Hello Everyone!
During my research on PopUPs the past week I ran across this website and was drawn in for hours reading thru all of the online topics. I have learned so much during these past few days due to all your comments and recommendations that I cannot wait until I can put it all into practice when I buy my first PopUp, which I hope to do in the next few weeks.
I am equally excited because I was finally able to determine the towing capacity on my 2004 Jeep Liberty. I thought that the max. was 2,000 but it turns out that it is 5,000. :-() Now my options are better regarding the type of camper that I can purchase. My needs are limited but staying under that 2,000 limit was going to be very difficult. Now I can go heavier and stay under the recommended limits by at least 15% and feel safe while towing.
Thanks for reading. ;)
Welcome to PUT and I am glad we have been able to help you. Ask away because we like questions.:)
You think you're excited now, wait till you start planning you first trip.
Welcome
Lee
Welcome, and please remember that a vehicle's "maximum" is assuming the vehicle is virtually empty, driven by almost a ghost (150 lb driver, no "extras").
You need to subtract what "extra" things will be in your vehicle: husband, wife, kids, cooler, dog, gas in the tank, windshield wiper fluid, etc!
Then, you know your true max you can tow. Factor about 80%, because you will undoubtedly encounter hills... and will need "extra" power.
Good hunting -- and I am shocked that the Liberty can tow 5000 lbs; that is an impressive amount for a compact SUV :)
(even so, even a heavily-outfitted PUP, like a 12' Coleman Niagara with extra storage, loaded, is only 3400 lbs FULLY loaded - so you should be set).
We have a 2005 Jeep Liberty and equipped with the tow package, automatic, 3.7 V-6 can tow up to 5000#. We have have a 05 Fleetwood Allegiance, GVWR of 3500 - don't have any problems with towing. We also use a brake controller and anti-sway bar.
Good luck on your search for your new camper! :)
Nancy
Happy PU hunting and planning those first trips! :> Get out there and try out as many brands and floor plans as you possibly can. Spend some time playing in them with whoever you'll be camping with. That'll help you figure out which PU fits your family best. Good luck!
Welcome to the club. I agree with Nancy with having a sway bar and brake control. I believe the liberty is a rear wheel drive compact suv and that is why you are able to tow alot of weight versuses the other small compact suv's cause the a re limted to towing cause of the front wheel drive. I would definitely get a brake control and sway bar. The sway bar really makes a difference on keeping the trailer straight and not all over the road. If you have electric brakes on the trailer get a brake controller because every state has has a different limit on trailer weights. I know that some states require brake controls for states as low as 1500 lbs and as high as 5000lbs. Illinois requires it at 3,000lbs. Are trailer weighs about 3900lbs loaded.
Mark '74
Susan '78
Marbles the cat 10 yrs. old code name missy
05 Fleetwood Niagara w/sway bar
05 Explorer 4dr 4.6L V8 sohc with brake controller and tow package 4x4 7100lbs max towing
03 Explorer Sport trac 4.0 V6 4.10 gear ratio 4x4 5080 max towing and 1300lb max weight in pu bed with airlift air bags with tow package.
both vehicles have brake controlers
Quote from: SBurris28127Hello Everyone!... Now I can go heavier and stay under the recommended limits by at least 15% and feel safe while towing. ....
Hello!
Don't forget about rear end sag. Even though your Liberty can pull, it still has cushy car-like suspension. That causes the rear end to drop, (sag), a few inches when a 300 to 400 pound trailer tongue is dropped onto the hitch ball.
I want to thank everyone for the tips and well wishes. I feel welcomed.
I am a SWF and have been on the net each night trying to obtain all the information that I can so that I will be prepared when I make my first purchase. Information can become overwhelming but thankfully I have my parents support and can go to them (and you all :D ) for help.
I will be going to the RV Show in Charlotte on Saturday. This will be my first time going so I am looking forward to it.
Hopefully, within a month I will have a new or used Pop Up.
Nancy, it is good to hear that you have success with your Liberty. Until I found out about the towing capacity on my 2004 I was worried that I would not have much of a selection when it came to size and weight. I also plan on using a brake controller and sway bar (no doubt).
Thanks All,
Stacey
Welcome.....from another North Carolinian! Good luck at the RV show. We'll probably try and make the Raleigh show next month. Just to look though!
My family and I went to the RV Camping Show in Charlotte today. It was just amazing to see all the shapes, sizes and floor plans available out there. I am worn out from looking. :eyecrazy: I had decided going in that this would be a research misson. I am just not able to afford a new one. My favorite was the '06 Fleetwood Williamsburg. I would have loved to have purchased it on the spot.
I am really conflicted over the shower/toilet. I have read through other threads where it has been discussed before and I would like to have one. My question though is how difficult it is to take a shower in one? I stood in one and did not know how I would be able to take a successful shower without snagging the curtain at every turn and keeping water from splashing out of the box. Is sitting down while you shower the answer??
I found out yesterday that a co-worker was selling their 2002 Jayco Eagle series (I dont know exact model) for $3000. They purchased it new in 2003. It has a/c, heating,awning, propane/electric fridge, gas stove, and outdoor grill. I have not seen it yet but I know from her description that it has the floor plan that I like. It has a 10 foot box. Everything sounded great about it other than no shower/toilet, no electric brakes and rather have a 12 ft box. They have only used it 5 times. She has a family member coming to look at it this weekend so chances are it will sell. If not, then of course I'll check it out.
Its frustrating because I want to buy something NOW! :p But, I know that I need to by patient until the right thing comes along so that I dont spend to much or end up with a camper that I regret buying.
Darn it! I wanted to have a camper by the end of January so that I could get free shipping on the PopupGizmo solar bunk covers. LOL :D
The Williamsburg is a very nice floor plan. It is easy to shower in the PU. The curtain is twice as long as a standard shower curtain. It goes all the way around you and overlaps itself a foot or so. The curtain also goes down into the floor plan. Mine came with some small velcro pieces so that you can attach the curtain to the sides of the shower pan to help hold it in place. If you don't have a water connection and are showering with water from the on board water tank most people take a "marine" shower. Get wet, turn the water off and soap up, then turn the water back on and rinse. Good luck with the hunt for a PU.:)
Well, as of today I am the owner of a New 2005 Fleetwood Victory. I will be going to the dealer next Saturday to have a hitch installed and pickup the camper.
While inspecting the unit I noticed mildew spots on both bunkends and damage to the corner of one of the cabinets. By Saturday they will have replaced the tenting on both bunkends and the cabinet.
My final total including tax, tag and title was $9494.35. That also included $250 for hitch installation. It comes with A/C and heat strip.
Now I am off to the Popupgizmo site to order the solar bunkend covers while the free shipping is still available. :-()
Congratulations on the new PU. I hope you have a grand time camping in it. Where are you going on your first trip?:)
Congratulation on your new Victory! Enjoy! :)
Thanks for the support!!
I have even better news. The company where I purchased the PopUp has two different locations. After checking their internet site I discovered the same camper with the same standard features/with add-ons for a lower price at the second location. I called and was quoted a lower price. To make a long story short I am now saving $ by purchasing through the second location. The original location said that they could not even sell it for what the second location is selling it for. The salesman admitted that the marketing dept. put incorrect information on the website but that they were going to honor the amount. :-() This one is on their showroom floor and has been in wharehouse storage during the winter so I am sure that it will not have the mildew problems that the original had.
My first trip will either be a local state park or Myrtle Beach in April.
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'04 Jeep Liberty
'05 Fleetwood Victory
Stacey
Wow you really made out. Good luck on your maiden trip.:)