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buying used popup

dennin
Explorer
Explorer
I would like to buy a used pop up camper. What are some warning signs that the pop up will be a future headache. What are signs that the pop up should not be a headache?
6 REPLIES 6

popupcamping
Explorer
Explorer
soriajj wrote:
have him fill the fresh water tank make sure your water works and also



I would not do this. Unless the Pup has a Hot Water heater or cassette potty save yourself the trouble of having to winterize like I have and never hook water up to your pup. The risk of running water through your pup and getting a leak just to have cold water inside instead of out at the post makes no sense to me. Even with a hot water heater you still have to lug all that gray water to the bathroom. If I have to walk to the bathroom to dump gray water I might as well just do my business there and save lugging water.:W

soriajj
Explorer
Explorer
Like the other member are saying look at the roof , when you go look at one ask the owner to set it up fully extended and ask him to put it all down and fold it completely down , while it is up if it has a A/C turn it on make sure it works have him fill the fresh water tank make sure your water works and also , if it has a cassete toilet have as if you can flush it , make sure the enters door is all complete and sets in properly , all these items are very expensive so you want to make sure what you buy works , or at least you know what does not work properly , Good luck

drae0814
Explorer
Explorer
If you live in any state that rains alot you might find some mold damage but over all i have found when looking at used pups if the price is right and you can see your self in it haveing fun buy it no used TT is perfict i havent found a perfict TT yet and i have had a blast with my family
enjoy life while you can:D

05 Dodge HEMI Quad Cab
2011 Dutchmen Colorado 5th wheel 37 ft

dennin
Explorer
Explorer
thanks I will look hard for water damage.

bondebond
Explorer
Explorer
Also look intently at the ceiling and the side walls of the roof for any bubbling of the vinyl cover, any signs of rot or water intrusion on the wood. Underneath whatever exterior covering is on the outside (typically aluminum or fiberglass of some sort) is usually plywood to make up the side walls of the roof. Check over all of that.

Look for water leaks around any plumbing under the sink and other water fixtures, including the pump and water heater.

Look for signs of mold in the corners, under the beds on the OSB/plywood bottoms, any place there is canvas/vinyl.

Walk on all areas of the floor and look for any place that gives. There will flexing and that is natural, but if something feels a bit squishy, check it out on the underside as well.

BTW, if you're not sensing it - water damage is often the biggest factor in longevity of PUPs.

Look for holes in the vinyl or canvas fabric.

Make sure all appliances work, demonstrated.

Overall condition and then some specifics to pay attention to. Tires are a commodity and need replacing every 4-5 years regardless of use. Brakes, if equipped need inspection. Bearings need greasing - when was the last time the seller did this?

Check the roof - is it sloping towards the middle, either front-to-back or side-to-side?

There's a host of other things to consider but you just have look at it closely and as best you can. Like I said, water is the most common failure reason of many aspects of a PUP.
This space left intentionally.

2006 Fleetwood Sequoia and mods...one of the tallest highwall pop-ups on the planet after flipping the axle.

ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
Look at the underside of the floor from underneath. If it has bare wood look for stains/black mold from water damage.