Which is a better deal?

[Tom & Barb]

We have been away from camping a few years and having parted with our old camper (a 71 Starcraft) we are in the market for another. Things have changed in the past 10 years since we last were camping. Much research has us narrowed down to a Rockwood HW and a Fleetwood Utah. (we are looking also at some of the ultra lite hard sides since pricing & weight arei similar but haven't added any of these to the 'shortlist')

The Rockwood with all of the bells and whistles is priced at $12,500. The Fleetwood Utah with similar bells and whistles at $10,000 (dealer offering as a closeout of this line for them). Anyone care to say which would be considered the best buy? Any comments on the lightweight hybrids or other lightweights compared to pop-ups?

(we pulled a 25 foot Prowler back in the mid 70's and it was more work and effort than I cared for. We enjoyed the pop-up better, but admitedly the lightweights and hybrids are tempting)

[labontefan]

Don't have any experience with Rockwood, but I have a 2002 Coleman (when it still had the Coleman name on it) Utah and I love it! I've had it for almost two years. This was my first PU & I haven't yet had any big problems! (Not too many small problems and most of those were due to my inexperience.)

I got mine at the end of 2002 so I got it on closeout also--just over $10,000 including dealer installed AC and accessories bundle (sheets for the bunkends, DC fan light, and some other goodies).

I did a lot of research and checked out a bunch of models before deciding on the Utah. So far, I think I made the right decision!

I tow the Utah with a 2003 Durango w/full towing package and it has no problems handling it. I towed it previously with a 99 Jeep Cherokee with dealer installed hitch but no towing package. The Cherokee pulled it but neither the Jeep nor I were really happy about it. The Durango never even breaks a sweat!

[Gone-Camping]

When I was shopping for a new trailer 2 years ago, I was looking hard at Pop-up's, even buying a slightly used one from a friend. But as I continued to shop, I also was looking at the ultra-light Hybrids, which is what I eventually bought.
 
Two things come readily to mind...first and foremost was my boss, a multi-millionare car dealer (shiester) who said with an astonished voice... "You're going to pay Twelve thousand for a tent?"
 
OK...he doesn't know what I know, but something about what he said got me to thinking real hard. It is a lot of money for something that is mostly tent! But I loved camping, and the PU has been great for me.
 
The other thing that eventually swayed me to the Hybrid, is what I got for the money. I priced a new Coleman/FFT Niagra with all the options, it came in around $13,500... But for $12,734 I bought the Trail Cruiser Hybrid from rvwholesalers.com, it's nearly twice as long at 23', has full fridge & freezer, full bath room, and just so much more room...all for less money. To me it was a matter of bang for the buck!
 
I will admit this, it was cheaper to tow the PU, the Jeep really sucks down the gas when towing the Hybrid!

[kathybrj]

We also own a 2002 Utah and we love it. Our Safari tows it wonderfully and there's plenty of room for our two children (14 and 10) and our chocolate lab.

We purchased our 2002 in February 2002. We paid $8300 for it. It does not have a hot water heater or a factory installed cp.

We have looked at hybrids but, in our opinion, they are still far too closed in and tunnel like for us. We enjoyed tenting, so we really love our pop up and have no intention of replacing it for many years.

Have fun shopping!

[whitestar505]

I have a 2003 Coleman Utah. I guess it was the last year for the Coleman name. We love it. Only problem is lots of work in setup and tear down. We do like it... So far no problems. By the way 10.000 $ is not bad for a new one..

 
 

We have been away from camping a few years and having parted with our old camper (a 71 Starcraft) we are in the market for another. Things have changed in the past 10 years since we last were camping. Much research has us narrowed down to a Rockwood HW and a Fleetwood Utah. (we are looking also at some of the ultra lite hard sides since pricing & weight arei similar but haven't added any of these to the 'shortlist')
 
The Rockwood with all of the bells and whistles is priced at $12,500. The Fleetwood Utah with similar bells and whistles at $10,000 (dealer offering as a closeout of this line for them). Anyone care to say which would be considered the best buy? Any comments on the lightweight hybrids or other lightweights compared to pop-ups?
 
(we pulled a 25 foot Prowler back in the mid 70's and it was more work and effort than I cared for. We enjoyed the pop-up better, but admitedly the lightweights and hybrids are tempting)

[bearbait]

Something to cosider when comparing a hybrid to a pop up is set up time.  If you camp a lot on the spur of the moment and tend to get to campgrounds after dark a lot.  Or if you camp on trips where you want to stay as mobile as possible (as in quick overnights and then moving on),  a hybrid would be easier because it's not as much set up time.  You still get that "tent" feeling because of the bunkends,  but all the convieniences of a TT.  As for the price difference,  I would suggest you find a couple of floorplans in hybrids that you like and get prices for them also,  if the difference isn't much,  or even cheaper than a top of the line pop up (don't be too suprised if the hybrid is cheaper), that may be a deciding factor for you.

 
What it is really going to come down to is the way that you camp or the way you will be camping in the next few years.  Kids,  retirement, pets and geographic location of where you live can all be factors in what you decide.  The best thing to do is get prices for some hybrids and the pop ups you like,  make sure your tow vehicle can tow them all, and then decide.  It's a good friday night project to clear the kitchen table and sit down with the family and consider how you camp and all the pro's and cons of each unit.  You maybe able to use the proccess of elimination method,  but really, only you can determine how this camper will be used and what your needs are.
 
Keep us posted on the progress and the hybrid units your considering,  lots of people here have them and can comment on their likes and dislikes of them.

[kimrb266]

You posted a very interesting question.  We bought our PU last year, we ended up with a Santa Fe due to towing restrictions.  We really liked the Utah and still sparks our interest each time we see one camping.

We have 3 small children and are considering (mostly the wife) a hybird as a replacement for our PU.  We just returned from a trip to Sequoia Nat'l park and have discussed pros and cons of a new Utah or a hybird.  The hybird offers quicker setup and extra room for the kids, also offers use of the trailer while on the road (quick lunch inside, bathroom).  The PU offers easier towing, easier off season storage and the open feeling of camping.
 
So in a nutshell we're in the same boat as you, GOOD LUCK