Getting in to Popup camping

[AM&FIL Family]

Hello,
     I am new to pop up campers and to this forum.  I was looking into buying a popup and ran across what seems to be a good deal.  I was wondering if there are certain things I should look for or be wary of when buying a pop up.  Due to budget constraints I need to buy used.  I found a 1999 Dutchman Model 1203 listed for $3000.  The seller seemed very interested in selling the camper so I think I could talk them down to at least $2500.  It's in pretty good shape except for a 3 inch tear on the plastic above the sink that has been patched.  It doesn't appear very worn.  It has A/C that works pretty well, a sink, stove, small fridge and microwave. Is there a website like kelley blue book for pop ups?    Thanks in advance for your help.

[sewserious]

There is //www.nada.com but that may or may not be the price you pay.  In some places, campers go higher and in others lower.

The first question you need to answer before you buy any popup is, "What is the tow rating of my vehicle?"  That is the most important first step.  There are lots of folks who buy way too much camper for their TV (tow vehicle) and then either have to sell it and get a smaller one or upgrade their TV.

[haroldPE]

Here's a checklist from Tim's website (http://www.title-3.com/index.html) - heed the tow rating advice and good luck:

Purchasing a Used Pop-Up-Camper

 

The first thing you need to do is find out the towing limits of your tow vehicle.  There is no reason to fall in love with a pop up that you could never tow.  Verify yourself what your towing limitations are and decide what size hitch you will need.  Check out the Towing and Hitch page for more information

 

Pricing for specific makes and models are different for different areas of the country One good source for pricing information is the NADA Guides.

 

As to the rest, just make sure that you go through the camper, part by part.  You should set it up and take it down whole drill - from start to finish with the owner BUT make sure that you do it with them.
 

• Inspect     roof for any damage or abrasions
• Check     latches and seal for proper seating (recheck this when you close it back)
• Make     sure the lift system is in order and works correctly - let them show you how     it cranks and you do it to see how it feels and works.
• That     the door works and sets correctly
• The     bunks and slide out pull out smoothly and watch how it sets up and poles to     bunks set-up and attach.
• Have     them show you how to set-up the awning as well
• Let     them show you how to turn on and off the propane and look at the hoses     making sure that they look in good shape. (You may find this easier to do     before pulling out the bunks)
• Once     the stabilizers are down, go inside, have them set-up the galley and have     them hook-up to water (if possible) and check the sink, look under sink for     visible leaks and inspect the hoses - bring a flashlight for this.
• Have     him run the stove and refrigerator (on gas you should be able to feel that     the inside of fridge is cooling off)
• Look     inside for any visible signs of patching on canvas material, test all     zippers, flip cushions to look for tears, rips or faulty zippers. Check     curtains for water spots and rips. Look up at roof interior for any signs of     water marks or damage.
• Open     drawers and cabinets for any sign of runner/latch problems and observe     storage space needs for your family
• Run     all interior lights and A/C and ceiling vents
• Have     them light the furnace and show you how it works as well as the hot water     heater.
• Check     around the shower floor for leaks and have them show you how the cassette     toilet works as well as the shower and its set-up
• Walk     the whole floor checking for soft spots (wood rot).
• Have     them show you how to hook-up and run the outside stove (if applicable)
• Have     them show you where the fresh water holding tank is and the water pump.
• Have     them show you where the fuses are located.

If all is in order, go back outside and have them show you all the outside utility hook-ups and electric cord and the battery set-up.
 Walk out the whole exterior for signs of side wall damage or any visible damage to the canvas/vinyl or how it attaches to camper.

 

Then slowly start the process for closing the camper and watch them as you help them close the camper. Make sure that it closes smoothly, and that the top is tight to the body and latches without too much effort.

 

Assuming that you have a hitch for your tow vehicle - attach it to your camper and test the lights and turn signals.

 

If you have grease pencil, mark where the bottom of the tire is (on the sidewall)  Pull forward and look at the tires all the way around for any signs of irregular wear or problems.  Ask them how long the camper has been sitting.  Tires that are exposed to the sun (UV rays) begin to break down quickly and become dangerous.  Be wary of the spot you marked where the tire contacted the ground and look for any signs of a "flat spot".  If in doubt about the tires, assume you will need to replace them and adjust your price accordingly.
 

 

Have them show you the manual and all paperwork for the appliances so if you do decide to purchase you will know up front if they have the information on the camper.

 

Inquire if they have made any warranty repairs or if they have ever had the wheel bearings repacked.  The bearings should be repacked once a year and you may need to have it done immediately upon purchase based on the age of the camper.
 

My thanks go out to CamperJones of the Pop-Up-Times message board for this list.  If you wish to see the original message board post, go here.  You can find more of CamperJones' wisdom at the Florida Pop Up Campers website.

[Used 2B PopUPTimes]

I visited the Dutchmen / Skamper factory in 1999. You could tell that Thor was more into their bigger brands and wasn't really interested in making pop ups and hadn't invested much into keeping the factory or the product line in good shape. They shut the factory down shortly afterwards and got out of fold downs.

[wavery]

Hello,
     I am new to pop up campers and to this forum.  I was looking into buying a popup and ran across what seems to be a good deal.  I was wondering if there are certain things I should look for or be wary of when buying a pop up.  Due to budget constraints I need to buy used.  I found a 1999 Dutchman Model 1203 listed for $3000.  The seller seemed very interested in selling the camper so I think I could talk them down to at least $2500.  It's in pretty good shape except for a 3 inch tear on the plastic above the sink that has been patched.  It doesn't appear very worn.  It has A/C that works pretty well, a sink, stove, small fridge and microwave. Is there a website like kelley blue book for pop ups?    Thanks in advance for your help.

IMHO, it sounds pretty high for an 8-year-old PU. It also doesn't sound like you are really excited about it.

The list above is a good one. I would highly suggest using it. If you find problems, consider, very carefully, the cost of correcting those problems.  For starters, it will probably cost $150-$200 to replace that cut window. AC should not work "Pretty well" it should get very cold. Stick a thermometer in the cold air outlets. They should read around 60 degrees.

The comment, "It doesn't appear very worn", just shows your lack of enthusiasm for the PU. When we purchased our PU, it was 3-years-old and we were very excited about the condition of it. It was like "Brand new". I think that you may do better for the $. If you don't have any immediate plans for camping, you may want to consider waiting until October. If that guy still has that PU, he'll probably take $1500 for it. If not, there will be others that you may be more excited about.

[AM&FIL Family]

Thanks for the info everyone.  I actually stopped by to look at the camper with my wife and kids last night.  I ran most of the checklist to include complete breakdown and setup.  Along with the cut in the window there was a patched hole on the roof.  

     I asked if he would take $2700 and he said yes immediately.  I should have told him a lower price but I'm not much of a negotiator.  I don't enjoy it much.  I decided to look around at the price for new models to see the difference.  I realized that anything over $2000 probably isn't worth it in the long run considering I can get a new one a little smaller for $6500 and that includes a warranty.  
 
Wavery,
     Thanks for letting me know the window replacement costs.  I didn't figure that into my asking price.
     You are right about me not getting too excited.  I have made bad car purchases in the past because I got too wrapped up in the car and didn't want that to happen again.  I do understand what you mean though.  If I don't feel that this is definitely the right one for us then we shouldn't buy it.

Kevin

[ronerjones]

Just my 2 cents since I just bought my trailer at the beginning of the summer. The list has provided you with some great advice much of which I wish I had 4 months ago. Luckily I got exactly what I wanted in fantastic shape not a bargin but I am satisfied with my purchase.

Before considering price you should be looking at what you will be getting and exactly how you plan to use it. The floor plan is so important because if it is awkward for you then it wont ever change. It is amazing to see how many different styles and ammenities that are offered. Once you pick the style and brand start looking.

http://www.nadaguides.com/SectionHome.aspx?LI=1-28-0-5000-502-579-50251&l=1&w=25&p=0&f=5602

http://www.rvtrader.com/popupcampers.php

http://ww2.rvtraderonline.com/

http://www.wheelbynet.com/docs/rv/index.php3?state=FL

Here are a couple of my favorite looking spots, after looking all over the state of florida I actually found one in the local classifieds that was only 15 minuites away. Don't get discurraged if you are patient the right one will come up and most likely you will get more that you origionally expected.

[tarzbobaz]

many of you in this forum seem very knowledgeable about pop-ups. Can you help me find a pop-up to rent for a weekend camping trip.

I have never used a pop-up, but I am interested in them. So renting one is the best way for me to get familiar with them.

Online searches have come up short. All I can find are dealers who sell pop-ups. Any help will be welcome.

THANK YOU.
~tara

[wavery]

Thanks for the info everyone.  I actually stopped by to look at the camper with my wife and kids last night.  I ran most of the checklist to include complete breakdown and setup.  Along with the cut in the window there was a patched hole on the roof.  

     I asked if he would take $2700 and he said yes immediately.  I should have told him a lower price but I'm not much of a negotiator.  I don't enjoy it much.  I decided to look around at the price for new models to see the difference.  I realized that anything over $2000 probably isn't worth it in the long run considering I can get a new one a little smaller for $6500 and that includes a warranty.  
 
Wavery,
     Thanks for letting me know the window replacement costs.  I didn't figure that into my asking price.
     You are right about me not getting too excited.  I have made bad car purchases in the past because I got too wrapped up in the car and didn't want that to happen again.  I do understand what you mean though.  If I don't feel that this is definitely the right one for us then we shouldn't buy it.

Kevin

That "patched hole on the roof" could be problematic. I'd check that out real closely. If he got water in there, you could be asking for a heap of problems.

[ScouterMom]

not to scare you - but it might pay to take a look at the 'Mr. fix it' section of the site - just to see what kinds of things happen to old PUP's and neglected newer PUPs.  It's amazing how great something can 'look' but hide some major problems underneath.  Water in a PUP can cause some really extensive damage, and if dried out completely, may not look bad at all.  But a tiny bit of water will turn it to mush again, worse & faster than before.  

If you are handy, some things can be fixed easily - others are huge projects that might not be worth tackling,  :confused: unless the repair of the camper is a much a hobby to you as camping in it is! (for some of us, we really get 'into' our modifications, repairs and remodeling  :-() LOL!)

If you know anyone who already owns a PUP - have them give you a 'tour' of theirs - how it goes up and down, things they've learned, things they wish they had chosen differently.  They may not be the same choices your family wants, but being around some PUP's up close may give you a better idea what to look for.  If you tent camp now, talk to some PUP owners at the campsites.  Many are very friendly and would love to talk about their campers!

Laura

[archer]

we looked at used pups for over year and decided to buy new. the used ones needed way 2 much work and ppl wanted way to much money. Seems like many ppl dont take very good care of their campers and if they are in good shape they ask more money than its worth. Just something to think about.