We are trying to decide between a hybrid and popup

[athomemom]

Help!!   I wonder how many of you are out there that are experiencing the same confusion as I am!!!  We are former pop up owners - the Coleman Niagra and we loved it.  The only thing that was such a pain was popping up and down every time we wanted to camp getting ready to go and when we got back home to clean out and restock.  So, the hybrid really appealed to us for that reason and we still got the benefit of the tent ends.  However, my dh has seen a lot of posts elsewhere that indicate huge leaking problems and service issues with the hybrids.  I would love to know what you all think and what brands you think are most worthy.  Just from our initial looking we have ruled out the Rockwood Roo and the Kodiak.  Also the Antigua seemed a bit too fancy with the white woodwork.  I look forward to your thoughts.

[brainpause]

We have only had our hybrid a month or two and love it.

I think what you have read about leaks is really about the early hybrids. They are much better designed now. From what I have read, get a hybrid with the "tractor trailer" rear door type locking devices, instead of the screw-on locking devices. See the late model Antiguas to see what I am talking about.

If you have the tow vehicle for a hybrid, get the hybrid.

Larry

[GeneF]

go for the hybrid.

We had 4 popups and then decided on getting a hybrid.  Ours is an 03 Jayco Kiwi.  Yup, just noticed after four years that I do have a small leak in the front bed.  I have already ordered  a new seal.

We have used our Kiwi for apporximately 278 days of camping including a recent 51 day trip to FL which included a month of snowbirding in St. Augustine.  The hybrid is great.  We have towed it about 20,000 miles plus and have had very few issues, none of them major.

We have been surprised to compare the room inside the htt with some 28 and 30 foot trailers and 5'vers.  We didn't see much difference in room except that the furnishings were nicer.

In fact, DW and I have been thinking about going over to the dark side completely but we haven't found anything that will sleep as many as the Kiwi does comfortable.

Jayco makes a great product and has one of the best warrantees going.  2 years and they do stand behind their product.  I have had excellent succes with Jayco and their reps, dealer is another issue.

Just be sure that your tow vehicle is up teo the task and enjoy your new hybrid.  The bathhouse is great.

[dcampbell1969]

I am only a pup owner, never a hybrid.  But one thing to think about is whether you park the pup in the garage or not, and can you park the hybrid in the same spot.  What is it you really do like about the Pup and compare that feature.  It's all individual taste and preference.  Good luck on your decision!

But if considering a Hybrid, why not look at a TT or 5th?

[wavery]

If I had the parking space, I would go for the hybrid. There are a lot of advantages besides the obvious set-up issues.

I would like to be able to pull off in a view point or rest stop and have lunch in my camper. To us, that's a biggy.

We have a few more years of popping up before hybridding but we would switch in a heart-beat, if we could.

[Dee4j]

HYBRID HYBRID HYBRID

since i do the hitching towing and set-up myself it's much easier
plus if the weather is lousey or on a long trip you have full access to the amenities inside

[griffsdad]

We have a hybrid and love ours, the set up and take down times are the same.
Good Luck.

[kimrb266]

We've owned 2 pup's and loved both of them. I do agree, it's a pain popping up/down before and after camping.  We were able to store our pup on our driveway for awhile (before the county warned us), we now store.

We've gone camping 2x in our hybrid and love it.   We've had to pull to the side of the road a couple times to let the kids go tinkle (which we couldn't do in the pup).  Breakdown time is alot less and you can get into the trailer anytime you want with ease.
 
I think a hybrid is a better bet but it depends on what your needs are.

[athomemom]

Thanks all so much for your input.  We are going to get a hybrid - now we are trying to decide between the Jayco 26l and 232.

[kathybrj]

We purchased a Jayco 232 because it gave each kid (1 boy, 1 girl) their own bunk. This, in itself, was the most important aspect of our purchase. It's amazing how much more pleasant our trips are because they each have their own space.

I really loved both of our pups, but I think going to a hybrid was a natural progression. The pups were fun- the kids helped set up and it was a learning experience for them. As we've all gotten older, we like the ease of having a full bathroom, a big frige (no more coolers), and a nice kitchen. The kids love the oven- we bring along frozen cookie dough, muffin mixes, rolls, etc., and they go to town baking.

Blaise and I have talked about a 5th wheel a few years down the road. We'd like to spend more time traveling once the kids are away at school.

Have fun shopping. I think that was my favorite part- I love looking at all the different choices!

[CAPEd CODger]

We've had 2 pop-ups and currently own a Hybrid.

A couple of things to consider.
1) Access to the trailer interior when not "set-up": Can do on a Hybrid, no can do on most pop-ups.

2) Towing weight/Towability: Pop-ups a a general rule will be much lighter than Hybrids, and easier to tow.

3) Options: I haven't heard of a hybrid w/o a full galley and bath, and a "full size" 'fridge. To get most of that stuff in a PUP means a larger price tag and larger size and weight.

Now to address your question regarding leaks. We never had a problem with our pop-ups (except when that AC gasket went south) leaking.
The Roo that I have now has had problems with leaking at the front bunk since day one.
I guess the seals can only do so much. When you look at the way a popup roof has a lip over the main box, water has a hard time running uphill and under the lid.

The front bunks on hybrids are far from that design.

The love that I had for my hybrid when first purchased has diminished, because of the leaking problems and consequent damage to the bed board.

Other than that, I like it alot.

My next trailer will most likely be a self contained with no fabric.

Best of luck in your choice.

Happy Camping!

The 'CODger...........aka Bob

[Jamesdad]

Good luck finding a hybrid that works for your family. We are also in the market for one. We personally like the u-shape dinette, more comfort sitting around the table for cards, eating, chatting, more people, etc. Also the slide out for the sofa opens it up nicely. As far as size goes, we are looking for 19 to 21 foot. With the slide out sofa and u-shape dinette there is more than enough room for us. It also helps in the dry wieght. hope this helps you. We also enjoy the looking at all the different models. The Jayco seems to be one of the better ones I have looked at, but to each there own. Happy hunting.

[jonathan]

Thanks all so much for your input.  We are going to get a hybrid - now we are trying to decide between the Jayco 26l and 232.

The only advice i can/would give is, check your tow rating and the camper weight!

The new campers are "usually" weighed with all of their options and there should be a sticker on the inside (cabinet door, etc.) with the actual weight of the camper.

We just looked at a camper that weighed 4200lbs. The brochure stated the weight at 3500lbs.

AND remember... some RV dealers will tell you that you can pull it. Don't be mislead.

[athomemom]

We did it!  We bought a hybrid, the Jayco 26L.  We think it will be really good long term for us!  You can't beat the amount of space and storage in it.  We are looking forward to our first camping trip in the new camper on June 1st!

[tahoecampers]

Congrutulations, you will enjoy it! We went from a pop up to a hybrid and never looked back! the only thing that I miss is the huge windows, but who cares if you spend most of your time outside,The fact that we can stop at rest stops and take a nap or have lunch makes all the difference. We have the Ushaped dinnette and love it because we can turtle on nights when we are traveling. Anyway, enjoy your new camper and we hope that you have as much fun with it as we have had with ours