I am thinking about buying a pop-up camper. I have a half ton truck so I need something lite.
What do you all think about them, advantages and di
vantages?
[signature]
The only campers I know anything about are the tent type, They are great, but I alway had problems getting the darn thing level, then the door didn't fit correctly if it was not very level.
[signature]
I can't help you with any knowledge on pop up campers but I can tell you a little about full size campers. I had a 11 ft cab over camper on a 3/4 ton truck and that was way to much weight for that truck even though I had over load springs and those big over sized tires. It might have been OK on a 1 ton with duel tires but I decided if I ever got another full sized truck that I would go with a pop up camper. The lower profile of a pop up gives you a better center of gravity and I'm sure weights a lot less. I'm sure someone out there has a pop up camper that can give us their opinion. WH2
[signature]
Thanks Guys, I think that I will goto one of those big camper / trailer sales places, and see if I can sort out the truth from what a salesman tells me.
[signature]
What ever you do, don't buy new! Those things depreciate faster than any car you will ever own. Watch the classifieds (esp. KSL.com); the end of the camping season is approaching and you could find something good for a lot less than new. I bought a 2 y.o. starcraft a couple of years ago for half of what a new one would cost. I don't know much about all of the brands but have heard very good things about the fleetwood/coleman brand. My starcraft is good but is starting to have issues with the heater. Stay far away from anything called "Viking".
[signature]
Are you really sold on the pop-ups? Or is it a matter of them being light weight? Are you looking for new or used? Are you looking for a unit to pull or put on the bed of a truck. (I know stupid questions) to me a camper is "anything you take out camping", to some a camper is a truckbed mounted unit. If that's what you're looking for I've no clue, those type units scare me to death, I've almost been killed twice by my uncle when heading to the gorge. Pull behinds are different and I like the self-contained, drop and go type units, but they limit being able to drag a boat along.
What ever you do, look hard. A guy from my work just drop 20K on a unit to drop in the back of his truck! Ouch!
GOod luck!
[signature]
Ruger is right on. Don't, and I repeat do not buy new. Trailors depreciate faster than most other recreational vehicles. I bought a
96, 27' Aljo for $6200. Yeah, it is a little old, but it has hardly ever been used. The same unit new would probably be 25k new. Heck, my kids sure can't tell the difference.
The best bet is to talk to RV owners, not salesmen. Experienced use is where you get the best info.
I like the pull behind, but I don't like the fact I can't take my boat. I am considering double pulling, but that length seems to be a bit too much.
Check Craigslist.org, rv trader online (thats where I bought mine) and ksl.com.
Make sure when you buy, check EVERYTHING. I got burned on my first trailor. I thought I was getting a great deal for $2000. After putting a $1000 more into it, I was glad to let it go for $1600[cool]
[signature]
Its good to do your research and talk to lots of people. Hope you find what you want good luck
[signature]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]There's a lot of info online on pop up campers with many manufacturers and options. You can research all the models and which options (and weight) suite you best. [/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]The problem with buying used, is you are looking for an item that is not as available as other RVs. Pop up campers are not real popular and if you're looking to get it bought and get on the road, you may be waiting a while till just the right one finally comes along.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Another thing you will find out is that truck campers are very overpriced in comparison to a trailer. I have yet to figure that one out. Why a 10' fully equipped truck camper costs as much as a fully equipped 27' bumper pull trailer is beyond my comprehension.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Campers are the way to go if you plan on towing a boat. I've pulled trips with a 5th wheel and it's OK on the open road but when getting into tight places you have to be real careful, besides, you need a little more truck to pull it off,[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Saying that, I run a hard side camper. The problem with that as you know is weight. My Lance 920 is close to 3000 lbs dry. I have to haul it and the boat with a dually but it's sweet running down the road and getting through tight campgrounds.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3] It's not very comfortable to hangout in though. You really can't stretch out and lounge around but that never seems to be an issue until you have to spend a day in it while it's storming.[/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]My brother is considering a pop up for his 1/2 ton, short box. PM BaySport on the Nevada board and let him fill you in on his research. He's been doing his research and has pretty much decided which brand he likes.[/size][/black][/font]
[signature]
[size 1]di
vantages no storage. Two of my Camping buddies always say that is what the hate about them.[/size]
[size 1]Tommy[/size]
[signature]