Buying My First Pop Up

[DCR]

Thinking of purchasing a pop up camper. I am looking at probably 1995 to 2002 with air conditioning. I have been told that the AC is not very effective on these campers is that true, are some better than others. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

[OC Campers]

I wish I had bought an A/C unit! Ther have been half a dozen times when I could have used it! I know a bunch of people who have them and they seem to work quite well. A lot of people add solar covers to the bunk ends to increase the effectiveness of the unit. I'd imagine perfomance depends on the rating of the unit you buy.
 
Randy

[tlhdoc]

Air conditioning is very effective if you buy the right unit.  Most PU trailers have a 13,500 or 15,000 btu unit.  I added AC to my PU in 2002.  I have not regretted it.  Good luck with the search for your PU.

[DCR]

Does anybody know anything about Camplite pop ups. I have heard the best one to get was a Coleman/Fleetwood is this true.

[The Tree Top Inn II]

Thinking of purchasing a pop up camper. I am looking at probably 1995 to 2002 with air conditioning. I have been told that the AC is not very effective on these campers is that true, are some better than others. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

Like with carpentry, measure twice and cut once.     In other words, do a lot of homework firstly, beginning with reading boards like this and figuring your tow vehicle's capabilities and how you want to camp--with 30 Amps/120V AC current or on batteries.  When I have "shore power," my Air Conditioning is 15,000 BTU, and it works very well--even in the blazin' sun.  I sometimes "dry camp" with only two 12V DC fans--but that's in the mountains and/or shade.  Best wishes on your new purchase.  Our PU has been one of our best purchases ever.

[hoppy]

The best camper statement is like asking which one is your favorite child.

 They all have something to offer, all have simular quality, (good... but not great) and your decission should be based upon the model that your tow vehicle can handle safely, then the floor plan that appeals to "you", and then the features and options that will enhance your camping pleasure.  

  As for Camplite, they were manufactured by a company named Damon Industries in the mid-nineties and I believe they were the first to offer the slide-out dinettes. I believe that Damon has since been purchased by either Thor Industries or Forest River. It might be tough to get replacement parts that were specific to Camplite.

  I owned a 1978 Palomino PU (Vangard Ind.) for ten years without any major problems, (gave it to my DD and SIL, and it's still going strong), and my 2001 Coleman Mesa serves me very well. I have had a few minor problems like needing to replace the screen door latch, and a cam door lock on the front storage bin that failed in transit during a down pour soaking all the contents in that area.

  But for the most part, most of the manufacturers provide good value in regards to quality and price. If they didn't provide at least that much, they would pretty much be out of the buisness. Most of the reputable manufacturers have been building PU's since the mid 60's, so they have at least a proven track record.

   Hope this helps.

 PS: Yes, the AC units in PU's work very well. I had a 5K BTU window style AC built through the back wall of the Palomino, (roof and lift systems were not designed to support the weight of the roof top style way back then) and a 15 K Coleman roof top AC on the Coleman. The roof top model on my Mesa would freeze us out of the PU if I let it. Most of the time the thermostat is set on the middle selection, and fan on low cool. It is known to get pretty hot and humid in the summer down here in Georgia.

[DiW]

Our Coleman keeps us plenty cool also - can't run it on high - too cold. Didn't want an a/c, but there was a special if you bought in Jan or Feb (think it cost a $1 or something) to add. We are so glad we have it (and we probably wouldn't have bought it without that special). It has made numerous trips much more enjoyable. Could we have done without it? Yes, but we wouldn't have enjoyed ourselves as much. It's definitely worth having if you don't like the heat and humidity.
Diane

[Camping Coxes]

We lucked out when we were buying our camper and found one that was in great shape and had just had an AC installed.  We always thought it was a waste since you have tenting.  Boy were we wrong!  The AC relaly keeps the camper cool.  We've been in full sun in the valley and the trailer is cool.  I tend not to run it all the time so as to keep the peace for those around us, and it stays cool when it's not running. The Pop-up Gizmos bunk end covers really maximizes it too.  AC is definitely worth it if you are going to be in warmer than comfortable weather.

[Mountaineer]

Thinking of purchasing a pop up camper. I am looking at probably 1995 to 2002 with air conditioning. I have been told that the AC is not very effective on these campers is that true, are some better than others. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

We spent a week at Disney World in Orlando in July 10 years ago without air.  We came home to West Virginia and added the rooftop air.  We wouldn't have a pop up without it.  We don't use it all the time, but there are times when it is a real blessing.     Wishing you many years of cool camping.