A year with my pop up. Lessons learned

manualman wrote:
I have learned that the key to popup ownership bliss is when you can:
1. Keep it at home in the garage.
2. Tow it with the 3,500# rated vehicle you prefer driving the rest of the time (no dedicated tow vehicle needed)
3. Expect the world's nicest tent, not a foldup RV.

If you don't check all three, you'll end up being somebody who "upgrades" in short order. If you CAN check all three, you won't consider anything else an upgrade.

Given your criteria I should be in the love it camp. I'm only missing #1 and add previous experience since my parents had one when I was a teen and I loved it (though theirs was smaller, with fewer features and set up was easier and simpler). If (probably when) I get another pop up I will have the salesman put it up for me and then do it myself (to see that it has fewer steps than mine), it will have a power lift system (to protect my bad back), it won't have a shower (never used it) or toilet (I think a simple, portable port-a-potty would be easier than the integrated cassette toilet), and it will be newer (or probably new) so I can maybe have a year or two before problems develop (my first major repair expense on mine was last summer right after my first trip).

As for #2, I should have bought the AWD version of my vehicle, it has a 5K LBS tow rating v. my FWD's 3500. That is why if I get a non-pop up trailer it will be a TAB or similar and not a hybrid (many hybrids are under 3500 but would give no leeway for gear, passengers, and safety margin). An A-frame may also be a good alternative if I don't have kids when I buy.

As for #3 I still love tent camping when it isn't too hot. In fact, I still go tent camping and I'll probably replace 2 of my tents with a Kodiak or Springbar soon. I always wanted a pop up because it is more tent-like (though I do like the idea of a real bathroom, and the ability to use it on the road, in a regular trailer).