Okay, someone talk me into the pop up

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

LOL
I don't know where else to ask this to get a good response from other campers- including those that have used or currently use pop up campers.

Here's the situation in a nutshell- we need something to camp in with our family of 5 (including 3 young children down to the age of 2) and all we have are tents right now. Well this camping will be in TEXAS in the summer- and I wouldn't wish that kind of 100+ degree torment on anyone, much less my children and myself. LOL It will also be on other trips, including the next trip (after this one already planned to stay at a resort) to WDW- which is also probably going to be hot, humid, raining during middays, etc. depending on when we go!

So we have been considering getting something else. We've been doing a lot of looking online, in papers and RV traders/etc and yesterday spent the day going everywhere looking.

The deal is that we can afford a pop up RIGHT NOW- no problems at all- that will barely fit us in there- but ofcourse it's not really a WHOLE lot different than a tent - atleast the ones we've seen that we could purchase with cash right now? The only differences I can see is a/c (which might or might not work well- ofcourse they aren't on when we look at them but we'd have to check that out before purchasing), off the ground, and having a tiny table inside.... okay the stove too but when we camp we usually either eat out or cook on the grill. I don't do a lot of cooking AT ALL when we are camping out. LOL That's not relaxing to me.....

OR
We could get a reasonably priced older model motorhome -or some really nice big pull travel trailers -but we'd really have to scrape up enough money to buy those and then be hurting financially atleast for a few months. I'm not really sold on motorhomes since I haven't found one in our price range that I like the arrangements (mostly the sleeping arrangements) and don't like the fact that if it breaks down- your "camping" arrangements are GONE unless you fix it- with a pull trailer you don't have that worry. No matter what happens to your vehicle you use to tow it- it's still usable with another vehicle. Yanno? And ofcourse I found one at a really good price that I'm in love with. LOL I love everything about it and it has bunks for the kids and queen for us PLUS sleep sofa and booth table situation that changes to bed also- so plenty of sleeping space even for additional people other than just our immediate family. It's a newer model also (other than the older model motorhomes we'd have to go with to be able to afford it) and well- I won't go on and on about it but it's just PERFECT. Love everything about it.

But it would be hard to buy that right now and put us in a financial strain for awhile. We would probably have to give up some assets to even be able to pay for it cash right now (financing is not an option- we're not even going to think about going that route right now).

So someone tell me everything about how wonderful pop ups are so I can talk myself into getting that instead. LOL Please!

[DaddyDon]

:) Hi we have had both tent and a pop up camper.We love our popup,Yes we have ac and have camped at the fort in it in july and stayed cool.:bounce: :bounce: My only suggestion would be get the biggest one you can afford and if you hook up with a slide out dineing room that also would be nicer! Check e-bay and other options before you settle in on a dealer only as their prices vary as much as a car lot.One more thing can you say porta potty !!!!!!! And A.C.We also do much of our cooking outside because i like too!but have cooked inside when it rains.Good luck no matter what you decide.:earsboy:

[house_of_princesses]

Sorry, Bibiddy, but I think if you LOVE the TT, get it. You'll be kickin' yourself the day it rains, when the kids get a bit larger and don't all fit on the one bed, the hassle of getting that curtain around the potty when the chil'ens find out about modesty, etc.. Don't talk yourself into something you don't want.

Home equity rates are at an all time low right now. I know, I know, I'm a cash girl, too, BUT at 4 % and the tax break come 4/04, it can be a good deal. Put the cash you want to spend down, finance the rest.

My DH bought a TT as a surprise (not an expenditure we usually do without the other), and I now enjoy it immensely. We use it everywhere we go, and we go frequently.

Whichever you decide, I wish you a peaceful nights' sleep after the purchase!! ;)

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

LOL
Thanks for the help, house of princesses... I think. LOL
I know what you mean- about kicking yourself if you don't get it. But then sometimes I kick myself if I DO get something- no matter how much thought I put into it. So far a lot of our purchases have been that way through the years- thankfully this last mini-van purchase was one of the good ones that even 3yrs later I'm still in love with it. ;)

The best pop up for the best price we've found so far- I don't really think it even HAD a little potty in it. I might be remembering wrong though- we looked at so many things yesterday all day long! LOL And a potty is definitely needed RIGHT THERE (no going somewhere else for a potty)-atleast for right now with a 2yr old potty training and a 5yr old that still sometimes can't hold it for a long time (haven't really tried though- we just hurry to get him there so accidents don't happen. LOL)

I tell ya what though- I'd be a lot more willing to go camping as a family (as opposed to DH just going with one of the older children or both the older children) if we had the pop up rather than tents but with the TT- I'd probably be the one saying let's go camping constantly. LOL Plus DH wants to do the deer hunting thing and although I and the kids wouldn't be hunting, we'd be more willing to go along on the trips with the popup..... and even more willing with the TT. LOL

We simply can't do the financing thing right now- long story but trust me we wouldn't get the "approved credit" to get a good % rates. Had some hard times a few years ago when DH was laid off at his job of over 10yrs. But it's okay- his job he's had for almost 4yrs now is even better- but we're still scrambling to catch up and there's a voluntary repossession on our records also from back then. (it was either give that vehicle back or lose our house- which wasn't a hard decision LOL). So that option is really out. The place with the TT doesn't do financing anyway- you have to get your own so it would be impossible for us at a bank. The place with the pop up does- but we could buy that outright anyway. LOL

There's just so much I love about the TT- including the fact they make sure every single thing is in top-notch working order and show you before you buy it- the place with the popup and other TT's we looked at and even motorhomes- are sold as is. If something isn't working- oh well. That's why I was hoping to hear tons of good things about the pop ups so I could squash this love affair (LOL) I have with that TT.
*sigh*
LOL

[welovemickey]

We had a popup for 5 years and made 4 trips to FW in it and I loved it. When DH started talking about buying a motorhome, I fought it tooth and nail. I kept saying, "I like the popup, it's fine for camping". Well, he won and we bought a motorhome, which I love because for a family of 5 it definately gives us more room (especially when the weather is bad). Anyway, I would say that the popup would be fine for now with small kids, but you'll quickly outgrow it. If you can swing it, I'd go with the TT.

Good luck on your decision!

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Thank you also for your post.
Yes, the pop up would be "doable" for now- but you are right as these kids grow (and they do grow fast! LOL) we would outgrow it quickly I'm sure. They are still at the smaller size/easily share beds/etc. But that won't last much longer as my oldest two are 9 and 5.5yrs old. Teen years for the oldest is not THAT far away. LOL
(ooh, I hate reminding myself of that) :)

[house_of_princesses]

I reply again with hesitation. I don't want to sound like I'm trying to push the financing, however.... If you have equity in your home, your mortgage lender may just loan you the money. You'd be surprised! It may be worth the question.

Just something to think about. :D

[tim5055]

A key factor that has not yet been raised it what are you going to use to tow an RV of some sort with?

Looking at the current tow vehicle you have may be part of the decision. In most cases a "mom-mobile (read mini van) is not suited to towing anything much larger than a pop up.

Even something a large as a pick up unless properly equipped with things such as over-sized cooling system (remember you are in Texas), transmission cooler, heavy duty alternator, correct rear end gearing... (you get the picture) may be limited in its towing capacity. The general rule of thumb is to stay below 75% of your rated tow capacity.

Right now, get out your vehicle owners manual and calculate what the manufacturer says you can tow. Double check your manual, but also note that those ratings are based on an empty tow vehicle with a single 150 pound driver. For every pound you put in the tow vehicle (you do want to bring all 3 kids, right?) it is a pound of towing capacity that goes away.

My web site below is dedicated to pop up camping and I invite you to look around. Pay particular attention to the pages on hitches & towing information as well as sway information.

Good luck in your search, but just remember when buying the TT you love make sure you can tow it safely.

[allshookup]

Ditto everything House_of_princesses said plus keep in mind that if for some reason you really find that you can't swing it or that you don't love it as much as you want....you can always sell it. They really don't depreciate much in value.

We bought one of those hard sided trailers with the canvas beds on the end that you pull down. We ended up trading up for a TT with the bunk beds and queen bed and I am so glad that we did! I hated having to deal with pulling the beds down and popping up the canvas and setting up the beds. And everytime it rained or was humid out, the inside of the canvas was soaked! I love not having to set anything up or make any beds when we pull into our camp site.....it's already done! And now when it pours out we don't get a drop of rain inside!

Just something else to consider but others we camp with claim that it feels like sleeping in a box and they MUCH rather sleep under canvas when camping. To each his own!

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Okay the sleeping in a box cracks me up- what's a house then? Just a larger box? LOL

Thanks for all your posts! I really appreciate them- even if I don't respond to every one and every comment within them. :)

As for the towing thing- we're fine. DH has a Chevy 1-ton crew cab. It will pull a LOT. I do have a minivan- but there's no way it could pull anything more than our boat or a light pop up I'm sure. The only problem with that is that the clutch acts like it's going out when he makes longer trips- so we'd be limited to using the TT for short trips until we either fix some things on the truck (he also wants a new engine- but we'd be doing that soon regardless if we got any RV at all) or get another truck.... and only then could we make long trips (ie: to other states to visit relatives or WDW/etc.)

He has all those things you mentioned- he's hauled a lot of stuff with this truck before also (bigger boat, a TT that was borrowed over a year ago, etc.) so we know he could pull it. The only thing he doesn't want to get is a 5th wheel- because he just doesn't. I don't know why. LOL

I will check out your site- thanks!

house of princesses- still not an option. Sorry. Unfortunately (atleast in THIS situation) we do not have equity in a home we own because we recently sold our home to get out of it (it was a manufactured home 5yrs old and those don't gain equity- they lost value like a darn vehicle does! LOL) before we were "upside down" in it and now we are in a nicer brick home- but we've only been here since Nov- ie: no equity to speak of for awhile yet. :(

That's interesting to note- I didn't know they didn't depreciate in value much. I figured they were like vehicles and did depreciate quite a bit through the years?

[YellowXterra]

You should check out www.popuptimes.com or http://www.coastexplorer.com/popupexplorer/forum/default.asp
For some real talk on Pop Up campers.

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Thank you- I will do that. I've also been doing some reading on irv2.com that I saw a link from SOMEONE on this board. LOL I'll definitely go read those also. :)

[Praise2Him]

We have a pop-up, and I would LOVE to upgrade to a TT, but that's probably not going to happen. However, a few things just to reassure you:

1. I am not an "outdoors" person and did not want to camp at all, but once we started, I loved it - as long as I have air conditioning and a porta-potty! (The porta-potty does not come with the pop-up - we bought it separately, and it has been a life saver!) Definitely get an air conditioner!

2. Our kids are 17, 14, and 12 and they have no problems sleeping all on the same bed in the pop-up (ours is one of the bigger sizes, though). (The two oldest are 6'2" and 5"11.)

3. Yes, it's a pain to set up and take down, but it does get easier with practice.

4. My advice, go with what you can afford right now, and upgrade later. Your kids are still young enough right now that a pop-up will be fine!

[Pop-up-family]

As far as growing out of a pop-up, we have 3 boys ages 18, 15, and 12 and have plenty of room (and a 85lb dog). We bought our pop-up used over 3 years ago with AC and have had no problems with the AC, and we live in Florida, just like Texas the AC is running often. We paid cash and it fits in our garage, no debt here.

Now as for rain...it keeps us dry even heavy rains but is a pain to put up and down in pouring rain, which happens often. So that's one thing to consider.

The previously pop-up message boards that someone posted are a great place to read and learn and ask questions. IRV2 has more than just pop-up message boards, so might be the place for you.

[JCJRSmith]

Have you considered a new or used hybrid? From the description of your truck you have enough vehicle to tow it, and you have the covieniences of a full travel trailer. We love our Jayco Kiwi. I tow mine with a Ford F150 Supercrew - more than enough vehicle. As hybrids go, ours is pretty heavy, around 5000 lbs, but it tows like a wonder. You can see it here:
The Smith Family Camper (http://www.geocities.com/jcjrsmith)

Jerry

[disny4fun]

I agree! We just upgraded from a popup to a hybrid for just a couple thousand more $. I was the best move we ever made! My family loves it! We bought a "used" 2003! I would really recommend checking into hybrids! They are larger inside than a TT. In fact friends of ours like ours so much they traded their TT in for a new Kiwi!

[YellowXterra]

What part of the state is Jonesborough, TN.

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

UGH. I'm still so undecided. We have looked and looked- all over, online, in papers, RV trader, you name it- and I thought I had come to the decision that the only one I truly really like the most and wouldn't "mind" spending the money on is the TT. We worked out a good bargain (atleast from what I can see from NADA value and others I have found that are 1997's while this one is a 2000- were more expensive than this one- way more).

But then before going over there to put some $$ down and pay the rest on Thursday- I decided to check out a lot just down the street that also stores RVs (it would either need to be stored there or at a friend's house that lives out in the country and has land- our previous neighbors) and UGH UGH UGH.

Now I have even more decisions.
The TT that I really love(d?) the most was a 2000 Nomad 26'- they'll make sure everything is working and show me before we get it. Price including TTL AND equalizer hitch is $9270

At the other lot- two different ones I also liked:
Smaller TT (about 22'- or maybe 21- they'd just got it in on trade yesterday and he just measured by walking at the moment) is a brand I can't remember at the moment- 1993 and the sleeping arrangements are "different" but really the only difference is the other one has 2 bunks in one corner- this one has a bunk that pulls down over the couch. Has everything- battery, a/c, heater, microwave, stove, big fridge and also freezer, shower (but no tub like the bigger one has) and potty (but it's like up inside the shower- kinda walk in the shower past the shower part- I'm sure you know what I mean), electric jack in front, etc. It seemed very nice for a 93- mostly looks new- only if you look really hard do you see that it's older.
This one is $5000 plus TTL -UNLESS they find something major wrong with it and they'll sell it with everything fixed/replaced if necessary and in working order also- but the price might go up depending on what they have to replace. They are going to check it all tomorrow but I can only find out right before closing if there was anything that needs to be fixed because they said it takes awhile on the fridge/freezer???

So that's a lot cheaper- and would serve our needs for a long time too.

Then he showed me a pop up camper- and I was already thinking I would not like it because of the ones I'd seen before. But this one was a 2001 Camplite (I think that's what it is? Maybe it was coleman.... coleman camplite?) Anyway,it looks BRAND new inside and out- it has a slide out and get this..... BUNK BEDS! It still has the beds on the ends that pop out- and the slide out table/booth that turns into a bed- but also bunk beds across from that- that can also be somehow finagled to make one big bed there. LOL But my kids love bunk beds- atleast now they do. It was way roomier also- totally not what I expected. It's $6450 plus TTL -but the only thing is the stove that is supposed to be inside but able to put on the outside- it's missing. They said they would replace it or knock off $250 for us to get one ourselves. I'd prefer they get it. Problem with that is that we'd like to camp out this weekend since DH has 4 days off- and they weren't sure they could get a stove in it to drive off the lot- by then. Depends on how hard it is for them to get it that quick?

But in any case, it's more than the '93 TT.... but it's also still thousands less than the bigger 2000 TT. The only thing I don't like about this camper- is that it has no potty/shower (ofcourse! How could it unless it was a hybrid? LOL Which I also looked at btw- but it was already pending sale- I just looked to see what it was like). That could be a big issue with us.... considering we have a potty training 2yr old and honestly my 5yr old can't hold it forever either (if we were far from a comfort station or something). I also don't like the idea of always having to go to the comfort station or SOMEWHERE to clean up/shower/potty. Where I would put a porta-potty... I have no idea. And are those disgusting to deal with? Plus I'm not sure how much of a hassle all the popping out, sliding dining area out, putting bunks back up and all that would be.


So now when I thought I had my mind made up- I have THREE I like now- all different prices, different amenities- the one with the most and perfect- is larger but also more expensive (ofcourse). I really like the camper- but I can't get over the no shower/potty thing and we might not could even get it before camping out this next weekend. So I guess I'm SORTA leaning towards the smaller TT if everything is working and it doesn't cost any extra. Because saving right at $4000 while it still fits our needs is sounding pretty tempting. Although the larger one is a really great deal so even though it cost more- it's worth quite a bit more than we'd be paying for it.

Anyone have ANY comments or suggestions that maybe I haven't thought of yet that would help me make this decision? It's hard! LOL

[Disneycrazymom]

Here is a forum to ask questions about different models. www.rv.net/forum/

These guys really know a lot about different trailer set-ups. We have a Prowler 727, I really like having the bunks for the kids. It is so nice to get somewhere and not have to make beds for everyone. Good luck with your decision.:)

[Whosemom]

I'm at the other end...:D

How much fun will you have when you are looking at rent/mortgage, truck repair, an unforseen dr bill (whatever) in two months and kicking your self over the TT?

We bought an OLD '79 pop-up, sleeps 8, 4 burner stove, fridge, lots of room, and are having a blast with our 7, 4, and potty-training two year old. We paid less than $1000 and I suppose you could add a/c.

As far as the hassle setting up, it only takes 15 minutes or so, and there are little jobs for the kids that make them feel an important part of it.

Its a big purchase, but not like a house...when finances improve, you could always "trade-up"

Currently staying at Lake Erie on the first leg of a two week trip...
The only thing bugging me is the pile of 5 baskets of clothes that I haven't figured out how to stash from veiw without complicating nap time, and WE WILL HAVE NAP TIME!!!!! LOL

[house_of_princesses]

Bibbidy, Since DH has some time off, perhaps shopping some more, instead of pressuring yourself into a purchase, may be the thing to do? I've been where you are.... But I only Have Three Days until The WEEKEND!! Take the time to enjoy your neighborhood, then go shopping, come back and take the dog/cat/hamster around the block, go shopping. When the right one comes along, you'll know. No hesitations, no worries. Don't force yourself into a decision.. takes all the fun out of it!!

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

LOL
Well, see that's the problem.... you said you know when the right one comes along and even after all the looking in papers, online, and in person all over God's creation (okay, so it just FELT like it LOL) -I still came back to that one. So it does feel right (the first one) but it's the most expensive one and well, I'm little on the "frugal" side and price always gets me. It's hard for me to spend like that -even on cars, house, etc. Although I have no problem whatsoever buying kids clothes - what's up with that? (not for myself- just the kids...)

Anyway- atleast that is what I thought until I saw these- then I was like whoa... I like these almost as much as the other and lookie lookie at how much less we'd be spending on them. Problem is that one is newer and beautiful and 2 bunks (more sleeping area actually- which suprised me... more sleeping area in pop up than 21-22 foot trailer? LOL But ofcourse that bathroom takes up space) -and the other is older but cost less and has a bathroom/shower.. and no setting up like the pop up. I have been doing a lot of reading and realize it's not all THAT hard to put it up- but you'd just have to know my husband to understand. It will be a breeze for him- don't get me wrong... but he can be moody sometimes and who needs to start off a camping trip with him upset if it's taking him longer than he thinks it should or the kids are misbehaving while he's doing it/etc.


I haven't given up on the pop up yet though. I saw those myself this evening while DH and the kids were in the pool here at home- I think I'll take him up there tomorrow to see those and see what he thinks. He said whatever made me happy was fine with him but if I can't make up my mind-maybe I'll just say..... which would YOU pick and go with that. Darn indecisive women.
HA!

Whosemom- I appreciate your post too. The only part I wanted to say is that if something came up in 2 months we'd be fine anyway. We have almost $10,000 coming within 2 months. So all would be fine even if we DID decide to get the more expensive one now and then later something came up (as we know it always does.... LOL)

I hear what you are saying though. Oh to be able to foretell the future. Because I don't want to be kicking myself FOR getting it- but I also don't want to be kicking myself for NOT getting it. Yanno?

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Thanks for the link! I'll definitely check out that board also. :)

[tiggereyore]

Okay you can kick me now cause you aren't going to like this story. (BTW I left this earlier and wasn't going to comment but can't help myself).
Okay last yr we talked abt buying an older trailer found one couldn't stand all the brown so mom and I worked to recover and new curtians spent 200 on fabric (but it looked good) this tt had no AC and in July in the white mtn of NH we were dying. (i'm going to disney in this NOT) You can see where this is heading. One Sat in Sept I'm at work and DH calls guess what honey? I've found the perfect camper!ARGH!!!!I've got to save money for spending at Disney (anyway out the window went 1/3 of the camper price and my spending money) But I ended up with a wonderful 98 with ac bunks full bath (a life saver with 5 and 2 1/2yr old) and a bed for us).
One to the story. Some friends wanted to join us camping in Maine for Mem Day (read cold) they have a pop up not thinking I said sure. The arrived at 9 pm had to set up in the dark my DH holding a flash light and it went down hill from there. Their 3 yr old refused to use public potty had to use mine (read dirt and pee all over) the second 2 days I managed to keep them out. It was freezing 30 at night and rain. Now they want to go with us in July and some friends of ours have a 19' for sale with ac and heat and bathroom and table and couch for sleeping they only want 4500 and they (friends #1 think they'll be fine) july no ac in the white mtns again. Been there done that will NEVER do it again!! Remember the begining of the story? Oh well when you find it you'll know. I learned the hard way.

[campingcorgi]

I would strongly recommend that anyone looking to purchase any type of RV check out rv.org It costs about $100 to join, but the information you can get about safety, value, etc., is priceless. When you are making such a large purchase you need to be as informed as possible, and don't rush into anything!!

[campingcorgi]

Originally posted by YellowXterra
What part of the state is Jonesborough, TN.

Upper-east.

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

We have a small pop-up that we bought when our two kids were small. If I had it to do over again, I would have gone up just one size so that one of the beds was a queen.

Things I like about a small pop-up though:

> Get's us off the ground (vs a tent)
> Low weight doesn't put a strain on our tow vehicle (mini-van)
> Didn't cost so much that we feel guilty for not using it more than 2-4 weeks per year
> Doesn't take up much room for storage (we store for free at my brother's farm)

If you are going to use it a lot, I would go for something more expensive/bigger. If you are like us and just use it for 2 weeks at WDW, 1 week at a State Park and 2 days at an amusement park, then you might not want to have so much money invested in it.

[disny4fun]

Yes, we live in the upper east tennessee area.

Our Hybrid is completely self contained. The ends pop down just like a PU and both of our ends are queens. We have a 19' trailer so the sleeping capicity is 6 adults (more if you have little ones). The living area of our trailer is much larger than a TT. There are many hybrids that have bunks in the back as well as a popdown queen bed in the front! They sleep 8 or more people. We have a couch, dinette, refrig & freezer, bathroom with a shower (pretty good sized too!), awning, kitchen, AC, Heat, and CD, Cassette, radio and plenty of cabnets for storage! Hybrids have the same options as most tradtional TT. You can get them with outside BBQ and Showers. I believe they are a little more verstile than a PU or TT. You can camp in any weather and if it's a bad storm - close up the ends and sleep inside (we've done that)!

I really recommend you check them out. They are very reasonably priced, especially used! There was one that we looked at that was a bit larger than ours with all the bells and whistles begin sold privately for $5500. It was only 2 yrs old! They were moving up to a larger unit!

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Thank you all for your posts- I really appreciate them!

You bring up a good point about how much invested vs. how much it will be used. I do think we'll use it a lot more often than what was mentioned- simply because DH wants to camp out a lot and we just haven't because I can't deal with going in tents with the kids and all. Also he is already buying a deer lease and would use it for that. Plus we could do a lot more traveling (not just vacations- but all of his family lives in other states and as we "added" children- we stopped visiting as much because of the cost of hotels and no longer being able to just sleep on a relatives sleeper sofa and stuff like that. Plus I'd be able to go to Disney more often because DH is seriously not interested in going again after this next trip... but he's coming around as I show him more and more info about FW and he likes the idea of camping there (he really hates staying in hotels and resorts. This would be like taking our own little "mini-home" with us plus he likes all the stuff he can do at FW and those combined are more appealing to him than just going to Disney in of itself)

BUT - even if we used it the most I can think of... I still have to consider if the investment is worth that and how long it MIGHT last to be able to use it in that way/etc. So that's why I want to get the best deal possible and why I'm leaning towards the cheaper pop up or TT (both cheaper than the other TT I mean)

BTW- they called to say the smaller TT checks out perfectly on everything and are leaving it all hooked up so we can go check it out this evening when DH gets off work. Since everything is working and without anything needing repairing that might add to the cost also... if DH likes it, we might just get the cheaper one. Going to show him the pop up too... I may just leave the choice up to him since I can't make up my mind. LOL

[Tiger Fan]

Here's our story. We had a Coleman popup that sleeps 8. It was the largest with the nice dining slide out and two king beds, plus a small potty and shower area. I was miserable each time because of the constant set up and take down. My parents had a 36' Allegra Bay motorhome with all the features of home. He did not like the huge investment and feeling like you had to use it ALL the time to get your money's worth. Just week before last my dad and I went together and got rid of the motor home and the popup. We both now have 26' Coachman TT (his has a slide out den/dining area and queen size bedroom), while our's has a queen bed and 3 bunks. Both have great sized bathrooms. Our's is a 2002 model and we paid $10,000 and they threw in the stabalizer and some other extras. Dad's is a 2004 and he got them down to $15,000 since we were buying two. We both feel we are much happier with these TTs. Good luck as you decide - we love camping.
Lisa

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Well, we're now the proud owners of the 2000 Skyline Nomad 26'.

LOL
Well,we put down on it- we pick it up Thursday for the walk through to make sure everything is working/etc.

We got it for $9270 including the equalizer hitch. From what I can tell online it's a good bargain- we sure couldn't find anything in that price range LIKE THIS anywhere else. It looks so new that if they told us it was a 2003 or 2004 new one we'd have believed them. LOL

We went and looked at the pop up camper and that other smaller TT at the other lot together. We both think the pop up is soooo beautiful- but neither of us wants to deal with the set up while dealing with 3 kids, not having a potty (and couldn't figure out where we'd put it either!) etc etc.
Then on the smaller TT I really thought DH was going to say he wanted that one instead- for various reasons but one being that it had a tow pkg on the back where he could also tow our small boat. (that would really freak me out though- towing both the 22' trailer plus a boat behind that?? EEK!) Also they called earlier saying everything worked and they'd leave it hooked up for us to look at this evening- and when we got there we found out the fridge had some problems that they fixed and the stereo didn't work at all/etc. So it wasn't "all" working condition -yanno?

BUT -then we went over to look at the other one again- just to remind ourselves what it was like/etc and I really thought that when we did I'd still be indecisive and he would be pushing for the smaller less expensive one and that would make up our minds. But we walked in and the first thing he said was this one is sooooo much nicer.
LOL
Well that certainly didn't help me decide to get the smaller one! Seeing that bathroom again didn't help either. LOL I mean full size tub/shower, toilet not IN the shower like the other one and all that. Plus when all 5 of us were in the smaller trailer it's really made to have all the amenities plus lots of sleeping area and there is not much walking space at ALL. I mean literally just a tiny walking area and so narrow that only one adult OR child could walk at a time- we couldn't even get past one another without someone sitting down to let us by. LOL The big one is much roomier and I think that will do wonders with our "camping mood" while there. I can see getting irritated by being so cramped in the long run. Even the pop up had way more walking area/space than this smaller trailer! And the bunk beds/etc. It's a little more money- BUT the big one is a bargain from what NADA says... the smaller one is just OVER what NADA retail avg says! So even though the little one is less- it's not a bargain by any means. And we have to consider that paying $3500 more is probably worth it when there's so much difference in size, amenities plus 7 years difference (one is 1993- the bigger one is 2000).

The only thing I would like to get soon is a generator. I don't like the idea of camping ALWAYS hooked up on a campsite. Yanno?

Oh and also- the little one's a/c worked great/cold/powerful- but it is only on the top with the air coming out of it- that's it... just out of it. The other one we haven't seen how it works but they said it works great and will show us in the walk through when it's hooked up and all- before we take it- and it has vents through the ceiling (the kind you can adjust popping the cover down or up -so you won't have cold air blowing where someone might not want it to be) all through the entire trailer. So it's not just air coming out one spot. Lots of stuff we liked better. I'm frugal though and really thought I'd pick the smaller trailer- but I kinda let DH have the "lead" so to speak and he liked the bigger one better too.

So that's that. We'll be getting it Thursday (or Friday if DH has to work late Thursday) and going on a camping trip this weekend to break her in. :)

[house_of_princesses]

WHEW!!! I'm glad that's over!! ;) CONGRATULATIONS!! :Pinkbounc I hope you have nothing but happy memories built on your new 26' TT foundation!

Can't wait to hear about the inaugural run!! :jester:

[allshookup]

Congratulations! I hope you love it! Do let us know how your trip went.

[Tiger Fan]

Wonderful news!! I think you made the right decision. Have a great weekend.
Lisa

[tiggereyore]

I too think you made the right choice and got a great deal. I think you'll be happy in th long run. Let us know how the trip goes. ( don't be to upset if not everything is perfect yet. I'm still changing where I put things 9months later.
~christy

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Thanks everyone- I'll definitely let you know how things go! I think things will be fine though. Anything goes wrong all I have to do is remind myself that I COULD be out in this Texas heat in a darn tent! LOL

Oh and btw- we tried to change our upcoming WDW trip to FW and it's a no-go. Guess it's the time of year or something- or maybe the winter settlers thing makes it pretty full. But they said they don't have a site at all from Nov 19- Dec 14 or something like that. So that's right when we'd need to go. Ohwell- we'll keep our plans to fly this time- first time for the kids anyway and they are excited. We'll work on camping at FW in 2004 or something. :)

[chagdizkid85]

Hello

I agree with Praise2him...Get the pop up now and upgrade later.
We just bought a pop up and are loving it...potty but no ac.

I'm not a gambler...and don't like to leave us short....why stress out about "over-buying"...do what's financially comfortable for you....knowing you'll be wanting to upgrade in a few years you'll have a few years to save and make another comfortable purchase! Enjoy and have fun.....also congrats on your weight loss!

[welovemickey]

If you really want to stay at the campground, keep calling CRO. There's bound to be a cancellation. Try calling early in the morning.

Good luck!

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Thanks for the tip- I'll try that. We went camping for 4 days this past weekend (just got back last night) and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves- plus having the trailer didn't hurt matters. ;) Loved it! We'd love to camp out like that at FW. :)

[house_of_princesses]

We, too, have been out of town. So.... how did things go?? What's the best thing about the trailer? The least favorite? Glad to hear you had fun!!

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Things went fine on our weekend 4 day trip. :)

Best thing? Well that would be hard to say- I guess just overall having "home" amenities like able to cook, go potty, shower, etc? LOL Oh and it was quicker to set up once there and pack up to leave than I thought it would be. :)

Least favorite? HARD mattress on the queen bed. I guess because it's like a "bunkie" used for bunk beds- where the box springs and mattress is all in one. I have to do something to remedy how hard it is by our next weekend trip because I can't handle a mattress that hard! LOL I almost wanted to put the booth out into a bed and sleep there- atleast I think those cushions would be softer. LOL

[campingcorgi]

Originally posted by BibbidyBobbidyBoo
I almost wanted to put the booth out into a bed and sleep there- atleast I think those cushions would be softer. LOL
Oh, I feel your pain! Our first camping trip with the Minnie was like that!! I woke up about 4 am and would have curled up on the floor if there had been any floor space left (people sleeping on cots there, too!). We purchased an Aerobed mattress for the bed and that is much better--and it saves on weight, too!

Sounds like you are having fun!

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Yes, I have thought about the aerobed -might do that! Cause it seriously HURT. Tooooooooo stiff/firm.
But we also recently got a new king mattress set for our bed at home and although it felt soft in the store- darn thing is too stiff also. I'm tempted to sleep on the couch now. LOL ack.... why can't I get a softer bed nowadays? LOL

[house_of_princesses]

May I recommend a piece of foam between the mattress and board it sits on, then buy a featherbed (Domestications usually carries a reasonably priced one) and put that on top of the mattress. Helped our situation immensely.

[Bichon Barb]

I've just skimmed through this thread, but BBB, I want to congratulate you! Your going to have lots of fun.

It's funny this topic came up, because if everything goes okay, we'll be trading in our 1998 Coleman Sun Ridge (pop up) for a 2003 Outback 25RSS -- TODAY!!! It's a hardside with a hardside back pull out bed and a side pull out. We've had over 5 years of fun with the Coleman, but it's time to upgrade. Now we'll definitely have to take the long journey to FW!

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Congratulations Bichon Barb! I hope everything goes okay for you to get it. :)



Originally posted by house_of_princesses
May I recommend a piece of foam between the mattress and board it sits on, then buy a featherbed (Domestications usually carries a reasonably priced one) and put that on top of the mattress. Helped our situation immensely.
Well, those are good ideas too. But I'm wondering how close we'd be to the ceiling if we put foam under the mattress and a featherbed on TOP of it? LOL

[kc5grw]

Congratulations on the trailer, I think you'll be pleased with the Skyline Nomad. We just sold our pop-up in March and bought a Skyline Layton 297 32' triple bunk. We have been very pleased with our trailer so far. It is definitely so much nicer than the pop-up with the 3 kids, 14, 9 and 7. Our first trip at FW will begin 12/19.

[DMRick]

LOL I almost wanted to put the booth out into a bed and sleep there- atleast I think those cushions would be softer. LOL

Egg crate mattresses work wonders..and they are nice and inexpensive! Goes right over your mattress.

Doris

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

We have one of those on our king at home! The problem is that we got it just "given" to us awhile back- a friend bought it and ended up not needing it. Lost touch with that friend and now I haven't a clue where you get those! ??

[DMRick]

We got our egg crate at Walmart. Disney has them available too for uncomfortable resort beds.

[tiggereyore]

But I suggust that you buy a king and cut it down unless you can find a size on it. The one I grabbed was a double after all thats what the bed is right WRONG. lacking about 4" in width and since we're used to a king at home those 2" on each side make a difference.
Hope you're having fun. 2 weeks to go and I get to take ours out for 3 weekends and a full week. Might as well just live in it in the driveway we'll be in it so much!!!

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Wow, I never noticed them at Walmart and I'm constantly going through the bedding sections looking for something ... like recently sheets/etc for the camper. LOL

I will check that out- but I might measure the bed first. It's supposed to be a queen size and I can't really be sure that it is since we're used to a King at home... so I wouldn't know if it was the actual size of a queen bed or not!


Thanks!

[DMRick]

The one I grabbed was a double after all thats what the bed is right WRONG

Unless you have a bedroom slide out, they are usually short queens, not fulls...at least in the Holiday we have and most others, since this is an oft discussed thing. Do your regular queen sheets you bought for it fit? The short queens I get at Camping world fit, but not worth the extra price. We use the sheet thingy's on our sheets..sort of like suspenders to hold the bottom fitted sheet tight..also from Walmart. We did get the queen egg crate, but had to cut several inches off the end so it would fit.

We just got back and will leave for the Adirondacks in upstate NY in the morning for a week. Here's hoping I can catch something other than analog on the cell phone, so the computer will come in...otherwise we'll be sure to take the grands off for a library visit for mail checks on their computers: )

Hubby's been working today getting the acrylic cut for the screen doors (they velcro on), so I can have the air on and leave the main door open while camping. In the three years we've owned our Holiday Rambler, we've used the air twice each year..it's been so hot this year, we've used it every trip....or I'm just getting old LOL!

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

That quote wasn't mine yet I think your question under it was directed to me?
No,the queen sheet I bought for it seemed a little too big. But I tried a double on it (which I bought for the couch that pulls out to bed- and it was a little big for it LOL) and it was too small.I think you are right about it being a short queen. LOL

Have fun on your trip!

[DMRick]

The quote was to tigger, as to why a double egg crate might not fit..because she prob had a short queen : )

But then I asked if the sheets you mentioned buying fit..I shoulda put a name before each of my comments LOL!

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Yeah.... quit confusing me, woman!
LOL
So hey, when are you going to Disney again? :)

[tiggereyore]

All the info says its a double and double sheets fit as long as they are deep pocket ones. But I couldn't find jersey double so I bought queen and they are big, but we tend to fight over the sheets. It seems to be between the queen short size and a double. it's a 98 mallard 25A so the bed goes along the front of the camper and drivers side is the head of the bed. There is a waredrobe at the foot of the bed up against the front since I'm 5'2" I sleep there and DH whose 6' gets the outside cause his toes hang off. But at least we have a bed before we slept on the couch. What a pain.

Bibbidy
Have you figured out where everything home is? When are you headed out next?

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I don't know for sure what you mean have I figured out where everything home is? Do you mean where everything's home is as in where everything goes? If so, yeppers. :)

We'll be going out again in July- staying nights of 11th- 15th. :)

[rebelmom]

Heres another vote for the pop up camper. We got ours last spring and love it. Our ac works so good you have to sleep with a big blanket, we just camped over the 4th weekend in MO the temps were in the 90's with the heat index around 108, I never turned the air above low and it was very cool inside all weekend. we love our pop up and camp almost every weekend. Unfortunately we won't be using it for our first trip to disney this aug, it's just to far of a drive. Hope this helps.

[DMRick]

So hey, when are you going to Disney again?

We have ressie's right now for Sept 9-16th this year. Part time (at this time) at Downtown Marriot and part of the time at POR. I'm sure we'll add a couple more trips. Our son in getting married in March in Ireland, so we'll have to make additional trips values for sure. I want to stay at Pop Century before the end of the year also.

Since late winter 2004 will be the big wedding..we are looking toward 6 weeks in the campground in 2005. All of Jan through mid Feb.

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Well, hopefully we'll meet up again. You might not recognize me now. ;) I'm a lot less "person" if you know what I mean. hehe

We ofcourse have our Thanksgiving trip planned and still thinking on a solo trip for myself around Halloween- unsure on that one as of yet though. Can't seem to decide if I want to or not. LOL

Other than that- no future plans as of yet. But I would like to stay at Pop Century sometime next year! :)