Trailer Review: Trailmanor 2720 SL
Filed under RV & Trailer Reviews, Trailer Reviews
From its conservative travel length of just over 20 feet, the TrailManor 2720 SL folding travel trailer opens into a liberally sized domicile (27 feet long) that yields 180 square feet of interior living and sleeping space. Much like those ingenious folding Transformer toys kids love to manipulate, this travel trailer can be transformed in a matter of minutes into a spacious home away from home and returned to its travel configuration just as quickly.The roof is a two-part structure (independent halves). The roof’s front section is released first and extended, followed by releasing the latch pins on the rear half of the roof. To send the front roof section out and up, you simply grab hold at the bottom front leading edge and pull toward you (out). You don’t have to lift the roof because the torsion mechanism TrailManor uses does the job for you. As you pull the roof toward you, it also raises to its fully extended position. Next, you flip up the two front stabilizer bars (one on each side at front) and insert the locking pin.
Standing under the raised front roof section you are now ready to pull out the slide-out living area to where it matches the solid walls that are part of the roof structure. After completing a similar set of evolutions on the rear roof section, you are ready to pull the slide-out bed platform into position. Upon opening and positioning the two halves of the Dutch-style main entry door, you are finished on the outside.
Once inside, you simply position the Velcro-backed insulated vinyl panels around the front perimeter of the living area to make the unit airtight. The double door cabinet that is stowed for travel on the floor is lifted and latched into place on the exterior wall above the galley sink. The silverware drawer/cabinet is set into place on the countertop.
The wardrobe design is another example of TrailManor ingenuity: It rotates up and slides along a rail (to which it’s permanently attached) to its own platform, against the opposite exterior wall. Lastly, the solid walls and the door on the bathroom are folded up and into place and the interior is ready to be enjoyed.
Body Build. TrailManor uses pre-cut sections of ultra lightweight polystyrene foam and sandwiches and laminates them between sheets of aircraft-grade aluminum. This combination of materials and the lamination process is what helps provide the strength, excellent insulation and the lightweight characteristics of this trailer. The foam insulation is a dense material (1 to 3 inches thick, depending on where it’s used in the unit) and by sandwiching it between aircraft-grade aluminum (which is also strong and yields minimal weight), the final unitized structure becomes even stronger than the parts are individually.
Slung under the steel frame (2×5-inch tubular members) are the rubber torsion axle, independent suspension, 14-inch wheels and radial tires, 10-inch electric drum brakes, and the overall low travel profile of the folded-down body that makes this unit tow and track so well. To protect the underbelly from any kicked-up road debris, the underside is dressed with aluminum sheet metal.
Inner Beauty. Inside a TrailManor you’ll find the things you would expect in a conventional travel trailer: Beds are permanent and not stuck in the middle of the living space; and bright maple cabinets and granite-look countertops provide a stylish touch.
The 2720 SL comes standard with an upholstered lounge chair that can be placed anywhere in the living area. There is also a unit-wide sofa/bed and two fold-down tables (one at each end of the sofa) in the front-end living/dining area of the 2720 SL that can be used for meals or lounging. This dual-purpose area covers for the lack of a separate and unique dining area.
The rest of the coach interior is filled out with a decent-sized galley area with a large single sink and faucet, refrigerator, cook-top and plenty of open countertop space on both sides of the kitchen; a private bathroom with cabinets, 12-volt-power recirculating toilet, sink, tub surround and shower; and a queen-size bed and full-height wardrobe at the tail end of the trailer.
Its electrical, plumbing, HVAC (heat, vent and air conditioning) and other utility systems and components found on the 2720 SL work well, and are yet another example of the care that goes into designing and building the TrailManor. In addition to the large freshwater tank, there is a 30-gallon wastewater tank for the lavy, shower/tub and galley sink.
The interior lighting system, porch light, and Fantastic Fan are 12-volt, but this unit also features a 30-amp, 25-foot power cord that permits the unit to tap into shore power at an RV campground for such things as the optional roof air conditioner and microwave oven (in place of the LPG oven). The system also includes a 45-amp power converter and battery charger.
Twin 20-pound LPG tanks located forward and nestled in between the structural steel members of the trailer tongue provide fuel to the cook-top range (with oven), the 20,000 BTU furnace and the LPG (or electric) water heater. For safety, an LPG-leak detector is included as standard equipment.
Road Manners. Our tow vehicle was a Dodge 1500 Hemi Mega Cab, and we didn’t use a load-leveling or sway-control device. Based on our experience over a variety of roads, the 2720 SL and the Dodge 1500 did not need these trailer-taming devices. Except for when we looked in the side or rear-view mirrors, the fact that the 2720 SL was behind us was transparent to those inside, especially to the driver. We also found it reassuring to be able to look out the rear-view mirror of the Dodge and see (over the top of the TrailManor roofline) any traffic that was directly behind our rig. Its travel height is only 64 inches.
The TrailManor exhibits excellent road manners and towing behavior, but ease of towing is only one of several pluses associated with owning this fold-up trailer. One of the options offered on the TrailManor is its hinged, foldable trailer tongue, reducing the overall length of the unit by 2 feet for storage. Many neighborhoods have codes and regulations that prevent an RV from being parked even in the driveway, let alone on the street. This means the TrailManor can often be stowed in the typical-sized family home garage with the door closed.
The wet gross (including a full tank of fresh water) and tongue weights gathered at a public scale were 3300 and 400 pounds, respectively. An effective cargo capacity of approximately 875 pounds remained, good for extended vacations. And due to its reasonable weight, many “family” vehicles can easily tow the unit with minimal impact on ever-increasingly important fuel economy.
For many, the TrailManor 2720 SL makes good sense. It incorporates the desirable features associated with a typical folding trailer, but comes with the security of solid walls. However, it’s far from just an upgraded tent trailer. Once set up, the trailer offers roomy comfort, and “big” trailer amenities and equipment. For those who want to begin enjoying trailer-camping in comfort and style, the TrailManor may be just the ticket. It’s an adult Transformer you can go on vacation in.
Major Standard Features. Independent suspension rubber torsion axles, double entrance steps, four scissor jacks, 110-volt outside receptacle, three porch lights, 12-volt demand water system, city water hook-up, auto-ignition gas/electric water heater, three-way refrigerator, 20,000-BTU furnace, twin 20-gallon LPG tanks, monitor panel, granite-look countertops, stainless steel kitchen sink, spare tire and carrier, outside shower, TV/cable outlet, park cable and phone jack, maple cabinet doors.
Major Optional Features. Roof air conditioner with heater, awning, TV antenna with power amplifier, swingaway hitch tongue, microwave oven, hanging kitchen cabinet, electric tongue jack, three-drawer dresser, stove cover, bike carrier
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh,new trailer you say? A third? Yes our friend Chester warned us of this syndrome,and predicts we'll be driving a full sized bus and towing a car behind it before we are through. Don't think so. Great as it is to have our own bathroom in the middle of the night, a little fridge, an oven, and separate living and sleeping rooms,the trade off is reduced spontaneity and mobility. We do find ourselves waxing nostalgic when we see a teardrop or an Aliner. But for now, the 4 of us are enjoying all the creature comforts.
Oh,4 you say? Yes,we have an extra dog on this trip. Mason is really no trouble,save for the tangling hassle involved in having 2 dogs tethered to the picnic table, and his tendency to be out cavorting with glee in the water as the sheriff approaches when we are trying to quickly gather and leash them.
Anyway, the trip down was good.I had a 30% off internet coupon code from our favorite pet friendly hotel chain that our daughter ( a professional fine print reader) told us would work once,at best twice. Well,this thing was like the oil that lasted for 8 days. Thus we made it to Florida spending a grand total of $100 in lodging.
Checked into the first of a series of 2 week State Park reservations in Hobe Sound on the day of the AFC championship, which we watched with the dogs at a tiki bar that turned out to be owned by a relative of the owner of the Ravens. Jonathan Dickinson is one of our favorite parks,due to its proximity to Jupiter Beach and Hobe Sound Beach. Two Beauties! The park has done a lot of prescriptive burning,which has reduced the racoon/armadillo population in the camping area by quite a bit.Did see a deer running behind our campsite on day 1. The weather was in the 80's for all of the 2 weeks, and I got to do a bit of fishing:2 yellow jacks,2 blue runners, 1 Pompano, and 1/2 dozen whiting. A few interesting people : the two guys in their 60's who were traveling on a tandem recumbent bicycle; the guy traveling with doves and rabbits (Itinerant Magician??); Bob from Michigan who is awaiting his SSDI decision, and who bemoans Florida's lack of medicinal marijuana, and the highly talkative Norm from Pennsylvania who has 21 engineering jobs for the taking in Fracking country. Got to see Dave and Ann a couple of times, had a great dinner out in Jensen Beach.
Right now we're up in St. Augustine. Anastasia Park is nice, but the dog regulations are MUCH more of a hassle up here. And the temps are enough cooler to make us thankful we're headed back South in a couple of weeks. (Our itinerary is a bit ping-pongy due to the difficulties with the Reserve America system---it's a little like trying to get Red Sox Playoff tickets online)
As you can probably tell, mundane and routine are pretty much what we're going for this year. Doesn't make for great blogging...but I'm counting on you commenters to spice things up for all of us.
Glad to hear that all is going well with the new abode and that Mason is minding his manners (sorta). Good work on the internet connection freebies. Mundane and routine sounds like it is suiting you.
ReplyDeleteHere in Greenfield we are doing a lot of pool swimming and the tomatoes are coming up. The February sun is encouraging the roses to bloom.
Okay, I am hallucinating more than a little and we are expecting some small amount of snow on Saturday, but it has been a remarkably warm winter so far.
The big news in the last couple of days is that Ervin broke his collar bone two days ago while he was felling a tree. Gloria said that he started working on the tree and she came outside 10 minutes later and he was out cold on the ground. She said that they are not really sure what happened except that the tree narrowly missed his head. So, big sigh of relief. I just talked with Ervin. He won't see the orthopedist until tomorrow, but sounds in good spirits. He is avoiding the pain meds except at night. So overall, sounds as good as can be expected.
Your friend, Chester, is no fool. I think he suggested the Manor when talk about living the trailer life first began.
ReplyDeleteHe is curious as to how the Beauty (as opposed to the Beast) handled the extra load.
Hi! This is Dita. I just wrote a long comment to you, but, being completely unfamiliar with blogs, I clicked on the wrong thing (publish) and it completely vanished. Who knows who will be reading it as it floats around in the clouds. Glad you are well and enjoying the sun. We are moving this month and hope to close in HP in early March. Yahooo!. Busy, busy. Gordon and Mason are lucky ducks-I mean lucky dogs!
DeleteChet, the Honda could use a few more horses but gets better mileage than the people with full size pickups. 15 mpg overall and really improved after PA when the road has fewer hills. The full size guys get about 10 mpg?
ReplyDeleteMark
Chet, 10! I don't know where the ? Came from. Dita no kidding about the blog posting it can be extremely frustraaaaaaaaaaaaattttttiiiinnng.
ReplyDeleteYou're back in Florida? Again?! It must be winter. This is awesome cause guess where I am? F-L-A, dudes! I could use a cool trailer like that.
ReplyDeleteI got a call from a guy I know in Boston who was casting a complete production of the Ring Cycle. He needed a singer with rare acting ability and I said I rarely showed talent in either of those departments which was enough to land me the job. I have the part of Fhartsboy, a pivotal character usually cut from productions at the Met because of the three hours it adds to the already unbelievable length of this monstrosity. For the 1928 Paris Opera production they translated the German libretto into French. That sounded too "floofie," so they translated the French into Italian, which didn't work at all. So instead of using the original, they once again translated the text from Italian back to German, and presto: a new part appeared. Fhartsboy, one of the most demanding roles in the non-singing vocal repertoire, is an enigmatic putz alternately charming and(mostly) repulsing the rest of the cast. He's flindered for the whole thing. In fact, my big aria in the third act of the fourth section of the last opera is sung entirely while lying in the gutter. The controversy, both on-stage and off, is the novel twist the character brings to the otherwise pendulous plot. Right in the middle of things, Fhartsboy steals the Ring of the Nibelungen and carries it back to its origin. This throws a huge wrench into the story-line and the whole thing starts over from the beginning. Here's a snippet from the climactic passage of my big aria. I do it with a Mustang Sally feel:
In Voton's creepy castle high
Atop that mountain I did spy
A viking chick with wings like sails!
I stared agape, and tho was blotto,
Heard her sing with huge vibratto
a song of a Norse travails,
In length it told of Voton's bling,
a magical, wicked, priceless ring,
That sadly I returned to Zales.
We open at the cafe in Dave's Gator Adventure in Okeechobee and if the tips are decent, go for the next two weeks. They get the whole thing twice a day at five and eight... really fast. The early show blows but I'll hold a table for the eight o'clock right up front in the spitting section. (Look out for Sigfried, he should be a ride at Sea World.) Bring the dogs!
Hey, can I sleep in your trailer? We haven't actually been "paid" yet, though us opera people really do it for the art.
Uncle-a Steve-a
(PS Mark, the one and only time I ever heard anyone use the term "flindered" was from the amazing Mr. Zander. You gotta have art.)