For the past year or so I've been on here occasionally just reading but today I had to join because we're looking at Pop-ups this spring!
Every time I think I've made up my mind on a brand or some such I question the choice so I'm hoping to get some feedback on what our requirements/hopes are and see what those with experience think...
Okay first off, we're going to try to tow with our Pacifica the manufacture recommeded capicity for towing is 3500#. (is this a crazy idea or will we be able to tow with it?)
I'd like to be able to take my daughter off and about this summer without the spouse (job involves lots of travel) and have never towed ANYTHING. Ever. So I'll need advice there....
In that vein I won't have the manpower to open/set up the camper, it could often just be me and the baby.
I'm in the Northeast, rain is frequent during the summer as is lots of humidity. I was thinking an airconditioner might be a good idea.
I grew up camping in a 36ft holiday rambler and got introduced to tent camping as a poor college student....
Now that I'm a new mom myself I want to take my daughter camping from the start and can't afford a giant RV (nor would I want the upkeep, scare of driving it, or that enclosed feeling) and would like to upgrade from my tent with the baby.
Does any body have any thoughts?
Thanks!!!!
Dora
Hey, Dora! Welcome! You've come to the right place (one of the right places, anyway.)
A vehicle with a towing capacity of 3500 lb would be considered adequate for many, many popups. There are popups out there that would be too heavy for it, but as long as you know your limits you should be fine. Just don't let a fast-talking salesperson tell you that you can tow "anything." Look through the posts here about towing and you'll see plenty of guidelines.
As far as setting it up yourself, it sure is do-able. The first couple of times it will take a long time, and you may have to go through a learning-curve. But after a while it will be second nature. Go for it!
Towing is another thing you just have to learn. The best thing to do is to find a friend who knows how and have them help you learn. The hardest thing is backing up with the trailer, and you can learn to do that in a big empty parking lot with orange cones or some such thing. The other big thing about towing is to make your turns wider than you would without a trailer because the trailer will cut the turns closer to the curb than your tow vehicle will. With the proper equipment, towing is nothing to be afraid of.
You are in for an exciting new aspect of camping life! Enjoy!
Hello Dora, and welcome.
The first thing you need to do is go out to the car and get you owners manual and read and understand what it says about towing a trailer. Does it want a weight distribution hitch? Do you need a factory tow package to pull 3500 lbs?
Let's understand what your tow vehicle can and can't do. If in reading the manual there are terms you don't understand this is the place to ask about them. We want you and your daughter to be safe and KNOW you are safe and not just because some guy at a website (me) told you you would be.
And if you don't have a factory tow package and need one - that's usually pretty easy to do as an aftermarket thing. A lot of us have done it, and many of us own or have owned Chrysler products.
So off you go to do your homework. Take care of this and then we can start talking about size, etc.
Quote from: abbearSo off you go to do your homework. Take care of this and then we can start talking about size, etc.
I'll let the boys talk about size ~ they enjoy it so much more! :D
Welcome to PUT! Always room for another camper at the fire.
I can address the part about camping alone with children ... it's definitely do-able and you don't have to be She-Ra to set up camp. I'm a single mom and this will be my third season camping alone with the kids ~ all 4 of them! Before that I had only towed a couple times and never backed a camper up. I'm still no pro at backing, but I can get the trailer into a site and back into my driveway. I just keep practicing.
If you keep it simple setting up and breaking camp doesn't have to be a lot of work. I can do both (set up and break camp) faster than some of my friends that have TTs (travel trailers). It just takes some practice and a little planning ahead.
Two other things I try to do when we camp ... one) camp with a group or another family. Try to find some people in your area who camp and see if you can join them. It really helps to have other adults around that can help with the kid(s) when you need a break. Two) camp near home. If I'm not going with a group I'll go within an hour or so of home. That way if it just isn't working we can go home. Our favorite trip is to a campground about 45 minutes from home right next to the Minnesota Zoo. We get there Wednesday, spend all day Thursday at the Zoo and come home Friday.
You can learn how to tow and back up a PU ~ with some practice. If you've tent camped you can handle the rest.
Good luck and keep us posted.
When I read your post, the first type of pop up camper I thought of that I would recommend for you is a A-frame Hard-sided one. See this link: http://www.chaletrv.com/
This type of camper would be great for a small family. It would be easy for one person to set-up. And you'd have the confidence of more protection for yourself and your child (Weather protection, Security, etc.)
This type of A-Frame camper has been out for awihile, so you might be able to find a used one. There is another manufacter of these A-Frame pop up campers and I bet someone else could help with this if your interested.
Trailering a pop-up is pretty easy.
Let us know what you decided to buy! :p
Cheryl in Cincinnati
Hi...
Oh I am so happy to be getting advice....
Thanks Speakeasy.. I'll make use of a mall parking lot for sure before I try towing it...
abear.... I'll grab the manual out of the car when the baby gets up from her nap and try to figure out the information....
Kelly... that is good/logical advice about distance from home. I haven't tried the campgrounds near to the house before so it could be an adventure. Did you pick your PU based on how easy it would be to get up and down or?
all this information is wonderful...Anybody else that is up to chiming in, please do!
Dora
Cheryl... I didn't even know those existed and I've spent so much time on the interent looking at pop ups..... Have you ever been in one?
Dora
Yep, I've been in a few of them. ;) I've seen them at RV Shows and at a local dealer. They are very good quality made campers. There are several people that have one on this site. I've seen them alot at campgrounds too, and I've always thought they were cool looking! :D
I found the link to the other manufacter of these type of campers. Here it is:
http://aliner.com/
If you posted a message asking for input on A-Frame Campers, I know you'd get some replies.
Cheryl in Cincinnati
2001 Starcraft 2107
Hi Doris.
Welcome. How about renting a PU a couple of times. This will give you a great idea with what's involved.
It really gets difficult when alone with kids. I tried this last year. I took two seven year olds and one four year old, all by my lonesome. All I could say is that I would never do that again without help.(during set up)
If I had someone to help setting up it would have been great. I really needed another person to entertain the kids. They didn
I'll second the Aframe suggestion :D, but only if you don't plan on extending the family any further. We find it ideal for our needs, yes it's a small camper but we don't camp to be inside. We have an Aliner.
They are easy to tow, fast set up (yes 30 seconds to pop up..it's true!) & break down. Leveling is the same regardless of pop up type. I had never towed before either till the Aliner....it's not as hard as you think. Set up is easily a 1 person job, I take ours out alone every now and then & a few days before DH joins up with me for the weekend.
Have fun in your search.
Welcome to PUT. I also camp without my DH, he is not a camper. I started taking my ds camping when he was two, I went on my own. If your daughter is not up on her feet yet you can put her in a seat or portable playpen while you set up the camper. If she is walking around have her help you. I gave DS simple chores like bringing me the stakes for the awning, putting the leveling jacks under the corners of the trailer, etc. Things I could have done much quicker by myself, but giving him stuff to do kept him busy and made him feel useful and important. Doing things together is part of why we camp. I didn't know anything about PUs when I got my first one. I went to the new camper dealers in my area and looked at features, options, and brands and then went looking for a used PU that had what I wanted at a price that I could afford. Ask any questions you might have and the people her will be glad to offer advice. Have fun camping with your daughter.
As far as what you can tow, I would recommend a trailer that weighs less than 3000 pounds loaded. Good luck and let us know what you decide.:)
Quote from: CamperDKelly... that is good/logical advice about distance from home. I haven't tried the campgrounds near to the house before so it could be an adventure. Did you pick your PU based on how easy it would be to get up and down or?
The PU I have now is the second one I've owned ~ the ex kept the first. We had used that one for two camping seasons and I felt pretty comfortable setting it up. I took a couple trips with just the kids in that PU, too.
I was more concerned with the weight of it and making sure the floorplan was one that would work for my family as they grew (and grew and grew!) I'm hoping to keep this one til the last kid leaves home! I got lucky and heard about one that a PUT member was going to be selling ... right in my price range with the features I considered necessary.
Welcome to PUT!
All good advice. Boiled down: You can do it.
As a rule of thumb (but still need to check weights and tow vehicle (TV) capability), you can tow most 10' campers (10' being the length of the box). Some of the 12 footers would be pushing it, but it can be done too. You would be better to stay in the 10 foot and smaller range with your TV.
Before you even ask it, I am going to answer a question: Yes, you will like having a porta potty with a little girl. :) She might want to use the bathroom a couple of times during the night. So, if you get a camper without a built-in cassette potty, get a porta potty.
Larry
Quote from: CincymouseWhen I read your post, the first type of pop up camper I thought of that I would recommend for you is a A-frame Hard-sided one. See this link: http://www.chaletrv.com/
This type of camper would be great for a small family. It would be easy for one person to set-up. And you'd have the confidence of more protection for yourself and your child (Weather protection, Security, etc.)
This type of A-Frame camper has been out for awihile, so you might be able to find a used one. There is another manufacter of these A-Frame pop up campers and I bet someone else could help with this if your interested.
Cheryl in Cincinnati
Amazingly, I went looking at the A-frame type trailers this weekend. Had to get it out of my system. I've got a Rockwood 1950 -- 10' box with shower/toilet & AC & really love it. The downside is travelling alone & popping up while still hooked up to the TV -- can't be done. So I thought about both A-liners & Chalets. Have to say they're WAY over-priced for the size. Guess they figure they can charge an arm & leg because nobody else has them. A-liners are "lightly" made (if you catch my drift), and I wouldn't pay that much. Chalets are a bit more substantial, but for the money you can find something much nicer, and much roomier.
The 2006 Rockwoods apparently come with a motorized lift system, which would help with set up. As a single, I can do everything myself, and thoroughly enjoy it. I camp with a group & love it. Spend the spring looking at all the models you can so you know what's out there. Stay well under your TV's weight, just to be safe, and you'll still have plenty of options. Enjoy the process, and keep us posted. :)
Dw and I like our Chalet.It is easy to set up and tow,and we love the thermal and acoustic insulation.We have found the trailer to be worth more than what we paid for it. Possibly one of these folding trailers would work for you.
There is only one dealer in my area that works with the A-frame trailers... but luckily they're actually close enough to go check them out.
There is also an RV show in Providence RI that while a drive is a do-able drive.
The book we have on the Pacifica says up to 3500# with a appropriate hitch...after trying to understand hitch information I called the dealer (now how much of this is the dealer wanting the job I don't know) who says they have to install it to keep within the extended warranty we purchased along with a service package. Somebody is supposed to call me back this morning with a quote.
My question for those of you with the A-frame types... do they tend to 'breathe' less? Would I definately need the AC to survive our hot steamy summers in it? On the flip side would we be able to do a bit of winter camping with it?
You all have no idea how excited I'm getting!
THANK YOU!
Dora
Dora, most of this you can do yourself pretty easily. The most difficult things to do for setup when alone is backing into your campsite. Before you backin get out and look around the site. Make sure the area is clean and you are aware of where the obsticles are. You can also grab a neighbor camper and ask them to help guide you in. Levelling is tough when alone. You may want to consider purchasing a Bal leveller ($60 or $70). That way you can level after you have parked without worrying about trying to back onto boards etc. The awning can be difficult. You have a couple of choices for this. Fill a couple of plant pots with concrete with PVC tubing in the middle which is where the awning legs will be placed. The weight of the pots help keep the legs in place whilst you setup. Alternatively ask a fellow camper for help. I think some of the campers such as Kelly have an easy setup awning that they could give more info on.
Hooking the tow vehicle up to the camping unit you should practice a few times. Lift up the tail gate on the van and take it slow. You should be able to find some fixed reference points to use on the tailgate, hitch and/or camper to help you with this.
We tow a 10 foot boxed Cheyenne with a mini van without issue. Likes your our weight limit is 3500. We had to add a transmission cooler and hitch to the van in order to tow. Uhaul did all this for a reasonable price.
You have trailer camped and tent camped in the past so you will be fine.
Hey Dora -
As a mom of three boys, I can tell you that it is MORE than possible to camp alone with children! DH does come with us when his work schedule allows, but I am the primary driver, setter-upper and maintainer of our camper. We are on our third pop-up - a new 2005 Niagara.
I started about 10 years ago w/an older (1980ish) Coleman that I purchased to go to the beach with. Only had one child then and went to the beach MANY weekends for a couple of summers. I stored the camper at the campground and they pullled it out for me when I needed it. In spring of 2001 I bought a new Rockwood w/an 8' box. By that time we had all three kids and the boys and I camped primarily at our local state park. For three summers in a row, we camphosted for 6 weeks at a time. DH joined us most weekends. It was a bit crowded, but we only lived 30 minutes away, so we came home to do laundry, etc.
I am looking forward to really using our Niagara. We will no longer camphost because of the children's school schedule, but because the camper is bigger and, I feel, more stable to tow, I am more comfortable going longer distances with it.
So, yes, you CAN do this. Most folks looked at me like I was nuts when I told them about camping w/the kids. I would suggest the following:
1. You were absolutely correct to call the dealer about towing. I would also follow whatever they recommend and get it in writing. It may cost you more to have them do the "hitch" related work, but if you have an extended warranty, you don't want to give them any excuse to not make good on it if you have an issue in the future.
2. The A-Frame trailers seem very well made and easy to set up, but if you are planning on anymore kids, you may want a bit bigger unit. From what you have said so far, you may want to consider a used 10-ft box w/out a lot of extras (they add weight!). I would NEVER buy one without a/c. But I also would never go camping without a blow-dryer & microwave, so take that into consideration!
3. It is possible to hitch up by yourself (I have done it), but not easy. My son started spotting for me when he was about 7 or so. But there are always another campers or park employees that are willing to assist. Don't be afraid to as for help.,
4. By far, I found backing up the most difficult thing about the whole process. The first time I tried, I couldn't do it and one of the neighbors helped out. I finally go to the point where I could back the Rockwood into a campsite. I was most proud this past weekend when I backed the Niagara up the driveway and 1/2 way into the side load garage. We were able to push it the rest of the way.
5. A playpen or just putting your child in a car seat on the picnic table (weather permitting) or getting a small dvd player and leaving her in the car with it running and her watching a movie are good options when you set up. As she gets older, give her little tasks to help you out.
Hope this helps; let us know what you decide!
Pam
Quote from: PLJDora, most of this you can do yourself pretty easily. The most difficult things to do for setup when alone is backing into your campsite. Before you backin get out and look around the site. Make sure the area is clean and you are aware of where the obsticles are. You can also grab a neighbor camper and ask them to help guide you in. Levelling is tough when alone. You may want to consider purchasing a Bal leveller ($60 or $70). That way you can level after you have parked without worrying about trying to back onto boards etc. The awning can be difficult. You have a couple of choices for this. Fill a couple of plant pots with concrete with PVC tubing in the middle which is where the awning legs will be placed. The weight of the pots help keep the legs in place whilst you setup. Alternatively ask a fellow camper for help. I think some of the campers such as Kelly have an easy setup awning that they could give more info on.
Hooking the tow vehicle up to the camping unit you should practice a few times. Lift up the tail gate on the van and take it slow. You should be able to find some fixed reference points to use on the tailgate, hitch and/or camper to help you with this.
We tow a 10 foot boxed Cheyenne with a mini van without issue. Likes your our weight limit is 3500. We had to add a transmission cooler and hitch to the van in order to tow. Uhaul did all this for a reasonable price.
You have trailer camped and tent camped in the past so you will be fine.
Great advice, Peter. Where are you camping this summer? Maybe we can crash your party. :D
Leveling ~
I do have a BAL leveler ... best purchase I ever made. After I choose where I want the PU and get reasonably close (I'm not that good at backing up!) I put down a couple of 12" square pieces of plywood. DS guides me onto those. It wouldn't be too difficult to do that yourself, Dora. Sometimes DS loses focus and I have to do it anyway! Then I use the BAL to level. I'm also not afraid to ask for help backing in if I need it. Other campers are usually very understanding ~ most have been in the same boat at one time or another!
Awning ~
Wow! I didn't realize anybody paid any attention to what I say around here! LOL
I do have a Carefree of Colorado awning. It came with the PU ... lucky me! It is easier to set up with 2, but I can do it by myself. I couldn't do the awning on the old PU myself.
Hitching ~
That is tricky ... I have a lovely gouge in my rear bumper to prove it! I found the best way is to really pay attention to how the PU looks in your rear view mirror. If I have to do it myself I line up the middle trim piece on the roof of the PU with the heat vents in the back of my van. I get as close as I dare without actually hitting the bumper (again) and then get out and check. Then I have a pretty good idea of how much further I have to back up. I put a rock or a stick on the ground where the rear (driver's side) tire needs to be and back up to there. I usually have to get out and check 3 or 4 times to get it right.
btw ~ my camping dream is to have an ALiner or a Chalet after my kids move on. If it was just me and one kid most of the time, I'd be looking at an 8' box PU. But again ~ I don't pack much and really wouldn't need the extra room a 10' (or 12') box would have.
Quote from: CamperDMy question for those of you with the A-frame types... do they tend to 'breathe' less? Would I definately need the AC to survive our hot steamy summers in it? On the flip side would we be able to do a bit of winter camping with it?
You all have no idea how excited I'm getting!
THANK YOU!
Dora
Excited!, naaa we wouldn't know that feeleing ;) most of us have been where you are now. You think you're excited now, just wait till you pick up your new camper!
Now to the Aframe. They are only as breatheable as the amount of windows. We have opening screened windows on all but 1 side of the camper. In the wide open Sun they can become pretty warm without AC. There are opening sky lights for the front and rear that are options also another option is the fantsstic fan roof vent that pulls air thru nicely(we have 3 roof vents and no fan ,we want one). For hot humid camping I would get the AC. But being in a hot steamy area even a canvas PU would need AC, either way you decide AC would be good to have.
Winter camping can be done with a fair amount of comfort. I've had our Aliner out in temps down to 15* lows and stayed warm. Being insulated you use less propane and the furnace does not run continualy as in a canvas PU in that kind of cold. For 3 nights and days of using the furnace I used less than a tank of propane.
If you want to explore Aframes further you can check out the Aliner/Chalet Yahoo group You'll find lots of info on both there. Sometimes used Aliners and Chalets become posted for sale on there too.
Kelly us Minnesotans should plan a get together some time this year. Although I use the term Minnesotan loosely as I'm from England, the wife is from Illinois and isn't Austin from Boston?
I also have a dent in my rear. My DD lost focus when I was reversing to the hitch and forgot to tell me to stop :p So Dora take your time backing up and get out as many times as you feel comfortable to check. As always with camping someone has designed and made a gizmo to make this process easier.
We've been in many a downpour in the popup and never had so much as a drop of unwanted rain enter the unit. As for humidity then an A/C should help with that.
Quote from: PLJI also have a dent in my rear. My DD lost focus when I was reversing to the hitch and forgot to tell me to stop :p So Dora take your time backing up and get out as many times as you feel comfortable to check. As always with camping someone has designed and made a gizmo to make this process easier.
QUOTE]
I must jump in and out of the van a half dozen times before I'm ready to hitch the trailer.
Okay...Ignorance alert... what is a leveler? Is it like the piston like things that used to come down near the wheels of my parents RV?
I have a feeling I am going to need lots of practice with the hitching and the pitching....
Dora
Dora, here is a link to a leveller at camping world. They allow you to level your camper from side to side. Without this then you would need to back onto boards to raise one side of the camper. Most state park sites I have camped at tend to be level enough from side to side. But its not always the case.
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=21017&src=SRQB
LOL! Reminds me of a little story. When we bought our camper, the guy who showed us how to set it up recommended that we make a leveler by nailing three lengths of 2-by-6 together. One long section under one medium section under one short section. The short section is about 8" long, the medium about 16", and the long about 24". Anyway, he explained that you back one tire up onto the first board for a site that's a little out-of-level, the second board for one that's more out-of-level, and the third board for the worst case. He said, "If you are on a site that's more out-of-level than the third board, go to a different site." We all chuckled. Well, on one of our first trips we found ourselves on a site at the Bridge Bay campground in Yellowstone. It was bad. This is one of the few campgrounds in Yellowstone where you can get a reservation. We had made our reservation months in advance. We had arrived just before closing time. We were going to be camped on this site no matter what. Well, I backed it up onto the third board hoping for the best. It was almost level. Good thing! We've never been to a site that was worse. We've been to a couple that were just as bad, but never one that was worse.
Quote from: PLJI also have a dent in my rear.
:eyecrazy:
Quote from: SpeakEasymake a leveler by nailing three lengths of 2-by-6 together. One long section under one medium section under one short section. The short section is about 8" long, the medium about 16", and the long about 24".
Probably looked a little like
this.
Another idea for leveling is the Lynx Levelers. Some people don't like them, but DW says I have a knack for guessing (with the aid of a carpenter's level) how many we'll need. I rarely have to restack, so this is what we use, and love them!
http://lynxlevelers.com/
Larry