"Hard" to believe... (kinda long)

[campingboaters]

We bought our 2001 Coleman Santa Fe in March of 2001 (and THANKFULLY found PUT shortly after). We moved to a 2003 Trail Cruiser C-19 hybrid in September of 2002 to make our camping trips "easier". At that time and all last year, I thought there was NO WAY I'd want to change campers anytime soon -- especially with all the modifications I had personally made to our camper to make it JUST like home.
 
It is now the beginning of another camping season. I find myself looking at different hybrids and longing for some of their newer/different features that we do not have in our camper. IF we were to change campers, I KNOW for a fact, I'd stay with a hybrid as I like the smaller towing size/weight, not losing living space for beds and still feeling like I'm camping under the stars. I like the sound of rain on the canvas, but I MIGHT be able to give it up for the convenience of a hard-slide bed camper like the Caravan. My "problem" is I want it all!
 
Here are the things that would get me to change campers:
 
1) I want beds that can be left made even when closing up. I couldn't leave ANYTHING on the beds in the Coleman and still latch the roof and the mattresses in my hybrid fold when closed, so I can't leave anything on them either. Having to fold and store the

[MommaMia]

1) I want beds that can be left made even when closing up. I couldn't leave ANYTHING on the beds in the Coleman and still latch the roof and the mattresses in my hybrid fold when closed, so I can't leave anything on them either. Having to fold and store the

[tlhdoc]

I would like to have vinyl windows in the bunkends of the PU.  Then you could open the inside tenting and still see outside when it is too cold, hot or raining out.

[MommaMia]

I would like to have vinyl windows in the bunkends of the PU.  Then you could open the inside tenting and still see outside when it is too cold, hot or raining out.

Actually I would like this too!  I am thinking of picking up some vinyl and stiching up my own inserts that can be helsd in place with stick on velcro.  The only thing that makes me hesitant is the thought of sticking something to the canvas, but I suppose I could apply the velcro to the screen area instead.

[aldebnj]

Hi,

We found a lot of what you are looking for in our Trailmanor.  We make up the beds at home and just close down but we do have to take the pillows off.  We find the padding more than sufficient and have not found a need to a mattress topper.  (We sleep on a water bed at home.  Remeber them?).  Our beds are permanently attached and the bottoms are made we the same insulated material as the walls.  We find sleeping very comfy and warm.
 
However, the fridge issues would remain.  Also, no ducted system, u-shaped dinette or slide out.
 
Good luck and happy camping.
Al

[griffsmom]

I was looking at a lot of the hybrids as well, since despite how much we love our PU, I am beginning to dread all the set up and take down more and more.  

The biggest problem I found with the hybrids is that most are not made with the taller person in mind. Most hybrids are 6'4" max inside (not counting additional loss of height if the hybrid has a/c) and my Dh is 6'5".  The beds are also usually too small for him to be comfortable.  Yet, our popup, with it's 80" interior and true king-size beds accomodates his height very well.  
 
So I guess we'll stay with our PU, even tho set up and take down can be a chore.  Hmmm...maybe I just need to quit bringing so much stuff?

[tlhdoc]

ISo I guess we'll stay with our PU, even tho set up and take down can be a chore.  Hmmm...maybe I just need to quit bringing so much stuff?

I have done a few no frills trips and the pop down time is much quicker.

[wiininkwe]

Cindy and Tracy, talk to Topcat, he's done it, used velcro and added the vinyl to the outside of the canvas so the rain won't leak in and says it works great.  Maybe you can do a search and find the thread.  I'm thinking about doing this as well.
T

[brainpause]

I'd like a hybrid I can tow without killing my truck, yet, not made out of cheap junk that I keep having to fix.

We just returned from a rainy trip, and I am wanting a hybrid more and more. As many of you know, I have to set up my air conditioner by hand, and that is getting to be a pain. It has to be one of the first things to break down, because it goes in the truck, EVEN THOUGH there are many things left to be done inside where it's hot.

So, I guess I'd take anything with an AC I don't have to carry with my own back.  :p

Larry

PS: My perfect hybrid is already made, except for its towing weight. It is the Starcraft Antigua 215SSO. Love it.

[angelsmom10]

Camping this past weekend and it we had such heavy rain, sitting in the PU with the A/C going, having to keep the bunk ends closed, it was kinda gloomy, our slide out has the tinted vinyl under the canvas (both zip closed, so we can still have some light and see out while sitting at the dinette).
 
I was telling DH, why couldnt they have done this to the bunk ends also, it couldn't have been that much more expensive to add on or even offer as an option.  I would have paid the extra $$ to have this luxury.

[LoadedCamera]

How about one of these from KZ.
 
http://www.kz-rv.com/frontier/frontier_2405pqs-f.php
 
We have the Frontier with a hard sided slide out queen bed and a slide out couch. You can even sleep on the bed without pulling it out....when you are just stopping for the night.  Also has a seperate door for the freezer.  I haven't been able to fill the freezer up yet....very roomy.
 
Kat

[campingboaters]

I have to say, I've been VERY fascinated with the KZ campers -- both the Coyote and the Frontier.  I'm glad the closest dealer is still 45-60 minutes away or I might end up buying one of these sooner than we really need to!