Popup Brand Questions

[popup-wisconsin]

Looking for pop up, new to camping.   What brands are top line and bottom line why.   What brands just paying for name.   What brand is good quality and good value?

Thanks for the comments.

I have been camping before, just new to pop ups.   Have 2 --- 7yr old girls that would be going.   Looking for 10-12ft with slide out, fridge, heat, porta pot cassette, shower, AC which I know can be added.    Looking at used.   Any dealers recommend in the Minneapolis-StPaul area?   I have a full size chevy extented cab with 350 v8, 3:73 gears so towing any PU won't be an issue.

Looking at 99 and newer want to stay under $6500.   There any models/yrs want to stay away from?

Looks like Coleman/Fleetwood are the more expensive models.
Are Coachmen,Viking respectable brands.

[hoppy]

This question comes up from time to time, and there is no clear winner in regards to the top of the line in quality when dealing with PU's. They are all built to be as light and as inexpensive as possible. So in short, they all manufacturer  some what quality products..... not great, but sufficient enough to remain in the biz. Since most of them have been producing them for better than thirty years is testimony that they are providing a some what quality product at a competitive cost. Most of the time the choices should be made in the following progression:

  1. The weight and towing capabilities of your tow vehicle. No sense falling in love with a Fleetwood Niagara model (about  3,800 lbs. loaded weight) and trying to tow it with a Kia. Just ain't going to happen. You need to totally understand the capabilities of your TV.
  2. Floor plan. You need to determine the size of the PU based upon the number of sleeping, seating, and eating areas that will be needed. Determine the NEEDED items that MUST be included. In some cases this may include porta-potti / inside shower if you have small children, glide out dinette for added floor space, 3-way fridge, etc.
  3. Options that would be an added bonus, but not really necessary. May include AC, fridge, furnace, hot water, awning, etc. I recommend going to a few dealers in your area to see how all the options would work in your case, which leads into the next step.......
   4. Find a reputable dealer in your area in the event you need to purchase or have repairs on your PU. This is a very important aspect in purchasing the PU.

  Once you narrowed down the floor plan that you want, now find the manufacturer that offers it.

   Are you considering purchasing new or used?

  Since you are new to camping, maybe you should consider renting one to see if the camping expierence is your cup of tea.

   Hope this helps.

[AustinBoston]

Most of the time the choices should be made in the following progression:

0. Find a dealer that isn't a total deadbeat.  Most are decent, but some are real jerks and will make you rue the day you bought from them.

1. The weight and towing capabilities of your tow vehicle. No sense falling in love with a Fleetwood Niagara model (about  3,800 lbs. loaded weight) and trying to tow it with a Kia. Just ain't going to happen. You need to totally understand the capabilities of your TV.
  2. Floor plan. You need to determine the size of the PU based upon the number of sleeping, seating, and eating areas that will be needed. Determine the NEEDED items that MUST be included. In some cases this may include porta-potti / inside shower if you have small children, glide out dinette for added floor space, 3-way fridge, etc.
  3. Options that would be an added bonus, but not really necessary. May include AC, fridge, furnace, hot water, awning, etc. I recommend going to a few dealers in your area to see how all the options would work in your case, which leads into the next step.......

And first (not fourth, IMNSHO):

4. Find a reputable dealer in your area in the event you need to purchase or have repairs on your PU. This is a very important aspect in purchasing the PU.

Austin

[vjm1639]

0. Find a dealer that isn't a total deadbeat. Most are decent, but some are real jerks and will make you rue the day you bought from them.
 
 
 
And first (not fourth, IMNSHO):
 
 
 
Austin

I have to agree with AB...this was our deciding factor on which brand to buy. We knew exactly which local dealer we wanted and that is where we purchased!

[hoppy]

Dunno if I agree getting the warm and fuzzies with the local Fleetwood dealer if the floor plan, price, and wants that meet my needs are only in a Palomino model. Kinda like the "Niagara / Kia" parodity, or Which came first..... the chicken or the egg?   IMNSHO

 But I did mention that this was a very important aspect in the decission process of purchasing  a PU.  

[4campinfoxes]

Every brand has had it's winners & loosers, each has had lemons so it's hard to tell you if there are any brands to stay away from.  I've seen Paliminos that I didn't feel were well done but hear from others that they've held up for years.  Coleman's have some issues, Jayco has had others and the list goes on.

Definitely look it over carefully if you're buying used.  Do a search on this website, there is a wealth of information on what to look for in a used pop-up.  If you're looking at a dealer, definitely choose one you feel comfortable with & that has a good reputation.  One reason we switched from Jayco to Coleman was the dealer.

Good luck,
Sharon

[tlhdoc]

You can find the perfect trailer and the right price, BUT if you can't get it serviced when you need it serviced you will not be going camping.  IMHO the dealer is the most important part of buying a PU, new of used.  I purchased my first PU used from a private party.  The dealer I purchased my second PU from is the one that had time for me, even when I didn't buy a camper from them.

[Kelly]

Any dealers recommend in the Minneapolis-StPaul area?  

I've heard only good things about Hilltop Trailer Sales in Fridley.   If I have to take my new-to-me Jayco in, that's where it will go.

Just taking a quick look at their website, they do have some PUs in your price range ~ including a Bayside.  IIRC they are usually pretty well loaded.  

Good luck.

[/color]