Need help understanding

[PamIsHere]

I found this site on google. I'm a single mother and I'm trying to find some recreational activities my son and I can do together. He has gone camping with friends and really enjoyed it. I have done some research and have decided I would like to try getting into camping. I feel like it would be a great way to bond.

I don't want to setup tents, I did that when I was younger and didn't enjoy it, my dad was not patient. I want to find a small camper I can afford. I have come across a few pop-up campers that seemed affordable. I drive an old explorer that is over 20 years old. I don't have a big budget. I'm not sure where to start.

One thing I did figure out is my truck has to be able to pull the weight of the camper. I assume there is a way to find out if my truck can pull. I need to figure out how to know what I can tow. The truck does have a hitch. I currently tow a small utility trailer so I'm not afraid of towing.

When looking at campers is there anything I need to pay close attention to. Are there recommendations for a good way to find a nice used camper that won't break my piggy bank.

That's all I can think of for now, I'm sure I may have more questions later.

[GoneCamping]

I won't claim to be any kind of expert, but pretty sure your Explorer will pull most any Pop-up camper if it's equipped with a factory tow package (hitch, trans cooler etc). Would need more info on the truck really, year, engine size etc...

My old 2003 Explorer with the V6 auto trans & 4x4 had a tow capacity of 5000 lbs, think the V8 version could tow up to 7500 lbs...

[4Campers]

Glad you found Pop Up Times. It has just been posted again after a few years offline.
As far as camping, we love our pop up. Been camping in it since 1994 when we bought it new. Dry weight is 1500# so almost any SUV could tow it. With your vehicle make and year just Google tow capacity.
Picking out a used pop up can be an issue, many sellers will not disclose any issues and it sometimes turns into buyer's remorse. Biggest thing to know is there are few, if any, parts around for older pop ups. Maintenance and repairs are up to you since most RV places won't touch a pop up anymore.
I have an article I wrote on my website about buying a used camper. If you care to read it my site is https://www.campingpopupstyle.com
Good Luck on however you decide to camp. Our kids were 4 & 6 when we bought our pup. Daughter now has her own trailer and camps with us often.

[dno]

I bought my popup for the same reason. I had great memories of camping as a kid and wanted to share that with my daughter. I had a 98 or 99 (I think) ford explorer at the time and had purchased a not too used coleman niagara. I don't remember the towing capacity of the explorer except to say it was at least 5000 lbs. It had a V8, was an Eddie Bauer edition and had all wheel drive. I also can't remember how much the camper weighed.

I will note that if you find an old coleman popup that has a one-piece abs roof. I believe there were lots of issues with those. I didn't have any issues with mine while I had it. At the time I didn't live in a sunny hot state, and it didn't have an AC unit on the roof.

I have heard of many people finding incredible deals on popups in great condition.

[JoseInLA]

I would look for evidence of water intrusion or water damage. I have seen many articles and videos of camper rebuilding/remodeling where water would get into some corner of the roof or down to the floor. Maybe there could be mold or soft wood. I'm no expert.

[RandR]

Maybe this will help.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Pop-up Camper

[PamIsHere]

I forgot where I posted and could not remember the name of this site, ugh! I set a bookmark this time.

Thanks for the replies. My sis and brother-in-law are going to go look at one with me on Saturday. It's sitting in a driveway near where my sis lives. I sent that list to my brother-in-law.

[4Campers]

Good Luck. Hope it works out.

[PamIsHere]

The camper we looked Saturday was in bad shape. He offered to give it away but it smelled pretty bad. The floor was very soft. The front left corner was damaged. It did have an air conditioner but we couldn't plug it in to see if it worked. One mattress was missing the other was pretty nasty looking. My brother-in-law said it would be better to pay for something in better condition, something that would require much less work. We will look around over the weekend.

[dno]

I'm no expert but I think I agree with your brother-in-law. I think it could cost you more time, money and effort to fix one that's in poor condition than to buy one in better condition. Just my two cents.

[conncamper]

ditto, I agree. Free sounds great but I think you may have dodged a bullet on that one, keep us posted. I'm sure you will find something.

[4Campers]

The camper we looked Saturday was in bad shape. He offered to give it away but it smelled pretty bad. The floor was very soft. The front left corner was damaged. It did have an air conditioner but we couldn't plug it in to see if it worked. One mattress was missing the other was pretty nasty looking. My brother-in-law said it would be better to pay for something in better condition, something that would require much less work. We will look around over the weekend.

A project pop up can cost you more to fix up than it's worth. Had to laugh at one poster on FB who bought a pop up for $600. After putting close to $2,000 into making it look pretty, on the first trip out the lift system broke.

[JoseInLA]

I don't know what your budget is or how far away from LA you are, I was taking an alternate route home yesterday and saw one setup in a driveway with a big cardboard sign that said For Sale and $1200. That was all I could read as I was driving by. I couldn't tell what brand it was but at least for my quick drive by it looked pretty decent. I would be willing to stop by and get more information if you think getting one in LA can work for you.

[GoneCamping]

Unfortunately I'm on the other coast in Old Orchard Beach Maine. I think at that price, there must be some very serious problems with it, and/or it was a gas motor truck (I already have a very capable gasser)....

[4Campers]

Unfortunately I'm on the other coast in Old Orchard Beach Maine. I think at that price, there must be some very serious problems with it, and/or it was a gas motor truck (I already have a very capable gasser)....

I think they mean a pop up