Reflections of full time travel in our TM

[rdlamb]

Having lived in our Tour Master now, full time, for just over 2 years, I find I must give GS some accolades

In the pouring rain, driving, drenching, wind blasted rain found in North Oregon; not a leak. You know the wind is blowing but the coach stayed dry and sound.

In -20 weather in Montana (had to stay longer than we wanted), the coach stayed warm. Nothing in the basements froze.

In 120 weather in Phoenix, in August, the coach stayed at 82; which felt right cold after a trip outside.

In a miserable dust storm, followed by days of howling wind, in North Texas; the coach had some dust inside but not a lot. The TM held up well.

The TM drives very well. Have only added a Safe-T-Steer to stabilize the front wheels. I have been told that a bolder bell crank is a thought, but looking at the one that Frieghtliner put on our TM, I do not see any need for a replacement.

Will add a tire monitoring system. Have not decided on which model. If anyone has a suggestion, please let me know.

So, all in all. Our TM just withstood another meeting with 8 friends. They drive Newmar, Alpine, Alfa, Winnebago, Holiday Rambler, Fleetwood Revolution, and Country Coach. Overall, (and I'm not so enamored with the TM that I would compliment it if it didn't deserve it), the TM stands out as being one great coach.

I would buy another one.

[mfa]

I know a number of RV owners who swear by the Pressure Pro TPM system.

OT: WRT your signature, would you recommend any campgrounds in the Gettysburg area?

[rdlamb]

Yes, the Gettysburg KOA. Clean, well ran, close to the historic areas.
Will look at the Pressure Pro TPM system, thanks.

[coolchas11]

Rick,
We, too, like our TM. As far as tire monitoring systems, we have SmarTire and it has been ok giving vital readings. However, it is expensive and requires tire removal to get at the sensors. Charlie

[rdlamb]

Actually, I was leaning toward the internal monitors. My thought was that the stem monitors are easily removed by evil doers, or may leak. I had purchased a set of the valve cap "pressure" monitors, and even though one was green all the time, the tire was at 65 psi instead of 120.

Will consider both, although having all tires removed will occur somewhere down the road, preferably when I have the tires changed.

Thanks for the advice.

[trickto322]

I agree with your accessment of your TM. Having our TM for a few years I am surprised at how much of a looker it still is. This past winter we had people ask if they could take a picture in front of our motorhome or can they take a quick look inside. Very cool. :lol:

[rdlamb]

Thanks Trickto:
I had the front of mine Rhino'd, got tired of the paint chips. They matched the paint and trim. Lots of people stop, have only had one outta thousands, that didn't like it. Right after we had this done a lug nut blew off a 100mph semi and smashed into our front. Not a scratch, and no damage to the inside of the fiberglass panels. Probably paid for itself with that one incident.

[trickto322]

What was that you did to the front? How does it look? We have the same issue with the chipped paint. DW spends hours touching it up everytime we stop at a campground.

[rdlamb]

Instead of a vinyl bra, I had Rhino spray a protective liner onto the front of the coach. You either like it, or do not, as it is permanent. Cleans with water. Matches the paint. You can hit it with a hammer, and not leave a dent. Overall, I am happy with it.

[trickto322]

thanks Rick, intesting concept. We have a speed shop down the road and we'll go check that out.

[rdlamb]

Trickto:
I also had a 6" strip sprayed along the entire coach. It covers the bottom of the compartments. The shop was great, in that they opened the compartments and ran a layer around the compartment doors. It actually looks like something the factory did.
This has saved our bacon more than once. A work truck in front of us lost a ladder, that I could not avoid. It bounced against our right side, and again, not a dent.
Rock chips are a thing of the past.

Someday I will figure out how to post pictures, and be able to let you see what it looks like.