looking for a popup to fit

[J.T.BOND]

I've been looking into  buying a popup but don't know if I'm looking for the right thing.Most of the ones I've been able to look at are by Jayco  but I don't know if I really need one that big.  I'm a retired fire fighter and it's just the better half and I plus our two small dogs.It seems most al the ones I've seen are pretty big to be pulled by a Nissan fronteer and I was wondering if anyone might know of anything smaller than the " sleeps 4/6" types. I'm hoping to find an older one in pretty good shape to pull to Boise this summer. Maybe later on we can use it for camping out( if we get the time) The little tear drop types would be TO small for us to use.lol Unless I'm mistaken i think I've seen a popup that only has one slide out, is that true ?  
     I've enjoyed reading the posts in the forum they've given me a lot of help in asking questions when I call someone about one.
    The ideas you folks come up wth are amazing to say the least. It's almost like I belong here.
   Seeing as this is my first post in the forum I'm hoping you'll overlook my mistakes, and help an old man with this  problem.lol

[beacher]

You might prefer one of the smaller 8' and 10' box Fleetwood PopUps like the Taos or the Yuma.  Or, you may prefer a hard sided PopUp like an Aliner or a Chalet .  The smaller PopUps and the tiny hardsided Aframes comfortably sleep 1 to 3 people, and a couple of dogs!

[wavery]

WELCOME TO PUT!!!!!!

It looks like there are quite a few to choose from in your area:
http://houston.craigslist.org/search/rvs?query=pop+up&minAsk=min&maxAsk=max

[J.T.BOND]

Thanks beacher for the websites. They look nice really.
 Guess i forgot to mention that $ is a factor in looking for one.
  Seems that most of them I've looked at need work on the roof or the cables. How would I go about finding out how to re-run the cables if they are broken, does anyone know?
  Thank You Wavery for the welcome. I've read some of the posts that you have put up and they've given me a  lot of info and laughter about camping.lol
  R ight now I'm waiting for a lady to get back to me on a "93" Jayco that is spose to be in good shape but is needing pully cables to be fixed.  I tell ya, I've looked at so many so far this last two weeks they're starting to run together in my head.gotta lotta space in there so shouldn't be to crowded.lol
  I can hardly wait to start customizing it to fit what we're wanting.
  I guess the main reason I'm looking is taht we're spose to go to Boise in a few months and we usually stay at my sister in laws. They don't have all the rom in the world so we usually end up sleeping on the floor. With a popup we'll have some place to sleep .lol

[AZsix]

Thanks beacher for the websites. They look nice really.
 Guess i forgot to mention that $ is a factor in looking for one.
  Seems that most of them I've looked at need work on the roof or the cables. How would I go about finding out how to re-run the cables if they are broken, does anyone know?
  Thank You Wavery for the welcome. I've read some of the posts that you have put up and they've given me a  lot of info and laughter about camping.lol
  R ight now I'm waiting for a lady to get back to me on a "93" Jayco that is spose to be in good shape but is needing pully cables to be fixed.  I tell ya, I've looked at so many so far this last two weeks they're starting to run together in my head.gotta lotta space in there so shouldn't be to crowded.lol
  I can hardly wait to start customizing it to fit what we're wanting.
  I guess the main reason I'm looking is taht we're spose to go to Boise in a few months and we usually stay at my sister in laws. They don't have all the rom in the world so we usually end up sleeping on the floor. With a popup we'll have some place to sleep .lol

I have an 88 and one of my cables went out on me. Luckily I was at home getting it ready for a trip and was able to turn to this forum for help. I got a lot of great advice along with diagrams of my cable system. I didn't have a clue to what I was doing but managed to get the job done myself for about $12 in parts at Home Depot.  It really wasn't that difficult and I am not all that handy. I guess what I am saying is don't let that scare you especially if you can get a good deal. There are some good deals out there if you have the time to look for them. Craigs List would probably have some if you haven't looked there yet.

Good luck in your hunt and let us know how it turns out.

[flyfisherman]

I've been looking into  buying a popup but don't know if I'm looking for the right thing.Most of the ones I've been able to look at are by Jayco  but I don't know if I really need one that big.  I'm a retired fire fighter and it's just the better half and I plus our two small dogs.It seems most al the ones I've seen are pretty big to be pulled by a Nissan fronteer and I was wondering if anyone might know of anything smaller than the " sleeps 4/6" types. I'm hoping to find an older one in pretty good shape to pull to Boise this summer. Maybe later on we can use it for camping out( if we get the time) The little tear drop types would be TO small for us to use.lol Unless I'm mistaken i think I've seen a popup that only has one slide out, is that true ?  
     I've enjoyed reading the posts in the forum they've given me a lot of help in asking questions when I call someone about one.
    The ideas you folks come up wth are amazing to say the least. It's almost like I belong here.
   Seeing as this is my first post in the forum I'm hoping you'll overlook my mistakes, and help an old man with this  problem.lol

Most all the major brands have smaller popups, like an 8' and 10' box and your Frontier ought to be able to handle most of them. Jayco certainly does ~ I have an 8' box Starcraft I've had for some time now, it's the 1706 model and presently it's changed to a 1707 -

http://www.starcraftrv.com/starcraft_folding_campers/starcraft_floorplans_ss.html

Use to pull it with a GMC Sonoma V-6 and it handled the little camper beautifully. For two people mine is just perfect for what I do and an easy tow.


Fly

[GrizzlyTaco]

J.T., you might check out the Jayco 801 J/Trax its small and very basic and not all that expensive. The weight is only1135 lbs. http://www.jayco.com/    ...........Ed C.

[ScouterMom]

I've changed the cable systems and repaired rotted roof boards in two vintage (read CHEAP) older, used PUP's.  It's not that hard.  there are lots of places online with all the diagrams and manuals for any of the common makes and models back 30, 40 years and more.  the few you can't find an exact diagram for, between this board and some others, we can help you find close instructions for.


You and your wife and furkids would've loved my first pup - two tiny fold-out double beds and a little table inside; the whole box was about 6' X 5'.  I pulled it with a front-wheel drive Olds Ciera!  It was perfect for a single mom and my then grade-school age son - we even had room for one of Jon's buddies or our Golden retreiver!

Now, however, my son is 6' 3", and usually brings along a friend - there's also my BF and his kids and grandkids and of course, our Golden, Fizzy. We usually have a tent or two extra of people along.  So for $400 last spring, I got a 10' box, sleeps 6(tightly) 1976 Starmaster 6.  It needed more work that I expected, but I knew the whole cable system was shot (it had trailing cables and they could not even open it!) and that didn't phase me a bit.  Like the others said, I could get all the parts I needed (except the pulleys) from our local hardware or farm supply store. If I wanted to, I could have ordered a kit for the whole shebang from starcraft - even for a 1976 camper.

Starcraft has amazing customer service!  as do many of the 'old' companies that have stayed around forever- like jayco.  Stick with the major brands, and you should be fine.

For an idea of what it takes to replace a lift system, take a look at my photo albums - I took detailed photos of all the work on my latest camper.  The cable system was by far the easiest part - so don't be afraid of tackling it.  I'm not going for beauty, or for 'vintage restoration' - simply trying to make the camper useable - watertight and bug proof, with working stove, etc.  and we have got it working and stable, and have had a ball camping with it.  I did run into much more wood replacement and even frame work than I ever expected - but I admittedly kinda bought a 'pig in a poke' as my dad would say.  Still, It's been worth it to my family, and I have spent very little money on the camper.


there ARE campers that have only one slide-out - but they are usually more custom order ones and newer - most people want the most sleeping space they can cram in with lots of kids.  Even if you don't use the beds for sleeping - you will find the other bunk usefull for clothes, and 'stuff'. and dropping  bunk really doesn't save you that much $.

Most of the 70's campers had 'double' beds - at the most, 5' wide, some were only 52"!   Once you get into the late 80's and 90's, queens become more common. (on at least ONE end of the camper) aside from the end beds, which count for sleeping 4 - if a camper says it sleeps 5-8 people, they are talking about sleeping on the lowered dinette, or a 'gaucho' couch - which will be too short and/ or narrow for a typical adult. So don't think that just because it SAYS it 'sleeps 6' means it's 'BIG".  it's not really that big! Anything other than those end bunks are really meant for kids!

Good luck and don't be afraid to ask for help  - we're really good at giving advice!  :p
LOL!  :yikes:

Laura

[J.T.BOND]

Laura? or anyone for that matter, how can I find out how to re-cable a popup? Are there websites that have the information? and how do I access it. I know I sound lost as a Christmas turkey, but I AM!!! My better halfs aunt gave me an old coeman puand the cables need working on. it'll need patching on the screens and canvas( mice got to it) and also probably replacing the beds. haven't had a chance to raise it up enough to see everything inside though. And for some reason I haven't been able to find wide tires like the ones that are on it. The last time this thing was tagged was in "95"
 and the weather down here in Texas hasn't been good to it. Good thing I'm retired for the Fire dept or I'd never get anything done.may not get it done yet.lol Anyway, thank you so much for your help littleone.

[beacher]

Laura? or anyone for that matter, how can I find out how to re-cable a popup?...

Here is an example for a 1998 Jayco List System .  Other manufacturers have different lift system designs.  

While the job of replacing and adjusting the cables on a PopUp is usually greasy and dirty because you are working underneath a trailer, it's not terribly difficult, if you are mechanically inclined.

There isn't a particular website that has specific lift system information.  However, the above link is from PopUpPortal.com .  They are well known for their depository of downloadable user manuals.



.

[austinado16]

Welcome!

First of all, these things are not rocket ships.  So they are easily repaired and worked on if you have even a small amount of mechanical ability.  Some repairs might be a bit tedious, but there's nothing that's really a big deal.  They're all cheaply built and cheaply assembled, so that they are both lightweight and economical to buy.  That works in your advantage when it's time to repair.

I know you've looked at a bunch of Jayco's but don't forget there are some other really great brands out there, and you might like them and their quality and features even more.  Especially the older models from the mid 80's.  Many times, you'll find they are much better built because the companies were using better materials back in the day.

Take a look at the Starcrafts.  They're only about 2,000-2,300lbs for their biggest 11' box models back in the day and they're chocked full of nice amenities.  $1,000-$2,000 get's you something very nice.....and sometimes less if you're willing to do a bit of work that has scared off others.

Take your time, you'll find a good one and get a bargain.

[J.T.BOND]

[OOOOOKKKKkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk, got a new problem. Wife's aunt gave me an old coleman popup and said the thing will not go up. Chceked it out and the   street side will raise but the curb side won't. Got underneith it and found out the cables are rusted through and hanging down under it:(. Aneone know how much trouble it is to  repalce them? Or about how much it should cost to get someone to do it? I know that the canvas is going to need patching because of mouses in he house but can't tell what all i have in store until I get it up.I've looked at the diagram on the" Camping trailor rof lifting systems" but they don't show much of the close up stuff on the virtical poles:(. Will I have to tear out things to get to it or does anyone know? for now ? 've got it sitting under an old barn overhang that has a lotta  Ollllllllld cow poop on the ground,lol but I'm moving it to my yard so I can be closer to my work shop, phone,help?and music. gotta have music when I'm workin on somethin.lol Anyway, any and all help will be most apreciated. I might even dance at ya wedding, funerial, barmitzfa, whatever, I work cheap....i'm easy too................BUT I'M NOT TRASHY.lol

[flyfisherman]

This site probably will not provide you any more information than you already know, except it might be a contact for someone to call who does. Might be worth a phone call.

http://www.customcylindersintinc.com/camper_trailer_roof_lift_system.htm



Fly

[J.T.BOND]

eeeeeeewwwweeeeeeeeee:S Disreguard last tranmission. Dragged it over and got most of it raised, pulled out the bed on the front ? not to bad, pulled out the screen and canvas on the back and the mouses had a field day:S Holes everywhere:S. Took it back and said' Thank ya, but I can't chew that much" So now it's back to looking..........again.lol

[J.T.BOND]

Welllllllllllll, I found one that i think fits the bill. "99" Rockwell, w/ ice box, heater, AC, removeable stove, floor replaced with 3/4" treated wood,new side boards on the top,crank down stabilizers, and a good spare, screens are good so is the canvas, cushions are good too, for $1200. Now to see if it's worth it all.