Forum Discussion

lwbfl's avatar
lwbfl
Explorer
Jan 12, 2014

Back in the RV game!

I sold the '78 Citation PUP, '71 Airstream Land Yacht and '80 Minnie Winnie and bought a 2004 Trail Bay 27DS TT! This is the first TT I've owned with a slide out. What I don't have are any of the manuals for it. I haven't found them online for this particular model so I'll be calling the local dealers (shouldn't be hard now that I'm in snow bird land). I'm actually hoping someone here might have the same model? Also, what's the weight limitation on the slide where the dinette / bed is located? Seems like there should be a brace or jack for it just looking at the bar that holds it up there.
  • Dtaylor's avatar
    Dtaylor
    Explorer
    Jan 12, 2014
    It may be difficult to find a manual. I would suggest getting the model number and make of all of your appliances and search Google for each one. This way you create your own manual
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    Jan 13, 2014
    Generally there is no weight limitation on a slide out room. You can buy "slide room supports" like these:



    Generally NOT recommended by any mfr due to the potential for damage...if the TT settles or moves and the slide room does not due to these supports, you risk mis-aligning the slide mechanism and causing operating issues with the slide.

    Stabilize the trailer frame when you park and the slide out will be fine.
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    Jan 13, 2014
    Go to Bryant RV's website, then click on the links at the top of the page for "Sevice Manuals" for your appliances. He may also have several in the "Owners Manual" section.

    As Burbman mentioned, there is usually no weight limitation on the slide out, and supports like he pictured are not recommended.

    Good luck with your rig. :)
    Barney
  • lizbard's avatar
    lizbard
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2014
    Duncan RV Repair in Elkhart,IN
    http://www.duncanrvrepair.com/?ref=hartcity

    might be able to help. Contact the Elkhart, IN Chamber of Commerce and they should be able to help you find some of the warehouses there that bought out the different companies that went out of business in the last few years.

    I agree with Dtaylor about writing down the name and numbers of the different appliances or equipment - like the brand of generator - and contact them for manuals.
  • lwbfl's avatar
    lwbfl
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2014
    Great idea on the individual appliances, the only problem is my TT is 298 miles away! I'm just anxious to read up on the details but I'll be back in the panhandle this weekend to get the specifics. I appreciate the info on the slide, I'm just unnerved at the one support bar in the middle and the amount of wiggle it has. I guess as much as it drops when going out and raises up when sliding in that it's going to be fine. I can't wait play with my new toy!
  • Seattle_Lion's avatar
    Seattle_Lion
    Explorer
    Jan 14, 2014
    BurbMan wrote:


    Generally NOT recommended by any mfr due to the potential for damage...if the TT settles or moves and the slide room does not due to these supports, you risk mis-aligning the slide mechanism and causing operating issues with the slide.

    Stabilize the trailer frame when you park and the slide out will be fine.


    The manual for my Kodiak (Dutchmen) says you should put a support under each slideout if you are staying more than a couple of days. There is little chance that the TT will move if properly chocked.
  • Doug33's avatar
    Doug33
    Explorer
    Jan 14, 2014
    My experience is that manuals for RVs are of limited benefit, other than some general info. The manual for any specific TT model only covers certain general systems and components, and then you have up to a dozen or more additional manuals for each of the appliances and other components. And many of them are written poorly and include limited drawings/graphics to accompany the text.
  • lwbfl's avatar
    lwbfl
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2014
    I'm happy to say that while giving my new to me TT today, I discovered all the original manuals under the master bed. They were never opened by either of the previous owners. Since it was set up as a permanent living quarters I guess nether of them cared about the manuals much! The trailer manual was actually very helpful with specifics regarding this models recommendations (like the slide support as mentioned previously). I'm looking forward to an opportunity to use this new toy of mine!
  • Doug33's avatar
    Doug33
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2014
    Just as with automobiles, it amazes me that people never read their manuals. That's the first thing I do when I buy a vehicle or RV.
  • lwbfl's avatar
    lwbfl
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2014
    Doug33 wrote:
    Just as with automobiles, it amazes me that people never read their manuals. That's the first thing I do when I buy a vehicle or RV.


    Me too, and since I buy used I also buy a shop manual when available for more specifics.

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