Forum Discussion

tapplegate's avatar
tapplegate
Explorer
Jan 05, 2014

To keep our 98 Pop Up or by a new hard side pop up

Hello everyone,
My husband and I have been pop up campers for 12 years, and we have loved every moment in our Coleman 98 Grandview SP ( aybe a few bad storms I hated being in it) but many loving memories. Our children have been growing up before our eyes, and over the last two years have not really wanted to go camping with us. WE have a large pop up with two king size beds and a double bed slide out table.
Many times we think this is too big for us to keep. SO, we decided to look at a Flagstaff Hard side (aliner) model T19schw. This would have everything we currently have in our pop up with out slide out or a bed for the kids. IS this being to selfish? My husband has been having some nerve problems in his arms and legs which sometimes he is not able to have to strength and energy. I am worried about being not being able to open up the Pop up by myself.
I want to hear from everyone some of your thoughts... should I downsize (space wise) to a hard side (Aliner) or should I keep what we originally have....I feel my Pop up could last another 10 years. Thank you everyone for your thoughts....
Folding Trailers

8 Replies

  • ElBesoBlanco's avatar
    ElBesoBlanco
    Explorer
    Jan 12, 2014
    We downsized from Excalibor motorhome to Jayco travel trailer to Flagstaff A Frame. I dont think its selfish for you and your spouse to get an RV that accommodates your present needs. A-Frames are extremely easy to put up plus they have hard sides and all the amenities of a traditional travel trailer. This is your time now, enjoy it while you are both able to. Kids can camp in tents.
  • Brad_T's avatar
    Brad_T
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2014
    I sold my popup and bought a Rockwood hard side because of back problems. I was always afraid that I was going to aggravate my back while lifting the bunk ends to put in the supports. A bad way to ruin a good vacation. I’m glad I made the change. The hard side is very easy to put-up and takes only a few minutes. Talk to your kids, let them know your concerns and I’m sure they would support you if you make the change.
  • tapplegate's avatar
    tapplegate
    Explorer
    Jan 07, 2014
    Thank you everyone for your thoughts. We will definitely consider all the choices... And hopefully my husband will get better....
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2014
    Buy if you can pay cash, otherwise stick with what you have and save money for the next purchase. If you can pay cash, buy whatever your heart desires.

    If your children want to come along occasionally, pitch a tent or set up the tow vehicle for sleeping.
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2014
    The A frame trailers are faster and less involved to put up than the usual popup with pull-outs and all. If you try one at the dealership to see how it is to put up and take down, that will help you know if you can handle it. As for your current unit, you already know what it's like... not all that strenuous, but it takes a while to deal with all the details.

    The A frame looks great, and eliminating the canvas can be a real benefit to those who do not receive great enjoyment from the "tent" feeling. Less concern about packing up wet canvas, listening to it flap in the wind, hearing the bear outside the RV. And no splinters from the plywood of the pull-outs when you have an A frame.

    There is certainly nothing selfish about getting a trailer that you think suits your current needs better! But like Terryallan pointed out, needs can change rather quickly (and sometimes surprise you). It is hard to plan for all possibilities.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Jan 05, 2014
    Did it. Down graded from a large pup, and went to a TT that didn't sleep so many. Thought the kids were done camping. WELL they are NOT. They came back, and brought friends. The TT that was bought for just us two. Has been traded for a TT that sleeps 10, and it does sleep 10. I would not have it any other way. Hold off, and see what happens.

    As to setting up the pup. You can get a drill, bracket, and socket genie to raise, and lower the roof, and stabs. One finger operation.
  • lfloom's avatar
    lfloom
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2014
    My kids are just turning 21 and 24. Last year we went from our Coleman Sequoia to the smallest Trailmanor. This does have an extra bed (though when we bought it we were more thinking it would be a nice place to put clothes, etc.

    Our 21 year old will go away with us for 2 night next weekend, before heading back to college. At this point, I only have maybe 2 weeks a year that I have both kids with us. This PUP was definitely bought for us in mind. We love it. It is perfect - in many ways simpler than the Sequoia, but also more comfortable.

    I do not think it is selfish to want to update. And, kids can sleep in a tent - they will appreciate the separation as much as you will.
  • stetwood's avatar
    stetwood
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2014
    Weigh the advantages and disadvantages and the cost of making the change and if you can live with the cost, make the change, if not postpone it until time when the disadvantages out weigh the cost and advantages. We all have to make some significant life changing decisions and right now is the time for one of yours.

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