires are Goodyear brand radials, which seems like a solid start, and I can decide later whether I need to replace them with something better.
Moreover, the suggestion for better tires was not ignored. The 6th post in the thread is my response to that initial suggestion.
well now... so you titled the thread built to order and open with,
Quote: We are considering ordering a new TT through our dealer. It would be built to our order.
only later to say your question is which options to order... you also responded to the tire upgrade suggestion with it has GY so you good to go...
you won't know what tires it has until it gets here, no matter what the brochure says...
some will, some won't upgrade tires and/or suspension when ordering a new trailer... almost one one even ask...
I will give it a rest on this thread because I have better use of my time, but underbuilding trailers has long been the biggest safety issue facing TT buyers... the funny thing is they don't seem to mind, until the tire blows, spring or torsion rubber sags, or the chassis bends...
enjoy your new trailer...
Love my mass produced, entry level, built by Lazy American Workers, Hornet
We have most of the options you have listed and would order most of them again. I will recommend that you be very specific with details. Here is what we ordered/got. I asked for a 3500-pound tongue hitch but the order only said electric tongue jack and we got a 2500-pound. The electric awning that was demonstrated to us was an auto dump model; we got one that is not an auto dump-we did not specify, in writing, the model number. Would not get another electric awning-they are no good in wind or rain. Be very specific with model numbers/manufactures etc. for accessories. Shop around for the bolt on accessories you may save some cash. Get the propane from propane dealer-much cheaper. I would not get the alum wheels again-lost hubcaps.
I'm with JJ in the camp that if your are ordering a trailer and considereing the options you have have listed that you at least ought to inform yourself about what the trailer will weigh as built and make sure that the running gear is in that leauge.
I have also found that manufacturers have a standard option list that everyone see's ...... and then the list of things that they may not really want to do but will do to sell a trailer. Just because something isn't on the list they gave you doens't mean it can't be done..... at least as long as you still hold the money. Don't be afraid to ask.
When I ordered my AF30U the first thing on the standard build list was the axles, wheels, tires, and suspension components...... no they don't add any bling factor but I can relax knowing the trailer I'm towing is sturdy and capable of handling the load.
To the OP, at the price point you are considereing have you considered looking at the Northwood products. Most of the options you have listed are standard build items and one of the best built trailers on the market.
well now... so you titled the thread built to order and open with,
Quote: We are considering ordering a new TT through our dealer. It would be built to our order.
only later to say your question is which options to order...
There's a big difference between "built to order" and "custom." The former means "built in response to my order" as opposed to buying from dealer stock. The latter means "built to my particular specifications."
Mods -- time to lock this thread. I have my answers.
Thanks.
* This post was
edited 08/23/08 09:39am by an administrator/moderator *
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