Looking to buy a Viking 2308ST (Pro's / Con's)

[flat_lander]

Having tent camped for several years now, I am looking at purchasing a new Viking 2308ST popup.  I was wondering if any of you had some Pro's or Con's that you could offer related to this model or Viking popups in general.  

Thanks,
Chicago....

[fritz_monroe]

I can't help with the Viking questions, unfortunately there isn't a dealer near me, so I haven't even seen one.  But make sure your TV is capable of handling the weight.  What are you towing with?  What lead you to that model?  Are you talking new or used?

Good luck in your search.

[abbear]

Fritz is right.  FIRST figure out what your tow vehicle can handle.  You can find that info in your owners manual or google search for a forum specific to your tow vehicle.  Once you know what you can tow then you can realistically figure out what you can get - no matter what brand.  And NEVER TRUST THE DEALER TO GIVE YOU THE STRAIGHT SCOOP ON WHAT YOU CAN TOW!  He wants to sell you a popup.

[fritz_monroe]

I learned the hard way.  My Jeep Liberty is rated at 5000# towing.  I had no problem towing my new Bayside on the flats and on small hills, but on longer inclines, there was a hint that I would not be able to tow into the mountains of WV like we plan on doing.  So, just after buying our first pup, I had to get a bigger TV.  So I said goodbye to my PT Cruiser convertible and picked up a 2006 Nissan Armada.  I was lucky that we were able to afford a new TV at this time.  If not, we wouldn't be getting very much use out of the new pup.

So do yourself a favor and figure out exactly what you can tow.  Once you have that figured out, start looking at the features you want and visit every brand you can find.

[flat_lander]

Fritz is right.  FIRST figure out what your tow vehicle can handle.  You can find that info in your owners manual or google search for a forum specific to your tow vehicle.  Once you know what you can tow then you can realistically figure out what you can get - no matter what brand.  And NEVER TRUST THE DEALER TO GIVE YOU THE STRAIGHT SCOOP ON WHAT YOU CAN TOW!  He wants to sell you a popup.

Thanks for the TV concern, but I've done quite a bit of research and I think that I'm ok.   Like yourself I too will be using a 2004 FWD Saturn Vue to pull my future PU.  The Saturn is rated at 3500 lbs.  The Viking dry weight is roughly 2000 lbs.  

The Viking comes with electric breaks.  I'm researching break controllers now as well.   Do you have one in your Vue.

Thanks,
Chicago.....

[fritz_monroe]

Prodigy works fantastic.

[flat_lander]

Prodigy works fantastic.

Thanks F.M.  I've heard that from others as well.  I actually found the Prodigy sold under a different name Intella-Stop Ultra Break Controller.  I'm not sure if this unit is over kill from my PU and SUV.

-Chicago.

[fritz_monroe]

Nope, not going to be over-kill.  All brake controllers do the same thing, apply the brakes to the trailer.  The difference is how they do it.  The prodigy is one of the more advanced controllers.  And the kicker is the price.  I've seen it for sale for about $100 and the cheapest controllers are about $50 or so.  What you get for that $50 is a controller that does not need leveling and applys the brakes proportunally to how you are stopping.  Need to jam on the brakes, it knows and applys them really hard.

I looked at it as an insurance policy.  My family's safety is worth the price.

[abbear]

The prodigy is not overkill.  I had a different brake controller on my first set up and went to the prodigy.  The difference is night and day.

Get the prodigy.

[4campinfoxes]

From what I've seen online & in brochures Viking has some really good features in their campers.  They're an old brand, have been around for a long time.  If I were looking for one & had a dealer nearby I would seriously consider Viking.

I don't know if that helps or not - good luck!

Sharon

[maromeo]

Maybe we can help with the Viking questions. I like your floorplan because you can access your fridge with the top down. That is a big plus when you are packing for trips.

We have had our PU for almost 4 years and love it.  Our floorplan is the same as the 2470 but we have the lift system and A/C. Our unit came with electric brakes, and we have not had any issues towingwith our SUV. If you have any specfic question please feel free to email us. Take care.
Mary Romeo