popup campers

I can't say which pop-up would be better than any other, I think they are all pretty much equal once you settle on the size and floor plan / style you like.

One thing to look for is how tight the canvas secures to the bunk ends. If there are gaps, don't get it. Also, with the bunk ends slid out, go inside the camper and see if you can see light between the top of the wall and the bottom of slide out bunk end. If you see light, look for something different.

Other than this, there's not much else to consider, unless you specifically want a heater (which we did in ours) or want an air-conditioner. But, even then, a good dealer should be able to install those for you if the one you really like does not have it already.

So, as far as ordering one, I don't see any advantage with a pop-up.

One think to consider on a floor plan. With the bunks slid out, do you have to step on someone sleeping below to get out of the bed?

This is something we really looked for in our Starcraft Venture many years ago. When all the beds were made, the dinette made into a bed, when crawling out of the bunk end, there was no bed directly under (at least) some portion of the bunk end.

Nothing worse than getting out of bed in the middle of the night and end up stepping on top of your sleeping kids, or grandma! This, in my opinion are the only 2 things to look for.

Scope out what's on the lot, and made your decision about taking one or ordering one. But see if the dealer will install or change something for you to make the deal too.

When we were looking for our first pop-up, the dealer was 100% honest with us. We talked about the ability of our tow vehicle, which was made right for towing the one we originally liked, and he led us to a smaller version. It worked out very well. We used that tow vehicle and pop-up for 6 years, and the tow vehicle lasted for years after that.

He did say a couple things that I never forgot. First, folks who buy RV's are really a happy bunch of people, and are usually better off financially. RV's (even pop-up) are a pure luxury item. You have to have a certain amount of "disposable money" to buy it. People who have that "disposable money" are usually better equipped financially and have the "smarts" to handle finances responsibility! I never thought of that, but it stuck with me!

Second, dealers LOVE to sell pop-up! That surprised me! Why? Because in 2 to 4 years, they will be back to buy a trailer! Pop-ups are economically sound to introduce folks to the world of RV-ing. The dealers will have repeat business in a couple years or so when you come back to purchase a bigger camper! I learned something that day too.

Enjoy, have fun, and these are the best and most exciting times ... searching for that first RV! It's an awesome experience. Enjoy every moment of it! You're already making lasting memories! Keep a journal of all your activities in your search. 20 years from now, you'll be amazed how you've changed and you'll laugh at the struggles and decisions you're encountering right now!

I looked at the specs for that camper you linked to:

click here

One thing grabbed my attention immediately.... brakes!

In Indiana, you can to a trailer (total max weight of everything), under 3000 pounds without brakes. I just remember, my Starcraft did not have any brakes. Stopping power depended upon our mini-van only. Check your state requirements, and check your tow vehicle to ensure it has enough "stopping" power. I don't see anything on this web site about trailer brakes.

Brakes! Yes. Most states allow towing of trailers anywhere from 1500# to 3500# without brakes. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. 1500# doesn't sound like a lot of weight, but keep in mind that you'll rolling at freeway speeds. You have to stop both your vehicle and the trailer.

That said any brakes are better than none. Look for electric brakes as opposed to hydraulic surge brakes. The later work fine in normal driving but are useless in panic stops or hard braking.

We had a '93 Jayco 1208. We bought it new and used it for 10 years before we got our first hybrid trailer in '03. Also a Jayco. The trailer in my sig is our second Jayco hybrid.

Thanks for the info, this is very helpful! I agree that brakes are a key component. Safety has to be #1 for obvious reasons.

One question, I found a few brands that I'd like to check out but it seems like I am limited by what dealers have on their lots. One guy told me it was a way better deal to buy something on his lot (new or used) then order a new one. What if they don't have the model I want in their lot though??

Has anyone had that issue?

Again, I really appreciate the help. I am sure new people ask these same questions all the time so it's nice to know you are willing to take the time to help.

This looks awesome.
thoughts?
http://www.robertssales.com/sales/model_pages/flagstaff_206stse.html

it does have brakes.
Here's what the sales guy sent me-

The 206STSE we have in stock also has an air conditioner, hot water package, power lift system, and dual propane tanks with auto regulator installed. The base 206STSE is $11,095 while the optioned-out version we have in stock is $13,195.

In Colorado, you can legally tow w/o brakes if your rig weighs under 3000#.

Have you considered a hardside popup like an ALiner? Really quick and easy to put up/down and you don't ever have to replace the canvas, nor wait for it to dry. If you put a canvas popup away wet it will rot.

Check out popupportal.com for what the popup crowd has to say about things.

And you will save thousands by buying from a private person used. Check out Craigslist.

We have a 4runner - and it tows ok, not as good as I would like, esp since we have a v8 (2004), but will be fine. Look at where your connector is. Ours is offset to the left more than it should be, which meant that the cable coming from the trailer was not long enough. We have pulled three different pups with this vehicle and we had to have all three modifed to have a longer cord. We only learned that it was not long enough when we turned the corner on our first PUP. I am not sure if they fixed that in future models.

Regarding brands - it is probably more important to choose a dealer you feel comfortable with, because unlike a car dealer, you wont have anyone nearby to change to. This is how we ended up with a Trailmanor last time. Our Coleman dealer stopped carrying colemans (and then the brand went belly up) and we did not like any of the other PUP dealers in town.

My sister bought a Dutchman, the first roof rotted even before the warranty expired. She would give to one of her nephew but they don't want the work repairing.

Take a look at Trailmanor. You should be able to find a used one at a descent price. Most are under 3000 lbs dry, less than 80" tail when collapsed, hard sided so no canvas, bathroom with a shower, and will fit in your garage.

If you find a model you really like, shop around some on the internet and near you. Search for that model and see what other dealers are selling it for. Be aware also that Jayco owns Starcraft, and Forest River makes both Flagstaff and Rockwood (they are twins, but different cosmetics and model numbers), so you can cross-shop that way too. After you've done this, you are equipped to negotiate with the dealer or dealers you'd prefer to do business with.

Of course they want to sell you what they have on the lot, because they're paying interest on them and it's an immediate sale versus waiting 2-3 months for your ordered unit to come in (and then they finally get paid... if you didn't change your mind in the meantime). Nothing wrong with you ordering something exactly the way you want it, but of course it might come in too late for you to use this year.

It's strange to me, the prices of stuff. Back in the late 90s I bought a new Starcraft popup for $4500; pretty much any travel trailer would have been more than twice as much, and I couldn't afford them. Now I see plenty of popups selling in the teens, and I could buy a basic 16' lightweight TT for about $11K.