(?) for Popup owners:

[KunneKamper]

I am a 47 year old husband and father of 7, and have been a camper since I was 5. (1967 Apache Pop Green Canvas over Gold aluminum box)
I spent 18 years as an mechanical engineer in the automobile industry, which, needless to say, at this point and time is not a favorable career.

I have been working a tent/popup concept for about 7 years now, and before I make my first prototype I would like to be able to gather some Voice of the Customer information.

I have a few (?) for Popup owners:
A) How long did you tent camp before making the jump?
B) What was the deciding factor in making the jump? (time to get off the ground, camping experience when it rained etc.)
C) When you finally made the jump, what was the make / model / New or used / cost / Year
D) Did it meet your expectations?

Thank you so much for your time

KunneKamper

[Camp&Fish]

A)  I just bought my first pop-up this year near my 32nd birthday, and all I had ever done was tent camp.  I was only really serious about it for the last 12 years or so.  By serious, I mean at least 3 times a year, and usually 4 or 5.

B)  I had been wanting a pop-up for years, but the deciding factor came last year on a camping and fishing trip with my dad, uncle and cousin at Granger Lake southeast of Austin.  The wind was blowing so hard, it broke two of the very large fiberglass poles on my Coleman Lakeside tent.  Luckily, my uncle had his pop-up, so my cousin and I took refuge in there for the rest of the trip.

C)  I bought a brand new 2008 Fleetwood E1 from a dealer.  I got it for $2000 less than a 2009 model year Coleman E1.

D)  Absolutely.  It has actually exceeded my expectations and I love it.  I just used it this past weekend and it performed flawlessly.  I know I made the right choice.

[CajunCamper]

I have a few (?) for Popup owners:
A) How long did you tent camp before making the jump?

I started tent camping as a child and still tent camp today. My wife first started tentcamping when she married me 23 years ago. My children started tent camping from the time they were a matter of months old. So even though we bought a pop up 12 years ago we still tent camp.

B) What was the deciding factor in making the jump? (time to get off the ground, camping experience when it rained etc.)

We live in the deep south and enjoy camping year around but the dog days of summer make it very difficult to have a good nights sleep sometimes. So we decided to buy a pop up with an AC so we could extend our camping season. We also wanted to take some longer trips and decided we might be better off doing a 7 to 10 day camping trip in a pop up.

C) When you finally made the jump, what was the make / model / New or used / cost / Year

We bought a 1997 Coleman Santa Fe brand new for $5600 which included an AC plus an awning and an add-a-room.

D) Did it meet your expectations?

It exceeded our expectations and still does today.

Thank you so much for your time

KunneKamper

[ronerjones]

Great thread even if you are not designing a new Pop-Up

I am 44 years old, started tent camping about 12 years ago. It was primarily my 2 girls and I as we are involved in a father daughter organization that camps several times a year. Always wanted a camper as far back as I could remember. The girls talked Mom into going on a family camp-out and she was hooked, wanted to go every weekend. Unfortunately Summer hit and we were done camping for a few months. We bought a camper so that we could camp all year round.

1. we tent camped for about 11 years prior to buying a camper
2. we bought to extend our camping season into the summer (a/c gotta have it)
3. we bought a 2002 Coleman Utah - bought it used in 2007 - it was in better than new condition, garage kept - and we paid $7,000.00 for it
4. It has met our expectations

Just thought I would add my likes and dislikes about the Pop-Up
Like: its tent like - easy to set up - easy to store when not in use - inexpensive - ours has more than ample space and amenities
Dislikes: Set-up and break down can be time consuming - Have to pop-up in order to get inside when at home - little to no insulation

[Venture37]

A) How long did you tent camp before making the jump?
Never tent camped
B) What was the deciding factor in making the jump? (time to get off the ground, camping experience when it rained etc.)
I went camping with my wifes uncle and in joyed, driving one day I found a 81 with a bad roof and i pick it up for 450.00 and repaired it. Used it for 5 years.
C) When you finally made the jump, what was the make / model / New or used / cost / Year
Now I am on my 3 popup camper it is 2003 Jayco eagle 14so bought it in 2007 for 2900.00 at auction

D) Did it meet your expectations?
yes it meet all my expectations, except For storage. Alway need more

Thank you so much for your time

KunneKamper[/QUOTE]

[4Campers]

Are you going to invent a new type of pup? Remember the economy. Looking at some new models last year I couldn't believe how many new amenities have been added to pups now, slide outs, microwaves, electronic controls, etc. Nice to have, yes, but the prices were way high.
Anyway;
1) Both of us tent camped as kids with family, tent camped while dating/engaged.
2) After the kids came along we felt that when we started camping again we should be off the ground, and of course wanted separate sleeping quarters!
3) Bought new in 1994 a Dutchmen 1002XS for 5K including the A/C and hitch/wiring to the TV.
4) NO, the first two years of ownership the thing spent a good 6-8 months in the shop. 3 new roofs and a total rebuild by the factory in '96 still didn't fix things. Got ignored by the mfr. for the remaining time of the warranty. Finally fixed it myself in 2005 after having to store it for 6 years. Now that's its finally waterproof -we like it.

[rtt108]

I have a few (?) for Popup owners:
A) How long did you tent camp before making the jump?
B) What was the deciding factor in making the jump? (time to get off the ground, camping experience when it rained etc.)
C) When you finally made the jump, what was the make / model / New or used / cost / Year
D) Did it meet your expectations?
KunneKamper

A - Tented until about age 35
B - Wife did not want to sleep on the ground, especially if it was rainy.
   Also it was more convienient with very young kids.
C - 93 Coleman Destiny, used, $800.  Top deciding factors were:  
   #1 CHEAP,
   #2 Light towing weight (we're old school, we tow with a small station wagon)
D - Perfectly!

I have looked into upgrading, but we have not found any suitable replacements on the market ... at least not at any local dealers (not very motivated either since the Coleman is holding up perfectly).  The single reason is, we cannot find a decent LIGHT small camper.  They all seem to be very heavy and over equipped.  

We're considering a teardrop, but they are a little tight for a family of 4.

Would love to find a ~ 800 lb dry weight pop-up that sleeps 4.  stove, table, couple of cabinets ... done.

My last TV was an ancient 4 banger Subaru.  Gonna give it a go with a Toyota Matrix this season.  Heavy campers are not an option.  We may go back to tenting.

[Tiffany]

We just bought our PUP last month; here are my answers to your questions:

1.  My dad took our family camping occasionally starting when I was about 6.  (I'm in my mid-30s now)  I have continued to camp frequently in my adult life because my husband and I both love being in the outdoors.

2.  We bought our PUP for a number of reasons.  I was tired of sleeping on the ground, we both wanted better climate control options (heat and a/c are nice!), we now have a baby and didn't want to tent-camp with a baby, we wanted a little more protection from the elements.

3.  We bought a used 1989 Starcraft Galaxy that we found on Craigslist.  We decided to buy used because it was A LOT cheaper than buying new and we wanted to make sure we would enjoy the RV lifestyle before spending tons of cash.  We made a list of what we wanted the camper to have (water heater, awning, heat) and what we absolutely had to have (a/c, good canvas, good floors, queen or bigger bed on at least one end).

4.  We've been on a few trips so far, and the PUP has indeed met our expectations.  Set up time is maybe 10 minutes more than setting up a tent, but the amenities available with a PUP are well worth the extra time.  I don't know if I'll ever get one of those "rolling condo" rigs, but I will never again tent camp.  We love the RV lifestyle!

[PattieAM]

In my 50's now.  Was a tent camper since mid-20's, and in 2004, the packing/unpacking/setting up/taking down became too much and too painful (diagnosed with RA).  Rather than give up camping, I changed camping styles and bought a popup camper with potty/shower, etc.

Best investment I've made in years!

[MotherNature]

Dear Kunne Kamper,

A) How long did you tent camp before making the jump?   Our parents did NOT camp, but DH and I were relatively adventurous; we tent camped for 5 years before children and bought the camper in Jun 06.
B)  We bought the PUP because:  1) being in a tent on a rainy day with your spouse can be fun; being in a tent ALL day on a rainy day with 8- and 10- year olds is NOT (they are wonderful children but the key word here is 'children',  2) our tent became rather crowded as the boys grew; we'd need to buy them a separate tent 3) being the paranoid mother that I am, I wasn't comfortable with them sleeping by themselves 4) DH developed back problems and can no longer adapt to sleeping on the ground 5) storage of camping equipment - at the time, we had a 900 square-foot house with no basement or garage (since enlarged it to 1100 s.f.) and storage of camping equipment (tent, sleeping bags, tarps) really was a challenge - the PUP allows all that stuff to be stored on the driveway (within the PUP) 6) Had a little extra $ and decided to invest in a PUP rather than the aforementioned separate tent, etc. 7) A PUP would extend our camping season (having children out of rain and furnace capacity extended season 2 months at start and 1 month at finish).
C) We bought an 06 Fleetwood Sea Pine, new.  We couldn't buy used because DH's asthma is triggered by even really small amounts of pet dander; all used PUPs we visited (at various dealers) caused him to have an attack even though they were obviously 'detailed'.
D) Our expectations were more than met - rain no longer dictates the amount of fun we will have on camping trips.  We can go anywhere (Maine to Assateague Island, MD) and not have to worry about being rained out, too cold, or too wet.  All camping supplies can be stored in the camper; organization and use of space has been simplified (important in a really small house!).  It's also much easier to hitch up the camper (with everything in it and bikes on top of it) than try and stuff everything into a vehicle.  Camping no longer makes DH's back problems flare up because of the 'bed'.  We camp from April to November in comfort.  I feel like I am spoiled with the sink and stove; personal hygiene (like washing hands and brushing teeth) in 'private' and being able to cook without wind interference or insects is a luxury!

[tverbryke]

We bought PUP from my parents (4 years old used twice) in 1996.  Had tent camped some as a child, husband had camped extensively (weeks at a time).
Actually bought the PUP so that we could camp MORE!  With everything inside, we just grabbed a small bag, a cooler and left!  Weekends were a breeze!  We have definitely gotten our money's worth!  Very much met our expectations.  Have looked at bigger hard side trailers and every time we have to set up/take down in the rain swear we are going to upgrade - but being inside one is just that BEING INSIDE.  Don't think I'll ever change from my open air PUP.

[weathertop]

A) How long did you tent camp before making the jump?
[COLOR="Blue"]I camped extensively with my family growing up, and then on my own, always in tents.[/COLOR]

B) What was the deciding factor in making the jump? (time to get off the ground, camping experience when it rained etc.)[COLOR="Blue"] Three major factors for making the switch:

• It was a huge amount of work and trouble to pack and unpack the car, to set up the campsite, and to store the camping equipment between trips.  The camper stores everything I need for camping.


• I wanted to provide better amenities for my family.  This includes things like A/C and heat, a living area and beds that are off the ground, and shelter from the rain.


• I wanted to get out of the rain.  I realized that when camping with a tent, a good rainstorm would basically ruin a trip for my family.  Now, we literally don't even notice.

[/COLOR]

C) When you finally made the jump, what was the make / model / New or used / cost / Year
[COLOR="Blue"]Started with a '92 Coleman Roanoke, about 10 years old at the time;  cost around $500.  Important factors were the very low cost of entry, the ease with which we could store this at our house, and the fact that we could tow its 8' box with our existing vehicle.

It worked well for 5 years, and then we decided to upgrade to a larger Bayside.[/COLOR]

D) Did it meet your expectations?
[COLOR="Blue"]The Roanoke met our expectations very well.  The Bayside continues to exceed them every time out.[/COLOR]

[LACamper]

I Camped w/ either parents or friends in a campground until I was in my early 20's, then discovered backpacking. My wife would camp but not backpack so it was strictly a 'guys' thing.  It was great for a few years, then kids came along. Its hard to get away for those just guy things!
I came across a small popup just after recovering from Katrina (we're just outside N.O.). We didn't have time to use it. We moved and remodeled another house (after finishing rebuilding from Katrina, no we're not nuts, but needed to relocate due to new traffic patterns). We got a lab pup. The lab pup decided the camper made a good chew toy. We still hadn't used it much. The wife finally admits she wants a larger camper with a private bath. She doesn't like the lack of cleanliness in the campgrounds around here she says. She's come a long way from dry camping in a tent! I sell the popup for what I had in it, after reparing all the damage the dog did! I even found most of the pieces of the door she pulled off :yikes:

Now, the dog is settling down some and we're looking at campers again. The carport only has a 7.5' ceiling so it has to be a popup or hi-low. We're also starting to shop for a tow vehicle to go with it.

Any suggestions?

[sacrawf]

A) How long did you tent camp before making the jump?
About 35 years.

B) What was the deciding factor in making the jump? (time to get off the ground, camping experience when it rained etc.)
1. The ability to attend bicycle races and centuries rested and not stiff from sleeping on a gym floor or in a tent.
2. Our desire to extend camping season longer by having the furnace and heated matresses.
3. The desire to come back from camping rested instead of worn out.
4. The ability to be maintain readiness to just hitch and go camping at a moment's notice and without the time loading and unloading camping equipment into the car or truck.
5. The desire to encourage normally non-camping family members to join us with the comforts afforded by popup.

C) When you finally made the jump, what was the make / model / New or used / cost / Year
1.  We decided upon new so we would not be buying someone else's problems or lack of maintainance.  We bought a 2006 Rockwood 1610 with all available options at a dealership 165 miles away instead of closer dealers because they were willing to answer of our questions as new popup buyers.  Other closer dealerships seemed bothered by speaking with just a popup buyer, and wanted to steer us to other types of RV's.

D) Did it meet your expectations?
Exceeded!  Despite the learning curve that is met only by experience, we have no regrets, and will consider upgrading with a new highwall Flagstaff or Rockwood some day.
Thank you so much for your time

[ScouterMom]

As mentioned before - Great thread!

A) How long did you tent camp before making the jump?
 
I'm 49 - so about that long. grew up tent camping with family and girl scouts.  I still tent camp some  - mostly on canoe trips, and until last year,  with my son's scout troop. He earned his Eagle and turned 18 last summer, so probably no more scout trips.


B) What was the deciding factor in making the jump? (time to get off the ground, camping experience when it rained etc.)

I'm a single mom.  When Jon was in grade school, I liked to take him camping, but I had a mid-size car with a VERY small trunk. (our cooler had to ride in the front seat, as it didn't fit in the trunk and the rear doors would not open wide enough for it)  I also worked full time - so we'd pack up on  Friday night after school/work; drive to the campground, unpack, set up, and then on Sunday load up the trunk again, drive home, and unpack the whole car so I could drive to work on Monday.  it took ALOT of planning and work.  

I was actually looking for a (used) small flatbed or low-wall trailer that I could keep all of our camping gear on/ in, ALL the time, so I wouldn't have to load/ unload so much, When a friend of a friend mentioned he had a tiny, old Pop-up for sale.  I looked at it and bought it for $200.  I don't remember the weight, but the box was about 5' wide by 8' long. it was small enough to be towed by my Olds Cierra easily, we could push it around a campsite like a large wheelbarrow!  It needed some repairs, and my son (even at 8 or 9, he was handy like mom!) and I fixed it up.  After that, camping was a breeze - all our gear was already in the camper, there was NO car/ gear packing needed - all we had to do was throw clothes in a bag, food in the cooler, hook  up the trailer, and we were off.  It had electrical hook up, a propane indoor/ outdoor hookup stove and sink (I removed the H2O tank, and the built-in foam cooler as I needed the storage space)  Setting up the pup was no more difficult than our tent,  and infinately more comfortable, esp if it rained or turned cold.   Two features we quickly came to love  were:
1. The stove - as it meant we didn't HAVE to build a fire for cooking - it was nice to be able to have a sandwich and some mac N cheese, or heat some soup, quick.  French toast or pancakes are much easier on stove than on a fire, too - so our breakfasts were generally better.
2.  The indoor table.  I am a 'mosquito magnet'.  We had a screen house we took tent camping sometimes - (another 'extra to pack and set up) but since it was usually just me and Jon, we could comfortably sit at the table inside and play board games, eat, or read  - and everything was ALREADY right there.  no having to get my book out of my bag in the tent first and set up a lawn chair, or having to get a game out of the car and move it into the screen room.... better yet, if we went off to do something else, we could leave a game set up, and not worry about wind blowing it away or a light rain getting to it.  



C) When you finally made the jump, what was the make / model / New or used / cost / Year

First PUP - 1976 Starcraft StarLite,  purchased used around 1998(?) for $200.Came equipped with 2 burner indoor/ outdoor stove, sink and tank, cooler and electric hook up (no battery)

2nd PUP - 1973 Starcraft Starmaster 6 - purchase used in 2005(?) for $400. However, I've probably put about $800 worth of repairs and improvements into it as it was in much worse shape than the first one.  It's more than twice the floor space of the Starlite, but still simple and fairly light. This one has a furnace, 3 burner Indoor stove, sink & tank, cooler and electric hook up (no battery) dual propane tanks.


D) Did it meet your expectations?  yes, and then some.  Not having to do all that loading and unloading made Mom a 'happy camper' again!



I like  to look at the 'new' campers - but when I see the price tags, I just can't justify the expense.  They get more and more luxurious - and yet, when it comes down to what WE enjoy about camping, being 'new' or having more amenities that have to be maintained is just not worth the expense to me.  (yet :p )  I do find myself drawn more to the newer, lightweight ones that can also be used to carry other things, or convert in different ways. Basically, a tent on a platform with a bit of storage.


Good luck on your design and ideas - can't wait to see what you come up with!

Laura