Anyone recently purchase a new unit?

[pxlgrfx48]

I'll be in Denver shortly to check out several new pop-up TC's. Being a complete novice at pop-ups, I'm as nervous as a cat in a rocking chair factory. I'm sure I'll miss some points I should have considered.

Is there anything I should especially watch for when inspecting these units (good or bad)?
I know to pay attention to GVWR with options, CG, living space, size of tanks, etc. But is there something that really affects daily life in a TC that most neophytes like me seem to miss?
Apparently the RV business is booming right now. So, I'm curious as to how long a wait is reasonable. Also, I'd be interested if anyone has a feel for how firm the dealers are with their pricing in these boom times.

I've learned a lot reading this forum, so I hope you folks can help me out.
Thanks for any info.

[Sheriffdoug]

Check out Four Wheel Campers, call manufacturer direct, mainly popup models, some hardsides. Built in California, Excellent well built camper.

[claymcc]

I just ordered a new hard side, and unlike 3-5 years ago, I wasn't finding anything close to 20-30% off anywhere. The best I could do for units that we were looking at was about 15% (though it was a custom order, not a stock unit), and I was trying pretty hard. Host wouldn't even go 1% and there was a 4-5 month wait. Pop ups may be different, but if you order a new hard side Arctic Fox and get 30%, well, don't tell me. 😉

[Coblue]

I think Colorado is pop up TC mecca. Between manufacturers and dealers you can see almost every brand except ATC and Alaskan. Seeing that many campers in a short time can be confusing; figure out someway to keep track of what you see.
One everyday detail to pay attention to is how well you can see out the window when sitting at the dinette.
We "could" use everything other than the bed with the top down, but we usually have so much stuff in the aisle it's not practical.
Be interested to hear back after your visit.

[cumminspalomino]

Having had a pop-up since '07, I can say that being able to use things inside with the top down is a big plus. I have a Palomino B1500, while it's not a high end unit we have had no problems with it. I can stop while on a trip and sit at my dinette, use the sink, fridge, etc with the top down. It's nice to sit inside and whip up a sandwich with little trouble during a rest stop. While not super comfortable or convenient, I can (and frequently) use the head with the top down. I like my camper because the layout is most like a standard truck camper of all the pop-up units we looked at (in our price range) when making our decision. Be aware, pop-ups don't have near as much storage space as a standard hard-side. I don't mind it since it's just myself and the wife and we keep things pretty simple.
Travis..

[campn4walleye]

I don't know how far Henderson CO is from Denver, but you might go to Five Star RV and check out Adventurer TCs.

You get a lot of bang for your buck, and they have some lighter units. Don't know your circumstances for your reason for selecting a popup, but they are nice units, IMO.

[mkirsch]

I don't know how anyone can use the john in a popup TC with the roof down! You would have to be a contortionist midget with a flip-top head.

Frankly, I wouldn't even put that in the list of considerations.

[MKish]

See what you can access with the top down if you care about that sort of thing. (I do! And some toilets are not accessible with the top down.)

If you plan to camp in the cold, look into arctic packs or whatever the brand calls their extra insulation.

If you're looking at ATC or FWC brands, check out sites like http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/index.php? .

The only new popups I've seen consistently bad reviews on are the Palominos, but they are priced so nice I might have considered one anyway if they'd had what I needed. The other brands seem to be well-regarded and have personal customer service (and customizations available!).

(We like our Northstar and the company has been nice to work with. ATC and FWC are also pleasant.)

[kbaum]

Many of the popups sold/built in Colorado do not have dealer networks so the usual 20-30 discount may not apply.

Some items to consider:
Access when you stop for lunch or to use the "facility" is one item that was important to us.

Think of your intended use when looking over these units and the amount of comfort that you want/need.

Check out the actual mattress used if you have potential back issues etc....

Determine if you can work with the dealer/company after purchase.

Review storage available.

Ask about periodic maintenance necessary for roof, lifting mechanism etc..

Just a few of the items that were important to me.

[kerry4951]

If your schedule allows you may want to consider a trip further west. Almost always dealer prices are much lower out there as compared to eastern dealers, plus shipping costs are usually lower, assuming your TC is made out west like most. Also if you buy from a "no sales tax" state like Oregon, you will save there, assuming your home state does not make you register TCs, like my home state of Pa. If having a local dealer nearby for warranty work is a consideration, than buying locally also has to be considered.

[joerg68]

Are you going to see Hallmark, Outfitter or Phoenix? I recommend going there and seeing how they are made.

[amandasgramma]

Don't know if this will apply to a pop-up camper, but we watched a couple putting up one of those pop-up trailers (not a tent trailer)......I talked with them later and they said had they known how hard it was to make it "pop up" they would never have bought it. So, I suggest you don't just watch the salesman do the popping, but you yourself do it.......we all have different strengths.

[RWDIII]

1. Check out the truck camper website for weights,pretty accurate.
2. Same camper in Denver $2000 more than in Phoenix.
3 If you have 1/2 ton,check weights,pop ups can be heavy
4.
get LT tires and tembrens or work rights

[bwanted]

Yes Be dam sure you go over it COMPLETEY before you leave the dealer. Check every thing I mean every thing

[jram116]

Make sure it is what you want, don't settle for its ok it will work. Never pay MSRP, seems like the norm is between 20 - 30 percent off of that.

[billtex]

If you're looking at something with a bathroom...make sure you can sit down and "use" it.

Also, think carefuly about storage inside and out. Will it fit your pots/pans, your lantern, camp chair, clothes, toys (kayaks/bikes)?

Have fun,
Bill