New to PU's thoughts? quesiton on pricing

[babybober]

Hello:
I am new to po-up's (never owned one) but the wife grew up with one. We are a family of 5 (kids 11,7,5) and have been tent camping to date with them. For a lot of reasons we are thinking about going to a popup but have not done a lot of looking other them brochures and computer. I happened to run across a 1998 coachmen clipper 1285 for sale near work that looks in very good shape. The guy needs money and is selling this (and other stuff) off. Asking price is $2K and I get the impression he will take a bit less. NADA has this model listed at app. $2700(low)-3300(ave) for a 1998 year. Is NADA realistic for pricing?

So my question is this. Is this really a good price or am I just jumping into things too quickly. I really don't want to spend a lot (upwards of 5 digits for a new one). I am guessing that @ that price I could resell it in a year or so without loosing much (cheaper then renting a unit for a week @ $500) to "test" if we like popup camping.

So, is Offering $1800 worth it? Anything I should look for in particular?

Obviously winter in upstate NY is not prime time for popup sales....

[hoppy]

You might check out member TIM5055 web site for valuable information just what to look for when inspecting used PU's

  As for the asking price versus offering price...... this is purely a personal choice that you will need to decide on.

  This should be based upon your evaluation of the condition after the inspection, the floor layout / sleeping accomodations that fit your family now and the future, (remember....them youngin's are gunna grow) and the included options.

   BTW, The NADA quotes are only a guide.  I used them in the past to start the negotiation process when I purchased a couple of used PU's.

  Good luck in your search.

  My first 20 years of camping were in a tent..... the past 15 have been in a PU.
  I don't miss the tent one bit!

[Hargus]

Hello,
       I agree with Hoppy tim505 has some good information. But I am a big fan of buying off season. The seller can definitely get a better price when camping season approaches so I would put that on your side for a reason to think about this purchase. I purchased both of the PUs I have owned after the season when people are looking to get rid of them and don't want to store them. If you know the person needs money take advantage of the situation. Hey seller, "you want it for this or not it's all I have and I'll take it off your hands".
 My other advise is I'm hoping this 1285 means that the box itself (the hard side of the camper, not canvas) is 12' long with three kids you may need some space to spread out on those rainy afternoons at the campgrounds. The other things to consider are what options it has (refridge, heat, hot water etc.) and which works and what can be used to lower the price if it doesn't. Also the condition of the canvas can also be used as a bargaining tool, I think.

Post again, I'm interested to see how you made out.

Mike

[fritz_monroe]

If it is pretty good shape, it sounds like a good deal to me.  Make sure you check out all the systems.  For a comparison, here is a 1999 1285 for sale at an RV dealer.  They want over $2000 more than the one you are looking at.  Good luck and post to let us know what you decide to do.

[mountainrev]

Welcome aboard!

Coachmen and Viking are made by the same company, and are virtual clones.  We've only had our Viking for less than a year, but really like it (previous popups were a Starcraft and a Coleman).  

What kind of options does it have?  Furnace?  Fridge?  A/C?  I wouldn't buy one without a furnace (I live in Colorado's high country), but A/C is not important to me.  But if you plan to do a lot of camping in the south, maybe A/C would be something you'd like.  The fridge isn't a big deal to me.  Does it have a casette toilet?  Ours does, but we don't use it--that's what restrooms and woods are for, as far as we're concerned.  But others wouldn't think of having a camper without it.

In other words, look at the options on this Coachmen, and think about what your family would like.  Since you've been tent camping, probably anything you get will seem like a luxurious palace!

All in all, it sounds like the $2,000 asking price is very reasonable.  And the floorplan on it sounds like it would be large enough for your growing family.  On the other hand, you might want to look around at other campers before diving in.  Kick some tires on RV lots.  Check out others in the paper or on line.  

But I think you probably wouldn't regret buying this one.

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to PUT.  If there hasn't been water damage (rotting roof or floor) and the tenting is in good shape, it sounds like a good deal.  One thing you need to consider is the towing capacity of your vehicle and the weight of the PU.  Does the PU have brakes?  If it does and they are electric you will need to have a brake controller wired in your TV (tow vehicle).  Good luck and let us know how things work out.

[Wild Wild Qwest]

Welcome to PUT!

One thing we've always heard and IMO it holds true... buy your second pop up first! If you want hot water, shower, A/C, don't say we'll get that in our next camper, etc. If it fits your family, your budget, and your towing capacity you're on the right track. No one can tell you, you'll just know when it feels right!

Good luck!

[babybober]

Well in closer inspection this unit was not up to snuff at all, when I started really looking at it their was just to much wear and tear on the inside.  Thus I passed and will continue looking.  Thak you all for your fast responses.  I truely do appreciate it.

[tlhdoc]

Well in closer inspection this unit was not up to snuff at all, when I started really looking at it their was just to much wear and tear on the inside. Thus I passed and will continue looking. Thak you all for your fast responses. I truely do appreciate it.

Sorry to hear the unit was not in good shape.  Good luck in finding what you want.  Keep us updated.

[DavidMSP]

Hello,

I am a newbie here and was reading this post looking for pricing information resources and details. It was an interesting story to read about the shopping experience for a used camper but I am considering buying a brand new one as my first pop up camper purchase. I was wondering if any resources exist similar to the resources one can find on the web and at the library for pricing for new vehicles. I am aware and have looked at the NADA guides but I gather they are mainly for used campers. At least there I could see the '06 retail prices for some options I am considering. I'm already shopping around but haven't exactly figured out which floor plan I can afford. I am also confused by the many brands that offer similar features. I guess I should mention that I am a veteran tent camper for over 20 years. I can't wait for a real roof over my head. Thanks in advance for any help or advice you can give me.

[fritz_monroe]

DavidMSP, before you decide on any floorplans or what you can afford, figure out what you can really tow.  You don't want to buy a pup that you can't safely tow.  We bought our Bayside last year and figured we were good to go with our Jeep Liberty.  We took 1 trip and ended up getting a new TV.  The Jeep towed it ok, but I wasn't overly comfortable with that big pup behind that little TV.  That's when we bought our Armada.  Do your homework, don't believe the published tow ratings.

As for resources, I'm not aware of any price guides.  However, there are several new RV dealers around the country that have pretty good prices.  If you check out the prices these dealers charge, it will give you a good idea of a fair price.  One that comes to mind is Peco Campers.  

Good luck with your shopping and have fun with it.  Do your homework and don't rush into anything.  And remember that the dealer's job is to sell that camper and if possible, to get you to move up in size and price.

[DavidMSP]

Thanks for the reply and the valuable information.

I looked up the Jeep Liberty in the '07 Consumer Reports new car mag.
It states a tow rating of 2000 lbs. and the Bayside PUP GVWR at 3,500.

In an e-Book I purchased at this site I learned about towing guidelines.
I plan to purchase a Toyota RAV4 that is rated at 3,500 lbs. and the camper I am currently considering is 2950 GVWR. I've been told by RV dealers that SUV makers under estimate their towing capacity so I should be safe with the pair I have currently chosen. I might go with a smaller PUP at 2500 lbs. I figure I'm OK as long as I stay under 3,000 lbs.

I see the tow rating of your new vehicle....WoW. But I don't think I could get a vehicle that big in my garage. BTW I plan to purchase the factory built towing package option in the RAV4. This should insure that the towing won't damage my TV and it should handle the main roads I plan to travel in the midwest.

Thanks again for your reply. I need all the help I can get!

David

[fritz_monroe]

The 2005 Liberty has a 5000# limit, and the Wrangler had a 2000# limit.  The Wrangler Unlimited has a 3500# limit.  If the 2007 Liberty has a 2000# limit, they have changed A LOT in 2 years.

As for the weight of the pups, Fleetwoods tend to be a bit heavier.  Part of this is the box frame instead of C channel frames.  There are a lot of pups that are much lighter.  Just remember that when you look at your tow rating, if it says you have a 3500# limit, that's usually figured out with a 150# driver and nothing else, not even options on the TV.  You have to remember to take the weight of the passengers and any other stuff that's in the TV off that limit.

[DLBacon]

Hello,

I am a newbie here and was reading this post looking for pricing information resources and details. It was an interesting story to read about the shopping experience for a used camper but I am considering buying a brand new one as my first pop up camper purchase. I was wondering if any resources exist similar to the resources one can find on the web and at the library for pricing for new vehicles. I am aware and have looked at the NADA guides but I gather they are mainly for used campers. At least there I could see the '06 retail prices for some options I am considering. I'm already shopping around but haven't exactly figured out which floor plan I can afford. I am also confused by the many brands that offer similar features. I guess I should mention that I am a veteran tent camper for over 20 years. I can't wait for a real roof over my head. Thanks in advance for any help or advice you can give me.

:book:

I reshearched for about 6 months and looked at new trailers from Fleetwood and Viking/Coachmen.  These are close to me.  I personally liked the interior of the Fleetwood better and the quality was better.  I knew with our family of 5 I wanted a slide out for the dinette and a toilet.  Viking did not have what I wanted and the dealer was shady so I started looking at Fleetwoods.  I looked on Ebay, the paper, Craigslist and Trader on line.  I also checked NADA when I would find one to see the real value. I found a 2004 loaded Fleetwood Utah for $9200.  This was in 2005 and had only been used 4 time for 6 days.  Brand new.  He also had the Deluxe add-a-room, extra awning over the slide out and the Yakiama bike racks.  I talked him down to 8250 because I wanted air conditioning. When it was all said and done he threw in all his chairs, cooking stuff, broom, rugs and toilet stuff. I would not look for something older then an 04 in the Fleetwood due to possible roof issues (I was told).  I love our camper and have gotten extra accessories for it that make it even better.  For us the toilet and slider are a must.  I would look at a used one from someone like I bought from, it was a great experience for both parties and we saved a ton of cash over a new one.  We are now looking at the Fleetwood Avalon but it is still new and a little pricey.  I hope this helps, and good luck.

David