Hot water; A/C

[still searchin']

After 3 years of "just lookin'", I've decided that this is the year to buy my first pop-up. I have located a new 2004 Flagstaff 823D (which is the model I want) at an incredible price.It does not have A/C, or a water heater. The dealer can install A/C for $850.00, or I can do it. The big issue is hot water. I used to camp with my wife in a '71 VW Westfalia bus without water at all, but now having 3 booger-eaters I'm gonna need water. Can I live without hot water in the pop-up? Any advice on the A/C?
Thanks, Rick

[ilovecamping]

We never had hot water in our older PU's and I could probably live without it in our new one if we didn't have the shower/potti.  It is really nice to have but I could have heated it on the stove as in the past.  We also didn't have an A/C until the new one.  We used it for the first time this past wknd and it was wonderful.  We just cooled out the PU when we got back from our daily adventure and then used just the Create A Breeze fan after that.  In younger years we didn't really need as much but now we are wanting to enjoy some luxeries.

[Kelly]

I think the question is ~ can YOU live without hot water in the PU?    I have 4 kids and the first PU that we camped in didn't have a water heater ... neither does the one we're getting in 5 days. (WAHOO!)   I haven't missed it.  I heat water for washing dishes and I bought a Sun Shower that I keep full so we can wash hands & feet and clean up other messes.

As far as the AC ~ I'm afraid I can't help much.  I'd say in FL you'll need it!  It's up to you how much your time is worth and whether or not you want to install it or have it installed.  We don't use it much, but it sure is nice to have ~ especially on those nasty humid nights we get here.

[Johnowolf]

There are a number of options to hot water that don't require installation of a hot water heater. Prior to this year, our normal solution was just the good ol' "water pot on the stove". We have a perk coffee pot and an additional coffee pot that doesn't have innards. We always kept that warm on the stove when we were going to need hot water.
 
This year, we got the perfect hot water solution (at least it's perfect for us): The Coleman Hot Water On Demand. Basically, it's an "on demand" propane water heater and rechargeable battery-powered water pump. Hook up to propane (1lb disposables or adapter to 20# tank), connect pump to collapsible water jug or immerse pump in water source, turn the dial, and in seconds you have hot water. And yes, it WILL heat water plenty hot (DD has brewed tea and hot chocolate with it and it's been too hot to drink). The nicest thing is I can use it where I want it. Don't have to be inside to use it, or in an inconvenient location. And if I want to go tent camping, I can still take my hot water with me! They have options for hooking it up to a hose, a 20# water tank, adding a shower connection and a carry case (we have everything except the carry case). www.popupexplorer.com has the CHWOD for about $155 IIRC (a bit more for accessories), which is definitely cheaper than adding a HWH to your PU. You can find a number of rave reviews for the CHWOD both on this site and on other camping sites. Go here to link directly to PUX Hot Water: http://www.puxtradingpost.com/index.php?cPath=43_73&osCsid=d188ff5e6de0cf48680ecc3ef1c20817
 
As for A/C, that's kind of a personal choice. You could definitely add it yourself for quite a bit less if you are handy. Otherwise, it may be an issue of "peace of mind". That price seems high to me, but I've never priced A/C installed by the dealer. I'm a bit surprised they aren't offering you at least some kind of a break on it to make a deal (actually, you may be able to use it as a negotiating tactic []). If the dealer doesn't install the A/C are they going to give you warranty grief if there are problems after someone else installs it? What kind of reputation does the dealer have for service and cooperation? If everything else is right, A/C is probably a relatively easy factor to address.

[SpeakEasy]

No one has mentioned the option of installing a hot water system (the conventional type) yourself. It can be done if you are handy with tools and so forth. I did it on our Cheyenne a few years ago, and I'm SO proud of it! If you'd like details, send me a private message. (Sorry- I don't have photos.)

[CAPEd CODger]

No one has mentioned the option of installing a hot water system (the conventional type) yourself. It can be done if you are handy with tools and so forth. I did it on our Cheyenne a few years ago, and I'm SO proud of it! If you'd like details, send me a private message. (Sorry- I don't have photos.)

I was getting around to that. I also added a hot water system to my 'Cod. And I do have photos. Copy and paste the link in my signature line and see some of the details.

As far as putting in the AC unit, ther was an article in a past issue of P.U.T. that had good photos and instructions.

Good Luck
Bob

[hoppy]

On the subject of adding an AC unit, you can save yourself about two hundred bucks if you are some what handy, and have a couple of hours to kill.

 PPL RV Wholesalers sells all the roof models available for between $ 500.00 - $ 600.00 includes shipping. You can also find some really great deals on e-Bay. I have seen them as low as $ 395.00 with $ 39.95 shipping.

  As for the hot water option, my first PU didn't have it, and we didn't miss it at all. My second one has it, and we find we question how we got along with out it in the past. To install a Suburban or Atwood brand built in unit can get a bit pricey, and you will lose about three square feet of storage space. Mine is built into the front storage area, so it doesn't affect our storage too much. Besides the unit it's self, you need to add all the plumbing, a mixing faucet, and if not equipped, a water pump. If you go this route, I would suggest adding the outside shower option also. It's great to use for cleaning the equipment before packing it away, and hosing off the kids and animals. (sometimes both one and the same) I may be wrong on my estimate, but I think it would run close to $ 500.00 to add the built in option.

  As others mentioned, a cheap and effective option is the Coleman HWOD unit. This can be purchased for around $ 150.00, and is portable. You have the option to place it where ever you need it.

  Hope this helps.

[still searchin']

Thanks to all who replied. Your advise and experience have certainly helped in easing my mind while making an educated decision. I will be taking delivery on my FIRST PU in less than three weeks, with dealer installed a/c and no hot water. I'm not sure if I can contain myself until then.
Thanks, Rick

[popupcop]

It sounds as if you made the right choice.  AC is a must and the $850 is about the going rate here in Arkansas.  We nearly always need AC in the south!
 
We use a 40 cup electric percolator (G.E. brand from Walmart -- approximately $30.00) that we plug in just before we start a meal.  By the time we are done, we have really hot water.  The kids can tap off a little water for hot chocolate too!  
 
If you use this option make sure you have it sitting somewhere safe and solid where the kids cannot pull it over on themselves.  Our model has a locking lid that will keep a large quanity of hot water from spilling but but I still put it somewhere solid.  I don't want burned either.  
 
Contratulations on your purchase!  You'll have a great time with your family with a popup!