Our first TC was an 8801 with the same issue your having. I bought it at a very reasonable price and it was light weight. I really liked the TC but the wife is 5'1" and said she was going to break her hip or something.
I built her a set of steps that looked good, didn't get in the way, and could be removed easily.
Then the issue became she couldn't sit straight up on the bed without tilting her head.
I changed the mattress from a 12" to a 6". She said the mattress was really comfortable but.... her hair was still touching.
I bought her a TC with a basement.
If you aren't experiencing the same type of issues I was having, you like the TC, and don't have your own wood shop, I'd try the route Bedlam suggested. You can cut them off to any length you need.
She's my best friend and I like her a lot so I can't have one without a basement.
Post some pictures of your new toy.