What to buy?

[crowwoman]

OK, I am going to buy a pop-up. Where do I start? I have looked on-line at the Fleetwood, Rockwood, and Palomino. Is there really a difference in quality? I like the look of the Palomino but have heard that Rockwood is the best. What about Forest River? Anyone out there have some comments on what they like and don't like? Want a very lightweight camper.

[Recumbentman]

Hello crowwomen and welcome to PUT.
check out RvTrader online
plug in your info and it will give you a listing of PU's in your area. Make sure you have a TV that can tow your futher PU.
floorplans are more inportant then makes.
Good Luck in your search.

[campingcop]

Welcome,
you might want to check out tim5055 web page there is a wealth of information on it.  It might give you some idea's.
http://www.title-3.com/

You didn't say what your TV(tow vehicle) was this will have an impact on what you can tow.  DO NOT BELIEVE THE SALES PERSON  they will tell you anything to make a sale.

If there are dealers in your area take the whole family with you to check them out, have every one in the camper and act like its raining out :%  is there enough room for every one.  
compare floor plans etc.

As far is makes they are all some what alike, we had a Jayco 10ft box before upgrading to a hybrid and had it for 5 yrs with no problems.

[zagles]

I looked on and off for about 3 years, trying to decide which kind I would buy.  I narrowed my search down to Viking and Rockwood.  I sat in each of them for a while, and looked at the build quality of each.  I went with the Viking, mainly due to the floor plan.  They were both of good quality.  I have not read too many positive things on Palomino, but just like reading Consumer Reports some people think they get ripped off with everything they buy not just Palomino Campers.  Tow vehicle is probably the most thing to look at.  I previously had a Toyota Tacoma 4 Cylinder that said it could tow 3500 pounds.  I had a 1998 Starcraft that was about 1000 lbs empty, and had trouble moving it around flat land of northern ohio.  When I decided to get back into camping I went with a bigger tow vehicle, but to each his own again. As for options, look long and hard.  My first pop up was bare bones, no fridge, no a/c, very basic.  I did not use it that much, and I think that was one of the reasons, plus I used to sell cars so not too much time to camp.  When I bought my pop up last month, the only thing I wish I would have done was bought one with brakes.  The weight on it is 2200 lbs, and brakes are not required in South Carolina until 3000, but many states are 1000-1500.  I put brakes on myself over the weekend and it was very easy, but if I had to do it again I would have bought one with brakes.  Also look at these type sites on the internet, and ask questions most people have no problem helping and did for me.  Good Luck

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to PUT.   There are many fine quality PUs out there.  Are you looking for new or used?  Do you want a basic PU or one with all of the accessories or somewhere in the middle?  Where do you expect to camp with it?  What do you want to tow it with?  How many people will be sleeping in it?  If you tell us more about your plans we can be more helpful.  Good luck on the hunt for your perfect camper.

[crowwoman]

We have a 4cyl subaru outback and considering trading for a 6cyl if that would be better. We plan to use the PU camping betweem western north carolina and minnesota where we have family. Prefer state parks to rv parks. Just need the basics in the PU but air/heat would be nice. I know this is probably a silly  question, but what is considered a hybrid PU?? solar heat?

[Manchesterjim]

We have a 4cyl subaru outback and considering trading for a 6cyl if that would be better. We plan to use the PU camping betweem western north carolina and minnesota where we have family.

Regarding TVs.....(and this is just my humble opinion)....if you're prepared to upgrade....then do it.  There aren't many 4cyl engines/vehicles that would stand up to the kind of towing (and distances) you mention.
 
While considering TVs, you'll want to consider the terrain you're driving as well as the distances.  You'll want to consider that you may "upgrade" you PUP to a larger version in a few years, or perhaps a regular travel trailer......in those cases, you should think about a larger capacity vehicle.  Lastely, consider your personal comfort......you probably already know that the drive you talk about is a long time "in the saddle".....give yourself plenty of elbow room if you're upgrading anyway.
 
Personaly, I favor a pickup truck (or larger SUV) for this kind of work.  Not just for the capacity and comfort, but for the sheer utility of those types of vehicles.  (Remembering a time when I had to pull out a couple of fence posts set in concrete, and the many trips I make to the city dump).  Smaller SUVs may work for the camper you purchase, but just pay close attention to the towing capacity/engine size equation.  (They don't always go hand in hand).
 
So........are you totally confused yet??
 

[zagles]

I agree.  I tried to tow with a 4 cylinder for a while.  You are going to be in western NC, alot of mountains and hills up there and driving to WI would be a little more.  You are going to be struggling if not plain overheating with the 4 cylinder, definatly around I-40.  I went with a midsize truck with an 8 cylinder, but that is overkill as far as I am concerned, but I may move up to the "darkside" as they call it (travel trailer-hard sides).  A strong 6 cyl will do the trick, I would look at the pop up you are going to buy the weight, then look at the tow vehicle towing capacity.  Also my towing capacity is 7150 lbs on my truck, but the max I would tow would be about 5000, and leave a little extra room for people, and stuff.  Good luck

[campingcop]

When we had the Jayco pop up we towed with a Pathfinder V6 and had no problem towing( didn't even know it was back there) the towing cap. was 5000lbs.

I would not try to tow with a 4 cylinder.

[crowwoman]

Just looked a few Clippers and liked one in particular that had a large front and accessible storage unit. Looking tomorrow at Vikings and possibly Aliners. Does anyone out there have an Aliner or know more about them? and if so, your comments please.

[movein69]

Just looked a few Clippers and liked one in particular that had a large front and accessible storage unit. Looking tomorrow at Vikings and possibly Aliners. Does anyone out there have an Aliner or know more about them? and if so, your comments please.

I don't know anything about Aliners, just if you want to see some pictures of them and some options, go here (I want one also). I have looked at the Kodiaks as well. The 17fl (17.5 feet) pops out on the sides for the beds like our PUPS. It towed almost as light as my PUP, but just too much money. Really nice inside. Decided I couldn't afford it this year.

http://bumgarnercamping.com/searchresults.html?make=A%20Liner

[flat_lander]

Originally Posted by crowwoman
Just looked a few Clippers and liked one in particular that had a large front and accessible storage unit. Looking tomorrow at Vikings and possibly Aliners. Does anyone out there have an Aliner or know more about them? and if so, your comments please.


crowwoman,  
  Just a fyi in case you didn't realize it, but Clippers are made by Viking.  Some of the Clipper floorplans can be found in the Viking models.  So shop around!!!!  You may see a floor plan you like in Clipper, but find the same thing cheaper if purchasing a Viking.  Also, if interested in purchasing a Viking, check out http://rvwholesalers.com/design/tent_campers.php.  They sell Viking PU.  They do not stock anything, everything is special order keeping their cost down.   The only catch is that you have to have it delivered or travel to Ohio to pick it up.  My point being shop around.  While looking at PU, I found that the $price varies immensily per dealer.   RVWholesalers has been the cheapest I found for Viking products.  

-flat_lander