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.

[dadwolf2]

Another vote for going straight to a 1 ton. I know several pop-up owners plus myself who have 3/4 ton trucks with pop-ups and then added suspension aids after going from a trailer to truck camper.

[GeoBoy]

Go with a 1 ton and do stop and see Rex Willet at Northstar he builds a GREAT truck camper.
Good luck.

[pxlgrfx48]

GeoBoy wrote:

pxlgrfx48 wrote:
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.

What size truck do you have?

None yet. I'll wait till I choose a TC then either an F250 or 350 (probably the latter)

[pxlgrfx48]

mgann wrote:
From Ohio, make a slight detour on your way to Denver through Iowa and visit Northstar factory. They are hard to beat in every aspect. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks already on my itinerary.

[dadwolf2]

mkirsch wrote:
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.

My wife and I have used ours with the top down many times so it would be on my list of considerations! No, we aren't vertically challenged or circus performers.

[n7bsn]

kerry4951 wrote:

The numbers that some claim to have paid for brand new units are way under what I had to pay, but than I purchased from an eastern dealer. I couldnt get close to those high discount percentages. I am amazed at what some have claimed to have paid.

Claims can be, ah exaggerated. I have seen people claim discounts that are actually below the cost to build.
Of course some dealers also pad the price, allowing for large "apparent" discounts

[GeoBoy]

pxlgrfx48 wrote:
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.

What size truck do you have?

[rottidawg]

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

X2
Love mine.
And there is an excellent dealer in Denver: http://rockymountainfourwheelcampers.com
http://www.fourwheelcampers.com

[mgann]

From Ohio, make a slight detour on your way to Denver through Iowa and visit Northstar factory. They are hard to beat in every aspect. Just my 2 cents.

[pxlgrfx48]

Lots of good info! You have given me a lot to think about. Great forum!
Thanks everybody!

[CAJW]

Consider fresh water, gray & black tank capacities if boondocking is your thing.

[run100]

While everyone has been offering good considertions, nobody has mentioned the very most important item to consider -- where will you put the coffee pot?!

[kerry4951]

claymcc wrote:
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. 😉

The numbers that some claim to have paid for brand new units are way under what I had to pay, but than I purchased from an eastern dealer. I couldnt get close to those high discount percentages. I am amazed at what some have claimed to have paid.

[joerg68]

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.

We do that all the time, thankyouverymuch. By no means is it an artistic performance in our Apex 8. It is not very comfortable, but it (usually) beats the alternatives.

Like others said in this thread, the smallish popup manufactureres do not have a dealer network and usually build to order. You may not be able to negotiate much as far as the price goes, but you can certainly have them incorporate most specific changes into the design of your camper. They are well worth the visit when you are in the area.