First-Time Popup Owner

[md2lgyk]

Well, unlike most other camping folks, we have continued our pattern of downsizing over the years. Started 25 years ago with a Class C motorhome, moved on to some TTs, each smaller than the previous one, and now just bought a Coachmen 108ST popup. Why? Well, we didn't want the expense of owning a full-size 2WD pickup that was used only for towing. We also have no further plans for full-timing; our camping from now on will be long weekends or short trips of just a few days. The grandkids are all too old or too busy to want to camp with us any more. We're towing the new rig with an AWD SUV that's also my daily driver. Finally, we just had the feeling that hauling all the comforts of home around wasn't really "camping" for us any more. We actually almost bought a tent.

We've already made a couple of short trips. The thing is amazingly easy to tow, and quick and simple to set up. Mileage is about 60% better than the truck, and the SUV is useful in the winter when it snows.

[rbpru]

As you have noted they is a big difference between camping and RVing. Each has a definite time and place.

When we purchased our TT, I told my wife we are keeping the PUP. There are times when I just do not need the conveniences and hassle the TT affords.

I really like 15 mpg vs. 10 mpg, the ease of backing into a camping space and pulling it through the fast food drive thrus.

Yes I have packed wet, had the wind flip the awning over while the entire unit was shaking, and it takes a while to set up. It is also true I like the big bathroom and pantry in the TT. But hey, it is camping and I like that also.

[xteacher]

I guess you're either a PUP person or not. We had one a long time ago for 3 trips - lol! Each time we took it out, it rained for set-up, take-down, or both. Then we had to set it back up when we got home to unload it and to let it dry out so that the canvas wouldn't mold. We also had to buy the pop-up end covers to deflect the brutal FL/GA heat/light. Someone got a really nice unit when we traded it in...

[md2lgyk]

Our new rig is wired for solar; guess I'll have to check into that. We didn't get the toilet or shower options - between military campgrounds and Coast to Coast resorts, virtually everywhere we stay has bath houses. The shower in our previous TT was never even used. Do love the heated mattresses though; used them last weekend.

[kknowlton]

We had a popup for 17 years and loved it. Took it to every state in the northern half of the US except Alaska. We loved that we could push it around to get the optimal position within campsites, and loved the simplicity of it - no water system (we disabled it after it leaked the first year we had it), no battery, no weight distribution needed, etc. (Brakes would have been good; it didn't have any.) However, as we got older, an enclosed TT was in order, and we are now happy to have that (especially now that we live in bear country).

BTW, we downsized too, going from a small (18') Class C to the popup, and recently from a large TT to a medium-sized TT.

Enjoy!

[mpfireman]

We had pop up units for closet 20 years, loved them. We moved up to a fiver some 15 years ago, reason, we were getting older, and wanted to do that ALASKA thing. Some camping areas in Alaska do not allow the canvas sided units, so the fiver was our choice.

[RoyB]

My POPUP has served us well since 2008 - Has all the modern things in it including the potty and shower... All that is missing is more leg room which makes us run around outside more I guess...

Gets great gas mileage on the truck and since I have the Starcraft R/T version it will go anywhere my truck will go. The R/T version comes with 15-inch tires on it...

We have drug our POPUP all over the VA and the southern Mtn and Beach states and as far West as Texas and OKLA...

Don't get any better than this unless maybe setup next to creekside...

Got mine all rigged for long camping stays off the power grid and am just now looking at adding at least three 120WATT Solar panels on the popup roof...

We have never camped much with hard walls so don't really know what we might be missing haha

Great choice for us... I consider mine setup a PLUS hehe...

Roy and Carolyn

[Eyegor]

I love this thread. Although I am very content with my old Class C we almost spent the same amount of cash on a new PUP or hybrid. DW had other ideas though. In the long run she is probably right, and I'm sticking to that;)

[jfkmk]

There's something to be said for a smaller trailer. I wanted to get a pop up but my wife wasn't keen on the idea. So we bought a 17 ft TT that we can tow with our SUV. We are often the smallest trailer in a cg but are happy. We love to be outdoors so a huge rig to us is meaningless. Good luck with your new camper!