I need a pop-up guru/advisor/buyer for my first purchase

[MichaelGilbert1]

Hello - I would like to get a pop up but am new to the subject.  I'm looking for someone who can advise me on which pop up to purchase and where to find it.  I would pay you for this service.  (No dealers please)

Some vital stats-
We have a 1998 Toyota Sienna - Class III hitch already installed
We're a family of 6, with 4 kids < 7 years old.
We live about 30 miles from NYC
We're experienced campers & backpackers, and have a fair amount of camping gear, but are new to pop ups.
I would like to purchase a suitable pop-up asap for the summer season.
We are definitely looking for something used, preferably <$3500.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Mick

[PITPOP27]

I would in no way say I'm a guru in the least as our family is HUGELY green, but your sienna should be able to handle quite a variety of pups.  Look in your manual see the tow rate, my pup is considered on the heavy side with a GVWR of 3500lbs.  We drive a truck that can handle it like there's nothing back there.

You have one more child than we do, ours are getting closer to adult height so good sleeping room was essential.

Are you going new or used? Used try //www.pennysaverusa.com that's where we got ours for $4000, it was a steal, you can see hereYou need 2 kings on either side a must, a possible bed on the dinette will only last so far, maybe look for a banquet model which has a wider bed that just the dinette.  TAKE YOUR KIDS WITH YOU!  Make them lay in every bed so you can see if they're comfortable.

Decide what you NEED.  My needs list was different than my husbands, I wanted a toilet shower combo - not that we'll always use it, but I wanted the opportunity that if ever we became ill while camping, I could be ill in my own pup - yeah, girl thing :eyecrazy:

My husband wanted a slide because of more room in the pup, we didn't end up getting a slide, but he was ok with that because of the deal we got.

I'm sure other people will chime in but those are some things to consider!

Amber

[kwatson51]

Hello - I would like to get a pop up but am new to the subject.  I'm looking for someone who can advise me on which pop up to purchase and where to find it.  I would pay you for this service.  (No dealers please)

Some vital stats-
We have a 1998 Toyota Sienna - Class III hitch already installed
We're a family of 6, with 4 kids < 7 years old.
We live about 30 miles from NYC
We're experienced campers & backpackers, and have a fair amount of camping gear, but are new to pop ups.
I would like to purchase a suitable pop-up asap for the summer season.

Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Mick

Mick, welcome!
1. Your purchase will be determined first by the towing capacity of your vehicle minus your considerable passenger load and 'camping stuff'. Check your owners manual or the Toyota dealer.
2. If you are buying new, shop for floorplans of campers within your tow rating. Don't forget, you will be adding more 'camping stuff' to the trailer. Check Starcraft, Fleetwood, Jayco, Viking/Clipper/Futura. You should find something that will work for you and your budget.
3. Then, if buying new, by the quality of dealer you can find. It may be that will make the difference between brands.
4. If buying used, I would avoid eBay for now ( a lot of salvage from hurricane Katrina on there). Check the local papers and dealers. Don't forget tow rating!
5. Don't be tempted to get all the toys -- slide-outs, refridgerator, shower etc. They are nice, but add weight and $$$ After all, you ARE camping!
   (I do have all that, but there are just 2 of us and we can tow about anything).
6. Have fun making your selection! Narrow it down to 2 or 3 choices, based on the technical stuff, then take the family shopping. Have the dealer show you how set-up and take-down is performed.
7. Continue to read as much as possible on the forum - you've made a great start!

Hope this helps a little.

[beacher]

You are about to embark of the fun PU shopping journey!!  It starts with finding out what your Tow Vehicle is safely capable of.  Find out at the Trailer Life Tow Ratings Website, and read your owner's manaual.

Visit all the PU manuafacturer websites to find a floorplan that will work with your TV and your family.  Visit the Go RVing website to find all the current PopUp manufacturers out there, and order a free DVD.

Then, go shopping!   RVTraderOnline is a good place to start a local search.  Also try Ebay, and any local newspapers.

Have fun!!

[mountainrev]

I agree with what everyone else has said, with the exception of avoiding eBay.  I would say, be very careful buying a used camper regardless of where you find it.  But there are lots of reputable dealers who advertise on eBay, as well as regular folks like us who are looking to sell their beloved used campers.  There may well be con artists on eBay too, but there can also be con artists advertising on other websites or even in the classified of your local paper.  

I just purchased a 2003 Viking that had been advertised on eBay, but didn't sell.  I contacted the seller privately (not through eBay), and then had my dad (an experienced former pup owner) look it over for me (it was in Wisconsin, where he lives, and I'm in Colorado, where campers are much more expensive).  I can't wait to pick it up in a month or two!  But I would never buy a camper without either looking at personally, or else having someone you trust look it over carefully.

We've owned a couple of pups before, so I pretty much knew what to look for.  But I did a bunch of homework on the Internet (including this site) before buying the Viking.  I would suggest doing the same.  Look at their websites.  Go to some dealers and look over different brands and models (even if you plan to buy used).  Talk to other owners (like you're already doing!).

As far as options and equipment to consider, depending on where you plan to camp, consider getting one with a furnace.  In the mountains where we live and camp, it can often get down into the 40's and even 30's at night, even in the summer.  Our first camper did not have a furnace, and we decided that we would never again buy one without one.  However, if you only camp in the summer, and never in the high country, you may never need one.  In fact, you may want to consider an A/C, if you camp down south a lot.

Hope this helps you some!

[sequoyausa]

I recently purchased my first Popup from a private party. Looking at your purchase limit you'll probably need to buy used. I, personally feel this is the way to go. I first researched sizes and styles of pups on RVTrader, and RV Hunter. That gave me an idea of what I could purchase within my price range. Some pups sleep 5 and some sleep up to 8 or 9. I have 4 grandkids and 3 kids so we need lots of room. I found the perfect setup for us on craigslist.com for my city. They're all over the US. There are lots of resources out there, but as has been previously noted, buy what your TV can pull. Have fun shopping and good luck!!

[4campinfoxes]

Even if you are planning on buying used, go to local dealers & check out the new ones, it will give you a better idea of floorplans, what you like & don't like.  Then when you see a used one you'll have a better idea of whether or not it will fit your family.  Besides, most camper manufacturers don't change their floorplans much over the years.

Definitely get a slide-out if your vehicle can tow a camper with one.  You'll need the added space for the kids.  There's nothing worse than being stuck in the camper due to rain when there isn't enough room.  (I come from a family of 6 & we camped in a popup).

Good Luck!

Sharon