Buying our first pop up

[flyfishingnuts]

We are getting ready to purchase our first pop up.  We have 2 dogs (Hungarian Pointer 50lbs & Chihuahua 6lbs) and we love the outdoors - (flyfishing esspecially).  We live in southeastern Michigan and camp in the northern part of the state almost every weekend in the Summer months.  We are planning a Yellowstone trip in Aug of 06.  We are not sure what we should be looking for and what to watch out for when deciding onthe right pop up.  Any info would be very helpful.  Thanks in advance.

[ForestCreature]

Hi from another Hockeytown member! Picking out the right for you pop up isn't easy, but it's fun. Think about what options you want. You might want to start by going to the camper show at the Rock Financial showplace (new Novi expo)   they usualy have a decent amount of popups there. If you're buyng new there isn't alot to watch out for. When you find the right camper, you'll know it.
 
  Flyfishing hmm...you must hit the Au Sauble now and then! We don't fish but like to camp on the river east of Grayling.

[tlhdoc]

First let me welcome you to PUT!  The first question I would ask you is what will you tow a PU with.  That may limit your choices.  As a rule of thumb you should only tow 75% of the rated capacity of you tow vehicle (TV).  How many of you will be camping.  You and only the 2 dogs?  Do you want a shower, cassette potty, refrigerator, furnace, air conditioner, hot water, running water, etc.

First most PU appliances run off of 12 volt power (DC or battery power) or propane.  One item that you need to have 110 ac power (plug into the wall like at home) is an air conditioner.  A three way refrigerator will run on AC power, DC power or propane.I like having my own shower/cassette potty in my trailer.  I don't like going for a walk at 4 am, or when it is raining, cold, hot, etc.  You get the picture.  Many people use a porta potty and a cassette potty is like a built in porta potty.  A furnace is very nice if you plan any early or late in the camping season trips.  I don't use mine a lot but I am glad to have it.  Hot water is nice.  If you have a shower (inside or outside) you will have an electric (12 volt) water pump and a water heater.  I don't like having to craw over the dinette to get into a bunkend where the beds are.  Some people want to be able to access the refrigerator with the top of the PU down.  Most PU trailers do not have the ability to access the refrigerator.  Some people like tinted windows in a PU, some like clear windows.  The list goes on and on.  Tell us more about what you want/don't want and how you plan to use the PU and we will try and help you find the PU that is perfect for you.
 
A good dealer to service the PU is THE most important part of a PU purchase.  New or used you will need a dealer at some point.

[Calstate361]

I'm no expert, however, I agree with what the others have mentioned.

Now on the Yosemite trip, if you are planning it for sure, you should make your reservations now or you may not get a campsite.  Be sure to mention to them that you have a Pop-up because they don't allow them in a lot of the campgrounds in Yosmeite because of the bears. If you want to join a group, check out the thread below in the club forum for the SCampers.  They are planning an "alternate Yosemite" trip, I think, in June at the NACO/Thousand Trails Resort in the public area.  This campground is 5 minutes from the West Entrance to Yosemite; of course, then it takes you another half hour to get down into the valley.  My husband and I usually wangonmaster/sponsor the group the first week end in August because we are members.  I don't know if we will do it again this year, but we will probably be there anyway.  
 
Hope you have a lot of fun with your new toy.
 
Joan