What would you replace on a brand new trailer?

[rootusrootus]

Given that the Transcend line is GD's base model. What did they skimp on, that matters? Mechanically, in particular. I would like to do some 1000+ mile road trips in this trailer, so I'm willing to invest a few bucks to make sure it will be more reliable for those extended trips.

 

[J Maguire]

Given that the Transcend line is GD's base model. What did they skimp on, that matters? Mechanically, in particular. I would like to do some 1000+ mile road trips in this trailer, so I'm willing to invest a few bucks to make sure it will be more reliable for those extended trips.

Tires! Prefer Goodyear Endurance Tires personally; add a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as well. Add at least a second battery. Mattress upgrade is typically a good idea too. Cheers!

 

[Tigger1]

I second tires and adding a TPMS. Our Westlakes didn’t have any issues but for peace of mind changed them to GD Endurance at about 1,500 miles. We did the same on our previous TT which had Castle Rocks, also distributed by LionsHead.

 

[rootusrootus]

Excellent! I already have a 12 inch mattress picked out (someone else's recommendation on these forums, even!), and a TPMS system (TireMinder) in my Amazon cart just waiting for me to pull the trigger. I will take a look at tire options. We had zero problems on our last TT (a Jayco X213) but I don't remember what tires it came with. IIRC tires aren't expensive for trailers, in any case. Nothing compared to what they cost for my car or pickup.

So is there anything else mechanical that's a liability on the Transcend trailers? Undersized cheapo axles, bearings, anything like that? Could have sworn I heard someone mumble something along those lines a while back, but I can't find the post.

 

[TerryH]

Solid steps, TPMS, real mattress, CRE3000 suspension with the wet bolt shackle kit, shower head, battery upgrade...the list goes on.

 

[rootusrootus]

I'm definitely doing some kind of battery upgrade. The dealer will just throw a regular old Interstate on there. I got kinda wrapped up in all the various options for batteries and the price started to spiral out of control, so I came all the way back to 'screw it, I'm just going to throw in a pair of 6V golf cart batteries and worry about this later.' Now I'm back to lithium again, but baby steps. Thinking just a 206Ah 12V from SOK in a 27" locking battery box (assuming it will fit on the tongue, I can't measure yet), with a probable upgrade later once we establish our needs. Won't really be able to charge it fully with the converter, but the solar panel will top it off.

Solid steps

How do these compare with the steps that the trailer ships with? Even the factory ones on newer trailers look like an upgrade from the last RV I owned, which had the traditional hanging fold-out steps.

I'm quite happy that I kept almost all the accessories we bought for our last TT, so at least I won't have to immediately blow a couple grand on Amazon buying all the little doo-dads.

 

[TerryH]

Not that the original fold out steps are bad but the MORyde StepAbove steps that we have are much, much better. We did the extended handle as well. The combination is very nice.


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[the e-man]

We opted not to make any significant changes. Have used our Transcend for about 2 years including one 2,000 mile trip and lots of local camping and it has worked well. This year we plan to replace tires & battery. One mechanical thing you might consider doing to help ensure smooth travels is to repack the bearings.

 

[Keebler]

To start, personally, I LOVE the swing out steps (solid step, step above); they are super stable. They work for me perfectly.

That said, for some, the experience is NOT so positive. Be cognizant of the space required to swing them out and down (and you can't get in the door without doing so).

Also, when they get dirty/wet, it takes some effort to clean/dry them before putting them back up (they store inside your trailer, so need to be clean/dry). I make short order of that with a small leaf blower.

Again; I love them, but like full disclosure.

 

[rootusrootus]

That's a good point. We primarily dry camp in dirty places, so the cleaning requirements are good to take note of. We typically just put everything back together enough to get us home at the end of our camping trips, and then as soon we we get home we open everything up and clean it out in the comfort of our own driveway.

Looking through pictures of the 261BH that I'm still waiting impatiently for, I see that it has a three-step drop hanging step that looks pretty traditional. But I see pictures of some Transcends on the lot with the steps with legs on the ground. Hmm. I guess I saw that and thought all were shipping with it now. Seems some do, some don't, maybe it's an option, I have no clue. I'll assume the trailer we're buying will just have the old style.

 

[Steve7]

Sounds like you’re concerned about reliability, which is a good thing. There’s been good advice so far, especially tires. I would add stay up in your bearing maintenance. Sometimes the factory does not adequately grease the wheel bearings. It’s not a bad idea to clean, inspect and repack the bearings before too long. Then make it a regularly scheduled item per the manual. Check your hubs and drums whenever you stop to see what temp they’re running at. I use a IR gun, but you could also carefully feel with your hand. I know you have a TPMS on order, which is great for tire pressure, but the outside temp part is only so good. If you pay close attention to it you may catch a hot bearing before it’s too late.

Have fun!

 

[UncleK]

Given that the Transcend line is GD's base model. What did they skimp on, that matters? Mechanically, in particular. I would like to do some 1000+ mile road trips in this trailer, so I'm willing to invest a few bucks to make sure it will be more reliable for those extended trips.

We have a 2020 Transcend 30RBS that we have been quite happy with. Other than a couple of cosmetic issues and an interior door fit problem, all of which I repaired, we have had no issues at all.

However, I do plan on replacing the mattress this year.

I’ll use the supplied tires at least through this year then consider replacing them. When I do, I’ll add the GM TPMS since I have a Chevy truck. My understanding is you have to breakdown the tires to install the TPMS.

I’m not concerned about the battery at this time since we always camp in either state parks or private campgrounds with at least electric hookups. We didn’t boondock with our last two trailers and when I did with our motorhome, it was at a racetrack because I was on a race team. I had a generator in the motorhome as well.

 

[ArviscCopley]

We have 2020 Solitude, the sofa is crap. What would make a good replacement?

 

[Mulligan]

A trailer is a trailer is a trailer

Very interesting thread. As an observation only a few suggested wet bolts and CRE suspension. Most comments where about non suspension or structural items.
GD trailers should come with shock absorbers and wet bolts and CRE suspension as standard equipment; plywood sheathing to be used on the roof and replace OSB. if your a premium house builder you use premium product, if your a good house builder you use good product. GD assembles good trailers. Add those items and GD would be in a league all it’s own.
Dump the standard WFCO converter install a smart progressive dynamic converter with lithium battery charging capability.


When talking to a RV warranty rep about a claim ( non GD) in passing he said to me...Sir a trailer is a trailer is a trailer.

Respectfully

 

[attaboy]

Looking back we consider upgrading the mattress our most important upgrade
for comfort.
Bob A.

 

[M&Lcamping]

Like @j maquire said [MENTION=34261]rootusrootus[/MENTION] --- upgrade the mattress

 

[dbphillips]

I've seen a lot of mattress comments, but I was quite surprised to find the standard, rather thin Serta quite acceptable, at least for a couple days. Is it possible they stepped it up a little for 2021 models?

 

[Rolltide1]

I’m with most on the tires and TPMS... Sink fixtures . Get 7500 lb scissor jacks and another for the midway of the trailer for support. Replace bath fans with the 10inch ones from Vortex..Replace all marker lights with LEDs. If your frig is on the slide make sure the gas line is not kinking when sliding in and out. Buddy tape it to the power line. Replace mattress with hinged mattress.

 

[goducks14]

We have 2020 Solitude, the sofa is crap. What would make a good replacement?

Any good furniture store will carry sofa's that're better than the Thomas PITA stuff.
You'll need to spend some $$$$$ to get quality.
Stay away from chain stores like Ashley or lazy boy. They carry low to mid quality stuff.

 

[Silverado333]

We own a new 2020 Imagine 2670MK - Have done a number of upgrades, but one I would suggest that I dont think has been mentioned yet is a couple spare thermal fuses. We have a Dometic fridge. We were new to RV'ing. This is our first purchase and the camping life is a learning experience. We moved from the Seattle area to Florida. We took 2-1/2 months to make our trip and see a bit of the country. In the South Dakota area, our fridge died. Research seemed to lead to a Thermal Fuse. I called GD, they approved a Mobile RV repair. I found one and we met at a Pilot Gas Station lot. The tech was friendly and helpful. He showed me how to replace the fuse and even gave me a spare. Depending on your fridge, you may want to invest in a couple fuses, watch some YouTube videos and be prepared. Nothing worse than being on a long trip in the middle of no where and your fridge dies!