Which should I buy?

bikendan wrote:
I seriously doubt you'll find a mobile mechanic who will have any knowledge on hybrids.

Still, a good tech is well worth the money IMO. He/she would give you an honest opinion of overall condition and could certainly inspect the mechanicals. And, even if they don't have any specific experience on hybrids, the tech should be able to help you look for signs of leaks. Leaks are the biggest issue on any used RV, and older hybrids certainly are prone to that issue.

Since you aren't in a rush to buy, you can be selective and wait for the right one to come along. Its all about the condition. No matter how perfect the layout or how low the price, you want to pass on anything that may have water damage or just an overall lack of upkeep. Hidden problems can cost you a fortune.

And we also had a Coleman popup. That things was bulletproof. Just never had any issues. Too bad they are gone. Seems like all the new units today are built with light weight and low price in mind, with quality and longevity as an after thought.

I seriously doubt you'll find a mobile mechanic who will have any knowledge on hybrids. Especially out West.
and your budget will limit you even more.
but, other than the canvas ends, hybrids are no different than other RV's. So at least he can advise you on most of the trailer.
you'll have to be patient and constantly on the hunt, because good used hybrids are extremely hard to find out here.
Prodigy makes the best BC for the money and are very respected here.

Thanks so much for your information. I will look online for one also. I chose this time of the year because I thought I can find discounts. I am not in a hurry right now, but would like to find one before spring break. We are planning on going to the Mt. Rushmore area. We may stop by Yellowstone too, but wanted to save that for another trip.

I wonder if I can hire a RV mobile mechanic to help me inspect one, since they usually have more experience. I am thinking spending a couple hundred dollars is worth the thousands spent for one in the long run. I really don't want to spend more than $8k for one since that is really pushing our budget for something we only use 4-5 times a year.

I was looking at a Prodigy brake controller. Are these good? My truck is pre-wired for a brake controller, so I don't have alot of wiring to do.

As for the life of a hybrid trailer, someone mentioned a 10 year life. Is this true? And why? My coleman popup is 21 years old with a shower, has more moving parts. I regularly reseal it, grease the cables, bearings & pullies and treat the canvas and have had no problems

If you haven't already looked at the Rockwood ROO/Flagstaff Shamrock, suggest you take a look. They are one of the more popular brands. We sold our '07 ROO 23SS in May of last year ('13) for $9500 and it was in mint condition and always stored undercover. Agree on checking extra thoroughly for any signs or smells of water/mildew/soft spots. Haven't looked recently at NADA, but our camping buddies sold their '07 Shamrock 19 about 2 years ago and I believe he got about $6000 + or -. I think it would be to your benefit to consider looking in the Midwest area online and see what's available. You could turn the purchase into a mini-vacation to pick it up. If your budget will stretch it, also suggest you look online at RVWholesalers in Lakeview, OH and House of Camping in Chi where bikendan purchased. We bought both our HTT and TT at RVW and after trip expenses saved abut $4000+ on the HTT and more on the TT. bikendan did about the same in Chi. Might be worth investigating. RVW is an excellent company to deal with, no games, good reputation. If nothing else, you can get some good views of what's out there new and if interested they will email you a price. They list MSRP and you can figure around 30%+ off that for the sales price....maybe better this time of the year. Camping season is winding down even in the mid-south and dealers would be happy to move one out. Good luck and happy camping.

vivaster wrote:
We are looking at used ones in the $5k to $8K range. For some reason, the west coast prices for popups and hybrids are way overinflated. I am looking for something small, 17' - 19'. There is a 2000 StarCraft 17' locally that I really like, but they want $6500 for it.
West Coast prices are inflated, for a number of reasons. And used ones fetch prices above NADA values, because good used hybrids are so rare. Hybrids are just a rarity out here.

To get to my question, which brand should I buy or do you recommend and why? I have seen Jayco Kiwi, StarCraft Travel Star, Thor Aero Cub, and Bantams. Is there a brand better than others? What should I look for when inspecting one? What am I getting myself into vs my popup? Do I need electric brakes?
since you're looking for used, brand won't matter, its condition will.
key area to inspect is the bunk door areas. All hybrids come with electric brakes. What you'll need is a brake controller.

Any information would be great. I tried going to a local dealer, but they don't want to educate me on a used one, they just want to sell me a new one.

we chose to buy new from a Midwest dealer, because we could get a new 23' hybrid with slideout and warranty, for what a used 5 year old 19' one cost out here.

As an example, I just sold my 06 Starcraft Travelstar 18SB for $6200, in very good shape. I like the older Starcrafts, but do look for soft or discolored areas, and check to roof. Older Bantams were kind of rough, at least that's my opinion when I looked at them in 06. No experience with the Kiwi's or Cubs, but I'd not be afraid to buy a Jayco, they make decent stuff. Just so you know, early hybrids had issues with leaks around the front bunk, say pre 08 or so. 2000 is very early in the development of hybrids, I'd suggest something newer. I believe the usable lifetime of the average trailer is in the vicinity of 10-12 years.

In most instances, used campers of any kind are usually a nightmare of someone else's problems. You can do a search of the web about buying used campers and get an awful lot of info. One thing you have already that is a must in a search of a used camper, is your nose. If it smells musty, damp and has odd odors, walk away. There is probably water damage. Check every corner, open every door and look for stains or signs of repair to walls or floor or to cabinets. Walk around camper testing your weight on the floor looking for soft spots. Check around windows for signs of water entrance and damage. Check the bathroom floor
for water damage. Get up on the roof of the camper and check the caulking, check the roof for soft spots, be careful up there, most roofs don't hold weight well. Check the tires for wear, wheel bearings are hard to look at but it is one of those things you hope is ok. Do your homework and do not buy the first thing you see. Good used campers can be costly in price and repairs if you get a bad one. It may be to your advantage to check the discount RV places, you may very well get a discounted camper at about the price of a used camper.
There are many things to look at when buying new or used so do your homework before you pay for a camper. Good Luck