I'm New here

[ForestCreature]

Hi Dan. You've gotten enough welcomes to the site so I won't bother
 
   

[/color]Thanks for your quick responses.
 Where do you camp? I've always been able to camp away from the crowds but from what I've read in these forums so far it looks like you all like to camp together. Sounds like a lot of friendships here.
   Dan

While there is alot of group camping going on, we have done both groups and alone. We camp in out of the way places, mostly State or National forests with 12 sites or less. Being in a pop up dosen't have to change that. It just makes it more comfortable
  The only time we camp in a large State Park is with a group, because most don't like not having ele or bathrooms.
  Someday I'll convert them to primitive camping :eek:
 
   

[/color]Is there a make or model to avoid?
   Dan

I'll bite on this one, seeing as no one else has.
 There are issues with some of the Coleman ABS roofs, Others can chime in more on that, as I have not personally had to deal with it. But if I were to buy used, that is one I'd avoid for sure.
 
   

[/color] What options could you live without?

Sit down and figure out what is important to you, and run from there.
  We have just about all the options and don't regret getting any of them.
  It's easir to get what you want now, than to regret it later and add it as an after thought.
  The most important options to us were hot running (ele water pump)water,
  the cassette toilet (no outhouses anymore ) and the furnace for fall and early spring camping. It all boils down to whats important to you.
 
  Good luck in your search
   [/color]

[MommaMia]

 
    I'll bite on this one, seeing as no one else has.
   

Hey there Marcy... I did take a nibble at that one..."One recommendation, be aware of problems that folks have had with more than a few Coleman ABS roofs. I won't go into all the gory details. Do a search for ABS roofs here and at any other forums you may visit. "  

I guess it was so buried by all my other drivel that nobody caught it!

[Diplomat]

Welcome to the board!  

I think I saw some mention of it but make sure that you can tow the trailer you want with the vehicle you have.  Don't skimp on this one, it is your families safety on the line.  

If you plan on using a vehicle you already have call the car dealer and ask what the tow rating is for it as you have it equipped.  Don't trust the camper dealer on this one, he wants to sell you a camper and may be pretty liberal with quoting a tow rating.  

The rule of thumb is that you should not exceed 75% of your vehicles tow rating.  The weight includes you, your family and all the gear that you will carry as well as the trailer.  You can do a search here and you will see much discussion on this topic.

As to brands to avoid, the advise on the ABS roofs is good, other than that buy the floorplan you like best from the dealer you like best and you will be happy.  If you are buying used if the trailer appears in good shape it likely is, have the seller walk you through everything to make sure it works and you should be OK.

[Kelly]

So here's my first 2 questions -
How much do I really need to spend to get into a camper that we'll use about 8-9 times per year?
 
and
 
What options could you live without?
 
OK one more-
Should I buy new or used
 
Dan

Hi Dan.   I'm Kelly and I'm a PUT-aholic.    (Thanks, abdiver, for the lead!)
You've gotten some really great advice here ... I'll add a couple things.  

I think of my PU as a tent-on-wheels.   I live without many of the things that my board-mates consider essential.  I have 4 children and wanted to make sure that we all had a place to eat and sleep, so my PU has 2 dinettes and sleeping space for 8.  (Which means the kids do climb over a dinette to get to their beds ~ not a big deal for them!)

• I do have heat and AC and have used both.  
  
• I don't use the water holding tank.  
  
• I don't use the indoor/outdoor stove that came with it ~ I bought the Coleman Guide Series 3-burner stove and use that instead (much more efficient).  
  
• I don't have a porta-potty.  I'd rather walk kids to the bathroom (or the nearest tree ) than deal with porta-potty after toilet training 4 kids!  LOL  
  
• Don't have a shower either.  (Although I would like the outside shower for cleaning up dirty kids.)  
  
• I have the 3-way 'fridge and only use it if we're in one spot for a long time ... I prefer my Coleman Xtreme for weekend trips.
  
• The model I have (Palomino Yearling RL) has lots of underseat storage and access to one of those from the outside.  I really like both of those things.
  

I bought my trailer used from a private party.  I got lucky and found one that had everything that I needed and would definitely go that route again.  My second-best advice is what others have already said ~ sit down and figure out how you will use the trailer and then look for something that will fit your needs.
 
My best advice ~ if you buy from a dealer, check out their service department!  If you buy used, check out the service department of the dealer!  They can be your best friends or (in my case) your worst enemy!!  Okay, maybe I exagerate ... but poor service can really make your life miserable.
 
I also agree completely with all the TV advice.  Make sure your vehicle can handle your load safely.  And make sure you weigh everything.  I have a light trailer and fully loaded I am within 10 lbs of the trailer's capacity.  The previous owners weren't so careful and I've had axle problems because of that.
 
Hope this helps.

[OnTheGround]

Thank you all for sharing you advice. I've been spending time reading the posts in the forums, theres a lot of good information here.
Dan

[rccs]

I bought my 95  Coleman Avalon in 96 used. We have camped with it every year since at least 5 times a season or more most of the time. The only trouble I have had with it so far is the hinge on the storage trunk, (which used to be only plastic but the replacement is aluminum) and one of the latches at the top of the door broke which was fairly inexpensive to replace. Also this year I replaced the origional tires because they were starting to weather check. My Avalon has an aluminum roof so it has not given me any trouble.

[Gone-Camping]

Is there a make or model to avoid?

I'll echo what was briefly mentioned aboved. If you don't want to get caught up with sagging roof issues with no recourse but to replace it at your own cost ($2-3,000) then I also suggest staying away from any used Coleman/Fleetwood PU with the one piece ABS roof, they have known problems and probably best if you avoid them.

[campingcop]

welcome  :W

One thing that hasn't been said is if there is a camper show in your area GO!
that way you can check on all type of models and campare them.

We bought our camper at a show, I put $20.00 down to hold the show price which was somewhat lower than the price at the show room.  If there are any dealers close to you check out the show room.