Need advice!

[offagain]

I am looking to buy a 1996 Palamino Pop-up Camper and would like any feedback you can give me.  It is 16' long from bumper to hitch, it has king and queen size beds, refrigerator, propane, 16 BTU Heater, 11 gallon water tank, an awning, weighs 1,700 lbs with 13" tires, no brakes and claims to have used it approximately 12 times.  He bought it new for around $6,000 back in 1996, he's asking $1,800.  This is all new to me.  Is Palamino a good camper?  Is everything else I listed sound ok? Is it true you can set these things up in about 20 minutes?  Do I need stablizer jacks?  I don't know if they come with it.  Anything else I should check or look for?  Any maintenance items I should look for?  ANY feedback would be appreciated!!!!

Thanks,

Off Again

[HersheyGirl]

Palomino is a very good brand and 1,800 for that camper is a good price.  Others will chime in on what to look for, like any mildew, water damage, over all condition, etc.  I bought my Pal pre-owned and really like it alot.  And, yes you can set the camper up in about 20 minutes after some practice.  Good luck and let us know what happens.  Welcome to PUT.

[hoppy]

I'll chime in with the merits of Palomino PU's.

 My first PU was a 1978 Palomino that I purchased back in 1990. I used it constantly for over twelve years without any problems. I gave it to my DD and SIL back in 2003, and they still use it for at least 6-7 trips a year.

 Everything still works great, but we did have the main cable break about two years ago. The SIL and I replaced it in a couple of hours for thirty bucks.

 Palomino makes a quality product, at affordable prices, and they seem to endure the test of time. IMHO.

 The asking price sounds reasonable for the options included. Just check the canvas, flooring, cabinets, and the ceiling for rot or water damage. Check under the camper at the chassis for extensive rust,  check the tires for dry rot, and make sure the seller demonstrates every operation and appliance right in front of you. (fridge.... operational on all sources, furnace, sink, stove, lift system, etc.)

 As for the set-up time with expierence, you should have no problem setting that "puppy" up in less that 20 minutes. Have the DW setting up the inside of the PU, while you complete all the outside set-up chores.

[offagain]

Thanks for all  the feedback.Being new to this you really do not know what you are getting into.It started out tent camping and we really enjoyed that even though the weather was not cooperative.Seeing all the pop ups made me wonder so I started asking around and was basically told to look into a pop up.So here I am trying to get what info I can.Thanks again ,and if anyone else wants to chime in,please do so.

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to PUT.  If the PU is in good shape that is a good price.  Get down and check under it, in all cabinets, look for any soft spots in the floor and roof.  Does it crank easy, etc.  Take you time and check that the appliances all work.  Good luck.

[brainpause]

What Hoppy and Tracy and everyone else said.

That said, we have had our '86 Palomino for 4 years, come Labor Day. We have used it quite a bit, and have really enjoyed it. It seems like a well-built trailer. The cabinetry is still in as good of shape as many new ones we see.

So, if they make them in '96 as good as in '86, you'll get a good trailer. But inspect it carefully. Asking price sounds pretty decent too.

Larry

[SkipP]

Welcome to the site! Here's some good info on buying used: http://www.title-3.com/BuyUsed.htm  The camper should already have stabilizers on-board. If it's possible, get the seller to demonstrate a set-up and take-down of the camper. This will expose any problems with the lift system and you can get a better "feel" for the camper too.

Good luck!

[offagain]

Thanks for all the info! You have all been a lot of help.