Newbe here from AZ - in search of a nice Pop-up

[Rawhide Kid]

Hello everyone. This is my first post. Looks like an interesting group! I'l do a more thorough search on this forum, but does anyone have any advice for me? I am in search of a nice, used pop-up here in the Phoenix, AZ area. I'd drive as far as Las Vegas, Albuquerque, or San Diego if the deal looked awesome, but am hoping to find something local. I have a Chrysler Minivan with Tow Package, so can probably handle a larger (3500 max pounds) pop-up. No actual hitch yet, but working on figuring that out soon.
 
I have a wife and four little ones - oldest is five, youngest six months. While I have camped most of my life, it was tenting mostly. The older I am (now 40), the less I like the idea of sleeping on the ground! Hope to get a nice used one that will last us a few years at least, then move up to a nicer one as the kids grow (inside shower, potty, etc.) and perhaps we get a larger tow vehicle.
 
I've just started researching PU's and visited a local Starcraft and Fleetwood dealer that also had some used PU's. I like: the slide out dinette area, larger beds and floor space, and outside shower/heated water option. Would like a large awning with sides (screens only). Still wondering if I'll want/need air conditioning. Probably will try without at first. I'm also more used to "remote camping" and not having electrical hook-ups.
 
Where have I looked for used Pu's? Ebay, Craigslist, local papers, rvtrader.com, thebiglot.com and a few other places.
 
Seems like the "pickin's are slim" this time of year. I'm sure the spring will expand my options a bit. If anyone knows anywhere else to look, or has any recommendations, please let me know! Thanks, and Happy New Years everyone.
 
Flint (aka Rawhide Kid)

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to PUT.  The big PUs are very nice and the slide outs add a lot of room, but if you van is rated to tow 3500 pounds, that doesn't mean that you can tow that much.  Any weight in the van, passengers luggage, etc. is included in that 3500 pound capacity.  The rule of thumb when towing is to only tow 75% of the rated capacity.  For your van rated to tow 3500 X .75 = 2625 pound trailer.  That is the the weight of the trailer and everything in it including water, appliances, food, etc.  I don't want to scare you away from getting a PU, we have one and love it, but I don't want you to get a trailer that is too heavy for your TV (tow vehicle) to tow safely.  I have towed with a Caravan and a Windstar and know that the minivans have their limitations, but you can tow with them.  You may need to add helper springs or a weight distributing hitch (if the trailer manufacturer will allow it) to keep the TV sitting level when towing.  Good luck finding a PU for your family and ask questions.

[TheViking]

What ever you do, stay away from Little Dealer Little Prices in Mesa