Hi, Need PU Advice/Comments/Answers

[legobuff]

Hello,

My wife and I are looking to purchase our first camper, and have lots of questions.

First a little info about us... we love geocaching (geocaching.com: j.a.g.), hiking, and camping.  Before the kids (3 and 6m old), my wife and I were into tent camping but with the kids and getting older we no longer want to sleep on the ground.  We have two larger lab/mutt dogs  (55 and 80lbs) and would like for them to come along for our camping excursions.  Our TV would be a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer.

I have been looking at several PU's and have visited a local dealer (ApacheCamper: Bellevue, NE).  They favor the Jayco PU.  I really like the Jayco 1206 with the pop-out and features.  We are not opposed to buying used, as we are leary of dropping ~10k on a new camper, when neither of us has ever had one.  We have talked with friends that have PU and are are very interested as they sound wonderful.  I have not been able to find a dealer in the area that rents PU, so I figured I would ask some questions/advice here.

On to the questions:
- Is there a dealer in the Bellevue/Omaha, NE area (within 100 miles) that rents PU?
- What are the things to look out for when buying new?
- What are the things to look out for when buying used?
- The wife wants the shower/potty option:
     - Are there odor problems with these?
     - What is the general opinion?
     - The theory sounds good, but in practice is it?
- I am pretty sure we want to upgrade the AC/Heater unit, why wouldn't I?
- Advice for camping with small children and dogs in a PU?
- Comments about Jayco, or recommendations for other makes?
- The Jayco offers hydrolic surge brakes as an option, why would I want these?
- Advice for/against a slide out model?

Thank you for you time, comments and advice.  It is appreciated.

-Jamie

[Kelly]

Hello and welcome to PUT!  Not sure I can answer many of the questions, but I did want to make sure you got welcomed right away.  

On to the questions:
- Is there a dealer in the Bellevue/Omaha, NE area (within 100 miles) that rents PU?
- What are the things to look out for when buying new?
- What are the things to look out for when buying used?

I don't know any dealers in that area or about buying new!  Both of my campers came to me previous loved!  There is some information in the latest issue of PUT about buying used and what to look for.  Also try this thread. [/color]

- The wife wants the shower/potty option:
     - Are there odor problems with these?
     - What is the general opinion?
     - The theory sounds good, but in practice is it?

I know a lot of people who love their shower/potty combos.  I've never had either one and must not know what I am missing!      With the little kids you may want to at the very least have a porta-potty.[/COLOR]

- I am pretty sure we want to upgrade the AC/Heater unit, why wouldn't I?

Why not, indeed.  I've camped in Omaha in July with a 2-week old baby ~ would never even consider it without AC!!!

- Advice for camping with small children and dogs in a PU?

Many of us could contribute to a book on this subject!  If I were you, I'd start a whole new thread ~ or search on the topic.  

- Comments about Jayco, or recommendations for other makes?
- The Jayco offers hydrolic surge brakes as an option, why would I want these?
- Advice for/against a slide out model?

You will see this a lot on the boards ~ but most would recommend to find out what your TV can tow.  Then figure out what kind of floorplan you want ~ then look at the makes available to you.  Check out the service department of the dealer you would buy from.  If you aren't happy with them before a sale ~ chances are you won't be happy after.

As for the brakes ~ yep, get 'em.  Think about trying to stop all that weight behind you quickly.  IIRC, Jayco offers surge brakes and electric.  Either way ~ get the brakes.

The slideout adds some space and extra weight.  I haven't had one on either camper ... and haven't missed it.  Another one of those options that just depends on how you use (or plan to use) your camper.

I'm sure you will get lots of good advice from the group here.  

[legobuff]

Hello and welcome to PUT!  Not sure I can answer many of the questions, but I did want to make sure you got welcomed right away.  

Kelly, Thank you for the friendly welcome!  I am very glad to be here

I don't know any dealers in that area or about buying new!  Both of my campers came to me previous loved!  There is some information in the latest issue of PUT about buying used and what to look for.  Also try this thread.

Excellent, heading over to the thread now...

I know a lot of people who love their shower/potty combos.  I've never had either one and must not know what I am missing!      With the little kids you may want to at the very least have a porta-potty.


Why not, indeed.  I've camped in Omaha in July with a 2-week old baby ~ would never even consider it without AC!!!

The above confirms it for my wife, AC it is

Many of us could contribute to a book on this subject!  If I were you, I'd start a whole new thread ~ or search on the topic.  

Will do, thank you!

You will see this a lot on the boards ~ but most would recommend to find out what your TV can tow.  Then figure out what kind of floorplan you want ~ then look at the makes available to you.  Check out the service department of the dealer you would buy from.  If you aren't happy with them before a sale ~ chances are you won't be happy after.

As for the brakes ~ yep, get 'em.  Think about trying to stop all that weight behind you quickly.  IIRC, Jayco offers surge brakes and electric.  Either way ~ get the brakes.

The 1206 we are looking comes with Electric Brakes standard, and I agree with you about get 'em, but I am confused.  What I have read on various websites IIRC, is the Electric Brakes are what you want, but if that is the case why does Jayco offer the Hydrolic Surge Brakes as an upgrade, or am I missing something?

The slideout adds some space and extra weight.  I haven't had one on either camper ... and haven't missed it.  Another one of those options that just depends on how you use (or plan to use) your camper.

I'm sure you will get lots of good advice from the group here.  

Kelly, thank you again for the welcome and comments!  The wife and I appreciate them!

-Jamie

[mike4947]

Jayco doesn't offer surge brakes as an upgrade. They install either on their trailers depending on how the dealer orders them, except for their largest trailers. Which come standard now with electric's and surge have to be special ordered.
Until the newest generation of brake controllers, Prodigy by Tekonsha, Ultima20/20 by Jordan, and The BrakeSmart; surge brakes actually did a better job. With these new controllers it's six of one 1/2 dozen of the other, you pick'um.

[tlhdoc]

- Is there a dealer in the Bellevue/Omaha, NE area (within 100 miles) that rents PU?

Sorry I can't help you on that point.
 

- What are the things to look out for when buying new?
- What are the things to look out for when buying used?

Buying new or used having a good dealer to handle any problems is the most important thing.  Have them run all of the appliances for you, check the floor and roof for signs of water damage.  you can even have them hose the unit down while you are in it to check for leaks.  Check the tenting and screens for holes, rips or tears.  Walk around inside to see if the floor is soft or squeaky, check the cushions and mattresses for tears, smells and stains.  Check inside the cabinets and storage areas.  Don't be in a hurry to check the PU out, take your time and check it out before you take it home.
 

- The wife wants the shower/potty option:
- Are there odor problems with these?
- What is the general opinion?
- The theory sounds good, but in practice is it?

I have the shower/cassette potty and love them.  They do not smell if you use the blue chemical in the toilet.  Some people love the showers and some don't.  We don't use the shower all the time, but when we do I am soooooo HAPPY we have it.  We camp in areas where there aren't showers each year.  Having kids the shower will come in handy for quick clean ups.  Most of the people that complain about the shower/potty combo's have never had one.  I would not buy a camper without them.
 

- I am pretty sure we want to upgrade the AC/Heater unit, why wouldn't I?

I don't know why you wouldn't get the heat option.  I will recomend the Carrier Air V air conditioner with heat.  With the Carrier you have to buy the inside unit with heat.  It can not be added on later like you can do with the Coleman AC units.
 

- Advice for camping with small children and dogs in a PU?

It is very much like camping in a tent.  I don't think you will see much difference, other than the tent is off the ground.
 

- Comments about Jayco, or recommendations for other makes?
- The Jayco offers hydrolic surge brakes as an option, why would I want these?
- Advice for/against a slide out model?

As I said earlier the dealer is the most important part of the PU purchase.  The service department is critical for having a good experience.  The surge brakes were common in the past, but unless you will be towing with several vehicles I would go with the electric brakes.  Boat trailers use surge brakes because they are submersed in water.  You can not manually brake the trailer with surge brakes, you can with electric brakes.  As far as a slide out, it is one more thing to set up and you loose some storage area in the walkway when folded up, but you have a lot more room when the PU is setup.  It is a matter of personal choice.
 
 
Good luck on the hunt for the perfect PU.

[4campinfoxes]

Welcome to the PUT boards!  I'll put in my 2 cents worth.  My youngest was just about 3 when we got our first PU, a Jayco 10UD.  We started small & relatively cheaply to see whether or not we liked it.  Well, 6 years later we're still having a great time camping, but in a larger unit.  Until earlier this spring we had 2 labs who camped with us just about every outing (our older one died, but we still have one big camping dog).  The advice I would give you on that is - floor space, floor space, floor space!  Our 2000 Bayside has the slideout dinette, which makes  it much more liveable, especially when the weather isn't as beautiful as we'd like it to be....  Both dogs enjoyed being in the camper, one always slept on the floor (the older one) while the other preferred beds when he could get in one, or the couch or dinette -he appreciates the comforts!

As for the heater - yep, I'd definitely go for it.  On the A/C, we've never taken that plunge.  We do have a big fan we use when it's really hot, but we've never wanted to get to the point where it was more comfortable in the PU than out doing stuff.  Besides, if it's that darn hot - then it's too hot to go!

On the shower potty, we've never had one.  We do have a porta-potty we bought when the kids were younger.  Now we often don't even get that set up anymore. We shower at the facilities in the campground.  I'd rather have the storage space than the shower/potty.  Besides, I've never really seen the point of bringing humidity into the PU.  

We liked our Jayco when we had it.  We felt that the Coleman's were just a little better put together, but we really changed because we didn't like the Jayco dealer nearby.

As for PU camping with small kids & dogs - it's no different really than doing that in a tent.  You just want to make sure the tenting is secure (I've read stories of kids falling out of bunks & onto the ground), make sure they can't roll off their bed into the camper either.

Enjoy!

Sharon

[ForestCreature]

Another Hi and Welcome to the board !
 
 Can't offer much help with some of the questions, but what little I can here it goes.
 
 The furnace and AC are definate plusses even if you do not use them much.
 When you need them you'll be glad they are there. Plus when the day comes to sell and upgrade, reselling will be easier with those options.
 We have AC and have only used it a handfull of times when traveling south, worth every cent!
 
 The cassette toilet, I wouldn't have a camper without one. They do not stink up the camper (the person using it might tho ) and are easy to empty and clean out. Makes those trip in the middle of the night only a few steps away instead of down the road. Plus with little ones during potty training it'll be priceless. Like Tracy said the shower combo is nice to have as well.
 
 Not having a slideout, I can't say much with knowledge...so here's my un educated opinion..  with 2 little ones and 2 dogs the extra space offered by a slide out might be nice for the times you would be inside for extended periods during rains. Another option to gain extra space would be the add a room.
 

[legobuff]

All,

Thank you everyone for all of your answers, comments, and suggestions, they all have been EXTREMELY helpful!  

DW and I just got back from the camper store and were looking at the Jayco 1407... very nice.  We were hoping to take a look at the 1206 but they will not have one in until this Friday.  So we will wait till friday before we make any rash decisions.  I think I may have DW on the ropes about jumping in with both feet. (GRIN)... but we will see.  We will let you all know what happens this weekend.  

Thank you again,

-Jamie

[legobuff]

Jayco doesn't offer surge brakes as an upgrade. They install either on their trailers depending on how the dealer orders them, except for their largest trailers. Which come standard now with electric's and surge have to be special ordered.
Until the newest generation of brake controllers, Prodigy by Tekonsha, Ultima20/20 by Jordan, and The BrakeSmart; surge brakes actually did a better job. With these new controllers it's six of one 1/2 dozen of the other, you pick'um.

Mike,

Thank you for the comments, the dealer orders all of thier campers with the hydrolic surge brakes... they prefer them because then you can use any TV.  Now our TV is equiped for electric brakes... and there is no price difference actually is same, (surge brake cost more, but it is a wash once you purchase the electronic controller), what are your thoughts between the two.  I think I would be fine with the surge but if our TV can do electric should I just go electric. or is the ability for any TV to tow that appealing?

-Jamie

[Johnowolf]

We've had both a Coleman and our current Jayco. Loved our Coleman, and we love our Jayco. There are minor differences in manufacture and quality, but nothing major. We did look at a few brands while we were shopping for our current PU that looked real good on the surface, but once you looked "under the hood" weren't so great.
 
I can't add anything for brakes ... we haven't had them on any of our PUs yet (none big enough, although our current is "right on the edge" and there are times we've wished we had 'em).
 
Shower/Potti:
It's kind of a "users preference" whether you go inside or outside. We use a PortaPotti and an outside shower tent, with a Coleman Hot Water On Demand for the shower water. The advantage is that it is outside, so it doesn't take up floor space or storage space inside (which to us is premium). I've heard opionions from both the "love 'em" and "hate 'em" factions for the inside facilities. The good thing about having your own potti/shower is that you don't have to take that "midnight walk in the dark" and you know you'll always have TP (assuming you have your family trained ). Also, you don't have to worry about "questionable" facilities or the (rare but it does happen) questionable campers. The ONLY downside that I know if is that it's ALWAYS the hubby's job to empty the blessed thing! :yikes: Just make sure you have your family trained to TELL you if it's getting too full LOL
 
All that being said, when we were tent camping, we always carried our DD's "training potti" in case of "child emergencies. More than once, I woke up in the middle of the night to watch DW doing contortions to use it because it was too cold/wet/dark/etc outside to walk to the facility . When we got our PU, we decided to get a PortaPotti "just in case", but "just in case" seemed to be every trip. Now it's just a standard part of setting up ... takes about a minute to pick a spot and set up our shower tent, less than that to put the PortaPotti in, and of course a couple of minutes for DH (that's me) to walk to a water source to fill the flush chamber. It gets used every trip.
 
Air Conditioning/Heat:
Didn't have either on our Coleman. We did have an electric ceramic heater that we carried and used on occasion. It was just perfect for a cool night to take the chill off and take the dampness out of the air. The only drawback is that it only works if you have power. There were times we regretted not having air, and would carry a couple of fans to cool things down as much as possible. On those trips we avoided the camper during the day! When we got our Nu2Us Jayco, we put requirements as having AC and a furnace. We've already used the propane furnace on a trip that got chilly at night. The nice thing about having a propane furnace is that you can have heat even without hookups as long as you have a good battery. And of course, for those no-hookup trips, you also want to have some kind of 12V fans (the bunkend fan/light combos are generally decent for at least circulating air and cooling things down).
 
When we were looking, we looked at the 1206 and liked it, but thought it might be a bit of overkill for 3 or 4 people. Looked at the 1006 and liked it also. But we got an "almost brand new" 2002 Jayco Qwest 10V that we fell in love with! It had all the space we needed and all the options we wanted. It was one of those that someone bought, then decided was "too much work", so they traded it in for a big Tow Trailer. We got everything we wanted for about half what we would have paid for new ... but the only reason we got it was that we were there the first day it came to the dealer, before they had a chance to show it to anyone else! I warn you ... good used PUs move FAST this time of year! If you see something used you really like, don't hesitate too long LOL
 
Last thing ... before you make your final selection, take your ENTIRE family (well ... probably not the dog(s) since dealers tend to frown on them in the showroom) and go sit in the PU. Check out EVERYTHING. Get everyone inside and pretend it's raining outside and you'll spend most of the weekend inside the trailer. Will you be comfortable? Is there room to spread out? Can you move around without having to velcro children to the cieling? Make sure you feel you can be comfortable. And if it feels right, it probably IS right!
 
My $0.02 worth ...
 
...John