Easy to set up TT
I have severe arthritis, and am looking for recommendations for a TT 20 ft or less, with power stabilizers and a power jack. Thanks!
Forum Discussion
I don't know anything about them but they do make retractable power stairs - Kwikee makes them. Not exactly cheap though but sure would be nice not to have to bend down and pull on steps to retract and extend them. If you want fewer stairs, you want to look for a TT that has overslung axles (axles on top of the springs). Stromberg Carlson makes a really nice large (tall) soft grip exterior stair grab handle. We have them on our TT and love them. The typical small plastic handles are far from comfortable to grasp and hold firmly.
If you might be the type of person that is bothered by trailer "bounce", electric stabilizers will likely disappoint you. Scissor jacks are much better for reducing vertical movement and electric motor operators are available for them. Scissor jacks will allow more side to side motion to happen tho. There are a number of stabilizer struts available (BAL Lock Arm for ex.) but require bending over to tighten them when the jacks are down.
Of course, you'll want a power awning. Seems like there's always a downside to something better and with our Carefree power awning, it can't be tilted down like a manual one for cleaning and you'll a stepladder is needed to clean the top side.
There are power operated waste tank valves that can be installed, but these aren't cheap either. Any sewer hose with a bayonet style connection are difficult to connect and disconnect for an arthritic person. There are better types available. A macerator pump might be a good idea and in some cases can be left in place. An ordinary 1/2 hose is used to the CG sewer drain. I'm thinking of getting one as I am starting to find the hose fittings are harder each year to work with.
There are likely some other lesser things to consider. One I can think of is that many RVs require reaching up to a light on a ceiling to turn them on. Sometimes the light with a switch can be in an awkward location. Not sure how many, if any, TTs are made with wall switches. I've installed wall switches for all of our lighting by running wiring 100% concealed in walls and ceilings. Can be done by an electrician or RV tech. but can be labor intensive. Maybe there is a TT manufacturer that could add wall switches at the factory. Or maybe negotiate with a dealer to do it if buying a new unit.
Good luck!
If you might be the type of person that is bothered by trailer "bounce", electric stabilizers will likely disappoint you. Scissor jacks are much better for reducing vertical movement and electric motor operators are available for them. Scissor jacks will allow more side to side motion to happen tho. There are a number of stabilizer struts available (BAL Lock Arm for ex.) but require bending over to tighten them when the jacks are down.
Of course, you'll want a power awning. Seems like there's always a downside to something better and with our Carefree power awning, it can't be tilted down like a manual one for cleaning and you'll a stepladder is needed to clean the top side.
There are power operated waste tank valves that can be installed, but these aren't cheap either. Any sewer hose with a bayonet style connection are difficult to connect and disconnect for an arthritic person. There are better types available. A macerator pump might be a good idea and in some cases can be left in place. An ordinary 1/2 hose is used to the CG sewer drain. I'm thinking of getting one as I am starting to find the hose fittings are harder each year to work with.
There are likely some other lesser things to consider. One I can think of is that many RVs require reaching up to a light on a ceiling to turn them on. Sometimes the light with a switch can be in an awkward location. Not sure how many, if any, TTs are made with wall switches. I've installed wall switches for all of our lighting by running wiring 100% concealed in walls and ceilings. Can be done by an electrician or RV tech. but can be labor intensive. Maybe there is a TT manufacturer that could add wall switches at the factory. Or maybe negotiate with a dealer to do it if buying a new unit.
Good luck!
