popup campers

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.

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!