Pull Pop-Up with Car?

[Westlysbride]

thanks for chiming in Marcy.

Hubby can use the tents and you and the kids could be comfy.

EXACTLY!  He is the hard core camper.  I enjoy it.  Just not to the level that he does.  I don't enjoy camping with sleep deprived pre-schoolers!  : )

[ForestCreature]

EXACTLY!  He is the hard core camper.  I enjoy it.  Just not to the level that he does.  I don't enjoy camping with sleep deprived pre-schoolers!  : )

It's hard pressed to find a full sized Aliner with any options that weighs less than 1500 lbs, anything less would be the smaller versions and cramped even by our lack of space standards. Ours weighs 1850 without any of our gear inside. All Loaded closer to 2400 lbs. Then add the gear packed inside the vehicle. I think unless you went with a stripped smaller model you would be over loaded. It's not that I'm trying to talk you out of an A-frame, but with kids I think you'd be sorry in a short period of time.

If you are seriously considering one, having a family I'd recomend renting one before buying.  There is a layout that could work with small kids, but they don't stay small for long. The 900lb weight is nothing but a dry weight with no options at all.
Have you ever been inside one?

[Westlysbride]

Have you ever been inside one?

Never.

I'm starting to think it might be better for us to just stick with the 'limited tent camping' and switch to the 'camping every week or two' when I am finished with school and we can afford a SUV and a nice camper right off the bat.  

I am done with nursing school Dec of 2008 and then our income will double.  We were just trying to find something to 'get us by' over the next two summers.  It seems more difficult to find a good deal than I thought it would be.  This weekend we found a great deal but it sold today before we could check it out.

We could afford the payments right now but we HATE debt.  We only have about $3K in cash that we want to spend on a camper... : (

[ForestCreature]

Never.
 
  We could afford the payments right now but we HATE debt.  We only have about $3K in cash that we want to spend on a camper... : (

You might be surprised what  $3K can get you, don't give up, just look for something that will fit the family and tow vehicle better.  
 
 My cuz just got a decent 98 Palamino MXL that needed nothing more than a cleaning for 2500 and that included having a hitch installed on their van!
 
 You could pull that Combi- Camp in the ad section with ease, save a few bucks and be off the ground. If you plan on getting something better in 2 yrs that could be a good compromise without dumping a big chunk of change.

[spearmint]

There are HD vented disc brake rotors and pads, that are used for racing, available for the Camry. If you do end up towing with it, I would recommend getting those installed and adding a very large transmission cooler.

WOW.  Thank you very much for the info.  My husband and I were just commenting the other day on our Camry's brakes.  (We don't feel they are the greatest.)  I will start looking into that right away.  If my husband insists on pulling the camper with the Camry maybe I will drive my boys and follow behind in the Corolla.  I will start looking into the brakes and cooler right away.[/QUOTE]

How much are these brakes and how much would I pay for the transmission cooler. Mechanic would have to install.

Would these two items increase gvwr?

[brainpause]

Would these two items increase gvwr?

No. GVWR (or GCVWR) is assigned after a complicated engineering process on that vehicle. For instance, many people add air bags, heavier springs, dual wheels, etc. etc. to their big trucks for pulling fifth wheels. None of that increases the weight ratings. It might help rides, and might make it safer. But your numbers don't really increase.

Larry

[wavery]

WOW.  Thank you very much for the info.  My husband and I were just commenting the other day on our Camry's brakes.  (We don't feel they are the greatest.)  I will start looking into that right away.  If my husband insists on pulling the camper with the Camry maybe I will drive my boys and follow behind in the Corolla.  I will start looking into the brakes and cooler right away.

How much are these brakes and how much would I pay for the transmission cooler. Mechanic would have to install.

Would these two items increase gvwr?

I added the vented rotors and carbon metallic pads to the brake system on my Chrysler Concorde and it did make a difference. However, the Camry is an entirely different matter. It is a much lighter vehicle and the braking system is barely adequate for the vehicle alone. Camry's are well known for going through brake pads and warping rotors (without towing).

We had a 2000 Toyota Camry. There is no way that I would tow a PU camper with that car for any reason. It is just too light. JMO.

[paulski617]

You stated that the GAWR is 2000#.  However, that is not the tow rating.  You need to find out what it is.  The GAWR is the amount of weight that the axel can support.  That includes the weight that it is already supporting, so I doubt that your tow rating would be anywhere near 2000#.