Thinking of Purchasing a 2001 Coleman Mesa

[tentnomore]

I am thinking of purchasing a 2001 Coleman Mesa.  Does anyone know of any glaring problems with these popups?  The popup is in excellent shape and the asking price is $4,250.  It has a new ac to dc converter and the lift mechanisim has been replaced.  It has air conditioning/no heat and a three way refrig and a electric brake breakaway switch and will have a new battery.  Also, we will need to use a 2004 Toyota Sienna Van to pull it with.  It has a 3,500 lb towing capacity with the towing package.  Will this be enough vehicle with 4 adult size and 2 100lb to 150lb children in the vehicle?

 :usflag:

[GeneF]

My combination was a 00 Sienna and 98 Mesa.

The Sienna did okay but won't break any speed records going up hills.

You will definitely need a sway bar for this combo.  I could not tow at 35 mph without sway.  Sway bar took care of the problem.

If I remember correctly, the gvwr on the Mesa was about 3000 lbs.  You might be pushing it with all your passengers.

Most of our travelling was just dw and I and we tend to travel on the light side.

[tentnomore]

Thanks for the reply, but, a few mins after I left looking at the mesa, someone else bought it.  Now I am looking at the new coachman clippers.

[hoppy]

Sorry you missed out on this one, but you are better off finding one that will match your towing capabilities a lot better.

 Sounds like the price was in the ball park though.

 Mine has AC, furnace, water heater with outside shower, 3-way fridge, twin 20-lb. propane tanks, and awning just to mention the major options, and I would not let her go for less than $ 5,500.00.

 It is pretty heavy when loaded up  (just under 3,100 lbs), so it would be a tad too heavy for your vehicle. The listed gvwr weight for this model was 3,350 lbs. So once you load up your passengers and their stuff, you will be well over your vehicle maximum capacity.

 The known problems with this model were the infamous ABS roof, the front storage area leaking, and the potential for sway. I keep the front storage area filled with all my "camping stuff" so the tongue weight is right up there, so sway hasn't been a problem in my situation while towing with the Silverado without a sway-bar. It tracks true when traveling at 65-70 MPH. I don't tow mine any higher than this range though just for safety reasons.

 Good luck with your search.

[tentnomore]

Thanks.  I ended up purchacing a "New" 2005 Coachman Clipper Classic 1272ST.  The RV dealer was extremly motivated to move this PU.  He came about $4,500 off MSRP. I think we will be satisfied as long as my Sienna will pull it.  We are getting the anti sway bars, along with the leveling package installed.

[tlhdoc]

Congratulations on the new PU.