First time questions

[markfnc]

We are thinking of buying our first camper. Due to $, and pulling car we are looking at pop ups.  This is a great site.  

Any advice?  New/Used?  Mfg?  Features? etc

Thanks for advice.

[4campinfoxes]

Welcome to the board & good luck finding a camper!  When we started camping about 5-6 years ago we looked for a used camper.  Unfortunately, everything we found in the papers was either a) in really bad shape or b) just sold before we could get to it! We ended up purchasing a new Jayco - model 10UD to try things out.  Luckily for me (as I was the instigator on all of this) my family really enjoyed it.  So, a couple of years later we bought a bigger trailer and have enjoyed it even more.

My advice, try to find a good used one but don't rule out the possibility of an entry-level new unit.  We've been happy with our Coleman (now Fleetwood) and we were happy with our Jayco as well.  Coachmen/Viking also have some great campers out there.

Good Luck!
Sharon

[tlhdoc]

How much can your vehicle tow?  That is the most important thing to find out.  Once you know how much weight you can tow you can figure out what size PU to look for.  My first PU was under 1000 pounds and many cars could tow it.  Good luck on the hunt.

[GeorgiaBoy]

I am by no means an "expert" when it comes to PU's, but I have just recently completed the whole shopping scenario for one.  I resorted to newspaper classifieds, online classifieds, eBay, Auto Trader and this web site.

My initial intentions were to buy a used PU, but almost every single person selling one was asking WAY above the NADA value.  I guess they figured since they only used it a couple times a year it couldn't have lost much in value.

A lot of driving, a lot of emails, a lot of phone calls and some very helpful postings here on this site later, I decided to spend just a little more and get a brand new PU (Fleetwood Resolute).

A few important things I was told to keep in mind when shopping:

- towing capacity of your vehicle?
- electric brakes needed?
- anti-sway device needed?
- reliable local dealer for purchase and/or service
- PU quality / history

As far as features and floorplans, that's all up to you and your needs.  I camp in Georgia - A/C needed.  I didn't want people pooping next to my pillow - no indoor toilet/shower (although I did get the outside shower w/hot water and a port-a-pottie for the wife). Storage is a premium.

Good luck in your search, and if you have any questions the good folks here are more than willing to assist.