PU Recomendations.

[jcd]

Ok, so we will be in the market for a PU for next year... looking to purchase in the fall. I'd like to hear some opinions and thoughts on what to go with. Our "requirements" are below...

- Sleeping for 4 adults, 2 dogs, and 1 small kid (this will be the most people ever, and not very often). So queen sized beds at both ends.

- Small. Well, what I mean is lightweight. Would like to stay under 2300 lbs. My little Jeep cherokee is rated to 5000 lbs. There will only be 2.5 people in the Jeep, plus gear, etc.

- Comfortable eating/seating space inside for the same number of people in nasty weather.

*EDIT* - A/C is also required. As is a porta-potty. Shower not a big deal.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks,
- Josh.

[PLJ]

Basically you have lots of options. The good news for you is that you have time on your hands to research.

The best thing to do would be to visit an RV show and see them all side by side. Failing that go to a few dealerships and check them out.

Reading this forum and asking questions is a good start.

Other options to consider are shower/toilet. Furnace/AC. Fridge etc

Any reason you are limiting yourself to 2300 pounds when your vehicle is able to tow much more?

[jcd]

Yeah, we do have a while fortunatly (or unfortunatly!). We went to two different shows this past winter and plan to do the same this coming winter. Of course I'm excited with anticipation so we have started looking at a couple of local dealers.

I hadn't added the A/C and toilet to my option list up top but they too are required. Furnace/heater would be nice... but probably not a neccesity. Fridge is the same way.

My main worry was size and towing ability. My TV is old and a little tired. I don't want to wear it out just towing the popup. I also still wanted to be able to enjoy driving so that's why we are thinking of sticking on the small size. I'm still trying to figure out all the tow weights and sizes and exactly what is reasonable.

- Josh.

[fritz_monroe]

Well, the Fleetwoods tend to be heavier than the other brands.  When we were looking, we didn't have much luck finding what we liked with the smaller box, so had to go with a big one.  I wanted the trunk and it's worked out fine.  My Bayside fits the bill except for the weight restriction.  I originally towed it with a 2005 Jeep Liberty, it handled it OK, but we wanted to do some mountain camping and it wouldn't really cut it there.

We originally looked at nothing but models that had a shower.  After thinking about it a while, we decided that since we always camp where a shower is available, it wasn't a requirement.  We do have the outside shower and if pushed, we could use that.  We did decide that a cassette potty was something that we really needed.  About the only things I would change about my Bayside is outside cassette access and a high pressure LP fitting.

[4campinfoxes]

If at all possible a model with a slide-out would be ideal for you - especially in terms of comfort in iffy weather.  When we had 2 dogs we went from a Jayco 10UD to our Bayside with a slid-eout & boy was it wonderful!  The extra floorspace is a must have if you have dogs along for the trip.  The ibggest thing, besides what your TV can tow, is getting inside them & checking them out.  Different people have different likes.  For example, I don't like when the stove is next to the dining area. Even though we don't use the indoor stove often I would feel uncomfortable with it being that close to where people may be sitting.  We didn't want a shower inside because we use the showers at campgrounds - besides, why would I want to add humidity to the pop-up?  And more cleanup I'm sure as well!

Good luck!
Sharon

[fritz_monroe]

I agree with 4campinfoxes on the slide out.  The biggest deciding factor for us was all that floor space.  The 2 kids are always with us and the dog is there half the time.  I sat in each pup that we considered and thought about what it would be like being stuck inside the camper during bad weather with everyone there.  We have a huge aisle and the dinette slides out for games.

We have used the indoor stove 1 time and that was during rain.  I have never used the RVQ that came with the pup.  I have a Weber Baby Q and a Coleman propane stove that I use for all cooking.

Have fun looking.  Sit in them all for a while.  And take your time.

[mars00XJ]

We are looking at the same thing right now. A few years back I towed a Coleman Sedona (?) with my 2000 Cherokee with ease.

I am worried about towing one without having the towing package on my XJ. I would probably get a transmission cooler if there isnt one on it. I know I need new springs in the rear.

[jcd]

We are looking at the same thing right now. A few years back I towed a Coleman Sedona (?) with my 2000 Cherokee with ease.

I am worried about towing one without having the towing package on my XJ. I would probably get a transmission cooler if there isnt one on it. I know I need new springs in the rear.

Yeah... my XJ has a add a leaf lift which I am going to redo soon both for the towing and to fix the sag. I'm also going to install the tranny cooler and may even upgrade the radiator just to avoid any overheating problems.

- Josh.