New...and wondering...

[motherstork]

Our family (hubby, myself, 11 yr old, 5 yr old twins) is in desperate need of a family hobby/activity that will bring us together and have fun.  I have did a bit of research and think we should start camping.  My hubby said - ok, we'll get a tent.  I said - no tent for me.  It seems the popup camper would be a great compromise.  I plan on doing more research so I can plead my case with lots of good information.

Thought you guys might could help me - since I don't know anyone directly who camps with a popup.  

Let me start off first by saying - we can only afford $2-3,000 range...please don't laugh.

With a family our size what size camper would be good for us?
We have sufficient vehicles to pull it (jeep, f250, expedition).
What do we need to look for - specifics?
What does an average weekend camping trip cost a family of five?

Lastly, any advice - articles - on what might help me convince my hubby that this would be a great thing for us to start doing!

Thanks!
kimberly

[diane]

I starting camping for the same reasons, time with the kids and something for them to remember. My first camper was a  94 Coleman Cedar pop-up which is an 8ft box with double beds and the fold down table for a third bed and storage cabinets. I paid $1600. Of course there were no extras such as refridge or heat, but moving up from tenting it was great. I liked that size because I could easily set-up by myself and even hand push it if I couldn't quite back it into the perfect spot with the car. We used to always stay at state parks for $10/night. When we stay at a private campground with all the hook-ups and extras it costs $40-$50/night in season, less in spring and fall. I have since moved up to a 10ft box only because I now let the kids bring friends and need the extra sleeping space. Good luck in your pop-up hunting. It's probably better to try to find one now before spring when they are in more demand and priced higher .

[AustinBoston]

Let me start off first by saying - we can only afford $2-3,000 range...please don't laugh.

There are some older units available in that price range.  Pop-ups seem to depreciate slower than automobiles, but they usually have a longer useful life.  There are things to watch out for in older used units that others can give you more info on than I can.

With a family our size what size camper would be good for us?

That's a big question.  It depends on how much togetherness your family can stand, on how much personal space you all need, and how long you plan on using it (those little ones will become adult-sized teenagers faster than you think).  One thing right off, the numbers that pop-up literature claim to sleep are all totally bogus.  If the company literature says "sleeps 5" it really sleeps 2 and a baby.  Our Coleman/Fleetwood Bayside claims to sleep 9, but only if it's 3 to a bed and nobody's over 5 feet tall.

What does an average weekend camping trip cost a family of five?

Depending on where and how far you travel, what kind of site you choose, and how frugal you are, anywhere from $75-$200.  It could be even less; we are not particularly frugal (eating out, $ight$eeing, etc.)

Lastly, any advice - articles - on what might help me convince my hubby that this would be a great thing for us to start doing!

I usually tell people who aren't sure to rent a pop-up if possible before committing.  Many (but certanly not all) dealers will rent one to you, particularly if you are serious about buying.  This can be a deal clincher for those who are undecided, or, once in a while, someone discovers they really don't like it.  Better to be out a weekend rental fee than the cost of a pop-up, registration fees, insurance, etc.

Renting also introduces you to the dealer.  Buying used often means no dealer is involved, but pop-ups do need maintenance and other service from time to time.  People who have had to have service done often find the quality of the dealer is more important than the brand of pop-up.  Most dealers will take proper care of your unit, but there are disaster stories.  Meeting a dealer via rental is one way to "check them out."

Renting also gives you a chance to find out what you like and don't like.  For example, some people really like a built-in fridge; others find them uselessly small.  What you get in the pop-up will affect it's price, so knowing there are things you won't use or don't need can help keep the price down.

One more thing, once you're hooked, you're hooked.

Austin

[Kelly]

First ~ Welcome to PUT ~ You'll get lots of good answers to your questions here.  I know I did when I first started lurking almost 5 years ago!

Second ~ I second what Austin said about renting.  Before we bought our first one we rented and got a good idea of how things would go.  The first PU we bought was a 10' Palomino Yearling ... lots of sleeping space, not much floor space and hardly any storage space.  The ex kept that one.

I moved up to a 12' Jayco ~ it's a 1995 model and I didn't pay any more than you're looking to spend for it.  The girls (2 or 3 of them) sleep in the king bunk, the boy sleeps on the dinette and I get the small bunk (sometimes I share it with the girl who doesn't want to sleep with her sisters!)  We don't use the u-shaped dinette for sleeping.  We have lots of floor space and tons of storage space.

Both trailers have the same amenities ~ furnace, ac, indoor/outdoor stove, 3-way fridge, etc.

Third ~ I probably spend a little less than Austin for a weekend camping.  For weekends I stick fairly close to home and we tend to find the cheap things to do.  (I am frugal!)  One of our favorite weekends is to a campground about 45 minutes from us that's next to the MN Zoo ~ we have a membership and spend a whole day exploring the Zoo and another day exploring the park we're camped at.  Cheap weekend  

Good luck!

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to PUT.   The bigger the PU the more room you will have on bad weather days.  When you find a PU that you are interested in, have your whole family spend some time in the PU.  All of the family, pets if you plan on taking them camping.  Have the kids lay on the beds to see if they have enough room.  Sit at the dinette to see if all of you will fit.  What part of the country are you in?  If it is a cold area you may want a furnace, if you live in a hot/humid area you may want an air conditioner.  There are many nice PUs out there in your price range.  Take your time and check that all of the appliances work and that you understand how to set up and tear down the PU.  As for the cost of camping for a weekend, that can really vary.  If you want a private campground with all of the bells and whistles it can run up to $60 a night, or more.  We like the privacy of most public campgrounds, and the lower price too.  Just a side note it was in a Maryland SP that we paid $40 a night.  That is the most we have ever paid for a night.  Over the years we have paid as little as $5 a night to as much as $40.  It all depends on where you want to camp and what they have to offer.  Give me a nice state park with a lake/stream and woods and I am very happy.  We usually cook our meals at camp so the food cost is no more than if we are at home.  Feel free to ask questions so that you can find the PU that is right for you.  I also want to stress that having a good dealer to service the PU is more important that the brand of PU that you buy.

[PattieAM]

I was a tent camper for years and gave it up when the Rheumatoid Arthritis made it too difficult for me to pack, set up, etc.  Was very depressed about giving up camping, so did buy a Pop Up Camper this past year.  My requirements were a potty and AC, and after viewing several models I ended up getting a Fleetwood Niagara which has the potty and AC and alot more.  I went this route vs. 5th wheel or trailer as I do enjoy being at one with nature.  The pluses are not sleeping on the ground, no deflating air mattresses, no leaky tents, (no tracked in sand/mud), indoor kitchen (should you choose to use it), heat for extending your camping season, and some creature comforts of home (sofa, bed, kitchen, dinette).  I went all-out when I purchased - trying to think ahead and of resale value too - got the add-a-room and got some indoor/outdoor carpet.  This room allows for the grandbabies to play without wandering off, and allows our dogs some space without teathering.  Not to mention it gives us a weatherproof area.

As to camping costs, they will vary - State and National Parks are generally cheaper than private campgrounds.  You have the options of water/electric/sewer at most places and those prices can range from $17.00 per night up to about $34/night.  Some people join camping clubs/organizations to reduce camping costs.  I joined Good Sam Club which discounts 10%, and got their Emergency Roadside Assistance (which is cheaper than AAA, covers all vehicles in household, etc.).  You also have the option of 'bookdocking' which is dry camping - no hookups, and that too is cheaper than full hook ups.  You can check campgrounds via:  rvparkreviews, prices and amenities are listed.  RV.net is also a good forum for information about anything related to camping.

As to Popup campers in your price range - there are alot of resales but beware - read up on purchasing "used" before making the plunge.  "Natasha's Camping Site" is an excellent resource for more information.

If you buy a pop up, you can add it to your current auto insurance policy.  You will also have your tag renewal fees to consider in your budget.  You will probably want to consider a battery charger, and find a propane filling station - ours run $12-15 per tank.  You will also need a 'water hose - white', some kind of sewer hose, probably a blue tote for sewage, a 30amp extension cord for when you are just a foot too far from the connection!  And, I would highly recommend the clear plastic fittings for sewer connections (if you have a potty/holding tank).  

The great thing about a pop up is that other than your food and clothes, just about everything you need for camping can be stored in the camper!

I hope this info helps you.