Looking for our first Pop Up

[Kimsews]

OK, so we (me, hubby, and toddler) are looking to buy our very first Pop-up.  We are thinking used and as watertight as possible as we are in Oregon.  Brands?  I don't have a clue which is better.  We aren't into cushy camping, used to tent camp, but now we just want to be off the ground and be able to head out at practically a moment's notice.  I'd love to hear any suggestions you seasoned veterans may have!!  I am reading on these boards that it's really a matter of preference and features-but are there any brands to steer clear of?

Oh-I'd like a potty inside for the toddler (well, OK, and me).  Is it better to get a PU with a potty built in, or to get one without one and get a seperate potty to set inside?

We already have the F150 Supercrew, so now we need a sleek little baby to tow behind.

Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom!

[tlhdoc]

First let me welcome you to PUT.

 
As far as having a built in cassette potty or a porta potty, both work about the same.  I have had both and like the cassette better.  I find it easier to dump, it is the height of a regular toilet, it doesn't have to be put away and gotten out for use and it has a curtain for privacy.  I would not skip getting a PU that I wanted just because it didn't have a cassette potty in it.  The cassettes are also much more expensive.  As far as brand I would caution you to find a good dealer and not worry about the brand.  Any and all brands of PUs have problems at one time or another, having a good dealer you can count on is more important.  Happy camping and good luck finding a PU that suits your needs.

[fritz_monroe]

Welcome and have fun looking at all the different models.

The most useful thing for us was to get inside as many different models as possible.  Just because you see a floorplan that you think you will like, doesn't mean you'll like it in person.  Sit in them and think about your upcoming trips.  Will it suit you if you have another addition the family?  How about if you get rained out?

For the potty, the cassette works great.  However, since I'm the one that gets to empty it, I enforce a #1 only rule.  Works fine for everyone.

[CampDirt]

tlhdoc is right.  After ten years of looking, my roomate and I got inside just about every make and model of all kinds of RV's.  We made a list of what we wanted in an RV (where are we going in it, what can our truck pull, comfort, cooking space, what we can afford, etc).  We found ours by accident in a corner of a dealer's lot.  It's used but had a lot more features than some of the new ones, even a cassette toilet and indoor/outdoor shower.  

Another way to look at campers/RV's is to go to the nearest RV show.  These are usually held in Jan/Feb/Mar at a major convention center.  It's worth the trip and entrance fee to try out all kinds of RV's.  Most dealers at RV shows have "show discounts" and free upgrades.  You don't have to buy from a show, but it's a great way to look, touch, feel, and start making that list.  Take your time, take the show brochures to the local dealers (and don't forget internet), and have fun looking.  Eventually the perfect one will appear...

[Kimsews]

Thanks everyone for your input-it is greatly appreciated.  Thanks too for the warm welcome!

I have another question-do you ever worry about security in your PU?  I'm not going to keep valuables inside when we aren't there, but has anyone ever had someone 'break into' into thier PU?  I'm not looking to park it and leave it somewhere for an extended period of time, but we may go for a day hike or go fishing for several hours. I am just curious.

Thanks again everyone!

[mountainrev]

Security is pretty much non-existent in a popup.  Some people have modified theirs with a hidden "safe" somewhere inside.  But bottom line, with a soft-sided camper, if someone wants to break in, they will, and with little or no problem.  However, I've been camping in one for over 14 years, and never had a break-in.  

I would definitely store anything small and of value in your car while you're out hiking, etc.  But finally, if someone really wants your sleeping bags, they'll take them.

[tlhdoc]

I have been camping for years, tent and PU for the last 10 years.  I don't even lock my door of the PU when leaving the campground.  If someone wants in bad enough they will cut the tenting to get in.  We don't keep any valuables in the PU.  I hope we never have anything stolen, but if they do I don't want the person damaging the PU in the progress.

[SherryandFamily]

If someone wants in they don't even have to cut the canvas.  You can realease the velcro from the door, you can undo the cords under the bunk ends and climb in that way, or you can go to the dealer and for $1.29 get as many keys to Fleetwood popups as you can afford.  They are all the same key and I imagine the other brands have the same deal.
We do leave money and credit cards locked in the Truck, but as far as anything else the only thing we have ever had stolen is beer from the cooler probably from nearby teenagers (maybe even our own!)
If we are going to be gone a while I will leave the television or radio on just so it seems like someone is there, but that is about it for our security.
Sherry

[Kimsews]

Well I think we have settled on our first pop-up.  It's a used 2005 Palamino Yearling 14'.  It needed some repair (someone bounced on the king size bed without the braces) and we need to go look at it before we give them the final 'yes' (it's at a dealer).  It had been poorly repaired and we wanted it repaired right before we agreed to it.

We're excited and I am sure I'll be asking all you seasoned PU veterans for advice!!

=)