Please tell me all you can about your pop-up camping experiences at Ft. Wilderness!

[HeatherPage]

We are (sort of) seriously thinking about getting a pop-up camper (not sure if will be new or used - I really like the look of the new Palomino Yearlings). We've never really camped out but I would like to start and can see us taking it down to Ft. Wilderness frequently. We have a 2001 Ford Explorer, so I think will be okay with a semi light pop-up. If anyone can give me their experiences with a pop-up at the Fort, I would appreciate it. We will definitely get something with A/C, no debate about that. I don't think we'll need an inside toilet or shower as I don't really see us camping somewhere that doesn't have "comfort stations". My main questions are is it actually relaxing to come back from a day in the parks and hang at the campsite/in the pop-up? What do you do in case of bad thunderstorms? Do you stay in your pop-up, wait it out in your car? What happens in a reeeallly bad storm (say threat of tornados) head for the nearest comfort station or trading post? As you can see, we are complete newbies at this, but I've been thinking about this for a while and I think this is really something I want my family to start doing. I'm off to get my oil changed in my car but hoping to see some replies when I get back :) Oh, one more thing, where would be the best place to go to make sure our vehicle is tow ready (proper hitch, electrical hookup for brake lights/brakes on pop-up, etc.). Thank you again in advance! :)

[F4disneyfan]

We are (sort of) seriously thinking about getting a pop-up camper (not sure if will be new or used - I really like the look of the new Palomino Yearlings). We've never really camped out but I would like to start and can see us taking it down to Ft. Wilderness frequently. We have a 2001 Ford Explorer, so I think will be okay with a semi light pop-up. If anyone can give me their experiences with a pop-up at the Fort, I would appreciate it. We will definitely get something with A/C, no debate about that. I don't think we'll need an inside toilet or shower as I don't really see us camping somewhere that doesn't have "comfort stations". My main questions are is it actually relaxing to come back from a day in the parks and hang at the campsite/in the pop-up? What do you do in case of bad thunderstorms? Do you stay in your pop-up, wait it out in your car? What happens in a reeeallly bad storm (say threat of tornados) head for the nearest comfort station or trading post? As you can see, we are complete newbies at this, but I've been thinking about this for a while and I think this is really something I want my family to start doing. I'm off to get my oil changed in my car but hoping to see some replies when I get back :) Oh, one more thing, where would be the best place to go to make sure our vehicle is tow ready (proper hitch, electrical hookup for brake lights/brakes on pop-up, etc.). Thank you again in advance! :)


Palominos/yearlings from what I know of them tend to have the most problems and are the cheapest build quality of the tent trailers available. Jayco tends to be one of the best built tent trailers and well worth the money you spend on them from the one my wife purchased and the others I have seen for sale as used ones they also hold their value very very well.

[HeatherPage]

Thanks for the info!

[ynottony99]

I have also heard lots of good things about Jayco. We had a popup for several years. As long as everyone has their space, it is fine for spending time in to unwind at the end of the day.

We had an old Apache and even with new canvas was prone to leaking. So we had a tarp that was big enough to cover the boot ends and stretch out over the door for a canopy. Never had any trouble during storms.
Disney will move campers to shelter if there is a tornado warning or other threat coming.

We have done Disney in a tent with 3 kids, so a popup,esp. with a/c is luxurious living!!!!!

[F4disneyfan]

I told my wife if I was to ever stay in her tent trailer I wanted AC but she didn't end up getting it they have bunk end fans that move the air around and I would only use it at WDW and that is in Dec so I see no need for AC now and it saved us over 1000 bucks.

[mom2girls]

Bear with me. This is my 1st EVER post on a message board. You sound so like me I had to reply.
We purchased our Palomino Yearling in April of 2005 especially for our trip to Fort Wilderness. Previous to this we had been tent campers. We had an awesome time and wished we had done it a long time ago. I love my Yearling 4100. We have not had any problems thus far. It is still pretty new and has been used a total of about 10 weeks. True it was a bit cheaper then the others we looked at (Starcraft and Coleman). But we couldn't be happier with it. It is a 10 ft box and fits our family perfectly.
We stayed in the 1500 loop and found it very convenient. The comfort station was just beside us, but we did purchase an inexpensive portable toilet for the kids night time only emergencies.
I hope this has been some helpful to you.

[HeatherPage]

Thank you everyone and thank you Mom2girls! I think we are going to take a drive Saturday to the nearest Palomino dealer (it's about 2 1/2 hours away from us) just so I can look at them in person, see about financing, etc.

Thanks again and keep the input coming :)

[corve77t]

I bought a used jayco about 4 years ago. I waited till the right one popup in the newspaper. It had a/c , heater and a frige. The price was right, and the prevouse owner did not use it a lot. Before I bought mine I looked on the web on feed back to find the best one, and I based it from what I read.

[F4disneyfan]

I bought a used jayco about 4 years ago. I waited till the right one popup in the newspaper. It had a/c , heater and a frige. The price was right, and the prevouse owner did not use it a lot. Before I bought mine I looked on the web on feed back to find the best one, and I based it from what I read.


My wife got her Jayco with 3 way fridge furnace water purification system and water heater no AC that was only an option if I was going to use it here in the summer she got teh 1207 and paid just over 8K Canadian for it.

[bus driver]

there is good and bad with a pop up. you need ac. get a portable toliet (we call it night rider)you well know at 2 am.get the add a room,screen room,gives you twice the room for stuff and night rider in coner with shower curtin. i have a coleman love it. you need to turn a fan on in the pop up during the day to keep air going or it will get to hot when you get back form seeing mickey.now the hard part if it rains you an the inside of the trailer get wet.then when you get home you need to set the trailer up to air it out.take the pop up to a big shopping lot and pratice backing up the trailer.dont worry we are all watching you when you do this the first time and all laughing with you .(tree always comes out from where it was-your left and there left aren't the same) as far as family fun best part, no tv.no phone.food always taste better, and just getting away from it all. and see disney world bonus..

[F4disneyfan]

there is good and bad with a pop up. you need ac. get a portable toliet (we call it night rider)you well know at 2 am.get the add a room,screen room,gives you twice the room for stuff and night rider in coner with shower curtin. i have a coleman love it. you need to turn a fan on in the pop up during the day to keep air going or it will get to hot when you get back form seeing mickey.now the hard part if it rains you an the inside of the trailer get wet.then when you get home you need to set the trailer up to air it out.take the pop up to a big shopping lot and pratice backing up the trailer.dont worry we are all watching you when you do this the first time and all laughing with you .(tree always comes out from where it was-your left and there left aren't the same) as far as family fun best part, no tv.no phone.food always taste better, and just getting away from it all. and see disney world bonus..


LOL no TV thjat was also a stipulation of mine I was to get a new LCD tv to keep in the trailer when we go to Disney camping or I wasn't going with them I was going to get a studio at SSR and they could come and visit me LOL.

[proudmomof4]

We just bought a new pop-up this year (Fleetwood) and we love it, of course we got one with A/C and it came in handy when we used it in March in FW, we did need the A/C. We used it again in June and we had the A/C on high the whole time but the bunk ends still got hot, I am going to look into the covers for the bunk ends that keep out the heat.

We used to be tent campers at FW and after we were rained out of our tents we decided that we needed a pop-up, it is so good to be off the ground. As to the storms, we haven't had any major winds in the pop-up but did have a major downpour and there were no leaks inside. However, we were newbies and inexperienced at setting up the awning and did not allow for water runoff and during the downpour the water weight built up and bent the poles of the awning, luckily the poles bent back easily and we learned to angle the awning to allow the water to runoff. I have to say the awning was a must have for us also as it provided a nice shady area to sit outside.

We chose not to have a potty or shower as I didn't want to have to deal with cleaning that up and the comfort stations are available.

The kids have a great at FW and so do my DH and I, we actually schedule in days just for FW and when we go for labor day weekend we are just going to stay in FW and not go to any parks.

Hope this info helps, good luck and have a good time shopping around.

[bama_ed]

I took our pop-up to FW for 8 nights this year around Memorial Day after having tent camped and stayed in the Cabins many times (when they were deeply discounted :cheer2: ).

We have 3 kids ages 8-13 and didn't come back mid-day from the parks but we did hang out at FW until noon sometimes, eat lunch, then hit the parks till closing. Remember to slant your awning over the door or else it will catch rain water and tear (learned that the hard way). We loved having a roof over our head but only paying for a campsite. We spent two days just hanging around FW, riding bikes, swimming, pony rides, sitting in the rocking chairs at the Trading Post, boating, just relaxing.

Don't worry about weather. If it gets to be a hurricane, everyone is evacuated out of FW. Anything else you can ride out in the pop-up, no need to run to the car. Our camper has a roof that sounds like being in a pop corn popper when it rains but we have no leaks.

Our PUP has A/C, furnace, slide-out dinette, oven, micro, and shower/potty. I would suggest reconsidering about getting a built-in potty/shower. We love ours - although we only stay in state parks and other places with bath houses, it's very convenient to NOT have to go outside when you have to, well, go. :teeth: We fold up our built in each day and it provides a storage table. You can get a portable potty but then you have to rig up a privacy curtain daily, step over it, around it, and then put it someplace each morning .

I am biased toward the Jayco brand which we have. We looked at several before buying new. We chose Jayco based on the quality and having a local dealer close by for servicing and support. We also store ours in an unfinished basement off the garage to take good care of it. I also keep a container of Damp-Rid in it while stored since moisture leads to mold and mildew which is the scourge of popups.

You won't regret getting a PUP. Also check and make sure your tow vehicle can handle the weight WITH all the people, stuff, and loaded camper. When we were in the mini-van market, we got one with a tow package so we could pull the PUP with confidence.

Good luck! :moped:

Bama ED
2006 Jayco 12HW

[Escape Artist]

We bought a Fleetwood Westlake two years ago and have been very happy with it. After moving on from tent camping, the big thing for us was we wanted more comfortable beds. We bought the Westlake because it has King-sized beds on both ends - plenty of room for my 6+ foot dh to stretch out and to put a couple of kids on the other end along with all their stuff. Keep in mind when you're shopping--you're stuff needs to fit in there, too! We always travel with duffle bags instead of suitcases...it saves a lot of room.

We're kind of spoiled bed-wise. We bought a memory foam mattress at Costco to put in there, too. The pup still folds down fine, and it sleeps like a dream.

I'm sure you know you can save a lot by buying somebody else's mistake. If I were doing it again, I'd look more seriously for about a 2-year-old trailer for a lot less $$$. I'm glad we bought one with the toilet/shower built in. We've only used that space for storage so far, but it's great to know it's there if we need it. Obviously, make sure you do a couple of dry runs before you head out for the Fort...sleep in it in the backyard and spend a weekend at a state park. KOA's are great, too, especially with kids!

We tow ours with a Honda Odyssey (over the Sierras and Rockies so far, plus thru Death Valley), and towing it with the minivan seems to be working out fine. Your Explorer should be able to handle it easily. Our dealer did all the tow-hitch stuff to make sure we were road-ready.

It is very easy to come back at night and relax in a popup...I'm more at home in there than in any hotel. The only thing we've found freakly is hearing things hit the vinyl roof during the night...pine needles, pine cones, etc. And man, do the birds start chirping early! But buy a mini-alarm clock anyway...you probably don't want to sleep your whole vacation away!

Have fun! Pup's are GREAT!

Sue

[HeatherPage]

Great replies everyone, thank so much!

[Gillian]

Good luck with your shopping!

Have you checked the manual for your Explorer to see what it can tow? You should still be fine with a smaller pop up, but do double check for your exact model, because it varies quite a bit. And my local Ford dealership lied to me about the towing capacity of a new model, so don't alway trust what you are told.

[jima53]

I'm like Escape Artist. Have the westlake with just my wife and one large dog. Important thing to remember about size of the popup is that you can use less space in it, but you are limited to its maximum size. Meaning, buy what you feel you will need a few years down the road. We love the shower and toilet privacy over the campground bathrooms at most campgrounds. this halloween will be our first visit to FW, staying a week there and can't wait.


Jim

[HeatherPage]

I called my local Ford Dealership today, they said anything under 5,000 lbs I should be okay (guess I need to try to find the manual just in case-we bought it used though, not even sure if we have one). Re: the toilet/shower, I stopped by a local RV place today and saw a pop-up with an actual toilet/shower enclosed with it's own door (not just a curtain) that would be really nice, but probably much more $$ than I want to spend. On another note, I just spoke with a guy tonight who is selling his '94 Starcraft Starflite for $1,750 no a/c but prewired for it. It only has the beds and dinette area that turns into a bed but no actual separate couch space. I haven't seen pictures yet but he said it's very clean and in great shape. The frugal part of me wants to go for a cheap used one, the snobby part of me wants the updated interior, extra couch, roomier new model with enclosed shower/toilet and A/C. :confused3

[ftwildernessguy]

I would be careful of a 12 year old trailer. I think it is worth it to spend the money on what you really want and don't compromise. Also, when you buy a used trailer there is no dealer to stand behind any problems that may develope. Look for last year's models at dealerships - you can literally save thousands. I have purchased 2 trailers that way - one pop up and one hybrid - and have gotten far more trailer than I thought I could afford each time.

[tim5055]

I called my local Ford Dealership today, they said anything under 5,000 lbs I should be okay (guess I need to try to find the manual just in case-we bought it used though, not even sure if we have one).

I wouldn't trust what a delaership tells me, I have had them give mis-information too many times.

Register with MyFord.com (https://myford.fordvehicles.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=MyFord/Page/LogOnPage&BackToLogin=MyFord%2FPage%2FHomePage%26origref%3Dh ttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.fordvehicles.com%2Fowners%2F&origref=http%3A//myford.fordvehicles.com/)

This is the official Ford owners website. You will register with your VIN number and you can then e-mail to the factory for specific intformation. They may enev provide an owners manual. It is in their best interest (thik liability/lawsuit) to make sure everyone has seen a manual with all of the warnings/cauitions that their lawyers put in there. Also ask if they have a towing suppiment for your year.

[minkydog]

Before you plunk any money down you need to do some research. I recommend you take the next 4 weekends to visit camper dealers and actually look inside some pop-ups. Don't be swayed by the bells & whistles--figure out what you *need*, not just what you think you want.

It took us several months of looking to narrow down what we really needed. We looked at a lot of icky campers during that time--I can spot mildewed canvas instantly. In the long run it saved us some money, because we were able to by used. We recognized "our" camper when we found it and made a bid on the spot. What we got was "someone else's mistake"--a 1 yr old pop-up that had been used 2-3 times and traded up for a trailer. It's perfect for us. Sleeps 7, got a couch, A/C & heat, no potty, and clean as a whistle. It's still a lot like tent camping but off the ground and dry inside.

[ftwildernessguy]

It's still a lot like tent camping but off the ground and dry inside.

That's how I sold my wife on camping 23 years ago. I was a tent camper, she was strictly a hotel girl. A pop up was our compromise and now camping is the vacation of choice for us.

[DisneyDotty]

Hi OP! :wave:
Please--definitely follow Gillian and tim5050's advice about checking what your Explorer can handle before you start looking at pop ups. Unless you're prepared to also buy a new tow vehicle, you don't want to be looking at anything out of your towing range. Check your owner's manual and the side of the driver's door for more info, too. I've seen firsthand the catastrophe of using the wrong vehicle to pull a pop up.
We have a Coleman (I think Fleetwood bought 'em) with an A/C, fridge, couch, tip out kitchen etc. I love having the couch area--family tends to congregate there.
We camped at Ft. Wilderness once. Loved it, though setting up was chaotic--our hot water heater sprayed sand all over DH, and somehow a bird got in our camper as we were setting up. :confused3 It was wacky.
The campground itself is fantastic--lots of amenities, clean bathrooms (I swear someone lives in the bathroom--it was ALWAYS clean!) The only caveat is the internal bus service--can be a little tiresome after a while.
Good luck in your purchase decision! :sunny:

[Gillian]

tim5055, that is great advice! I didn't know you could do that.

As I said, I wouldn't trust the dealer either. The salesperson told me a newer model (2005, I think it was at the time) Explorer without the factory towing pkg could tow ~6000 pounds. The actual number was ~3300!!

I didn't pursue it further, but I believe the differences were in the engine, and not just adding a class iii hitch (which the same saleperson told my SIL that was all she had to do to tow more. grrr).

[ftwildernessguy]

Towing packages cover much more than a hitch and wiring. They will include transmission cooler, addtional oil cooler sometimes, different differential, sometimes heavier suspension. Towing without the towing package may void the tow vehicle warranty. I also change my oil more frequently when I tow. I usually change before a long trip like to FW, and then again when I return.

[HeatherPage]

Great advice everyone, I'll take everything you say into account :) Okay, so after I check my owners manual, etc. Where do I need to go to get the proper hitch, tow ball, electrical hookup, transmission cooler, additional oil cooker, etc. etc. installed? The dealership? We have a place called Raleigh Hitch nearby, someplace like that?

I'm so confused now, I thought this would be fairly simple :confused3

[F4disneyfan]

Towing packages cover much more than a hitch and wiring. They will include transmission cooler, addtional oil cooler sometimes, different differential, sometimes heavier suspension. Towing without the towing package may void the tow vehicle warranty. I also change my oil more frequently when I tow. I usually change before a long trip like to FW, and then again when I return.

Our car dealer told us exactly what our montana would pull the trailer shops were trying to tell us if we just added a class3 hitch some anti sway and weight distribution we could easily haul 6000 lbs when teh vehicle was only rated for 3500. Our van has a factory installed tranny cooler rated to the 3500 lbs for cooling but it had nothing else we went to U Haul for the hitch mailny due to the nationwide warranty and we could get service on it in the US if something were to happen to it there also. The place my wife got her trailer was by far teh best run most honest shop we had visited they broke it down for us in regards to the trailer weights and what they reccomended for use with the van it was actually a great experiance dealing with them.

[rbork]

ditto Gillian and tim5050. Towing capacity is very important for the safety of your driving/towing and costly repairs for towing too much with too little on too many mountainous roads.
Ford SUVs vary greatly depending on model and engine liters etc...
We had people tell us towing with a minivan would be fine. WRONG - a transmission later. So ..that good deal on a pop up ended up being 30k between the cost of the pop up and new tow vehicle. I have again switched tow vehicles from an Explorer to an Expedition. There ARE differences in how Ford SUVs feel while towing.
That being said... love our coleman Sante Fe. a/c was the best investment! We ride out storms IN the pop up. Worse part is doing the awning dance at 2am! :banana:
I would do alot of research as stated before and not hesitate to buy a used pop up in excellant shape.
Good Luck and Happy camping! :teeth:

[HeatherPage]

This is what I've found out so far for my 2001 Ford Explorer XLT:

- It has 4 wheel drive
- It has a V6
- It has 15 inch tires (guy at hitch place said he needed to know this)
- We just got our transmission re-built about 12,000 miles ago and an external transmission cooler was added.
- On our back bumper it says tow capacity 3,500 and then goes on to read "this is for bumper capacity only, check manual for further limits)
- We don't have owners manual (bought used)
- I've registered at myford.com and haven't had any luck yet there.
- Ford Dealership said for 2001 if we stayed under 5,000 lbs we'd be okay (but I've read all your comments about not trusting the dealer).
How else can I find out the towing capability of my Explorer? Thanks again for any help.

[OK GRUMPY]

I would look at several different pop ups. I would even try setting them up see how that goes. We brought a used Jayco Pop up and it was pretty old with ac (1988). It was in great condition. We went to FW many times. We had it for 7 years and finaly moved on to a trailer. I wouldn't buy one off of Ebay but it doesn't hurt to look at the picture see the layout ask question. Good Luck!!

[F4disneyfan]

I would look at several different pop ups. I would even try setting them up see how that goes. We brought a used Jayco Pop up and it was pretty old with ac (1988). It was in great condition. We went to FW many times. We had it for 7 years and finaly moved on to a trailer. I wouldn't buy one off of Ebay but it doesn't hurt to look at the picture see the layout ask question. Good Luck!!

Great reccomendation go look at them and try putting it up that was a big concern for my wife as she is the one using it alone with the kids so she wanted something very easy to put up and take down. She loves teh Jayco for how easy it cranks up and goes together she tried a few and the rockwood was by far the hardest to fenagle into getting put up.

[ftwildernessguy]

This is what I've found out so far for my 2001 Ford Explorer XLT:

- It has 4 wheel drive
- It has a V6
- It has 15 inch tires (guy at hitch place said he needed to know this)
- We just got our transmission re-built about 12,000 miles ago and an external transmission cooler was added.
- On our back bumper it says tow capacity 3,500 and then goes on to read "this is for bumper capacity only, check manual for further limits)
- We don't have owners manual (bought used)
- I've registered at myford.com and haven't had any luck yet there.
- Ford Dealership said for 2001 if we stayed under 5,000 lbs we'd be okay (but I've read all your comments about not trusting the dealer).
How else can I find out the towing capability of my Explorer? Thanks again for any help.

That value on the bumper is for a hitch ball placed in that hole Ford puts in the rear bumper. I would not recommend towing off that with any weight. The amount you will be able to tow is determined by the tow vehicle specs and the type of hitch you buy. You might consider getting your hitch (get a class 3) and wiring set up before you buy the trailer - many dealers will allow you to do a "test tow" so you can see how the trailer handles. I'm gonna guess, but this is just a guess, that your Explorer will be close to that 5000lb limit, but this is based on what I remember from my '01 Sport Trac with the same engine. Keep in mind, however, that when figuring your weight it will be the WET weight of the trailer, plus weight of passengers and luggage. That will decrease the size of the trailer you can get. A rule of thumb would be to reduce the towing capacity of the tow vechicle by about 1500 lbs to give you a rough idea of what size trailer you are looking at. With today's lightweight materials, that would give you a pretty decent sized pop up.

By the way, some of the advice you are getting is most excellent and is coming from some pretty experienced campers. Tim's web site is probably one of the best sources of pop up info on the web.

[Gillian]

We had people tell us towing with a minivan would be fine. WRONG - a transmission later. So ..that good deal on a pop up ended up being 30k between the cost of the pop up and new tow vehicle. I have again switched tow vehicles from an Explorer to an Expedition. There ARE differences in how Ford SUVs feel while towing.
That being said... love our coleman Sante Fe. a/c was the best investment! We ride out storms IN the pop up. Worse part is doing the awning dance at 2am! :banana: teeth:We find our Toyota Sienna minivan tows our Santa Fe just fine! But there are differences in minivans, just like in SUVs. And, sadly, minivan transmissions seem to be unreliable even without towing. I've heard complaints about both Chrysler and Honda transmissions. :(

I'm shopping for a BIG truck for us though. Not that we're buying. Just shopping. :teeth:

[F4disneyfan]

We find our Toyota Sienna minivan tows our Santa Fe just fine! But there are differences in minivans, just like in SUVs. And, sadly, minivan transmissions seem to be unreliable even without towing. I've heard complaints about both Chrysler and Honda transmissions. :(

I'm shopping for a BIG truck for us though. Not that we're buying. Just shopping. :teeth:

Honda tranny's are weak at best some frineds bought a new Odyssey in 05 and within 2 months the tranny was cooked and they don't pull anything mnd you that whole van was a waste of time especially at 800.00 a month on a lease. They had in less than 6 months time the power sliding doors break and the power lift gate break the tranny went and the LCD screen for the DVD system.