Noob here: About to buy a used PUP

rcompton · Mar 01, 2008, 04:40 AM

I am going to pick up a 2000 Coleman Fairview this weekend. Being beyond new to all this, and wanting something to use with my wife and 4 year old twins (and maybe some fishing w/my brother in law) I was hoping for some advice/verification. The PUP is in good shape, very solid floor/roof, smells new, Sunbrella canvas looks great (with a little 'graying', maybe it could be cleaned up?). It has a 3-way fridge, A/C unit (just serviced and works great), glide out dinette and two king size beds (this was one of my top priorities). No potty/shower (didn't really want them....). Wasnt used a ton, so they say (and doesn't look like it was....)

I have looked at about 10-12 and only found a couple with the bigger beds. I really like the glide-out/slide out dinetee as it really makes it seem roomy inside. I can get this one for $2,000, and it turns out my brother in law knows the seller. It is priced lower than many of the others I have looked at, or has more space than comparable priced units.

I will tow it with my 2003 4x4 Expedition w/tow package, BIL will tow with a Dodge Ram.

Sound like a good deal? Any known issues with Colemans, or Colemans of this vintage? I am in Atlanta.... many of the PUPs I see listed on craigslist seem to go quick, so I jumped on this one, went to look at it, then told them I would come get it, so they are willing to hold it until this weekend is up.

thanks for any advice!

xjcrawler · Mar 01, 2008, 05:06 AM

I would jump on that deal.

motoboss2002 · Mar 01, 2008, 07:56 AM

Sounds like a good deal to me.

AzRon · Mar 01, 2008, 08:13 AM

Sounds like a good deal to me congrats. I agree with you the slide out dinette makes a world of difference in room, when we bought ours(Fleetwood williamsburg) we sat in it and imagined being in it when raining(i know, i know it dosen't rain when you camp :eyecrazy: ) You might want to get a porta-potty for the little ones at night for those "i have to gooo now!!" times.

Have fun and enjoy it. AzRon

xjcrawler · Mar 03, 2008, 01:45 PM

So, did you get it? How about pics on a great deal?

ScouterMom · Mar 04, 2008, 07:12 PM

I'd jump on it, too.

The only issue I ahave heard of with colemans is the ABS roof's sagging - and I think that was on ones before 2000. I'm not a colman expert, so I'd check around and look carefully at the roof. But otherwise, it sounds like a GREAT deal.

laura

austinado16 · Mar 04, 2008, 09:20 PM

Welcome and ........... hit that!!! Congrats on your killer find!

wavery · Mar 04, 2008, 09:30 PM

Quote from: ScouterMomI'd jump on it, too.

The only issue I ahave heard of with colemans is the ABS roof's sagging - and I think that was on ones before 2000. I'm not a colman expert, so I'd check around and look carefully at the roof. But otherwise, it sounds like a GREAT deal.

laura

I'm pretty sure that PU has an ABS roof. However, that doesn't mean that it's bad. Not all ABS roofs fail but if it is warped the cost to replace the roof would be more than the camper.

I would be a little suspicious as to why he is selling so cheap. He could get twice that easily. Sounds like a really good deal if the roof is OK.

Just check to see if it fits tight all the way around. If the roof is warped, you can tell when you put the roof down (before latching it). 1 or 2 sides will not meet the box evenly and the warping may be obvious.

Micksc · Mar 05, 2008, 03:21 AM

I've got a 00 Coleman Cheyenne that we use regularly and really like. Paid $3200 for it last year. Sounds like a good deal. Mine has the ABS roof, no Probs. so far. Mick

rcompton · Mar 06, 2008, 02:27 PM

We did get it. I will get some pics up a little later. Roof is in perfect shape, everything seems to work great. Only a couple little issues: Some of the trim is popping out of the countertops (why use MDF on something that is going to get this much change in humidity??), and small crack in the table (we 'repaired' with some angle iron/screws/liquid nails.... plan to replace w/plywood) and no awning. There was an awning: We found the rail still in the receiver on the roof, and some poles in a bag in the pup, guess we will need to replace. We are swapping tires, just to be safe. Otherwise, everything seems great. Kids have named it already, and can't wait until the 1st trip. ("Poppy" - hey, they are four, that is about as imaginative as it gets....

)

We felt it was a steal, and they had over 70 responses to their ad. Glad they held it for us!

Thanks, all...

wavery · Mar 06, 2008, 02:36 PM

Quote from: rcomptonWe did get it. I will get some pics up a little later. Roof is in perfect shape, everything seems to work great. Only a couple little issues: Some of the trim is popping out of the countertops (why use MDF on something that is going to get this much change in humidity??), and small crack in the table (we 'repaired' with some angle iron/screws/liquid nails.... plan to replace w/plywood) and no awning. There was an awning: We found the rail still in the receiver on the roof, and some poles in a bag in the pup, guess we will need to replace. We are swapping tires, just to be safe. Otherwise, everything seems great. Kids have named it already, and can't wait until the 1st trip. ("Poppy" - hey, they are four, that is about as imaginative as it gets.... )

We felt it was a steal, and they had over 70 responses to their ad. Glad they held it for us!

Thanks, all...

If I were you, I'd grab one of these awnings:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/A-E-TRIM-LINE-11-AWNING-CAMPER-POP-UP-PICKUP_W0QQitemZ140212694938QQihZ004QQcategoryZ50069QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

A few of us have bought them from this seller and they are great awnings. They're far better than the original factory awning and they under half of retail price. Don't wait. I don't think he has many left. Some here are kicking themselves for not getting his 9' ones before he ran out.

dkutz · Mar 06, 2008, 02:38 PM

Quote from: waveryIf I were you, I'd grab one of these awnings:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/A-E-TRIM-LINE-11-AWNING-CAMPER-POP-UP-PICKUP_W0QQitemZ140212694938QQihZ004QQcategoryZ50069QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

A few of us have bought them from this seller and they are great awnings. They're far better than the original factory awning and they under half of retail price. Don't wait. I don't think he has many left. Some here are kicking themselves for not getting his 9' ones before he ran out.

Hell i am not sure he ran out, I have never heard back from him!

rcompton · Mar 07, 2008, 02:51 PM

Here are a few pics from the seller. We have cleaned it up a bit, and are working on a few projects, I will take pics along the way....

AZsix · Mar 07, 2008, 03:36 PM

You got a sweet deal my friend. Congratualations! I'm sure you will get much enjoyment out of it.

campinfool · Mar 07, 2008, 03:52 PM

GREAT find, that one did have an abs being that year, but that is a one of the replacement roofs put on under warranty! Have fun with it!

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Noob here: About to buy a used PUP