First Time Pop Up Buyer

[Crusintoo]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to buy my first new pop up camper.

I have narrowed it down to just a few manufactures and models

But I have a few questions.

   Does the diamond plate, installed on some models offer
more road protection then makes without it.
For owners that do not have the diamond plate,
Have you had problems where you wish you had the diamond
plate on the front of the pop-up.

   Some models have a front storage bin that can be accessed
with the camper down.  
Is the front storage, very useful, somewhat useful or
do you use it just because its there.  
Do people that don

[brainpause]

Don't  have time for a long response, but:

Don't let the lack of diamond plate keep you from buying a camper/floorplan that you like.

Your Silverado will do just fine, pulling even the largest popup.

Larry

[JimS]

The only time I would worry about diamond plate is if you plan to tow your PUP off road, otherwise I would not worry about it.  My PUP has diamond plate front and rear, and it has been helpfull considering I travel many miles off road and the gravel covers the front cargo deck by the time I get to the campground.
As for the front storage, I like it.  My Starcraft 11RT has a cargo deck and it is used all the time.  I wish I had an outside accessible locking storage compartment for things like the jack, levelers, wheel chocks, carpet, spares and tools so I would not have to store them just inside of the PUP's door.  Having these items accessible but out of the way would be nice.
Your TV, no problem with anything you get.
Last recommendation: get the PUP of your dreams and have FUN!

[wavery]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to buy my first new pop up camper.

I have narrowed it down to just a few manufactures and models

But I have a few questions.

   Does the diamond plate, installed on some models offer
more road protection then makes without it.
For owners that do not have the diamond plate,
Have you had problems where you wish you had the diamond
plate on the front of the pop-up.

   Some models have a front storage bin that can be accessed
with the camper down.  
Is the front storage, very useful, somewhat useful or
do you use it just because its there.  
Do people that don

[dcampbell1969]

The Diamond plate is an extra.  It may help protect froms rock dings, but that is mostly an offroad issue as others have stated.

The front trunk is a useful option, but not a must have.  Most have a small door for some outside accessible storage, just not near the room of the trunk option.  But with your truck, you would be fine with out it.

With only 2 of you camping, with a pick-up as a TV, focus on interior.

Happy camper shopping!

[OC Campers]

The front storage trunk is huge as far as storage goes.  We store all our hoses, tire chaulks, bbq stuff, trash can and all other outside stuff in it.  If we didn't have the storage all the dirty stuff would go inside.
 
Jacqui

[SherryandFamily]

We had the front storage with our Utah and lost it with our Niagara.

It would not be a deciding factor to me, but a very nice option if you have a choice.

Sherry

[AZsix]

We met another couple from this forum last weekend and they commented on how much storage we have inside our pup. They have a front storage box on their pup but wish they had more storage inside. Think about what you will be storing and try to figure out if you want interior storage or the front storage. Though a storage box would be nice I am glad I have all the storage on the inside that I do.

[Crusintoo]

Thanks for the Replies,

It sounds like the diamond plate is only necessary if you are
going off road.  For regular cmap sites If the Pop Up comes with it,
it is nice, but don't base buying a certain make,  camper on it.

It sounds like the up front storage would be nice for the camping
supplies, but again, not absolutely necessary.  

I think the front storage would be nice storage for the
camping supplies;  
butI don't know it it is worth the cost of $800 to $1000 more,
some up front storage trailers cost.

Guess I will just look for the best deal that I think fits our needs.
and not worry about up front diamond plate or up front storage.

Thanks again to everyone.

We are looking forward to camping this year.

[PattieAM]

My Niagara PUP has the front diamond plate, and I've noticed it does seem to be the dirtiest part of the PUP after towing to a campground.  Amazing how much dirt, sand, road gravel one tows through and the tow vehicle wheels kick up.  I wouldn't let it be a deal breaker, but it is a nice feature.

My Niagara has a storage area under the L-shaped sofa which is accessible from outside.  The nice thing about this is it's easy to access the wheel chocks, leveling blocks and water/sewer hoses before being set up.  When I was viewing units, the slide out drawer was supposedly a great feature - one could use it for equipment or a giant cooler!  I walked away!

If you can, when viewing the models, lay on the beds, sit on the potty, fake a shower, fake preparing a meal inside, and most of all...picture your family including the pooch stuck inside due to inclement weather.  That might help you select a floor plan that 'works' for you.  Also consider your camping style in the next 3-5 years and your family too - additions, friends joining, or you possibly selling/trading in for something else.  This will help you determine the amenities you'd like.

[austinado16]

Just wanted to say welcome and have fun shopping!