New guy here with question on potential pop up purchase

[jeezy]

Howdy,

New guy here looking for some thoughts as my wife and I look to purchase our first camper together.  I camped in pop-ups from birth until about 14 years old when my folks bought a larger trailer, then camped in a couple of those until selling it after my pop passed when I was in my mid twenties.  Since then, it's been tent-camping once or twice a year until the first son came along three years ago.  

Now, mid 30's with two very small boys, my wife and I are looking to get back into serious camping with a pop-up purchase.  It's been so long that I'm kind of out of the loop on available products today.  

We set out today looking for used trailers at a couple dealers, but were surprised to find out new models are going for the same or less right now.  We're looking at a Jayco for $7,100 or a Rockwood for $6,300.  Each 10 foot box.  Each with A/C and similar amenities, though the Rockwood has heated beds and a screen room.  

My question is, what's the reputation of these makes?  Is one considered better quality?  We prefer the asthetics and floor plan of the Jayco and are leaning that way.  Though the Rockwood sounds like a better bargain.    As I said, it's been awhile.  Any experiences or input would be appreciated.

[kdbh17]

Hi Jeezy!
Many people will probably weigh in on which popup is better but I personally found that the thing that helped us the most was to find a reputable dealer with a reliable service department.  We had serious roof issues with our first PUP (a Fleetwood) and if it had not been for the reputable dealer who got us a new roof under warranty and the first rate service department who did all they could to patch and fix the roof so we could enjoy our camper until the new roof arrived, we would have been in serious trouble.  We are not mechanically minded people so a good RV dealer with a reliable service department that will take the time to explain things to you without charging you to death has been worth its weight in gold to us.

As far as the camper itself, we find AC to be a godsend.  Of course, we live in Georgia and it does stay very warm here for several months out of the year.  However, if you think you might want to travel far out of state during the summer with your pup, I would buy one with AC.   With the heat and humidity of the summer in so many states, I don't think you would regret having it. I've known of too many people who tried to install AC after the purchase and had major roof issues.  Also, with two kids, we find the cassette toilet to be a blessing in the middle of the night.  It never fails-it will be pouring rain outside, we will be sound asleep, and someone needs to go to the bathroom.  With a cassette toilet, the kids can go in the camper and they don't even wake us up!

I hope this helps.  Good luck in your search!

[CajunCamper]

Welcome aboard Jeezy.

First let me say that I agree 100% with what kdbh17 posted. There are many different manufacturers of pop ups out there and everyone has their opinion on which is best. We own a 1997 Coleman Santa Fe and although it is a great pop up, over the years we have had issues with it. All pop ups are going to have issues, none of them are perfect, just remember that. As kdbh17 said, find a good reputable dealer that you can depend on and that's probably going to be your ace in the hole down the road.

If you are buying new, check out the warranties of each manufacturer and see how they compare. When I bought my pop up Coleman (now Fleetwood) was using a one piece ABS roof on their pop ups. This roof was going to revolutionize the industry. It had many pluses that we liked and as a matter of fact, the one piece roof was one of the selling points in my eyes. When I joined this website some time after my purchase people started talking about how their ABS roofs were starting to sink in the middle. Many long discussions about this topic took place and Coleman finally decided that the ABS roof had issues. Two years ago mine finally sunk, but Coleman had a lifetime warranty on the roof and the lift system and they replaced it. I did pay for shipping, but the roof was replaced. Take your time, look for an RV show in your area and go to it. This gives you the opportunity to look at all the brands at one time and visit with the factory reps and the local dealers in one day. Narrow your choices down and decide what will work best for you and your family. I'm sure you'll make the right choice.

Good luck with your search.

CajunCamper

[ronerjones]

Very good question, we bought our first new to us PUP at the beginning of the summer. I looked at several models and liked the floor plan of the Coleman/Fleetwood the best but they were also the most expensive. I looked at several other models in hopes to find something more affordable. After attending a local show and visitting the only PUP dealer within 40 miles I realized that there was not a dealer in the South Florida area that sold anything other than Fleetwood. I quickly made my mind up that I was going to have to pony up for the Fleetwood If I wanted to have dealer support after my purchase. Although I did not purchase from a dealer I have stopped by with questions and had the dealer do a minor repair for me. It is very important that you have the whole package.

[jeezy]

Thanks for the replies.

We're going to look at the Fleetwoods tomorrow night before making a final decision by the weekend.  We're leaning Jayco.

Growing up, we had a Viking that I loved and I would not mind looking at them, but there are no dealers in our area...so for that reason they are out of the question.  Plus, I've found out many repairs to the Rockwood, even though bought at a dealer 20 minutes from us, would have to be done in Richmond, IN about 1 hour away.  

Thanks again for the replies.  It looks like this forum is going to be a great resource in the future.

[wavery]

A lot has to do with how mechanical you are. If you are willing and able to take on some projects yourself, you can save a bundle (like half) by purchasing from a private party. You mainly need to know how to identify major problems like roof leaks and rotting floors. Those are the biggies.

We purchased our 2002 Coleman Tacoma from a private party in 2005 and it was like brand new. We have been on some 30 camp-outs with it and have had very few problems with it (other than a little wind-damage) and nothing that I haven't been able to handle myself. We paid about half of what dealers were asking for the same model, in not as good shape.

You might want to go up to the "Search" box and put in "buying a used" and see what you come up with. There is lots of good advise in there.  

The other thing about buying from a private party is, if you find an honest seller (which most are), they will tell you what is wrong with the trailer, if you ask. If you ask the dealer, he has no experience with that camper and may not tell you if he did know (which he probably wouldn't). You still need to know what to look for and make sure that it is fixed before you take delivery.

This is the ideal time of the year to purchase from a private party. Camping season is over......daddy just bought a new rig for next season and has to dump his PU to avoid storage charges. There are a lot more sellers out there, right now, then buyers. Most buyers wait 'till spring to get the camping bug. Even if you shop the dealers, offer them half of what they are asking. They know the score and they want the PUs off of their lot. They only have used PUs because someone bought a new rig from them and forced them to take it in trade. PUs are a pain to a dealer. They are hard to show, time consuming to sell, take up space and are a general pain. Some dealers won't even handle them.

[jeezy]

We've kept our eye open for private sellers.  Classifieds, Craigs List, trader mags, etc.  Any within 5 years of new that we have seen were going for fairly close to what the dealers are quoting us for new ones.  And there really don't appear to be many out there for sale around us, anyway.  We actually started the search with the idea to buy pre-owned.  Heck, we buy all of our cars pre-owned and that's worked out well for us.  We just aren't seeing much out there at any value.  

As for my mechanical inclination.  I'm terrible, but that won't stop me from trying to modify every last corner of this trailer.   :p

We had a nice overhead cabinet set-up over the galley in our old Viking that had to be installed with each set-up.  With my old man passed away, I'm going to have a hell of a time remembering how he did it.  

Thanks for the continued input.  The Mrs. and I are giddy as hell about doing this.

[tlhdoc]

I have to agree with the others about having a good dealer.  List what you like and don't like about each model.  Decide what you "need".  Some things like air conditioning are easy to add after the purchase.  AC units are normally put on PUs at the local dealer.  Other options like a hot water system are more expensive to add after the purchase.  When you decide on the model, go spend some time in the trailer with the whole family.  Try out the table, the beds, etc.  Spend an hour or more in the trailer and really try it out. Good luck on finding the perfect PU for your family.  

[austinado16]

Welcome!

I'm with Wayne(Wavery) on the buy used, fix it yourself trick.  Especially if you guys can sit and watch for the right camper to "pop up" over the next couple of months.  With the couple thousand bucks you save, you can yourself a nice basic set of Craftsman tools, a bunch of nice camping gear and other mods, and still be money way ahead.

But, as you said, there might not be anything within a reasonable driving distance from you.  You know the market in your area better than anyone.

Remember to buy according to what you can safely tow......and get stopped!

I think if I had 7 large to spend on a PUP, I'd spend about 2 of it on a camper and the rest on a fuel injected mid-90's Yukon or Suburban, and travel in comfort!

[jeezy]

Looks like it may be a 2003 Coleman Cheyenne.

[jeezy]

Looks like it may be a 2003 Coleman Cheyenne.

Or not.  

It sold the night before we got there, but our salesman didn't know it at the time.  So, a 2003 Rockwood Premier 1904 it is.  This I know for a fact as it is now sitting in the driveway.  

Can't wait to outfit that sucker and get out there.  

My boys, 3 yrs and 17 mos already love it.  They climb up in the bunks and laugh and squeal at people outside the window.  The older turned three this weekend and his aunt presented him with his very own camping lantern.  He's ready.

[wavery]

Welcome!

I'm with Wayne(Wavery) on the buy used, fix it yourself trick.  Especially if you guys can sit and watch for the right camper to "pop up" over the next couple of months.  With the couple thousand bucks you save, you can yourself a nice basic set of Craftsman tools, a bunch of nice camping gear and other mods, and still be money way ahead.

But, as you said, there might not be anything within a reasonable driving distance from you.  You know the market in your area better than anyone.

Remember to buy according to what you can safely tow......and get stopped!

I think if I had 7 large to spend on a PUP, I'd spend about 2 of it on a camper and the rest on a fuel injected mid-90's Yukon or Suburban, and travel in comfort!

Actually.....I really wasn't thinking "Fixer-upper". I was thinking more of being able to deal with small things that might come-up after the sale, so that the dealer is a non-issue.

If a person is not mechanically inclined, it may be risky buying from a private party because it may be more difficult to identify possible defects. It may also be harder or more expensive to get repairs done if you didn't buy your camper from the place that you take it to get repaired.

Buying a "Fixer-upper" can be VERY risky if you are not quite talented and want a "Hobby". There is a very good chance that a fixer-upper could end up costing a lot more than paying more for a camper in good shape.

I can only emphasize that the "asking price" may mean very little to some private party sellers. Most people use NADA or some other internet research to establish an "Asking price". After-all, some asking-price must be established. However, many private parties are quite anxious to relieve themselves of their additional property. In many cases, the seller has already taken delivery of a new camper and will take any reasonable offer to relieve themselves of the additional storage requirement.  

[jeezy]

Buying from a dealer as opposed to a private seller came down to financing options.  We had an amount of cash ready to plunk down on a used PUP, but instead financed and are taking that cash and wiping out our only existing credit card debt.  Essentially trading one payment for another and we will make double payments on the PUP and pay it off very quickly.  

It also came down to not finding anything we liked out there via classifieds, word of mouth, etc.   We were not exactly patient, honestly.  But as the other thread mentioned-fall is here with nice cool camping weather.  I didn't want to spend it scouring ads for a deal that might never show up.

[wavery]

Buying from a dealer as opposed to a private seller came down to financing options.  We had an amount of cash ready to plunk down on a used PUP, but instead financed and are taking that cash and wiping out our only existing credit card debt.  Essentially trading one payment for another and we will make double payments on the PUP and pay it off very quickly.  

It also came down to not finding anything we liked out there via classifieds, word of mouth, etc.   We were not exactly patient, honestly.  But as the other thread mentioned-fall is here with nice cool camping weather.  I didn't want to spend it scouring ads for a deal that might never show up.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

I missed that you had already purchased. You actually posted that while I was writing my post (and working at the same time).

[jeezy]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

I missed that you had already purchased. You actually posted that while I was writing my post (and working at the same time).

Thanks.  We are thrilled to have found one we like and in our range.  And even more excited to have it sitting in the driveway.  Our Xterra tows it like a champ and I'm itching to get out somewhere.  It looks like that will happen the first weekend in November.

Thanks for all questions answered in this thread.  I'm sure I'll have many more as we get out there.