looking to upgrade

[jendak760]

We are looking to get a little bigger popup and would like some info. We currently have a Rockwood. What kind of trailer do you have and what are its pro's and con's?

Any input would be appreciated.

[brainpause]

You may get varied answers. For instance, some people love a U-dinette; others hate it. Some people want the ability to reach the fridge while popped down; others, it doesn't matter.

I recommend that you look at floorplans, look at some more floorplans, and look at still more floorplans, both on the internet, and in person at your local dealers. Spend time in the ones you like, as if you were "rained inside," to see if you and your family like that particular floorplan.

But most of all, find a good dealer who will treat you right with a good service department. A good dealer can make a mediocre popup experience much better.

Larry

[jendak760]

Thanks Larry for the advice. I have an idea of what layouts I like, what I don't know is the major differences between different manufacturers. There isn't alot of dealers close by us.

[Dee4j]

Don't forget to consider weight and what you are towing with, I can't remember what your TV was.  I think as far as brand that's a tough one if I had to guess what the three most common are coleman, starcraft & jayco.

[brainpause]

Don't forget to consider weight and what you are towing with, I can't remember what your TV was.  I think as far as brand that's a tough one if I had to guess what the three most common are coleman, starcraft & jayco.

Excellent point. Many camper dealers will tell you that you can pull that Airstream with your Volkswagen, so educate yourself.

Also, be aware that you shouldn't "max out" your tow vehicle's ability. For instance, if your vehicle is rated to tow 5000 pounds, that doesn't mean you should tow a 5000 pound camper. What may be more important is the vehicle's Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (GCVW), which tells you how much your vehicle should "haul", which includes the weight of its occupants, your suitcases, the dog, the trailer (and its cargo), and even the bottle of water you are drinking.

Do a search on tow vehicles/weight ratings, and your should find lots of information, more detailed than I have given above.

Summary: It would be a good thing to know BEFORE you shop, how much you can tow.

Larry

[jendak760]

We have a Sienna Van and Lou has a truck, we mainly use the Van when we camp. These are the specs on my van.



Towing / Payload Capacity Standard Sienna towing capacity is 2000 lb; 3500 lb with the optional towing package.

Our current trailer is about 1300 pounds. So what would be the ideal max weight of a trailer? I know we have to consider what we bring with us adds to the total weight. So considering these, I was figuring about 2000 pounds? Am I way off???

[brainpause]

Does your van have the towing package?

Also, look in your vehicle's owner manual, and look under "Towing". There should be GCVW numbers (and others there). Let us know what these numbers are.

From the sound of it, without the rest of your information, you could probably easily get away with a trailer that grosses out at around 2600-2700 pounds (75% of 3500).

That will get you into a lot of popups.  

Larry

[jendak760]

My GVWR is: 5250

Yes my van has the towing package?Is it any different if you purchase from the dealer or add the tow package on your own?

Sorry to be so ignorant but better safe than sorry.

[brainpause]

There is no dumb question, except for the question that goes unasked.

Is it any different if you purchase from the dealer or add the tow package on your own?

Not sure about "different". Depends on what the tow package includes. Some tow packages are nothing more than a hitch and wiring. Others are more extensive, and may include a transmission cooler (a small radiator that circulates your tranny fluid), larger brakes, and possibly a larger alternator. More than likely your tow package is hitch/wiring and a tranny cooler.

I just found what the Tow Package for the '05 Sienna is: 3500-lb. towing capability with heavy-duty radiator, heavy-duty fan, 150-amp alternator and power steering oil cooler.

So, that is a pretty good package, IMHO. The only thing I would add on top of that would be the transmission cooler. Might save you some $$ in the future. Transmissions get as much/more work than the engine when towing.

My GVWR is: 5250

Here's where it can get a little hairy. I hope someone jumps in and helps me by either confirming or correcting me. I THINK the GVWR is your VAN ONLY, and what it can be LOADED TO THE MAX, which includes family, dog, full gas tank, suitcases, etc. Your GVWR does not apply, necessarily, when towing.

What you need to find in your manual is the GCVWR (don't forget the "C"), which is tow vehicle and trailer COMBINED. It will be somewhere around 7000, maybe slightly more. This is the total weight of the trailer, ready for a trip, total weight of your van, ready for trip, complete with gas, family, dog, cargo.

Either way, the 3500# towing capacity will get you into popups in the mid to high 2000's, and that is most popups, except for the very largest ones (especially former Colemans/current Fleetwoods).

Am I clear enough?

Larry

[Camping Coxes]

Jen --
 
I don't know if you remember this conversation from Pismo, but we had the exact same Rockwood trailer you have, just a few years older.  Loved the Rockwood and had not issues with the quality, but the nearest dealers was a few hours away, so that was an issue when we decided to upgrade.  I suspect you're upgrading for the same reason we did -- the trailer gets smaller as your kids get bigger.  Also, as far as towing with the van -- when you get a bigger trailer, you don't have to rely on putting so much into the van because it will now fit into the cabinets in the trailer, so you may find using the truck is more feasible than it is now.
 
Whenever we camp, we like to walk around the campground.  In doing this, we found we were really impressed with the way the Colemans looked and the stepper door (I know you know what I'm talking about when you step on the pull-out steps on the Rockwood and your little trailer bounces!)  In researching on PUT and looking at websites, as well as visiting the Coleman and Starcraft dealers that were local, we decided on Coleman.  We knew we didn't want a dinette we had to climb over to get into the bunk, and I didn't want the fridge far from the sink/food prep area.  I knew if I was upgrading, I wanted a good upgrade, so I wanted a 12 footer.  Right now at this time of year, people are getting ready to camp for the summer and they're upgrading too, so you might be able to find a good used one even.
 
You need to check websites and find dealers in your area so you can compare them in person.   Good luck!

[GeneF]

I use to pull a 98 Mesa (12 footer) with an 00 Seinna with the tow package.

Not sure, but I had the tow package on the Sienna and I think it included a transmission cooler.  But different years have different options.

GVWR on the Mesa was about 3000 lbs.  We tend to travel light so I don't think i was that close to the gvwr.

The Sienna did the job fine but was a bit slow on some of the hills.  Combo worked fine for me but I was near the limit.

If your Sienna is newer, you most likely have the bigger engine and it would tow better.  I did have a sway bar but no wdh.  I think you will need the sway bar.  It is about $100 but worth the price for the added safety. (IMO)

[Estone]

Jennifer,

 
There is a great dealer right in your own backyard.  Freeway Trailer Sales. I believe it's on Mission Ave. in Escondido,  THat's where we bought our Coleman in 1998.  They've been very good as far as maintenance and their price couldn't be beat.
 
Check it out.  If you want my .02 cents worth, I would make darn sure I had a shower/potty.  That was the one thing we don't have in our trailer and I've always regretted it.  Our next one will have it, but for now we have a portable potty.
 
Hope this helps.

[endless horizons]

Hi Jen,
I noticed you live in escondido. We bought our pup from freeway trailer sales.
They were very nice and they had the best prices in san diego. They are near the swapmeet. The service dept is also the best. I had to take the trialer myself and they really treated me right.
Maggie

[slowmo]

Jen
I think if you are looking to upgrade you should stay with a Rockwood. We have looked at a lot of make and models and settle on a 2005 Rockwood 1910. Rockwood has so many options that the other campers we looked at didnt have. Though I do think the Viking pop-up is a good one, with the new direct drive system, but the price can't compare. This is our fourth pop-up, we bought our first one in 1986, it was a Venture our second was a Coachman and our third was a Jayco. These were nice Campers for there time. But I think we will enjoy the Rockwood the best.
I think you need to upgrade in a Rockwood.
Just my opinion
Good Luck,
slowmo