Possible future camper/pop up trailer?

[nessz79]

Ok, you'll have to excuse me as my only experience camping was in a tent in a backyard when I was 11! :lmao:

DH is trying to convince me to buy a camper of some type. Something small that our Buick Rendezvous could tow.

I'm always trying to convince him that we should live at Disney :rotfl:

Our compromise seems to be to buy a camper and go to FW.

Soooooo...he is considering a pop up trailer. One of those lightweight trailers where the beds pop up after you park. My only "thing" is there's not a real bathroom on these...just a portable pot that we would use on an emergency basis.

What do you all think? Since this is our first camping purchase and we don't have a lot of money, this is probably the road we'll have to travel. I think it's necessary to buy a roof-mounted a/c. How does something like that work in a pop-up trailer?

Any advice? I'm so lost! :confused3

Thank you!!! :worship:

[AlyLynn]

Hi! We did the same thing last year--bought a tt after only having camped as a child. DH and the boys have camped in a tent. We went to an RV show, and started looking at pop ups because money was an issue. I was amazed at some of them. I know I saw some with showers--my daughter said the shower reminded her of the one we had on our Amtrak train ride. I also know one of my fellow co-workers has one that he loves, and it has AC. I'm sure you'll hear from some "Pop-Up Experts" here! Again, the best thing we did was go to the RV show, and walk around the millions of RVs they had. We didn't expect to come home with one! Now DH wants a motorhome. We've only used our tt 3X!:rotfl: We're hooked! Good luck!

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

We had a popup for years no potty at all. Most campgrounds have comfort stations all around. A/C on a popup works well. Would I recomend A/C? Yes I would for the real humid nights. If you are thinking on getting a popup find out what your TV can handle weight wise and stay under that weight. There are lots of models out there. Find the layout you like at a good price and dive in. There is nothing like camping. Good luck let us know what you decide.

[LarryJ]

Ok, you'll have to excuse me as my only experience camping was in a tent in a backyard when I was 11! :lmao:

DH is trying to convince me to buy a camper of some type. Something small that our Buick Rendezvous could tow.

I'm always trying to convince him that we should live at Disney :rotfl:

Our compromise seems to be to buy a camper and go to FW.

Soooooo...he is considering a pop up trailer. One of those lightweight trailers where the beds pop up after you park. My only "thing" is there's not a real bathroom on these...just a portable pot that we would use on an emergency basis.

What do you all think? Since this is our first camping purchase and we don't have a lot of money, this is probably the road we'll have to travel. I think it's necessary to buy a roof-mounted a/c. How does something like that work in a pop-up trailer?

Any advice? I'm so lost! :confused3

Thank you!!! :worship:

First we need to know exactly what you have:

1. Year

2. Model type if applicable

3. Engine size

4. Does it have a tow package and receiver?

Probably for the later model with the largest engine and a tow package, you're probably looking at a trailer with a GVWR in the 3,000 or under range.

Larry

[nessz79]

First we need to know exactly what you have:

1. Year

2. Model type if applicable

3. Engine size

4. Does it have a tow package and receiver?

Probably for the later model with the largest engine and a tow package, you're probably looking at a trailer with a GVWR in the 3,000 or under range.

Larry

I'll do my best here. We have a 2003 Buick Rendezvous with a 3500 lb towing capacity (I think...pretty sure).

No tow package. Unsure of engine size.

[nessz79]

Hi! We did the same thing last year--bought a tt after only having camped as a child. DH and the boys have camped in a tent. We went to an RV show, and started looking at pop ups because money was an issue. I was amazed at some of them. I know I saw some with showers--my daughter said the shower reminded her of the one we had on our Amtrak train ride. I also know one of my fellow co-workers has one that he loves, and it has AC. I'm sure you'll hear from some "Pop-Up Experts" here! Again, the best thing we did was go to the RV show, and walk around the millions of RVs they had. We didn't expect to come home with one! Now DH wants a motorhome. We've only used our tt 3X!:rotfl: We're hooked! Good luck!

Sounds just like us! We are going to our Bass Pro Shops tomorrow while they are having an RV show! Thank you for your reply~!!!

[nessz79]

We had a popup for years no potty at all. Most campgrounds have comfort stations all around. A/C on a popup works well. Would I recomend A/C? Yes I would for the real humid nights. If you are thinking on getting a popup find out what your TV can handle weight wise and stay under that weight. There are lots of models out there. Find the layout you like at a good price and dive in. There is nothing like camping. Good luck let us know what you decide.

Thanks!

[LarryJ]

I'll do my best here. We have a 2003 Buick Rendezvous with a 3500 lb towing capacity (I think...pretty sure).

No tow package. Unsure of engine size.

If I'm not mistaken that 3500 towing capacity is with a tow package and probably the largest engine and minimum passenger (like one 150lb person) and only a few gal of gas and no cargo. If you look HERE (http://www.trailerlife.com/downloads/03towingguide.pdf) for 2003 your vehicle must have the 3.4LV6 AND the towing package. Now this is not to say you can't tow anything, but what, how much and what mods are needed to your vehicle is the question.

Larry

[tim5055]

Larry is correct, know your true tow ratings BEFORE you fall in love with a camper.

Check out the follwoing web pages on my site:
Towing and Hitch Information (http://www.popupcamping.info/Hitch.htm)

Pop Up Brakes (http://www.popupcamping.info/Brakes.htm)

Purchasign a Used Pop Up (http://www.popupcamping.info/BuyUsed.htm)

Please check the towing limits of your vehicle and always stay within those limits! Read and understand your owners manual and any additional trailering supplements provided to you. FAILURE TO HEED WARNINGS AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN VEHICLE CRASH, PROPERTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY.

One of the most confusing areas for anyone considering a new pop-up is the aspect of "what can I tow, and which hitch should I purchase?". Before you go any further, get your vehicle owners manual, and determine what your limits are. Easier said than done! As towing capacities of vehicles are based on several factors including the vehicle frame type (unibody or frame), engine, transmission, rear end gear ratio, tires/load range, engine cooling capacity, transmission cooling capacity, alternator capacity as well as several other things. Woe is the camper who went out and purchased a pop-up without reviewing what their tow vehicle weight ratings were. The deal you find on a pop-up can quickly fade when you find out you need a new tow vehicle to move it!

Check with your manufacturer to see if they have a separate towing manual. Many do not include all towing information in the standard manual. It will probably take less than an hour, but with the manual and probably a few trips to the car/truck to read equipment stickers you will be able to determine the your ratings.

Do NOT assume the person trying to sell you a pop-up will know the limitations of your vehicle or the true weights of the pop up they are trying to sell. Remember what their job is in this situation!

[nessz79]

Wow! You guys are knowledgeable! Thanks soooo much! I will consult with DH.

I know we do NOT have a towing package as of right now so this is all helpful.

[nessz79]

If I'm not mistaken that 3500 towing capacity is with a tow package and probably the largest engine and minimum passenger (like one 150lb person) and only a few gal of gas and no cargo. If you look HERE (http://www.trailerlife.com/downloads/03towingguide.pdf) for 2003 your vehicle must have the 3.4LV6 AND the towing package. Now this is not to say you can't tow anything, but what, how much and what mods are needed to your vehicle is the question.

Larry

Oh, DH says that is the engine capacity we have.

Don't know how to find the towing package as an add-on. I guess we have to go to the dealer?

We're looking at some pop-ups which range from 2000-2950 lbs (gross weight...NOT unloaded).

[LarryJ]

Wow! You guys are knowledgeable! Thanks soooo much! I will consult with DH.

I know we do NOT have a towing package as of right now so this is all helpful.

Sometimes I feel like I know less and less each day, but you have to remember some of us ole **** have been towing and RVing longer than some of you youngin's have been alive in your case almost a decade. :rotfl2:

In my case growing up my "grand camping adventure" was the 1960 Boy Scout Jamboree at Colorado Springs and can vividly remember Dwight D. Eisenhower in his convertible lincoln limo touring the site along with the "pit trench toilets" with 2x4s for seats along with the open air showers that were wooden platforms with canvas around them open about a foot or so at the bottom and like 4' tall where you could get "sunburned goosebumps" from the wind coming off Pike's Peak.:lmao: ... Now that was camping :rotfl:

Larry

[AlyLynn]

rvforum.net (www.rvforum.net) has a whole section on popups and questions and answers from people who own them! Maybe it could give you some ideas about questions you could ask the dealer tomorrow!

[auntie]

Sounds as if you planning on camping at FW..in which case..whether you have a bathroom or not isn't much of an issue. The comfort stations there are BEAUTIFUL...and incredibly clean. Most camping loops have their own comfort station that include showers. I wish I had photos..and likely someone here does.( wait...:blush: that sounds wierd...don't get the wrong idea here..it's not that we take photos of bathrooms...just that they are that nice.)
One time while biking through Fort Wilderness with my husband...we stopped to use the restroom. He went in..and I waited with the bikes. He came out two seconds later..and said to me.."you have to see this"...I'm thinking..I'd really not go into a mens room to see ANYTHING:rolleyes2 ..and what the he** is the matter with you? He insisted..only I decided to check out the ladies room instead.;) It was so nice, I couldn't believe the tile work with it's nature designs, and the cleanliness of showers. Believe me..if I thought it was clean..it was clean. Not that I inspect a lot of public bathrooms..but you get the idea.:laughing:

It's pretty common for even those who have bathrooms in their travel trailers to make use of the comfort stations in campgrounds. Most showers are pretty small..and I know my husband and son both use the campground showers and bathrooms when we camp. Don't be a stranger to the camping board..you'll find lots of good information here..and a friendly bunch too!:cutie:

[LarryJ]

Sounds as if you planning on camping at FW..in which case..whether you have a bathroom or not isn't much of an issue. The comfort stations there are BEAUTIFUL...and incredibly clean. Most camping loops have their own comfort station that include showers. I wish I had photos..and likely someone here does.( wait...:blush: that sounds wierd...don't get the wrong idea here..it's not that we take photos of bathrooms...just that they are that nice.)
One time while biking through Fort Wilderness with my husband...we stopped to use the restroom. He went in..and I waited with the bikes. He came out two seconds later..and said to me.."you have to see this"...I'm thinking..I'd really not go into a mens room to see ANYTHING:rolleyes2 ..and what the he** is the matter with you? He insisted..only I decided to check out the ladies room instead.;) It was so nice, I couldn't believe the tile work with it's nature designs, and the cleanliness of showers. Believe me..if I thought it was clean..it was clean. Not that I inspect a lot of public bathrooms..but you get the idea.:laughing:

It's pretty common for even those who have bathrooms in their travel trailers to make use of the comfort stations in campgrounds. Most showers are pretty small..and I know my husband and son both use the campground showers and bathrooms when we camp. Don't be a stranger to the camping board..you'll find lots of good information here..and a friendly bunch too!:cutie:

We've been going to FW since the early 1980's and have spent over 300 days camping at FW and until this last trip never used our TT for showers/baths and this last time was only because the DW sprained her ankle really bad and I wouldn't let her go up to the showers unless I showered with her and that didn't fly :rotfl:

Larry

[clkelley]

In my case growing up my "grand camping adventure" was the 1960 Boy Scout Jamboree at Colorado Springs and can vividly remember Dwight D. Eisenhower in his convertible lincoln limo touring the site along with the "pit trench toilets" with 2x4s for seats along with the open air showers that were wooden platforms with canvas around them open about a foot or so at the bottom and like 4' tall where you could get "sunburned goosebumps" from the wind coming off Pike's Peak.:lmao: ... Now that was camping :rotfl:

Larry

At the 2005 National Jamboree, the youth showers for the participants were not much better. They were open air tarp showers with wood slat floors, but the tarps at least did go to the ground and the openings did kind of overlap so there is more privacy.

Fortunately, the adult staff had a true shower house, and we had electricity in our tents, but we couldn't run much more than a few lights and a fan.

President Bush flew in on a helicopter, and there was an insane amount of security, but seeing 70K plus folks in Scout Uniform in that open air ampitheater was awesome!!

YIS,

[bama_ed]

Welcome to the world of pop-ups! We've taken ours 3x to the Fort and it is a wonderful mix of camping, economizing, and comfort.

As others have said, your choice of pups (abbreviation for pop-ups) is dictated by the limits of your tow vehicle (TV). That is, unless you plan to get a stronger TV. If your vehicle doesn't have a tow package, you may be able to get one added on at your dealer. Your transmission will do a lot more shifting so the tow package includes a transmission cooler as a primary benefit.

Your choice of pups is also influenced by how many of you there are (4 now) and what you want. You can get an 8-ft box (under the roof), 10-, 12-, or 14-. Bigger is heavier. We have a slide out dinette for extra space inside but that adds weight too. Newer pop-ups have gotten bigger and heavier so your weights will be critical. Try to get one with a storage compartment along the front for you to put your stuff in.

Our pup came with a combination shower/potty with a shower curtain for privacy which we close up during the day. We use it at night and early morning since we camp at state parks, the Fort, and other civilized campgrounds. We also have a roof-mounted AC which is necessary here in Alabama (and at the Fort most times) that is really comfortable. It was a dealer add-on because a hole in the roof has to be cut and the unit wired in. The controls are on the bottom the unit which is inside the pop.

Whether you buy new or new-to-you, it's a great way to go. I would recommend going to the www.popupexplorer.com website and study their message board to learn about pups. Ours has already paid for itself because we can go more places (the beach, spring break trips, Disney, etc) and you don't pay for the hotel, you're outdoors, and you have a kitchen to cook in to save dining dollars. Even with the cost of campsites, groceries, ours has paid for itself and we have about 90 nights camping in it.

The best part is the quality time you will spend together as a family. Our kids are 15/13/9 and getting busy so we treasure the years/nights we had with no tv or distractions, playing games when it rained outside, roasting marshmellows over the campfire, riding bikes till we were exhausted. As far as the Fort is concerned, there's no more relaxing way to visit Disney than staying at the Fort and a pup is a great way to do that.

Bama ED :cloud9:

[nessz79]

Thanks everyone! I keep getting more and more excited!

We're going to look tomorrow and ask a thousand questions. We'll also check into our dealer to see about a towing package to be added on.

[njcamper95]

Don't forget that in those tow ratings you still have to add your familyand all the stuff you bring and you will be surprised how much clothes and other things weigh think about how much a clothes basket full of clothes is x how many you need to bring then start adding all the other things bet you could bring about 800-1000 lbs easily consider all possiblity's that are about that much less then your max tow rating or consider an other tow vechicle good luck hope you can find something that fits your needs

[tim5055]

We're going to look tomorrow and ask a thousand questions. We'll also check into our dealer to see about a towing package to be added on.Please remember, if the RV salesman's lips are moving, he is probably lying.....


Verify EVERYTHING the salesman tells you.

[LONE-STAR]

Not sure if these are in your price range but here is a link to a lightweight TT.
http://www.casitatraveltrailers.com/home.html

[Mike Whitehead]

Here is a good source for camper info rv.net

[YellowXterra]

I don't make it a habit of taking pictures inside of bathrooms but I had never seen such nice clean bath houses in all my camping life.

http://www.tpuc.com/images/bathroom1.jpg

http://www.tpuc.com/images/bathroom2.jpg

[YellowXterra]

We have a Fleetwood Pop Up which I think is the best made out there, however they are very heavy. You need something in the 2000 Lb range with your tow rating. Electric brakes is a MUST. The porta potties are great for midnight use and only for number #1s AC is a must! Tow ratings are based on having a driver only and a full tank of gas. Extra people and cargo add up really fast and take away from the true tow rating. Example of what our set up is. 2008 Nissan frontier rating of 6500 Lbs camper loaded is 3500 Lbs. Just 2 of us plus firewood and cargo in the truck and we are in great shape and have no problems. We used to tow with an Xterra tow rating of 5000 Lbs plus 2 teenagers and it was all it wanted as I am 100% sure we were at the max !

[lostacresfarm]

What people have said about the tow rating is true - the maximum that is publish is with the tow package, probably not as the vehicle was purchased. You can generally add equipment to the vehicle to bring it up to the tow rating.

To upgrade, we went to our local dealer (we also did not want to void our warrentee). We got our Chevy Venture mini-van upgraded to handle 3500 lb. All we had to add an additional transmission cooler - about $350 in Connecticut. You may need one or more other upgrades depending on what you had as original equipment.

The rule of thumb is that you need to have 25% extra capacity on towing. For example, if your camper weighed 500 lb. and you planned on a maximum of 250 lb. of stuff (750 lb total), you should have a towing capacity of 1000 lb (25% more than 750 lb). ‘with 3500 lb capacity, you should be able to pull most pop-ups comfortably under this rule of thumb.

We tow a Jayco 10X. We have been from Connecticut to Jacksonville as well as SC twice without major incident. With the weight of the vehicle and stuff, we are still 25% below the 3500 lb. maximum.

When we bought, we went looking for used at first. At the time, used were almost as expensive as new so we went with a good deal on a new one (Spring) leftover from the previous year. My brother did the opposite and found a good deal on used (Fall). If you go used, buy from someone you know – or else you may get one that has been used hard or has a ton of mileage (no mileage counter on a pop-up).

I did lot of different camping growing up, including pop-ups, but my dad did the driving. Our first trip was from CT to SC. We were on the Jersey turnpike at 4:00 AM driving rain, trucks and some ice – not a good way to start your first trip. My advice, try a practice run first.

[nessz79]

Thank you! We live in SW Florida so our first "run" would probably be within Florida. So no ice to worry about...but we are coming up on rainy season. As well all know those summer storms can be pretty heavy!

I posted another thread about an aliner. No experience so we're really looking at all our options.

http://www.aliner.com/design/products_detail.php?prodid=3

[nessz79]

I don't make it a habit of taking pictures inside of bathrooms but I had never seen such nice clean bath houses in all my camping life.

http://www.tpuc.com/images/bathroom1.jpg

http://www.tpuc.com/images/bathroom2.jpg

You're right! Those look very, very clean! Maybe I can convince DH that we should only camp at FW. ;)

[AuburnJen92]

Thank you! We live in SW Florida so our first "run" would probably be within Florida. So no ice to worry about...but we are coming up on rainy season. As well all know those summer storms can be pretty heavy!

I posted another thread about an aliner. No experience so we're really looking at all our options.

http://www.aliner.com/design/products_detail.php?prodid=3

I would think you would outgrow that in a hurry. We only have one and he started bouncing around the place in our popup. I am not trying to talk you out of it, but I would sure go and look in one first before getting my hopes up.

[YellowXterra]

Here goes, Look around and find what you think is the perfict camper for you and then DON'T buy it. Always buy your second camper first! If someone had told me this I would not have bought 3 pop ups in 2 years. Now that I have the one I want I have kept it for 6 years ;)

[nessz79]

Here goes, Look around and find what you think is the perfict camper for you and then DON'T buy it. Always buy your second camper first! If someone had told me this I would not have bought 3 pop ups in 2 years. Now that I have the one I want I have kept it for 6 years ;)

LOL- I have a feeling that will be us!

If anyone has the patience to look at yet another model...

http://www.fleetwoodcampingtrailers.com/model.aspx?mid=3&sid=1&sn=Destiny&mn=Sea+Pine#

This one is relatively light, but seems pretty spacious.

[AuburnJen92]

Here goes, Look around and find what you think is the perfict camper for you and then DON'T buy it. Always buy your second camper first! If someone had told me this I would not have bought 3 pop ups in 2 years. Now that I have the one I want I have kept it for 6 years ;)

hmm, that sounds strangely familiar, popup, tt and motorhome in 4 years

however, i don't plan on trading in the ol' lady for quite some time...unless i win lotto of course

darn, forgot to play last night...geesh!

[nessz79]

If there's anyone still out there, what about tent camping in the summer? I've heard people say they use a portable a/c unit for their tent. How do you keep it from being ruined by rain, etc?

Still exploring our options since we're such novices.

[bama_ed]

That Fleetwood you posted would probably work for 4 people. I would also advise getting a pup (new or used) that has a local dealer near you for service and support. I would like to have a sofa/couch inside and don't but that is nice. Sometimes you get tired of sitting at the dinette table. I have a Jayco and we've had no problems with them but Fleetwood is also a popular brand (bought out the Coleman line - same thing).

You can tent camp one more time at the Fort this summer. Like YellowXterra said, buy your second camper first (he means, take your time and do your research). We heard the same advice and we're glad we did. I'll keep this camper for a long time.

BTW, how would you plan to store it? Do you have a garage to store it in, or would you park it outside (learn to winterize it), or in a storage yard? We roll our pup into the unfinished portion of our basement which is open to the garage so keeping it indoors means you don't have to winterize it, the roof caulk wont dry and crack as soon, and it won't fade and get dirty sitting outside. :confused:

And WHATEVER you do, always, ALWAYS put some DAMPRID in it when you close it up. Damprid absorbs moisture on the inside which can create a moldy smell and stain the inside of your canvas. Moisture from rain, moisture from condensed breathing while you sleep, A/C condensate, any kind. Using Damprid from Day #1 was the 2nd best piece of advice we got.

Bama ED

[nessz79]

BTW, how would you plan to store it? Do you have a garage to store it in, or would you park it outside (learn to winterize it), or in a storage yard? We roll our pup into the unfinished portion of our basement which is open to the garage so keeping it indoors means you don't have to winterize it, the roof caulk wont dry and crack as soon, and it won't fade and get dirty sitting outside.

And WHATEVER you do, always, ALWAYS put some DAMPRID in it when you close it up. Damprid absorbs moisture on the inside which can create a moldy smell and stain the inside of your canvas. Moisture from rain, moisture from condensed breathing while you sleep, A/C condensate, any kind. Using Damprid from Day #1 was the 2nd best piece of advice we got.

We would store it outside (we have plenty of land for this) for now. We live in SW Florida. I don't know if that changes "winterizing"?

Thank you for the advice on the Damprid!

[bama_ed]

If you're in SW Florida you probably don't need to winterize but I would defer to some of the locals who live down where you are. Winterizing is draining all the water out of your tubes/pipes/water heaters/etc and replacing it with a antifreeze mix that won't freeze. Water turned to ice will expand and cause cracks/leaks when it thaws. However, when it's winterized, your camping is limited in theory (as long as you don't want to run any water, I guess you could take a winterized camper out). :confused3

I also like storing mine indoors to avoid winterizing but we camp almost in any given month. In winter months if we get a warm streak at the Gulf coast I'd like the freedom to "grab and go". So you would have likely year-round camping available to you which our northern friends don't.

Even at the Fort it might get below freezing. Lowest I've ever had there in January was 39F but you never know.

Bama ED

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

We would store it outside (we have plenty of land for this) for now. We live in SW Florida. I don't know if that changes "winterizing"?

Thank you for the advice on the Damprid!


Being you are so far south. You prob dont need to use the pink antifreeze. I would drain and blow the lines out with no more than 40lbs of hp air.

[PanFanAL]

Welcome to the world of camping you are gonna love it. As for a camper for you. I have a Pontiac Aztek, which is the same vehicle, but with different body panels. Same engine, transmission, frame, chassis, everything. Anyway, you are gonna want to stay around an 8' box. It is small, but will be better for towing. I have a 10' Coleman Santa Fe, and I would not tow it far with the Aztek. Not that it couldn't do it, but it would be a strain on the transmission. And like others have said be sure of what you want, we are trying to sell the pup after less than a year, because we bought a TT. Loved the pup but had more problems than we thought and I don't want to work on it anymore. So we bit the bullet and bought an 06 Fleetwood Mallard. A lot less problems.

[abbdrey]

Hello - We have a 2007 Fleetwood Cheyenne. We fit 2 adults and 2 children in it very comfortably. An A/C is a must!!! It gets really hot and muggy at the Fort sometimes, so it is nice to have the air conditioning.

We are very happy with the pop up. A tt has not been an option for us, as we like storing the camper in our garage. A tt would not fit. The Fleetwood Cheyenne has a great layout.

Good Luck in your search.

[nessz79]

Thanks everyone!

[PanFanAL]

I forgot to mention I tow the TT with an F150 not the Aztek. Way too heavy for it. But like I had mentioned a small pup will be fine to tow. And you can get a pup with an 8' box that still has 3 beds.