New Member - First Post

[PA1749]

My wife and I bought a 2003 Viking Epic 1706. It's our first pop up and we really like it. We bought it used but it looks like new. We got the hitch installed on our Honda Pilot, Full Propane Tank, Deep cycle battery w/ cover, and camper for $2,900 from our local Viking dealership. We think we got a really good deal.
It doesn't have a fridge or A/C. We are thinking that we will add A/C soon but the fridge can wait. $700 can buy a lot of coolers and ice.

Any feed back on the deal we got, the model we got, or advice you wish you had gotten when it was all new to you would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[cyclone]

It sounds like a good deal to me.  I have a frig and A/C, but if I could only have one the A/C would win hands down.  We do use the frig some of the time, but are never without a cooler.  I could easily do without the refrigerator.  We do 99% of the cooking outside so it's way more convenient to use a cooler and have it out there.  Another option for you might be a dorm frig if you really, really want to have one.  

Welcome to PUT, and enjoy that "new" camper.

[GrizzlyTaco]

That sounds like a good deal. We have both the AC and the fridge, we dont use the fridge, we use coolers. I wish i would have gotten the PU without the fridge and had more storage space.......Ed  :sombraro:

[tlhdoc]

Congratulations ont he new PU and welcome to PUT! Have a great time with the PU. If you are interested in camping with a group, you are welcome to join COTOC on any of our trips.
 
http://www.arveeclub.com/forumdisplay.php?f=41

[cobalt&3]

We have the plug in electric cooler from Walmart and LOVE It....

[jcd]

Sounds like a good deal to me. Mind letting me know which dealer? PM is fine.

We are going to be up in the Philly area and would like to check out a couple of dealers this weekend. Points in the right direction are encouraged. We haven't had a chance to check out the Vikings yet and would like to.

Thanks,
- Josh.

[tjy355]

Welcome and congratulations on your new popup.  Sounds like you got a good deal.   I think the reefers are so small that you end up having to take ice chests anyway, so you probably won't miss it and I think the added storage space is worth it.

Good luck and happy camping!

[ranger97]

My wife and I bought a 2003 Viking Epic 1706. It's our first pop up and we really like it. We bought it used but it looks like new. We got the hitch installed on our Honda Pilot, Full Propane Tank, Deep cycle battery w/ cover, and camper for $2,900 from our local Viking dealership. We think we got a really good deal.
It doesn't have a fridge or A/C. We are thinking that we will add A/C soon but the fridge can wait. $700 can buy a lot of coolers and ice.

Any feed back on the deal we got, the model we got, or advice you wish you had gotten when it was all new to you would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Did kind of the same thing.  Just bought a NEW 2003 Viking Saga 2107.  It was a leftover from a dealer bankruptcy, re-pod by a bank and sold through a non camper business.  $3500.00.
I really wanted a 1906 Epic, but the last one was a Saga 2107.  Furnace, 3/way fridge, 2 propane bottles, about everythin except an A/C.  Ive made several improvements to mine so far.  How about you?  Seems like we might share ideas.

[Wild Wild Qwest]

Congrats on your new to you Viking! Advise - try doing a 'camp driveway' set up and break down at home. It will help you to get familiar with the unit before you venture out for your first real trip.

In addition, we use coolers and have a Coleman Powerchill thermo-cooler to supplement the fridge. It keeps everything plenty cold and saves you from having to buy ice... :sombraro:

Good luck!

[wynot]

Congrats on your new to you Viking! Advise - try doing a 'camp driveway' set up and break down at home. It will help you to get familiar with the unit before you venture out for your first real trip.
 
In addition, we use coolers and have a Coleman Powerchill thermo-cooler to supplement the fridge. It keeps everything plenty cold and saves you from having to buy ice... :sombraro:
 
Good luck!

Camp driveway also requires that you bring out everything with you that you think you will need - light everything, and use everything.  COOK OUT THERE! For REAL, then wash up afterwards.  It's real important to do it and not pretend.  If you are like us, Camp Backyard was a constant trip into the house for everything that you use that you don't realize that you use.
 
And, since I can't tell if you have experience backing trailers - If you haven't backed into a campsite before, practice before you have 20 witnesses...  Few things will mess you up more than having folks watch you...:p