New To Pop Up Camping

[TheWeasle]

Hi Everyone,

My wife and I are ready to buy our first camper (very excited)....Our only remaining decision is whether to buy a very simple new camper or a used one that is maybe larger and with more features....My initial thought is to buy a new one (coleman tuscon?) mainly because I'm concerned about buying someone else's headaches but we've seen some bigger units that are used for about the same money.....Anyone have any thoughts or opinions?

[Scamper]

Hi Everyone,

My wife and I are ready to buy our first camper (very excited)....Our only remaining decision is whether to buy a very simple new camper or a used one that is maybe larger and with more features....My initial thought is to buy a new one (coleman tuscon?) mainly because I'm concerned about buying someone else's headaches but we've seen some bigger units that are used for about the same money.....Anyone have any thoughts or opinions?

Might want to consider if you have a vehicle that can tow the bigger units without issue (consider your hitch load ratings, vehicle tow ratings, brakes, power for going up hills or passes, etc...).

[TheWeasle]

Might want to consider if you have a vehicle that can tow the bigger units without issue (consider your hitch load ratings, vehicle tow ratings, brakes, power for going up hills or passes, etc...).

I did think of that....I drive a '04 Yukon so I'm ok to tow the larger ones too....I'm just having nightmares about taking an older trailer on the interstate.....I've never towed anything in my life so I guess maybe I'm just a bit anxious about it

[Scamper]

I did think of that....I drive a '04 Yukon so I'm ok to tow the larger ones too....I'm just having nightmares about taking an older trailer on the interstate.....I've never towed anything in my life so I guess maybe I'm just a bit anxious about it

When you say older trailer, how old are you talking?  If it is only a few years old, I doubt you would have much to worry about.  Mine is a '91, and it seems ancient compared to others I see on the road, but it still pulls very nice.  I repack my wheel bearings once a year, and check to make sure my tire rubber still looks ok, and that my spare is good.  

How many people will occupy the camper might be another factor to consider.  Mine only sleeps 5, but that is plenty for me, the wifey, and the dogs.

[TheWeasle]

When you say older trailer, how old are you talking?  If it is only a few years old, I doubt you would have much to worry about.  Mine is a '91, and it seems ancient compared to others I see on the road, but it still pulls very nice.  I repack my wheel bearings once a year, and check to make sure my tire rubber still looks ok, and that my spare is good.  

How many people will occupy the camper might be another factor to consider.  Mine only sleeps 5, but that is plenty for me, the wifey, and the dogs.

It's just me and my wife.....I have seen some 98's and 99's that i could pick up for around the same price as a very plain new one....I just really don't know what to look for in terms of potential problems...BTW.....what does "repacking bearings" mean and how much should I expect to pay for that?

And thanks for replying.....I appreciate you taking the time to help me out.

[Weezy]

We bought a used 1992 Starcraft last month. It does have a few issues but we couldn't spend over $2000 for anything right now. Overall, it is a good little camper. It will serve us well until the kids are older. I am very excited about taking it out to the campground! I hope it all goes well without any major problems. You could probably get more for your money if you went with a slightly used model. But then you might be giving up some warranties that could be helpful.And with two people, you might not have to choose the largest pop up available. Our camper isn't that big, the one thing DH had to have was A/C. And I am now glad that we got one with A/C. It is a nice feature to have. Ours had a refrigerator, but no shower/potty. I did have to replace the tires (mainly for my peace of mind). That wasn't too expensive. Good luck with your search, I found better deals through individuals than through dealers. JMO!

[flyfisherman]

I sort of keep an eye on the auctions over at e-Bay. Every now and again there will be a great bargin go through there, even for brand new units that some dealer is trying to move. It also provides a basis of what is selling for what.  Of course, have to do your home work and read all the fine print! And, it would be necessary to go get the camper if you ever decided to go that route ... but that could be an adventure in itself!


Fly

[TheWeasle]

Thanks Everybody!

[Scamper]

...BTW.....what does "repacking bearings" mean and how much should I expect to pay for that?

I never pay for it, takes about an hour to do myself.  Take the wheel off, take the grease cap off, remove the cotter pin and center hub bolt, remove the front and rear wheel bearings, repack them with grease, reassemble.  Probably more then you wanted to know.  If your not mechanically inclined, it probably wouldn't cost to much to have a shop do it.  I do this yearly on all my trailers, ecspecially if they sit around for extended periods of time.

The issue of warranties that Weezy brought up is an important one I think.  Those can be nice to have in some cases.

[Buzz]

I would buy used. If you look good ones are out there. The equiptment offered for the same price is worth it no matter wheather you think you will need it or not.
Let someone else take the hit on depreciation. My unit is 8 years old, has about every feature you can think of. Shower/potty, furnace, AC, king beds, frige, tows like a dream, looks almost new AND its paid for.

[knuk78]

Hi TheWeasle!

I feel your excitement!  Looking for a PU is half the fun! :p   My mom recently bought a used '97 Viking Saga for the two of us to go camping in.  Originally we were thinking of a new Jayco and saw some at the dealer in town, but after considering the costs and the fact that we were new to PU camping we decided to look at used units with all the features we wanted.  I agree that buying a PU that's only a few years old saves you a lot of the initial cost, and if still looked after properly it will maintain it's value.  The PU we got is in great condition (even still had that "new" smell!) - only minor fix needed was a couple of new plastic strips that hold the canvas on in places.
When looking at used units, make sure the canvas is still in good condition - no rips or holes, and no mildew.  Also, have the previous owner show you the full set up to make sure lift system is ok.  If there are appliances such as a fridge, furnace, etc. make sure they work too.
Good luck with everything - I hope you find what you're looking for, whether it's a new PU or a "new to you" PU!

Kirsty

:C