1. No electric tongue jack.
Not a big deal. I've had 3 TT's, each one bigger than the previous. None came with an electric tongue jack. My last camper was quite heavy, and I'm getting older. Before I took delivery of the camper, I had the dealer install an electric tongue jack. As part of the deal, I paid up-front for the jack, and they installed it, no charge. I also had roof vent covers installed too. I paid upfront for them, and they did not charge for installation. The electric jack is really much nicer than the hand crank on my 2 previous campers. But replacing the manual for an electric is really not a big deal.
2. No water heater bypass.
I have a very hard time believing there is no water heater bypass. If Thor Industries is now going THIS cheap, something is really wrong with the industry! Really wrong. Check again, I think you'll find the bypass. More than likely, it's only 1 valve with a built in check-valve on the water out side.
Still, if there really is none, minor plumbing, no problem. Check with your dealer and if you are really sold on this camper, make it a deal breaker and have them install a by-pass.
3. No black water flush inlet.
My first 2 trailers never had one. My current one does. I use it sometimes, when I have time at dump stations and no one is waiting behind me. And I use it at home when I winterize. But both my black and grey join at one outlet, so I picked up a Flush King (clear section with a valve) and use it to back-flush the grey into the black. And this cleans out the black so well, the flusher is really not needed. I also have a wand that attaches to the end of a garden hose. Pushing that down the toilet and turning on the water, actually does a better job than the built in flusher.
4. Roof is rubber with walk on joints.
About 99% of RV roof's are rubber. Take care of it and it will be no problem. Rubber is no problem. It's more important to check the calking seams to recalk when needed.
I would not let any of these stop me from getting the camper, if this is the one I'm really interest in.
About points above:
I prefer new over used, simply because I don't want to inherit someone else's problem that they've hidden. Bought a house once where the previous owner hid some massive problems that weren't found until after we moved in! I learned my lesson then!
New gives you the warranty, and you know the history of your camper from day 1.
It is true, after about 3 years, first time owners will trade their first camper. We traded our first one after less than 2 years. But the second one we kept 8 years, and now we are starting year 5 with our 3rd one.
If you like the camper, get it! It might be end up being THE perfect one for you, getting it right the FIRST time. Don't let those of use who changed our minds after a couple years sway you here. Hum! All of us who now warn about trading after 2-3 years wouldn't listen to the same warning either. AND WE ALL LIVED THROUGH IT ANYWAY!
Just don't buy on compulsion. Think it all through. And yes! Sit inside the camper with all the slides in and make sure you can function (access beds, kitchen area, and bathroom).
A wise old preacher told me when I wanted to marry the (wrong) girl, but I was so much 'in-love' I couldn't see the fire because of all the smoke! He said, "Put your heart in the deep freeze, and your head in the oven!" It took me a while to figure out what that meant. I never married the girl. It took another 3 years, but I did find the right one then!
