advice on buying a pop up 4 the 1st time ???

[snoobies]

hi,  i am new to this site,  just came accross it while looking for info on buying a used pop up 4 the 1st time.  we have been tent campers for the last 2 yrs and recently decided to upgrade

 so here i am hoping that i can get some good advice from all you pro's out there.  we really have no idea really as this will be our 1st time at this,  i have some what of an idea of what i want it have i.e, stove,fridge,heat/AC,a bathroom would be nice and sleep at least 6 (more the better tho).

 so what should i also be looking for as far as safety ect ect   we have a 6 yr old and a 2 yr old so this will be for family camping trips.  any input on this would be great.  thanks from the new newbies !!

[92_Flagstaff]

Welcome to the forums.  The two most important things to consider:

1)  Budget - allow some additional funds for accessories as well, as you'll quickly find out there tends to be lots of fun things to purchase once you own a pup

2)  Size/weight towing capacity.  This -may- limit what you can look for.

Once you have an idea of certain years/models that might be what you want, come back on here and search for reviews or scour online for other's experience with the same (similar) model.

Some makes/models have 'issues' that get worked out in other model years.  The condition of the lift system, and roof material is very important, followed shortly thereafter by the condition of the vinyl, sub floor, and rolling assembly (brakes/tires/hitch assemblies).

I am one of the people who believe most any manufacturer makes about the same trailer....  and any differences appear not in quality, but in features.  May be better to kick the tires on some new trailers at dealers in your area just to get to know how they operate, and get a good understanding of how well the dealer looks after its customers.  Even used, you may need to build a rapport with a local dealer.  No use buying model A, if only Model B and C have local dealers I suppose.  If it is older than mid-90's the dealer location becomes less important, as it normally is a DIY project to fix anything older than that. 

Don't drive away with a trailer before you've had a chance to set it up yourself, and take it down yourself.  A lot of anomalies will show up during that time.  Grab something to read, and hang out in the trailer for 1/2hr if the seller will let you.  Just sit back an soak it all in.  You may find that one layout serves your family better over another layout.  As an example, having a U-shaped dinette in the end looks nice, but you may find that its not practical if you need to keep moving the table out of the way to gain access to the bunks.  Perhaps a slide out dineete will make your life easier.  Queen size, or king size beds.  Lots of things to decide. etc...

There is many, many people here who can help you make an informed decision.  Good luck!

[austinado16]

Welcome!

I echo 92 Flagstaff, although I'd probably put the size/towing issue as first on the list because you can't own what you can't tow.

You'll get a feel for what you guys like by going and looking at them.  I don't know if you guys are after used, or new, so search accordingly.  I'm of the "buy used on the cheap and enjoy" mindset.  But some people like to go to a dealership and make payments.

While you're looking at campers, inspect them/compare them, for build quality, both in how they are put together, and in what materials are used throughout.  Give the lift system the same scrutiny.  I think there are some big differences in quality between manufactures, even though the campers are overall built sort of the same.

Have fun on your hunt!

[Baytoven]

First I'd determine your tow capacities, as according to your tow vehicle's manual.  In addition to tow limits, there may be equipment requirements for towing.  Particularly in the case of a weight distributing hitch, you'll need to know if the pop up can accept it if your tow vehicle requires it.

Beyond that, an oft repeated piece of advice here is to buy your second PUP first.  It helps to visit a pop up and imagine spending a rainy day inside.  

Double size beds are adequate for young children, but the beds get uncomfortably cozy as kids grow.  Even if you're done growing your family, you might want additional sleeping space for your children's cousins and friends.  We didn't want to use the table as a bed unless we had guests.  With young children, I highly recommend a porta potty.  There are stand alone units that would suffice, so it doesn't need to be builit into the PUP.  

Since you are tent campers, I'd use your existing gear hold off on additional purchases until you've done a dry run in Camp Driveway.

[PattieAM]

As alreadyposted. you need to determine your towing vehicles capacity (don't forget to calculate the weights of the passengers and gear).  Then, visit the manufacturers websites to see which models are within your weight range.  Look at the floor plans to see which might meet your current and future needs, then go visit dealerships and/or gently used models.  Take the time to sit on the pottys, fake a shower, fake preparing a meal, lay on the bunks.  This will help you determine if the pup will meet your needs.

Make a list of the amenities you want:
refrigerator, single or twin bowl sink, ac, furnace, glide out dinette, microwave, porta potty, cassette potty, full bath.

The 'high wall' models may meet your needs and run in the 3,000-4,000 lb weight range, but do have most of the amenities.

Some models have an add-a-room available - many folks love it, many feel it's too much of a pain to put up.  I like mine and it gives me an additional 7x14 weatherproof room (allowing sleeping of more folks). 

Have fun!

[CampRock]

Sleep six? yikes, I think that is where a big problem for you will be.....they claim 2 can sleep on the dinette/bed....but it could only be 2 very small kids who like to sleep VERY close, I am 5 foot 4 and my feet hang off of it, my husband is 6 foot 5 and his knees hang off the end of it. lol We also have a "couch" on the side and they claim thats the sleeping area for a 7th person, hmmmm I dont think it would be a very comfortable nights sleep, my husband said he could have slept on it while passed out drunk at 18 years old with his feet on the floor but other than that....no way.

here is our set up, its a 10 foot box that CLAIMS to sleep 7, I wouldnt attempt it....







I could not imagine sleeping on this:

[happpybooker1]

Having been a proud Pop Up owner for 4 years and now moved up to a Hybrid, I am GLAD I went the way I did (pop up THEN moving up).

(1) Go walk around a dealership to see what's available. Try to look at a 10' box and a 12'. When you're sitting in one (ALL of you -- yes you'll have to take your kiddos!) imagine it's pouring down rain & you're all stuck inside ALL. Day. long.

(2) Look online for videos on setting up a pop up. There are several you can watch so you get a better 'feel' for what you're in for.

(3) Know what your weight limits are on your TV (tow vehicle).

I had a 10' box (opened to 19') and I have had 3 adults and 2 kids in it before for a weekend. We were cozy, but not uncomfortable.

[clemlaw]

an oft repeated piece of advice here is to buy your second PUP first

That sounds good in theory, but I tend to agree with people who say things like ....

Having been a proud Pop Up owner for 4 years and now moved up to a Hybrid, I am GLAD I went the way I did (pop up THEN moving up).

Occasionally, people take that first bit of advice too seriously, and then take forever to buy something.  If you buy a used PU in good condition, it will probably retain its value, and you'll be able to sell it for about what you bought it for.  You might not need the second popup right now.  You might not own a vehicle big enough to tow it right now.  There's nothing wrong with buying one now, and then getting your second one when the time comes.

The first issue you need to think about is how heavy a trailer you can tow.  Look at your vehicle's owner's manual (it's probably in the index under "trailer towing") and see how much you can tow.  If you own a monster truck, then you can buy whatever you want.  If you own a minivan or smaller truck, then you might need to make compromises.  If you own a car, you might need to make even more compromises.  Whatever you have, you'll be able to tow something, but you need to find out how much that is.

After you've figured out how many pounds you can tow, and whether you will need brakes over a certain number of pounds, then you can start shopping.  As tempting as it is, do not look at the "dry weight" of various campers.  It's better to assume that you will be towing the trailer at its maximum weight, so determine whether that number is within the limits of your vehicle.  If you post what kind of vehicle you own, you'll get lots of advice here.  But the information is probably in the owner's manual.

Going to an RV show is a good place to see lots of campers and get ideas of what you are looking for.  You probably won't buy one there (especially if you're looking at used ones), but you'll get a lot of ideas of what is available.  You can do the same at RV dealers, but the RV show is nice because you can look at a lot of campers with no sales pressure.

When we were looking (about 3 years ago), I noticed that the minimum price for a PU that was ready to go camping in was about $2000.  In general, below that price, there were some issues that needed to be dealt with.  Above that price, there were still some with "issues", but there were also ones where you could just hitch up and go camping the first day.  We finally decided to get a new one, but there seem to be very good used ones out there starting at about $2000.  If you don't already have one, hitches start at about $150 installed, depending on what capabilities you need.  I guess I would plan on about $300, but it might be less.  As far as other junque, your tent camping gear should do just fine.

As someone else pointed out, brand names aren't that big a deal.  There are a few with known issues, but in general, they're all about the same quality.  We have a Palomino, which works just fine, but we bought it because it was the camper we wanted, not because of brand loyalty.

Good luck, and welcome to PUX!

[Lazyike]

Ok now once you get all of the above done. If you are buying used the first thing I like to do is make sure all the jacks are down and walk all over the inside. Pay attention to the floor and how solid it is. It is a good idea to lay under it and make sure there are no wet spots old or new in the floor. Look the roof over and make sure it is straight and the corners are not starting to pull apart. Open all the cabinets and storage trunks and look at the floor for water stains. If it has ceiling lights look inside them for any signs of moisture. In my opinion water is the biggest problem you will have a pup. Water seems to find any small spot to get in and if left very long will wreak havic with the pup. all but, the worst cases can be repaired but, some take lots of work. Not trying to scare you, just educate you. Hope you find one soon and start enjoying it.

[austinado16]

^^Great advice right there^^

[SolMaT]

I've bought one and helped restore another, so I'll chime in:

1) Make sure you can tow it.
2) Check for water damage from roof leaks. Pay particular attention to the roof area around the A/C and the corners of the floors.
3) Make sure it has all of the mattresses and cushions. They can be expensive to replace/make or recover.
4) Make a list of what options are important to you (I.E. A/C, Heat, Hot Water, type of stovetop, etc.)

Water damage can be repaired, if you are handy. My neighbor bought his for $500, needing roof and floor work, and I bought mine for $600 needing roof work. We both now have very nice PUPs for around $1500 total investment.

Finding one that will sleeps four adults and two kids will be easy. Finding one that will sleep six adults will be difficult.

[CampingFamily1]

What is your price range you are looking for?  That will help us know what advice to give.

What dealers do you have nearby? It's best to visit them to see what the options are.   In the end you have to do plenty of research to determine what is important to you.  Each person decides this differently depending on many factors.