Another Newbie Question

[junklady]

I am sorry if this has been posted 500 times before but I could not find it......

My hubby and I are wanting to purchase a used pop up camper this spring. The budget states that it will probably be more than a few years old and we are wondering what are some important things to look for when buying. I know that the condition of the canvas is important, but what should we look for? We are not that concerned with tow weight due to the current vehicles we have. Also we are not that concerned with features such as toilet, a/c, fridge, etc. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Gone-Camping]

It's not always what you look for, but often what you smell... If you open the door while it's still popped down, stick your head inside and take a good long whiff.... If it smells new you've got a gem! If it smells just a little musty it is probably ok, and if you smell mold or mildew then you probably have more problems than you want to take on.

Once it's opened up, do indeed check the canvas carefully, espeically in the corners, and at all the seams. Check from the inside out to see if any daylight shines through....lay on the beds and look up at the canvas....if you can find a place where you can see out, then the rain can leak in! Sometimes these things can be small pin holes and easily fixed, but unless you look for them you won't find out unitl it's too late.
 
Ask them to let YOU crank it up when they open it...you can get a feel for how well the lift system works, can watch for one corner not lifting as well as the others, sluggish rise or otherwise not a smooth operation. If it's real difficult to crank it may need simple lubrication or may have other problems.
 
Check the inside of the ceiling very carefully, and very thouroughly. Use your finger, press on the ceiling in several places...concentrate on the outside edges, corners, and down the middle. If you find anything that is soft and easy to push on you've got BIG problems! If the trailer is an older Coleman and has a plastic/ABS roof, check that carefully from the outside, eyeball down the side edge of the roof and make sure it doesn't buldge out from the side, front or rear of the trailer. Check across the top of the roof for sag....if you have any doubts at all bring some string along and hold it tight across the top of the roof at each end...if that thing is sagging, a taught string will show it immediately!
 
Check the tires...get down on your hands and knee's, look closely at the sidewalls, especially where the tire buldges a little as it meets the ground, look for small cracks in the rubber...if you see any the tires are showing signs of dry rot and would need to be replaced.
 
Lift mattress's and look underneath them....look for any visual signs of water damage ANYWHERE inside the trailer.
 
I'm sure others will have more info....good luck!!

[rayfamily]

I was recently in the exact same spot as you...  vehicles OK, looking for an older one, not too concerned with features...  We ended up looking for a pop-up with the best FLOOR PLAN for us.   When you know that a pop-up is right for YOU, then look for one that suits YOU!

[keeperdog]

Take your time and don't be afraid to poke around looking at the trailer you are interested in.  Most people will be happy to let you inspect everything.

Click Here for a good checklist on buying a used pop up.

Hope you find what you are looking for.  

[junklady]

Thanks to everyone who replied. We just bought one today!!!! Its an 05 Flagstaff 176LTD. I feel that we were pretty lucky to find such a new one to buy that was in our price range. (no extra's but hey, its camping right!) I can't wait to go pick it up tonight. Unfortunatly it is March and we are in NE Indiana so the chances of using it soon are pretty slim. Thanks again. Your advice was great and well appreciated.

[cyclone]

Congrats!  I think you made a great choice--I'm very happy with my Flagstaff.  Have fun camping!