Since there may be newbies with trial memberships lurking on the board soon, I thought it would be valuable for them to know why each of us chose the popup brand and model we did, particularly over other brands. Now, this thread is not meant to start a brand warfare (so please resist), but rather for each of us to state what we were each specifially looking for in a popup, and how that popup matched our needs. I believe this will help newbies or lurkers match up their own family needs and help point them in the right direction. So perhaps you can all address the following points in your responses (you need not address them in order, just kinda summarize. If some questions are a little sensitive, then feel free to ignore them):
1.) What were you looking for in a popup?
2.) How much did you research prior to your purchase?
3.) Why did your brand and model of popup meet that need and not others? Did this differ from what you *thought* you were looking for?
4.) How much did cost factor into it?
5.) How much did your tow vehicle/popup weight factor into it?
6.) Did you pick the right one? That is, would you buy the exact same brand and model again? What did you think was important, but after owning it, really isn t?
Here s my response:
When we decided to buy a popup, we knew we wanted the biggest one we could find. However, we had a tow vehicle concern so we were extremely limited in that respect (towed for a year with a 1996 Dodge Intrepid 3.5L ES). My wife also insisted that the popup had a cassette potty and shower combination. Well, with those constraints, you can see we were pretty limited with what we could buy. After considerable research, we settled on our Tracker Trailstar 12SC because it is a 12 box with King and Queen beds, shower and potty, and fully loaded weighs around 2250 lbs. It was as big and light as we could tow. We debated between our floorplan and a similar Rockwood with a gaucho couch (which I kind of wanted), but the Rockwood dealer was too far away and didn t have any in stock. It was a blessing in disguise as we use every square inch of counter space. Many people take their stoves outside and leave their coolers outside, but all of that stays inside our popup along with Sterlite drawers, so counter space is fully utilized. I didn t care about brand as much as I did weight and price so that was another factor in our purchase. The Tracker was very affordable compared to similarly equipped popups. Did I pick the right one? Well, yes and no. For us right now, it is fine and I have no regrets. If I were to buy a new popup, I would like one with a slideout and one that is rated to handle a weight distribution hitch. But I am thankful that we bought a large popup as our " starter" and pushed the rated tow limits of our Intrepid for a year (it towed quite admirably BTW), because the following year a baby came along and we bought a minivan with a higher capacity. Since we use all the space in our popup, I don t think we would be as happy with a smaller one, which is a good thing because it doesn t look like financially we will be able to upgrade to a popup with a slideout on the horizon....especially with another baby planned in the next year or so.
<sidenote> For those unaware, Trackers from the late 1990s are rebadged Palominos. For example, mine is a twin to the Palomino Filly-SC. Tracker no longer sells popup campers, but Palomino still has a small but stable market share.
SactoCampersMy soon to be DW lived in Michigan, loved to camp, and owned a popup.
I lived in CA, loved to camp and owned a backpack and corrosponding size tent; although unless weather, scorpions, or snakes were an issue, I would just sleep under the stars.
After a few years of compromise camping in a tent in a campground, we went looking for a pop-up, which was to be purchased after considerable research and discussion.
We went to the Coleman dealer in town and immediately fell in love with the openess and seating arrangement in the Sea Pine. She knew that unless there was inclemant weather, almost all cooking and eating would be done inside anyway. We listened to the dealer s rap about the quality and design features of the Coleman product and were sold. We went home that night, had a " are we really going to use this?" discussion and decided that we would. Purchased it the next day and have used it at least once a month ever since.
We would absolutely buy the same thing, but apparently can t because they stopped making the model. Oh well, we got ours.
What we like most about ours:
[ul]
- We can store it in our garage which is very small
- It tows incredibly balanced...we probably have 15,000 miles on it, without sway control, and have never felt a lick of sway
- Love that it is very spacious feeling in the 10 foot bed
[/ul]
gsm x2
SactoCampersGood thread! When dh and I met some 12 years ago, we both were avid outdoors people. He loved the fact that I knew how to fish and enjoyed camping. He wasn t too walke about the fact that I ususaly out fished him. Good reason to get married eh?[;)]
We tent camped until the twins came...I was done with the ground. His parents had a trailer on a permenant site and we would visit a couple times a year; I always complained (what else is new[8D]) about our monthly visits, but still enjoyed the thought of going camping.
Finally when the kids were old enough, we stopped complaining and rented a pop-up for our holidays...we loved it! Renting was good for us because it gave us a chance to see what features newer models had and to really feel what we wanted. We discovered the only feature we didn t want was to climb over the dinning table to get to bed.
We looked that whole summer at campers, went to every dealer we could and read every post on PUT. I felt confident that we were ready. The annual End of Season show rolled around and we went with three things in our mind...no dinnette beside the bed, under 5000lbs and under $10,000.00; that was it! Also, we left the kids at home, they were 6, 3 and 3 and we didn t want our attention split.
We checked every single pop up that fit our needs and ended purchasing from the very first dealer we stopped at when our journey began earlier that year! We got a great deal on an end of season camper and a lot of extra s thrown in. That was in November 2001 and we took possession in May 2002; those were such long months. The brand wasn t too important, more the cost for what we wanted, and could afford.
We talk about getting a hybird one day but realize it won t be for several years. We don t regret getting what we got at all! It s our castle and our family has made some great memories in it so far with many more to come I m sure! The new models of our unit have several better options but we bought at the right time for us. I enjoy the creature comfort s that the camper provides and love the fact that we can go where ever we want and meet up with some great people.
Tammy[:)]
SactoCampers
QuoteORIGINAL: SactoCampers
1.) What were you looking for in a popup?
2.) How much did you research prior to your purchase?
3.) Why did your brand and model of popup meet that need and not others? Did this differ from what you *thought* you were looking for?
4.) How much did cost factor into it?
5.) How much did your tow vehicle/popup weight factor into it?
6.) Did you pick the right one? That is, would you buy the exact same brand and model again? What did you think was important, but after owning it, really isn t?
Well the DW & I have camped for several years in a tent. I guess I m getting to old and oft so I wanted to get up off the ground but didn t want a TT. The primary reason for a PU over a TT is that we can still tow it into the same National Forest areas we tent camped in (that is if you are careful, on our first trip we ripped the back bumper off the PU, click [link=http://www.title-3.com/Trips/GeoWashington1.htm]Here to see[/link].
We went to RV shows and stopped at dealers for over two years before deciding on a Coleman Santa Fe. It was the right size and had a nice floorplan with no need to climb over a dinette to get to a bunk.
The price and tow vehicle really didn t factor in.
Yes, we bought the right one! While I m hoping I ll have it for many years I would get another one.
I must say I was glad to find Pop Up Times while I was shopping. I learned a lot about ABS roofs before I walked into a dealership. I actually had one dealer tell me Coleman had NEVER had a problem with an ABS roof, and this was 4 years after they were introduced. If he would lie about that, what kind of service would I get in the future???? I walked.
I actually bought my unit over the phone form a dealer about 1 1/2 hours away. I call and they had the unit I wanted in stock with all the options I wanted. I made a deposit with a credit card and scheduled a delivery date. While we were doing the walk through the service dept installed my hitch and we were out the door.
SactoCampersOur first TENT TRAILER, not a popup was a freebee so there really wasn t much choice in the matter. It was basically a tent on a box. Vintage 1969.
I will not go into the reasons but this one ended up back with the original owners.
We decided to buy our own popup and took a ride to our local Jayco dealer. Actually, this was the only popup dealer that we knew about. Didn t even know there were so many other brands.
We ended up with an 8 foot Jayco with just the bare basics. No heater, fridge, or a/c. We were a family of 4 and the children were about 9 and 5 at this time.
Too big factors that affected this purchase was the price and that our Caravan could tow it or at least the dealer told us it could. This was in 1990.
We took this little popup all the way from NH to CA in 49 days and about 10,000 miles.
About 5 years went by, children are now about 14 and 9. It is not very comfortable having dad and ds sleeping on the same small bunk so we have to go about using the table as another bed. The children have gotten bigger and so have their toys.
So about 1995, we visited some popup dealers, (by this time we knew there were other makes out there.) We ended up buying a 1995 Rockwood 1940 with refrigerator, heater, larger beds and this was a 10 foot popup. The room compared to the 8 footer was tremendous to us. You know, we should have thought that the kids might get bigger someday. Price and size were the major factors in this choice. We thought the Rockwood gave a lot of value for the money, however, this one turned out to be an Edsel. Dealer told us that our Caravan would pull it. It did, but not as well as when we were towing the Jayco.
Didn t know about electric brakes but that might have been a good investment. Also really didn t know about tow ratings, reese hitches, etc.
After living with the Rockwood and complaining about it for 4 years, DW said let s get a new camper. She was tired of me complaining that we can t go on one camping trip without something falling apart on the camper. (Rockwood owners, I know there are good ones out there, this one was a lemon.)
We had seen a Coleman Mesa at a campground, got a tour of it and really liked it. So, the Mesa was going to be it. We went to our local Coleman dealer and were discussing the 2000 Mesa when he mentioned that he had a couple of 98 Colemans. He took us outside to show them to us, and both dw and I immediately liked one of the used 98 s. We now had a 2000 Sienna and the dealer assured us that we could tow it with no problems. We negotiated and bought the 98 Mesa.
Found out later that the 98 Mesa was about 200 pounds lighter than the 2000 because it did not have the front storage compartment. This turned out to be a good thing because I later learned about tow ratings.
So we now have a 12 foot popup, the kids are now 21 and 17 and neither of them have the time to go camping with us. Duh.
The day after I put a down payment on the Mesa, I made a little discovery on the internet. This discovery was POPUPTIMES.
I found a bunch of great people who knew what they were talking about and really gave me some great info.
Like
Maybe the Sienna isn t the best vehicle to tow the Mesa with.
Coleman roofs may have roof sag
Sway
Towing Safety
How to set up a controller and tons and tons of other information. I either found this information on the board or posted a question.
I know I may not have answered the original question, but what I am trying to say is that this board provides anyone with a ton of information and if I had discovered this board a long time ago, I would have done things a lot differently.
SactoCampers1. I was looking to get up off of the ground. My DM was 68 and sleeping on the ground.
2. I spent around 4 weeks shopping
3. I liked the swing level galley, the stepper door and the one piece door on the Colemans. I still love all 3 features
4. I bought used, new was not an option
5. I knew I had to buy a smaller trailer, I had a 2000 lb. weight limit
6. I did not pick the right trailer. I bought the right trailer the second time. I do not like climbing over the table to get to bed, I didn t know you could get a shower/cassette potty and I wanted a front trunk.[&:]
SactoCampersI can answer this in 2 words - air conditioning. We borrowed a friends popup a few years ago and I had a great time. So this summer, I shocked my husband by asking him if he wanted to buy one. He just assumed I hated it.
So from June to November we were looking for a used popup. We d go online, check out all the dealers in PA and NJ; it seemed like every weekend it was popup hunting. The main thing we were looking for was a/c for my husband. I didn t care. We finally went to a dealer down by Atlantic City and he had a 96 Rockwood with a/c and heat and it was a great price. It was a family-owned dealership. They are about 2-3 hours away but we like them alot. When or if we get a new one, we are going back there.
We didn t know anything about the TV, when I first came here and everyone would talk about their TV, I was wondering why they were all talking about televisions. [8D]
So as you can probably tell, we have ALOT to learn.
Mary Beth
SactoCampersLet s see if I can remember! This is a test, isn t it? I just know I m going to flunk! Anyway, we tried tent camping at a nearby state park with my BIL & SIL one summer and we loved it! Even though my air matress sprung a leak during the night and I was sleeping on rocks by morning!
The pop up wasn t really a planned purchase! During the next Winter I happened to deliver some paperwork right next to a Coleman dealer so after the delivery, I wandered through the lot admiring the pop-ups. The price seemed high for a glorified tent, so I didn t give it any more thought, (for about two weeks!) then we happened to attend a home show where a Jayco dealer had a Qwest 10 set-up. The price seemed much more reasonable, so I started shopping between dealers. and bought it. We still tent camp sometimes, especially when we re going to be driving a long ways. Tent camping is still very special to me. I love the smell of the tent, but on a rainy day I like the roominess of the camper!
SactoCampers1. When we started camping, we were just looking for a big enough camper for the five of us.
2. Not much research, just went out and bought what we could afford.
3. Our first rig was a soft-side Venture. But after some cold weekends, we started looking for a hard-side pop-up similiar to our friends.
4. The Palomino cost $2300, but it s almost in showroom condition, being stored for 6 yrs.(Even got the dealer paperwork-brand new in 85-$4800)
5. No problems towing with the F-150(I-6 EFI A.T. 4X4), lots of torque and lugging power. Had some tranny problems with the Caravan, so we don t use that too much.
6. If I were to upgrade, I d go with a bigger bunk set-up(king size), and possibly more storage room. Don t need air or hot water, but do like the insulated hard-sides.[8D]
SactoCampersAll of you put so much thought into this, I m impressed.
We were tent campers for 25 years (motorcycle). In 95 DW became ill. So the Motorcycles and tent camping went away.
In the spring of 2000, I felt we needed to do something together again. So one day, I told her we are going for a ride.
" Where?"
" I want you to look at something I found" .
We went to the Coleman dealer, he had a SantFe all opened up and ready for us. I think he knew we were coming.[;)]
Well, DW walked into it, looked around, sat at the table, pushed on the bunks, asked if it had a heater?
" Yes, and Hot water, and a Fridge" .
" Gosh" she said, " You could live in this" .
So I bought it. We now have something we share again together. Someday we may trade for a bigger and better. But I don t think we will ever quit camping!
SactoCampersWe got our camper rather cheap. Dw found one on the internet for $50 bucks. So we got it am i spent most of last summer working on it. We were very happy th eway it turned out. Before we got the camper we camped in tents. The main reason we got a camper is because no matter how will you clean rocks from under your tent. They sneak back under where you are sleeping. And look for where the small of your back is. They can t jump high enough to get into the camper and do the same thing.
SactoCampers1.) What were you looking for in a popup?
Pretty much the basics ... alot of room, furnace, hot water, room for everyone to sleep and still room to sit inside. 2 seating areas for kid separation, on rainy days.
2.) How much did you research prior to your purchase?
We checked out the main brands around here and went to the Spring show.
3.) Why did your brand and model of popup meet that need and not others? Did this differ from what you *thought* you were looking for?
It s big yet seemed to give us the most for the $$$, and dealer is 20 minutes away.
4.) How much did cost factor into it?
Alot
5.) How much did your tow vehicle/popup weight factor into it?
Sure, I wanted to just use our van.
6.) Did you pick the right one? That is, would you buy the exact same brand and model again? What did you think was important, but after owning it, really isn t?
Yes, 2003 will be the fifth summer, no regrets. Would buy it again, pretty much exactly the same way.
SactoCampersHaving fond memories as a kid camping with my dad in the Adorondaks (though I m sure he would say something a lil different), and when DS was about 2 1/2, I wanted to create some of those same memories. I ran out and got a 4 room tent, a gazebo thingy that covers your picinic table, and all sorts of camping stuff, and off I went. The plan was for me to have the site all ready for when the now ex showed up with the kid. Well, several hrs later, I was still struggling with the tent (3 seperate sets of poles to set up just to make it stand), when the ex showed up. Getting her to help was close to impossible (she might chip a nail or something). Finally got it set up, loaded the gear into it..set up the gazebo thingy, and ready to camp. While I was messing with the tent, a retired couple pulled up across the way with a PU...and had it set up in like 15 mins...the husband had his dinner caught in like another 30 (he was a good fisherman also), and was cooking over a fire. It rained for like 2 days after that (wasn t forcasted), so gazebo was out..humid as all get go..etc. I said enough. Sold the tent to a friend for like 50 bucks.
We went to the only rv dealership that we knew about (thought it was a Jayco, but it wasn t), and was told my truck wouldn t pull anything (had an S-10 at the time). As a matter of fact...we were ignored for like the first 30 mins apon arrival. We weren t there to buy a 5th wheel...or big old RV, so they couldn t be botherred. Went to the RV show...and talked to a Colemen dealer. Liked the Fairview, but decided to wonder around and look at other campers before deciding on it.
I was looking for something in a Pop-Up that could fit the family comfortably, options was second. The only thing that was necessary was air conditioning.
I didn t research at all...and wished I had, I was pushing the weight with the S-10 it seemed like. Truck is rated at 2000lbs, camper is 2500 dry. I was probabally 1000 over truck rating. Dealer said I should have no problem...which I didn t (thank goodness for those trailer brakes, and no real hills between home and campsite).
Cost and brand didn t really factor in as much as options and the slide out.
Would I buy the Fairview all over again...sure would. They don t sell it anymore...as others pointed out...it was about 5 grand less then the higher end model with all the same features. Coleman must of realized people were buying it instead of the other one...so they only made it for 3 years. I don t think you can get a slide-out on a Coleman anymore unless you get the higher-end version anymore. Don t know if I would go with Coleman again cause it seems like you can get the same thing cheaper with other brands. Sorry this is so long.
SactoCampersOur main reason for getting a popup was HEAT!! We have been tent campers for many years and our major camping adventure was always in Sept. usually the nights were very cold and when you are paying for fire wood you don?t have that big of fire, so we would wind up driving around and going to bed early. On our summer camping adventures it usually rained (it?s a wonder we like camping!) once you get wet and chilled it?s hard to get warm again even in the summer. We did a lot of research on the internet looking at the different brands and floor plans. Loved the Coleman site with the virtual tours (at this point we had never actually even been in one). Then we went to a show and the dealers represented there didn?t seem all that much interested in talking with us but we at least got a chance to go in and look around. We eliminated several brands because we didn?t like tinted windows and others didn?t seem to be very well made. We spent another summer in the tent and when we came home after the cold Sept. vacation we decided to go over to the local dealer just to see what they had. We had a great time looking through them and knew we just had to have one. A furnace was the only criteria; we eliminated some as too small and others as too expensive. We didn?t like the idea of crawling over the table to go to bed. The dealer mentioned he had a new last year?s model on the lot, a 2000 Coleman Sun Valley (we hadn?t seen a Sun Valley yet) and if we wanted to look at it they would set it up for us to see the next day. So we said OK. When we walked inside we knew it was the model for us! We bought it that day and they stored it on their lot over the winter. At some point during the two days we were at the dealer I had picked up a little magazine that was laying there called POPUP TIMES, I noticed a web address and checked it out and wound up here. After reading all the information on the web site we realized our vehicle would probably need to be replaced. Went back to the dealer and asked them what they thought, they said it would do OK on the flat lands but we like Colorado, so we asked them to recommend a truck that would allow us to pull it up mountains, the guy was great told us to not let car dealer talk us into too much of a truck and gave us recommendations. We made a good choice and it pulls the popup easily. Sometimes as I lay in bed in the Sun Valley I look at it by the light of the propane detector and can?t believe it is ours, it?s like a little house. We love it, camping is much more enjoyable again. Backing still is hard but we are getting better. It has been a great camper with no problems. We were back to dealer to pick up something this summer and looked at the new ones and came away knowing we had made the right choice and would still pick the same model again with all the same features.[:)]
SactoCampers1. Well we bought our pop up for many reasons. The first was to get us off the ground when we sleep. We also got it to extend our camping season and to store our stuff inside of it. We do not forget as much stuff now![:)]
2. We did a little research on them before we bought it. Not much though.
3. We bought our Viking becuase of price and how it looked. Plus, the Viking dealer at the RV show was the only dealer who would tear it down and put it back up for us there at the show. That is what sold us.
4. The price was great. It made it affordable and we had saved up a little for it anyway.
5. Not much at all.
6. Would I buy the same brand again? You bet I would. We never had had a problem with our Viking. I would probably get a larger model though.
My wife and I have been very happy with our decision to buy a pop up. We have never regretted it.
SactoCampers
QuoteORIGINAL: SactoCampers
1.) What were you looking for in a popup?
2.) How much did you research prior to your purchase?
3.) Why did your brand and model of popup meet that need and not others? Did this differ from what you *thought* you were looking for?
4.) How much did cost factor into it?
5.) How much did your tow vehicle/popup weight factor into it?
6.) Did you pick the right one? That is, would you buy the exact same brand and model again? What did you think was important, but after owning it, really isn t?
My reason for purchasing my popup?
Well to keep my answer short and simple:
For Sanity I mean really... have any of you guys been up here in the
Great White North for longer than a week? You can go nuts up here...commonly referred to as " Cabin Fever" .
But to answer the questions:
1. Something that was built with quality and durability.
2. We shopped for two years before deciding on the one we wanted.
3. The warranty was better than others. It did not differ from what we thought we were getting.
4. A lot. We got a really good deal. And so can you!
5. We have a solid tow vehicle, and knew it could haul popups twice as heavy as the one we were looking at, and so weight for us was not a factor. A good rule of thumb is have a tow vehicle with a towing capacity double the weight of your trailer. That way you *should* have enough power to haul, when you really need it!
6. No. Like many humans... we are always looking for *more*. I would have liked to have gotten a Bayside or Niagara, but hey... for now I m satisfied. I would buy the same one again, but this time add the HWH option. The last part of question #6... because this was not our first popup, we did not get anything that we now feel wasn t worth the purchase.
Have a great day!
SactoCampers[font=" Comic Sans MS" ]Love this thread! Not knowing anything at all about pop-ups when I decided to buy one, I had two main considerations. It had to have air conditioning and could not cost more than $5000.00. I started calling around to all the local dealerships and very few had any used pop-ups in stock. I wasn t finding anything in the paper or on the internet that I could afford so when I talked to a dealer who had 3 used ones in stock, we went straight away. The first one we saw was in bad shape with lot s of mildew. The second one was parked so close to another camper that we couldn t get inside of it. But just like the three little bears story, the third one we looked at was just right. It was in excellent condition and seemed so big and luxurious to us. We had looked at a couple of new ones at a small RV show and they seemed so steril compared to this one. It was a little out of my price range but they excepted my offer and I got it for $1100.00 less than what they were asking. I didn t know anything about towing or weight and had not researched the different brands. It was really an emotional purchase although I was sure that I wanted one. The dealer did tell me that my jeep would pull it fine so I wasn t concerned about that. I became more concerned when I started reading pop-up times and learned all about weight ratings, sway, tongue weight, etc... I love the 12 foot box and U shaped couch. Even though the majority of the time it s just myself, the kid and the dog, there is plenty of room for those times that friends or family want to join us. Now that I m so much more knowledgable...yea right...there are some things that I will look for in my next purchase. More storage would be great and a slide out dining area would be awesome. I didn t care about a potty or shower since we always camp where those facilities are available. I m thinking that a hybrid will be next. I love the Jayco brand and will probably stick with them. This year I plan on buying a new TV and it s towing capacity will be a big consideration. Thank goodness I found Pop-Up Times. I have learned so much and will be a very savvy consumer the next time I buy.[/font]
SactoCampers1.) What were you looking for in a popup?
We weren t really looking for a pop up. After watching people set up their pop up while we were still in a tent, we had pretty much given the idea up. We had figured if it took just as long to set up as the tent and all we were gaining was a bed off the ground why borher.So we kept on tenting.
Then one day I stumbled across an Aliner at a sportsman show, it was love at first sight. I came home and told DH about it(he wasn t at the show). 1 yr later we returned to the show together and it was there again. This time I started playing with the 1 they had down. In less than 1 min the dealer talked me thru putting it up. Needless to say we were sold , but also broke at the time.So we walked away wanting.
2.) How much did you research prior to your purchase?
At that time we found very little info out there about Aliners. I scoured the net and I think I found 2 or 3 mentions,nothing concrete. Then a search for a used unit went into play....hahaha...like that was going to happen! No such thing as a used ALiner then, even now it is a rare find.
3.) Why did your brand and model of popup meet that need and not others?It was the easiest and fastest set up,the only other like it was and still, is the Chalet. They diddn t offer the floorplan or the lift we wanted.
Did this differ from what you *thought* you were looking for?
Hey we weren t looking remember[;)]
4.) How much did cost factor into it?
Cost was a big factor, we tried our hardest to find a used unit. After 2 yrs of looking we bought a new unit, by then we could almost afford it. The biggest factor was, did we want this or a small TT for almost the same dollars. But a TT just did not fit our style of camping.Besides that all the hesitating we did saved us a few grand, we ended up buying the last yrs demo model the dealer had. He knocked about 3500 off the price.
5.) How much did your tow vehicle/popup weight factor into it?
We had a van(and still do) and it is capable of towing quite a bit. So that never even became an issue.
6.) Did you pick the right one?
YES [:D]
That is, would you buy the exact same brand and model again?
YES [:D]
What did you think was important, but after owning it, really isn t?
My answer is kind of the question in reverse. I thought the fridge was a waste of space and money, but was part of the package already.
But now I really love having the fridge,it holds more than it looked like it would have. Having Ice Cream in the middle of the woods is quite a treat after a hot day of hiking.
SactoCampersWe ve been tent/car campers since we got married, still are, plus backpacking; the main reason to consider a PU was to get off the ground on the still-projected trip to the PNW (i.e. rainforest). I sleep as well on the ground as off & sometimes better, if the bed is too soft (thermarest sleeping pads are great, even visiting friends & relatives, I d rather sleep on the floor most of the time) So for us, the PU is an addition to the equipment, not a replacement. We have used it to extend the season, and to take friends camping. I do like having an inside place to cook if it is really grim, but much prefer to cook outside, under our table canopy. We did end up using the PU last summer, when we would have taken the tent, because fire regs were LP only & the PU stove is our only LP one, I refuse to buy another stove, preferring the white gas to cook on. If we lived and routinely camped in areas with bugs (gnats, mosquitoes, etc.) we probably would have had a PU sooner and use it more, but we re pretty spoiled on that point.
1) We wanted small, for pulling, did not want to pull a large one to some of the places we camp, and for storage, in our driveway. Ours is light and small enough we can just push it by hand to fine-tune placement. In most sites we can rotate it to almost any angle, so we can place the doorway just where we want it. We did not see a need for hook-ups of any sort, most of the places we choose to camp do not have them anyway.
2) We had seen a small PU in a CG and I started to research just what was out there. Found the ones meant mainly for motorcycle camping, which weren t enough different than our established set up to really consider. There was not too much else available. I even had to inform one saleman that manufacturer did indeed make a PU with one small bunk & one std. size (not impressed with that dealer). After visiting seveal dealers and an " Outdoor show" (i.e. boats, PUs and TTs) we decided we d start looking for used. (One effect of shopping was the realization most, if not all, of the new units made me sneeze & my eyes water.)
3) the teeny Palomino Shetland with a 6 box is the the smallest we d seen for sale, haven t seen one for sale before or since.
4) Cost versus new was a factor, but in fact we paid more for this than some larger ones of the same vintage have been listed for. However, even with all the renovations we are now doing, we ll have less than $2,000 invested, and have the small & simple PU we want.
5) Tow vehicle is part of the equation, we had settled on the first Outback as a good compromise between camping and around-town car. Both of our cars are rated for 1,000# without aux. brakes, 2,000# with. The 770# the Shetland is originally rated at is well under that, and gives us enough load left for the stuff in the car.
6) So far, this is the right one for us. Haven t seen anything we d trade it for. Originally liked the idea of the Chalet or A-liner, but too claustrophobic for me, same with small TTs.
The original owner had added a home a/c, which got removed ASAP, and the hole in the wall repaired. With our current repairs and renovations, we ll be removing the rest of the electrical wiring he d added, plus the original electrical hook-up stuff (The 1 inside & 1 door light don t work anyway, & our lanterns give better light.) We ll remove some weight by redoing the sink/stove/drawer section. Lighter paneling and tile, plus new canvas, should make the camper brighter on dull days; and we re adding an awning - the channel is there for it, but we never had one.
SactoCampersI had to read all the posts before responding. I love this forum.
We are a little different when it comes to pupup camping. We started tent camping and I ll have to admit it wasn t as much fun as when I was a kid. Wife wasn t real thrilled either - especially when a small branch fell out of a tree and hit our tent. She freeeeeeked! I bought a used (really used, really basic) Coleman. It was a revelation. Get out of bed and put your feet on the floor. Wow! After a while, I started thinking Travel Trailer, with AC (we live in West Tennessee), heat, bathroom, all the good stuff the popup didn t have. I bought a big Ford van and a 26 foot SunnyBrook trailer. Then I bought a Ford F250 Deisel so I could go anywhere, mountains included. It was great for a few years, but we really didn t have enough time to get enough use out of it to justify the monthly note and the storage lot cost. We sold the trailer and the truck and started putting the money in a money market account. I didn t realize how much money I had been spending each month. My plan was to save up and buy a motorhome when I retire in 2005. I missed camping a LOT. I had bought a Sport Track and, knowing it could tow up to 5000 lbs., I went looking for a nice used popup with at least a 10 bed and air/heat/etc. to use until retirement time. I found the 1999 Coleman Santee in the paper and bought it the day I looked at it. It has AC/furnace/fridge and an early version of the front platform across the tongue. I don t think Coleman made it more than a year or two. I love it. I put a big plastic locker up there to hold a lot of stuff. I added a battery and brakes, and BAL stabilizing jacks. Those little swingdown jacks were killing my arthritis. The only thing I didn t get that I really liked in another one I saw was the U-Shaped seating. I think that would be a definite advantage when the rain comes down. We usually camp with another couple or with grandchildren. Seating space is at a premium if you have to be inside. It tows great, sets up easily now that I bought a DeWalt drill to crank it up. We ll get a lot of use out of this camper. And, there s no monthly note. I like the out-of-doors feel of the popup. The big trailer was like being at home. Not all bad, but not like CAMPING. We were RVing.
I m still going to get that motorhome. You ve got to follow that dream.<
SactoCampers1.) What were you looking for in a popup?
I was just looking for parts to fix and older PU that the lift arms were broke on & I had paid less than $500.00 for. My wife went with me to the camper parts store and see wasn t that happy about my purcahse. I bought it to use at NASCAR races with several other guys who had camped at them. SO after she looked at the new ones she liked them. Long story short, We put a deposit down before leaving, the rest is history.
2.) How much did you research prior to your purchase?
I did not.. I found PUT after purchasing my new camper. But I did ask a thousand questions after the purcahse on PUT.
3.) Why did your brand and model of popup meet that need and not others? Did this differ from what you *thought* you were looking for?
I went to the Coleman retailer across the road and they would not talk to us. Asked what I was looking for and told them PU s and the salesman walked away, I never saw him again or anyone else. So back to the Viking dealer who went out of his way to show all 3 sizes of PU s and help us anyway he could. Deposit before we went home that Day. Satuday before LaborDay 2000.
4.) How much did cost factor into it? Not really, Bought what the wife liked and got AC/and carefree awning added into the deal????I guess????
5.) How much did your tow vehicle/popup weight factor into it? I have a F-150 truck so that wasn t a concern at the time. But after reading all that I have seen here and other places.. I should have asked more questions. But my truck pulls to mountians twice this year and over them once. Pulls fine for what I have. If I move to Hybrid I may need that F-250, 4 door, Powerstroke.....UHHHHHAHHH!!!
6.) Did you pick the right one?
Yes at this time it is the right one still but I do like the Kiwi 23B/D s
That is, would you buy the exact same brand and model again? After knowing what I know now I would have shopped more and tried several different dealers.
What did you think was important, but after owning it, really isn t? Battery I have only used it once at a race. Most of time we use full hook ups and at least power&water. I have used everything we got with camper and the extra we have bought also. I love my awning, AC,Heat, and hot water shower and pottie. If camp at a NASCAR race you would like to have hot water and shower..Because all the campgrounds are dust bowls if it s not raining. Unless you are staying in the $100/150 a night sites.
byrdr1This will likely not be according to the suggested outline for replies, but here are some thots about our getting into camping. DW and I are both retired and well into Social Security and Medicare and will celebrate our 51st Anniversary this month, Jan 19th, camping. One day a little over a year ago I just got tired of sitting around and went out and bought a used F150 with the idea of getting a small trailer. We started with a Casita (not a PU) and loved camping but found the Casita way[/b] too small. Then, we looked at PU s, bought a Coleman Utah on the day we sold the Casita and haven t looked back since. Love the Coleman, love camping, and are loving life and each other more every day. Should have started camping years ago! You can read about our Casita and Coleman camping on our website (link below in signature.)
byrdr1This is a great thread to read. Fun to see so many people just like us!
DH and I had tent camped for about 9 years. DD learned alot about nature and such from it - good for kids, but as someone else mentioned, those pesky rocks do indeed hide under your pallet on the ground and snuggle under your backbone and hips. The humid Texas summer heat was also a big factor in our discomfort.
So in 94 we start thinking camper and my cousin has a used 85 Jayco she needs to sell. It is in good condition but plain- just a sink, stove, and icebox, but there is A/C! So we buy it to try it. A/C was wonderful and we are in love with our new home away from home.
By 2002 we had used it 72 times! Yes 72 times! (I know because I keep a camping diary) The old camper is just flat wearing out. We begin to constantly fix things so we believe it is time to move on to something newer. We figured that we had gotten our moneys worth. Bought it for 3000 and after 72 trips sold it for 1500. Not bad! Though I cried when the proud new owners drove it away. Snif[:(]
Now my brother had this 95 Rockwood PU he wanted to sell so he could buy a hybrid. He had used the PU only 5 times in the seven years he owned it so it is in good shape. He cut me a great cheap deal out of brotherly love and It was ours. This PU has more extras like 3 way frig, a furnace, in/out stove, awning, and front end storage. We really like the floor plan except for one flaw: the door is very close to the back corner of the trailer and causes a lack of structural support in the short wall. This makes the wall and door frame shift slightly when the back bunk is pulled out, and binds the door. Haven t figured out how to fix it, otherwise we love it. Had the PU 11 months and used it 9 times. Guess we will get our moneys worth out of this one too, I hope.
Our next PU will be a new- one possibly with a slide out. Whatever we get will have to be able to be pulled by our 6cyl Dakota or Jeep to work.
We love camping. It is our passion[:D
SactoCampersOK! I ll give it a shot. Like to help new or " want-to-be" PU owners.
1) 10 box, at least one king bed, AC was a " must have" and I wanted a product I could trust.
2) Near a year.
3) Had everything we wanted plus more. Also, it was a Coleman and we like the way they warrant their products. Our last 3 units were Coleman and we have always been happy.
4) Not a factor. We knew what we wanted and knew what we were willing to pay for it. Found it, got the price were we wanted it and bought it. Don t mind paying for a good product.
5) Was a big factor on deciding on the 10 box. Could have gone to a 12 if we d been willing to change makers. Not a big deal as a 10 is plenty big enough for the two of us.
6) You bet! Don t think we d change a thing. Only thing we added were electric brakes as that year didn t come with them as " standard" . About the only thing we don t use is the outside stove and I think my DW intends to start on our next trip. She got the idea to fry some steaks on the inside stove last fall. We have never done that as I usually grill stuff like that. Don t even remember why I didn t grill but I know that neither of us liked the smell that remained and we both feared it may have gotten into the material. It didn t but we are not about to try that again!
Mainly it boils down to this; We love our Coleman Sea Pine!
Hope this helps some one.
SactoCampersWe had given up on tents and had camped in a cabin for a few trips. The part DH hated about camping was hauling all the stuff from the car to the cabin and packing the car in the first place. So, we basically just wanted something reasonably priced that we could store most of our stuff in then sleep in.
We looked at a few floor plans on the internet and checked out a few manufactureres websites. DH has always thought Coleman products were well-built so I went to check out one of the dealers and got some quotes on a Sedona and a Cheyenne. Then we decided to go " look" at another dealer, just to see what we both liked. Once we got inside the Cheyenne and the baby took off for the other side and I had to sidestep DH to get to her, we decided that we needed something with more room. We liked the Utah but the Bayside was not much more and just seemed more open. With three children (including two boys who are already very tall for their age) we decided to go for the long term and get somethin that would last. We never really looked at any other brand. Mainly we didn t have the time to drive all over the state looking for other dealers. The people on PUT were very happy with their Coleman s so we felt confident buying one.
At first we didn t see our tow vehicle as being a factor since the salesman my Sienna could pull anything on the lot. Unfortunately, we did more research and decided can and should were not the same thing. So, DH ended up buying a new vehicle for which I have had regrets from day one and he is now having regrets. He loves the way it drives, but because of cost he got two wheel drive which has not been great on the recent snowy days.
As far as picking the right one... when we are camping I m sure it is the right one. However, I m feeling really bad thinking about this upcoming season when DH will have so little leave and our $12 K camper will just be sitting there with so little use. Somethimes I think we should have just kept doing cabins so that we wouldn t feel bad taking an airplane trip somewhere.
I m not sure there is anything we got on the camper that we don t find useful. We have some regrets about not getting air conditioning, though.
byrdr1Have been camping on and off since childhood. Tent camped many times at the coast while teaching dive classes, so had all the necessary gear. Then we had kids, and the camping slowed way down. Got invited to an extended-family campout, with the added bonus of an old 86 Starcraft Starlite 21SD, if we wanted it. Got it for the price of " keeping it in the family and promising to fix it up" . Had plenty of experience towing various loads, and had a 1 ton crew-cab truck, so wasn t worried about towing the pop-up. But, I knew nothing about pop-ups in particular. I dove headfirst into the internet looking for info, and found Pop-Up Times. Spent some time fixing the Starcraft with information gleaned from PUT: canvass, Velcro, water system, lift system, propane, yada, yada, and took it to the family camp-out. Fell in love with having something for the kids better than a tent. The wife and I wanted to give our girls the kind of memories we have of our parents taking us to new places while they are still young enough to think Mom and Dad are cool. [;)]
So we took as many trips as possible that year, including our first 10-day, 2-state trip. Had a ball, but decided after two years the Starcraft was too small for our family: not enough storage, everybody had to find a seat if one person wanted to walk across the trailer, somebody had to stay on a bunk during meal prep time (if it was indoors) just for elbow room, and the bunks were so small I had to sleep diagonally across one bunk-- forcing my wife to sleep in the dinette. Didn t like having to organize *everything* just to set up and take down the dinette each night and morning. It didn t have a furnace or hot water, only a hand pump faucet, no place to store a port-a-potty, and the fridge was needed more for storage than keeping things cold. Knew there was something better to be had, and looked at new travel trailers. Decided we didn t want to be married to payments, and looked for another used pop-up. Which brings us too...
1.) What were you looking for in a popup?
More room! Larger beds, wider and longer box, more storage space, and a slide-out dinette. Found it in a used 98 Coleman Bayside, which is the same floorplan as the current Utah model.
2.) How much did you research prior to your purchase?
After a couple years experience, you know what you want in a trailer. Had researched all the brands, but decided it would be the trailer that best fit our family s needs. Knowing what you want in a pop-up will save you lots of problems later on. Knowing what you can safely tow can save your family s lives.
3.) Why did your brand and model of popup meet that need and not others? Did this differ from what you *thought* you were looking for?
It was a very clean and hardly used trailer. It had almost everything we were looking for, plus an awning, front storage trunk, outside shower, plenty of space to store the port-a-potty, and a gaucho. We hadn t really considered the Bayside/Utah floorplan, thinking a pop-up with a toilet/shower was a must. But after actually spending some time inside, and " acting out" the motions of using the trailer, we decided this floorplan would work for us at the price being asked. Plus, buying a newer, though used, pop-up gave me the opportunity to deshnitzify (for the uninitiated, that means modify) several aspects of the trailer to fit our needs. No single pop-up on the market has *everything* the way you want it. In the end, dual batteries let us dry camp longer, other mods like extra cabinet doors or a different faucet made the trailer more user friendly. A brand new pop-up may have some of these attributes, but also costs a lot more.
4.) How much did cost factor into it?
That was very important. Since we didn t want to buy on credit, being able to pay cash was a key factor. Buying used allowed us to cut the price to less than half of new.
5.) How much did your tow vehicle/popup weight factor into it?
Not at all, really. Luckily, our truck can handle any pop-up we could throw at it. We like to take *lots* of stuff/gear/toys with us on camp trips, so the bigger the pop-up and it s storage capacity, the better.
6.) Did you pick the right one? That is, would you buy the exact same brand and model again? What did you think was important, but after owning it, really isn t?
I think we made the right decision for our family. Since we are a family of three females (two growing into womanhood) and one male, our next purchase will probably have more privacy in the bathroom than our current pop-up. Time will tell. My favorite pop-up still remains the Jayco 14SO... I ve wanted one of those since the first time I saw one. But finding a used 14SO in good condition in our area is next to impossible. The one thing I thought we would use more than we have is the refrigerator. Guess that stems from so many years of using coolers, it s become an ingrained habit. And after buying a large Coleman Extreme cooler, we rarely need to put stuff in the fridge: the Extreme works so well it almost makes it s own ice.
What it all boils down to is finding the right combination of weight and features for each family s needs. A single adult, or a couple, does not need as much space as a family requires. A person who spends most of his time dry camping will not need the same features as someone who only camps with full hook-ups. Not many people can luck into their first trailer at a price they can t refuse, so doing as much research as possible BEFORE buying can save a lot of money, exasperation, frustration, and heartache. If possible, rent a pop-up for a weekend before buying. To paraphrase an old saying: a single night is worth a thousand posts.
byrdr1Thank you all for sharing your stories!
I know there are more of you out there, so feel free to tell us your story.[;)]
byrdr1Originally, we decided to look into buying a PU because I was gong back to school to get my master s degree. Unfortunatlly, the school was 350 miles from our home and moving to the area was not an option. The classes are held every other weekend. Instead of going to hotels(which in Santa Barbara are very$$$) or going by myself, we figured that a pu would solve many of these problems. We originally looked at Coleman s but wanted to shop a bit more. We put a deposit down on a Forrest River but the deal was not a good one. We decided to go with the Sedona from Coleman and were happy with it until we had our 2nd DS. We quickly realized that there was just not enough space. I sold the Sedona on eBay for a couple of hundred less than we bought it for and promptly went out and got the Bayside that is in our driveway now.....
SactoCampersWell when we started looking we werent exactly sure what we wanted. It had to be cheap we werent really sure we would be campers. Had never really done it before and could see going in debt for something then finding out we hated it. So we started looking (thats how I found PUT). Well in researching I found apachepopups.com and fell absolutely in love with the concept of a hardsided popup. Problem they stopped making them in 1986. So gave up trying to find one. Actually almost bought a Coleman off of here but it was in NC and couldnt work out transportation. Well low and behold found my 78 and bought it for 300.00 dollars. When I was a teenager I was a hotrodder and rebuilt alot of cars so this restoration project was and is a great hobby. We have taken it out once already and will probably go again this weekend. Thats how I found my Elmo.
SactoCampers
Quote1.) What were you looking for in a popup?
2.) How much did you research prior to your purchase?
3.) Why did your brand and model of popup meet that need and not others? Did this differ from what you *thought* you were looking for?
4.) How much did cost factor into it?
5.) How much did your tow vehicle/popup weight factor into it?
6.) Did you pick the right one? That is, would you buy the exact same brand and model again? What did you think was important, but after owning it, really isn t?
The answer to the questions listed above are answered below:
1. After having a smaller camper we were looking for room, comfort, and storage space. After looking at all the floor plans we decided on the Coleman Utah cp.
2. We done a lot of research before we bought. In fact we were going to move up to a TT but after looking at it long and hard we decided it was a change we did not want to make. I must tell you that it was not the money that made us decide.
3. We have had Coleman products before I can remember. Coleman has been a name for camping for almost 100 years. There must be a reason. The make sure that the product is sound and will last for years to come. We did look at the others but always came back to Coleman.
4. I was willing to buy it anywhere the price was right. After dealing locally I went out of state until I found what I though was the right price.
5. My TV factor did not figure into my buy because I had a TV that would tow all of the any and all popups.
6. Yes, would buy it again. After camping in a popup for years my thoughts remain the same as when I was researching to buy.
byrdr1I use to camp sometimes with my sister in her TT and at the end of the camping season, I decided that I wanted something of my own. I asked her to stop by where she bought hers and there was a 1996 Flagstaff pu sitting there. It came with a shower (which I love) furnace, water heater, awning and screenroom, sleeps 8 and its a 12 ft box. The great thing is that it cost only $3200. I checked other places and for the price and what came with it.....I couldn t give it up. Would I go with this model again.....for sure. Would I buy another pu....no, I really would like a hybrid. I camp by myself unless I take someone with me. My husband is a non-camper. He will go sometimes. When you have a back that sometimes goes out, you really don t want to open it up always and go under the pu to put down the stabilizers.
This is all I can remembe to answer......is there a way to see the orginal post so you can read while your posting. I liked the other forum better.
byrdr1Raoseann, A couple of ways to see the other post. If you re just posting a reply, click on the originial screen, the one under the reply window you are typing in. It will minimize your reply window, and allow you to see the originial post. Then click on the reply box in your taskbar, it will open back up.
Or you can hit the Quote the original message button above. That opens the original post in the window where you are typing. Now you can go up and down to read it. If you don t want it in your post, highlight and delete it before hitting the OK button.
Hope this helped and not too confusing.
SactoCampers[font=" tahoma" ]We orignally bought the pop up so we could easily camp with our little guy. Now there is a little girl too! We took it out once last year and had fun even though it was cold and wet. We both tent camped BC (before kids) and wanted to share the experience with the kids.
I did some fairly extensive research before we bought. I found Pop Up Times during my search and have continued to find many useful ideas, hints, tips etc. from the people here!
At the time, it looked to me like the Colemans were silghtly over priced. We decided on a Jayco based on a neighbor s recommendation and walk throughs at the dealer.
Cost was not a major issue.
Tow vehicle was available, however it is a little long in the tooth, 135K mianly highway miles. It tows the trailer just fine - but it has to work a little. We are currently considering a new family/TV.
Did we pick the right one? I think so, the first night sleeping in it I though maybe we bought way too big. Then the rain started and the temp dropped to 30 Degs. F. We had 6 kids holed up in the slide out watching TV and eating pop corn while the dads hung out outside!
One thing I noticed on our maiden voyage, we end up with a lot of stuff waiting to go into the front storage area. I end up piling up stuff in front of the camper and waiting until I lower the roof to load it up. That might be an issue if it rains during takedown.
The length became an issue even with a four car garage (2-1/2 wide X 2 cars deep). The 12FSO is 18 -10 long stem to stearn. Another unit without the front storage would have made it easier to fit a car/truck in front of the camper. I would defintely get a front storage unit agin. I think Jayco could find a better way to access it while popped up.[/font]
SactoCampersWe really got back into camping last summer and tented it almost every weekend. We had a big tent for the kids and a small one for the adults. Roughing it was kind of fun. In fact, I used to make jokes about the people that pulled in with the big motorhomes, trailers, and even PU s. I made a comment to Sherri that if I EVER plug anything into an electrical outlet we are done camping!!!
Towards the end of the summer I started realizing that we spent an awful lot of time putting a camp together and taking it down at the end of a weekend. Also, when the weather would get bad it was a nightmare for the kids... not much to do but stay in the tent.
On the way to a restroom at the state park campground I saw a PU that had a slide out on one side and part of the awning pushed out on the other. The attached screen room also caught my attention. I thought to myself, that looks really sharp.... and simple! As I walked by I saw it was a Coleman Bayside. I said to myself again.... if I ever buy a PU that s the one I want.
As fate would have it, driving home from the campground on a Sunday I saw a PU for sale in a driveway and it looked like the one I had seen at the campground. Sure enough, it was a Bayside. I looked at it closer a week or so later and it was a done deal. I was a little worried about the TV I had, but since we only camp 20 - 30 miles from home I justified my concerns. Note that I am not telling you what I pull it with! When my lease is up I will get something more suitable.
Cost was a factor, but the deal on the 2001 Bayside which looked virtually new, was being sold for about $2,000 less than I could find another one for, so I beleived I was getting a really good deal.
Are we happy with it? Well, after laughing histerically the first time I plugged in that 30-AMP cord (remember my statement above?), we popped in a video for the kids and everyone was happy. It came with the add-a-room so the big people had there place to relax. Having a furnace made for some very late Fall comfortable camping.
Funny as it may sound, the significant other and I still sleep in a 2-man tent and let the kids take over the PU. We put it about 3 feet from the campfire and that s our space!
SactoCampersWe looked for about six months and eliminated some brands because we had heard of problems. We picked the brand that we had rented and been plesed with and because we liked the dealer...he died but we still have good service.
I had not wanted a TT or 5th wheel because I had not enjoyed going camping and spending all of my time doing housework. My husband did not want a MH. All that was left was a pop-up or to stick with our small tent.
Cost was not a factor but the one we bought was a model from the year before and so much cheaper.
I wanted storage space so we went for a small eating area, we wanted the AAR and the front storage area.
Our TV is large enough so it was not a factor in our decision.
We are very pleased with our Pop-up but we used to put our tent and gear on a plane or Amtrak and fly off to wherever we wanted to camp for three weeks and now we cannot do that. When we go to Utah next fall we are going to have to add travel time to our vacation.
byrdr1I, like everyone else loves to talk about their favorite things.
We come at it from a different angle. Neither me of my wife are campers but we love to take weekend trips. As hotels got more and more expensive we ended up driving 2 or 3 hours to a location early in the morning and turning around and driving back that night. We were looking for a more leisure way of traveling. DW brother had a PU and we rented a PU and camped with them at a SP. We loved it and set out looking for a PU.
Niether DW or I are into roughing it so we knew we needed a camper with certain luxeries such as AC/Heat, hot and cold running water, and we thought a shower/toilet. We went to a couple of shows in the fall and DW fell in love with the Coleman s in general. We waited until the Spring shows to buy one. We again looked at all the different PU s and again decided that Coleman was the best. I thought DW wife wanted the Niagara and started to negotiate on that but DW wife came over and said she wanted the Bayside because she would prefer the extra floor space over the shower/toilet combo. Bayside has the kitchen sink/stove pop out the side where the Niagara doesn t.
We had the best summer last year with 28 nights in the PU spread over 8 different trips from Maine to Virginia Beach. This next year hope to have as many nights but still debating for the big family vacation between Maine, Florida, or New York.
We have talked aout getting a TT but like the PU s ease of storage and the openess of PU versus the TT enclosed feeling. The heat/ac keeps the PU comfortable in the weather we camped in. We have also learned when at loud campgrounds that the fan drowns out most of the outside noise.
Love our Bayside,[:D]
byrdr11.) What were you looking for in a popup? Room for a family of 4, effecient galley, tall ceiling. Refrigerator access with top down.
2.) How much did you research prior to your purchase? Started looking in July and purchased the following March. Went to three RV shows , visited dealers in two states and got a lot of valuable advise here.
3.) Why did your brand and model of popup meet that need and not others? Did this differ from what you *thought* you were looking for? We studied a lot of floor plans and thought we had to have a slideout dinette and shower/potty console. In the end, we liked the Starcraft Centennial 3600. The in/out ice chest meets our need for access to refrigerator access from outside.
4.) How much did cost factor into it? Just figured I would buy it once and do it right. Dealer offered us an attractive price for what we purchased.
5.) How much did your tow vehicle/popup weight factor into it? I have a full size GMS pick up truck so not very much. Though the popup now has us considering what to purchase to replace DW s car when the time comes.
6.) Did you pick the right one? That is, would you buy the exact same brand and model again? What did you think was important, but after owning it, really isn t?
We haven t taken delivery yet, reserve the right to edit this posting at a later date.
SactoCampers
QuoteORIGINAL: SactoCampers
1.) What were you looking for in a popup?
A place off the ground that could fit our family and 2 dogs more comfortably than a tent[:D]
2.) How much did you research prior to your purchase?
I researched on and off for 4 years. It took that long to convince DH that it was a great idea.
3.) Why did your brand and model of popup meet that need and not others? Did this differ from what you *thought* you were looking for?
We had looked at 4 brands total - 2 didn t seem as well made (DS pulled a handle off one and a cabinet door off the other[&:])
The Coleman Mesa was solid and I am able to set it up on my own in a reasonable amount of time(DH usually meets at the cg after work). DH found the U sofa more comfortable than the Gaucho type. I liked the way the sofa seemed like a seperate room from the table and kitchen area. It really works out well when I have to cook inside. The kids and DH stay on the other side and play while I cook. We wanted the 2 King beds for more play space for the kids and sleep space for us. I didn t want the slideout, but do like the kitchen bumpout. I could go on but I ll stop here with this.
4.) How much did cost factor into it?
It was a factor in that DH refused to spend more than a certain amount for it. I tried a couple of dealers and then found one that agreed to our price. we needed to buy new since DH isn t very hands on, and I don t have the time I d like with taking care of the kids.
5.) How much did your tow vehicle/popup weight factor into it?
That was important since the Mesa is a heavy popup. The dealer checked the specs and I also called Dodge to make sure we d be okay.
6.) Did you pick the right one? That is, would you buy the exact same brand and model again? What did you think was important, but after owning it, really isn t?
I would get the same brand and make again. The only other PU I would want to look at though would be a Palomino. We didn t see them before we made our decision. But of the others we saw, we d stick with our Coleman Mesa.
On a side note - I also couldn t imagine not having a sway bar and electric brakes. I do the towing and really appreciate how both making towing less stressful.