Which pop up should we look for.

We owned a '93 Jayco 1208, bought new and had for 10 years. Solid camper. If I was looking at pop-ups today my biggest criteria would be a one piece roof, or at least without a center seam. It may be that they are alike that today.

Also I don't know if anyone is making 12 ft boxes anymore but with 6 people I'd be looking for the largest I could afford.

With planning to have 6 most of the time, I would look as large as possible. You didn't say what you will be towing with, but that may factor in as well.

We have a 2010 Viking with king beds on each end, slide out dinette, and a couch. Even though the slide only goes out a couple of feet, it makes a huge difference in space inside if we are all in there such as when getting ready for bed or if the weather prevents outdoor activity.

We had a 2002 Coleman Mesa, two king beds, 25 feet when open. Went to Alaska in it. Moved up to a 2011 hard sided bifold Trailmanor

We had a Coleman and was very happy with it. Most can be outfitted with Ac. See what is a available locally and go see them and look at them like you would a car. Also make sure you have a vehicle able to pull what you want.