Which Pop-Up

[dcampbell1969]

I am trying to decide between the StarCraft Centennial and Fleetwood Williamsburg.  Similar, but more options with the Starcraft.  Does the Sunbrella 302, that fleetwood now uses, work well?  it seems very thin on the sides.  They tell me so it can breath more.  I can't decide...  Fleetwood seems solid, but a lot more for your money with Starcraft. What to do...

Thanks,
Danny
"Loved tent camping, but ready for a pop-up"

[wynot]

I am trying to decide between the StarCraft Centennial and Fleetwood Williamsburg. Similar, but more options with the Starcraft. Does the Sunbrella 302, that fleetwood now uses, work well? it seems very thin on the sides. They tell me so it can breath more. I can't decide... Fleetwood seems solid, but a lot more for your money with Starcraft. What to do...
 
Thanks,
Danny
"Loved tent camping, but ready for a pop-up"

I have a 2001 Coleman with the Sunbrella 302.  Never have cleaned it, never had a leak or tear.

[beacher]

I have a 2004 Niagara GTE, (the same floorplan as the Williamsburg).

Sunbrella is sturdy, long lasting, and it breathes.  The breathability helps reduce the chance of condensation droplets forming on your ceiling.  BTW, it's the fabric of choice for marine applications such as boat and sail covers.  It lasts for many years with direct sunlight and UV exposure, even longer as a tenting material.

Some Fleetwood design features that add to cost:

- Stainless steel lifter posts.
- Steel framed bench seats.
- Rivets instead of screws, where vibration could be an issue.
- Steel Box frame instead of wood.
- Steel Leaf spring suspension.
- Rotomolded front storage box, store anything without damaging the camper.
- HD steel trailer frame, suitable for WD hitch, or easy "axle-flip" light off-road modification.
- Simple StructureWood flooring and bunk end wood, stays flat.
- Self-storing bunk end supports.

And, many more design aspects that are not obvious, but contribute to a better built product.

..... Not that there's anything wrong with a Starcraft PopUp...

Isn't the Centenial a high-wall box?  The Williamsburg is what is called a low-wall PopUp, (you need to swing-up the galley).  If you wan't to compare the Starcraft Centenial series more equally, compare them to the Fleetwood high-wall models such as the Niagara, Avalon, and Sequoia in the Highlander series.  Those are outfitted with just as many, or more standard options than the Starcraft Centenial.

[dcampbell1969]

Thanks Beacher and Whynot.

The Centennial is a high wall but the price is closer to the Williamsburg.  However, I believe I'm leaning toward the Williamsburg.  lots of good posts on this board about many things to consider.  also saw some user reviews that speak well for fleetwood products.  starcraft has some positives as well, but I'm thinking fleetwood.

[brainpause]

Both good brands.

However, step back and look at the dealers. Which one do you think (do your research) will take better care of you if/when you need repair/warranty work?

Larry

[dcampbell1969]

Good thought, but I have picked my dealer already.  From what I've heard and seen, PECO Camping is very good.  They offer the Starcraft and Fleetwood lines.

[fritz_monroe]

Each is a good brand.  Get into each one and sit there as long as they let you.  If you have kids, think about how you all will sleep in there.  Is there enough room for you and the kids?  Could you stand it if you got stuck inside for a couple days?  Try to imagine being at your campsite.  Can you spot anything in either model that you wouldn't want to do without?

We narrowed our search down to the Fleetwood Bayside and the Jayco 1206.  It came down to the sink for us.  The sink in the Fleetwood is pretty deep, while the Jayco's sink was smaller than the sink in our powder room.

I think that you will be happy with either one.

[tlhdoc]

Don't worry about the Sunbrella tenting.  It will last a long time and it is breathable so that you will not get condensation building up on it.  Spend an hour or two in each of the campers with everyone that will be camping with you.  Set each of them up and down and then see which one you like better.  Good luck with the choice.