comparing campers

[Unregistered]

Everyone has an opinion but is there a definitive source for comparing one manufacturer to the next?  Is there a general consensus that one is the best and if so who is it?  Coleman is the largest from the research I've done but Jayco seems to have the highest resale value.  Then there is Viking that contends they have the best of everything... thicker this and heavier that, stronger and more durable... one piece roof etc.  I am in the market for a used camper, but the shear number of manufacturers and the array of variants in their respective productlines is daunting.  How does anyone make sense out of it???  Help!!!!   There must be a "consumer reports" for camping equipment.  There is for nearly everything else.  Can anyone out there guide me to it.

[angelsmom10]

Everyone has their favorite.. ours has been Starcraft.  For the most part, just look for the one that you really like the lay-our (floor plan).  If you have toddlers or young children, I recommend you look at the very end of the bunk ends to be sure they are sealed and not bungee cord.  There has been reports that young (small) children have rolled out the end (luckily none have had serious injuries... more just getting scared).
 
Also, with children, I'd suggest one that has a slide-out for when it rains, there is more room inside.
 
I also depends on the weather... if you have hot/humid weather where you camp, I'd recommend an a/c.  If you go for an older model and want to add a/c be sure the roof can support it... ie.. Starcraft roofs could not support and a/c unit till 1986 (we used to have an '85 and could not add an a/c unit for this reason).
 
If you go with a used Coleman, check for what type of roof it has... they had an ABS roof in the mid 90's that some had problems.  The warranty is only for the original owner.  Here's a recent topic on this matter
 
http://www.arveeclub.com/showthread.php?t=52348
 
Hope this helps... where are you located?

[Unregistered]

There must be a "consumer reports" for camping equipment.

Nope I have never seen one, I don't believe there is.

[MommaMia]

There must be a "consumer reports" for camping equipment.

Not that I know of but I did find this a while back....

http://www.recalldata.org/recall-directory.shtml

It shows recalls of tow vehicles and RVs as well.   It may help you to identify what to look out for on a certain model you are looking at.

[4campinfoxes]

Others are absolutely right, there is no "lemon guide to popups" or anything like that.  Most manufacturers have been around a long time & people have definitely categorized them in their own minds as to how "good" they are.  Some things people care about are just personal preference (like whether or not to have a cassette toilet/shower) and some things make a real difference (like how the lift system operates or what kind of roof it has).  We have a Coleman and have been pretty happy with it overall.  We had a Jayco which had things we liked & didn't like but was a good little camper.  I've seen good things on Starcraft as well and would look at them if I was in the market.  The only one I've personally see that I wasn't impressed with is Palomino and that could've just been an individual lemon.

Good luck with your hunt!  This is definitely a great place to get answers & opinions.

Sharon

[vjm1639]

http://www.rvreviews.com/ Besides reading all the personal opinions here, you can click on the tent trailers section of this site and read other owners reviews of their popups.  I like reading reviews from real people anyway... :>

[Gone-Camping]

Coleman is the largest from the research I've done

Unless you're buying used, there are no Colemans being made right now. The trailers formerly known as Coleman (sound like a rather obnoxious singer???) are simply called Fleetwood Folding Trailers these days. Coleman has switch companies on their licensing agreement, and Coachmen will eventually put out a Coleman Brand, but they are not out right now.