choosing first pop up

[salemtrading]

I am looking for info on choosing my first pop up.  We are contemplating a Starcraft or Jayco from 2004-2009.  Are there any problems associated with either of these we should be aware of.  Also if my auto is rated for 2000 towing can I tow a trailer with a dry weight of 1500 lbs?

[austinado16]

Welcome.  Sounds like you're really going to be pushing the limits of what your TV (tow vehicle) can do. Once you factor in people, gear, food, and fuel, I think you'll be overloaded.  The problem isn't pulling the weight, the problem is stopping the weight.  The issue is towing in hills, both the strain of climbing them(overheating the engine and transmission) and then overheating the brakes on the way down and loosing control.

If it's just 2 people, and you were going to buy one of the really small campers with a 7' or 8' box, then maybe.  But otherwise, I don't think so.

Depending on your situation, needs, and budget, you might consider buying a vehicle for towing, and buying a larger camper(which would suit your needs better maybe).  There are some amazing deals out there due to the ecomomy.

[dthurk]

Just make sure the camper you buy has electric brakes (I hate surge brakes).  That takes care of the stopping issue.  You still need to stay within the numbers.  Pay attention to GVWR of your tow vehicle in addition to it's supposed towing capacity.  GCVW is also a very important number.  It's the total weight of tow vehicle and camper combined that your vehicle can handle.  It's important that you not exceed that rating.

[Recumbentman]

I agree you will be over your safety margins. Keep in mind that dry weight is referring to the PU with nothing added. once you add the propane tanks, battery, water and then your own supplies like food and clothes and then you still need to include your own body weight plus your passengers. you might want to look at the extra lite PU's that are out there like the SwitchBack,  basic in nature, but within your towing weights.
good luck and welcome to PUT

[flyfisherman]

I pull an 8' box Starcraft, it's base (dry) weight, with accesories, is about 1350 lbs. It's maximum load capacity (GVWR) is 2200 lbs, although I try never to exceed the load limits of the camper tires, which is 2090 lbs.

I tow the little Starcraft with a full sized, short box, standard cab, V-8, pick-up truck, which has a tow rating of 6400 lbs. that means the truck could tow double the weight of that fully loaded popup. And I deliberately have a strong tow vehicle because I've towed trailers of one kind or another for years.




If you were to tow this camper with a tow vehicle with around a 2000 lb tow rating, even though carrying less cargo than I do, it would be a case of the proverbial tail wagging the dog. As the camper sits there in the photo, it's very close to max carrying capacity, a ton ... and a ton is a ton is a ton. You get into some tight situation and a strong tow vehicle makes all the difference in the world for keeping control. My advice would be to think in terms of towing safety rather than in terms of just sqeaking by with enough tow capacity.


My best wishes,


Fly

[salemtrading]

I am towing with a Kia Sportage and the trailer is a Starcraft 2107.  I am looking to upgrade to a Toyota 4runner as soon as possible.  Unfortunately loans are hard to come by here.  I am hoping to just get the trailer home and use it locally within 25 miles until I get the other vehicle.  My sportage can only tow 2000 lbs.  Will I be safe just locally or should I just put this all on hold until I can obtain the auto first.

[austinado16]

Sure, you can tow it anywhere.  What folks are hinting at, is the "Oh sh!t" factor when something happens in traffic, and you need to bring the whole shebang to a screeching halt.  Other "OS" factors include when the trailer starts to sway due to a gust of wind, a big rig blasting by, your speed, how soft your tires and/or rear suspension are, the uneven road surface.....or whatever.  If that trailer starts swaying, that'll set up an oscillation that will whip the rearend of your Kia around and suddenly you're in the ditch on your lid, with a yard sale spread out behind you.

I know I sound like a broken record about this (to others here), but get on Craigslist and your local auto trader mags, and check out the prices of stuff like Yukons, Suburbans, Toyota Landcruisers, GM pickups (like Fly drives above).  You can score really nice rigs for a few thousand dollars, and they are tried and true tow vehicles.  If you're on a budget, consider shopping for an older nicer camper, that's in the $1,000-$2,000 range (and it'll be much bigger than the 2107) and put the rest of the money toward a better TV.

Like Fly, I tow with something big (a '90 Suburban) and I've never regreted it.  Best $1,900 I've spent.  The camper was $250.00.

[MotherNature]

Sure, you can tow it anywhere.  What folks are hinting at, is the "Oh sh!t" factor when something happens in traffic, and you need to bring the whole shebang to a screeching halt.  Other "OS" factors include when the trailer starts to sway due to a gust of wind, a big rig blasting by, your speed, how soft your tires and/or rear suspension are, the uneven road surface.....or whatever.  If that trailer starts swaying, that'll set up an oscillation that will whip the rearend of your Kia around and suddenly you're in the ditch on your lid, with a yard sale spread out behind you.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, just trying to keep you safe.  We towed a '06 SeaPine with a '95 Bronco with a 'bumper' hitch and let me tell you from experience - just because something is technically rated as 'safe' doesn't mean it necessarily IS.  It was a constant struggle to control the camper while driving; the one instance where I had to slam on the Bronco brakes (DE Route 1 and Broadkill Road) took all of my physical and mental strength to avoid an accident.  Our economic fortune has improved since then; I use an '08 Durango with the SeaPine.  What a difference (even though due to the Bronco's condition, we more or less had to replace).  We chose the 'replacement vehicle' (the Durango) with the camper in mind; I can't believe how much the receiver hitch and anti-sway factory package makes a difference.  I thought I was safe with the previous towing situation; I now realize that I totally wasn't and thank God I didn't cause an accident.

[PattieAM]

As others have said, you would be pushing the weight limits and affecting yours and others safety.

As to selection of a camping unit, take the time to lay on the bunks, fake preparing a meal inside, and pretend your entire family and fur kids (if any) are stuck inside on a rainy day - pretend getting around them .... this will help you determine if the floor plan will work for you and your family.  Many folks suggest you think ahead and buy your '2nd popup camper' first - with the amenities you might need in the future, floor plan to include your growing family and the kids friends.

[bonscott]

I have to agree that your Kia Sportage just isn't enough of a vehicle to tow the camper you want to get.  If you get one of the ultralite trailers that are under 1000 lbs then you're probably ok.  But you're going to be over 2000 lbs real quick.  1500 dry weight as others have said doesn't include propane or batteries and usually doesn't include the fridge and furnance inside the camper.  Basically the dry weight is the camper with no options.  You'll be near 2000 lbs before you load it with anything.

I have a Kia Sorento that can tow 3000 lbs but my camper is 1700 dry and around 2500 all filled up.  This is about perfect as I have no sway and I have some room just in case.  Plus my Sorento has much larger breaks and tires and is built for towing vs. the Sportage.

Whatever you decide, be safe.