Need some pop up camper help.

[disneyfans95]

http://www.campersbarn.com/inventory.php?category=Folding Camper&condition=New

First time buyers here..

We saw some of these new models go on sale for almost $3k. What should we expect when it comes to buying a new popup in regards to a price or percentage off the dealer invoice?

We know we want a pop up and it has to have one queen and then one spot for our tweens (boy and girl) to sleep in their own beds. I see prices from 13k down.

Is there some hard and fast rule that you can get 25% or something off invoice?

Thank you all. I don't mind buying a car because I have the facts, but a camper is a new world to us!

 

[jorescue]

Hello,

There are a few factors to consider when buying a pop up camper.

We just purchased one this year and I feel we got a really good deal. The dealer was asking 12,500 for ours. I searched around on the internet and found a similiar model for 9,500. I did a little bs'ing on the telephone with the dealer and they agreed to price match. We also found waiting until the end of the season or going to an RV show they are a little more willing to deal with you.

Some of the things to consider are the size of your family. We are a family of five and our daughter almost always brings a friend along. Also our 80 pound dog comes along. So a major factor for us was sleeping space. We found a pop up that sleeps 8 comfortably.

A bathroom shower is another consideration. One thing I found about those is the walls dont go all the way to the ceiling and vent fans above them. So if someone is using the toilet, everyone gets to enjoy it.

Slides are another thing to consider also. We really like that option due to the extra room created inside from this.

I hope this helps, If I can think of anything else I will chime in again.

 

[bama_ed]

I bought a Jayco 12HW (highwall) new 6 years ago which is a pop-up similar to the used 2007 Fleetwood Niagra on your dealer site and we love it.

There's no hard-and-fast rule about percents off. Dealers balance demand-to-inventory. You can get up to 20% off Retail on a new unit IMO by negotiating but you have to be prepared to walk away and buy someplace else.

I like that Niagra myself you have on the site. The other Jayco units are smaller and don't have the slide-out dinette (which we do) which significantly adds to the feeling of more space. Kids get bigger, bring their friends, and if it's a rainy weekend you might spend a lot of time together inside so get the biggest unit you can manage. If you go to the NADA website, choose RV, Used RV pricing, and plug in the features the $11k for that seems a fair price that you might further negotiate down. Having a built in potty is a plus (we have 3 kids 12-17) and having a place to change clothes and do the #1 only at night is a comfort to DW.

You don't often see 2-3 year old used pop-ups. Most used pop-ups are older/cheaper. Also this is the time of year when most pop-ups move up to the next year's models (2011) so you might be able to get a deal on a 2010 new but you might have to travel further to pick it up.

Finally, make sure your tow vehicle (TV) can handle the weight you are buying. Don't simply take the trailer dealer's word for it. Check your owners manual because the towing weights shown in most owners manuals are for 2 150-pound adults with no luggage. By the time you add kids, luggage, bikes, food, water, yada yada, you've eaten into your capacity ratings. A full sized pick-up or SUV would be best but let us know your TV. It might limit what you can buy.

You want a front-storage compartment if possible. New is best if you plan to use it for several years. Also consider if you want to use it at the Fort and state parks or if you want to get more into the woods and boondock it. That will determine some of the features you want/need.

Good luck to you!

Bama ED

 

[disneyfans95]

Thank you very much for the information

We have a 2005 town and country mini van (touring edition).

It shows as 3800 towing capacity, so that would seem pretty solid for a pop up. Most were in the 2.5k range or so.

Basically though is don't pay list, wait for RV shows and/or fall to look for one. That was our plan but great to know others input.

 

[tim5055]

Thank you very much for the information

We have a 2005 town and country mini van (touring edition).

It shows as 3800 towing capacity, so that would seem pretty solid for a pop up. Most were in the 2.5k range or so.

Basically though is don't pay list, wait for RV shows and/or fall to look for one. That was our plan but great to know others input.

I think you need to do a little more studying about the towing capacity of your town & country.

The tow rating on most vehicles is a fantasy number based on an unloaded vehicle with just the driver in it. For each pound you add to the minivan (passengers & luggage) you subtract from the towing capacity. Additionally, that 3800 may be for a vehicle that has a factory tow package (which yours may not have). Tow packages include things like self-leveling shocks, heavy duty engine cooling and transmission cooling).

With a minivan you should only look at trailers that have brakes.

I don't want to rain on your parade, but please make sure before you buy the unit. I own an 05 Niagara and I'm glad I have a diesel F-250 to tow it.

Just remember, do NOT base your purchase decision on an RV dealership/salesman telling you that your vehicle will have no problems towing. Independently verify the information. The salesman's job is to separate you from your money. Your job is to protect your family!

 

[disneyfans95]

Great info. Thank you and I will review it better.

 

[medic9016]

Do any of the camper have Air Conditioner, since the dealer is in NY? If you plan to come south in the summer you will need AC. That will also add weight to the camper. You also have to add weight for the battery, LP tank(s) and anything added by the dealer. The weight listed for the unit does not include any of these.

 

[okeydokey]

We towed a pop up for years with a Dodge Grand Caravan and never had a problem. Look on Craig's List for a camper. You'll get a much better deal than with any dealer.

 

[bama_ed]

For the OP, if you are still following this thread, here is an easy way that will be safe for you.

First, I had a 2005 Chrysler T&C (with tow package) as my first tow vehicle. So if you turn to page 343 of the owner's manual, you'll see that the max combined weight of both vehicle and trailer is 8,600 pounds. On the side of the driver's door is a sticker which shows the the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) which is the max amount the van can handle all by itself (no trailer). My sticker says 5,700 pounds.

So if the max combined is 8,600 and the max of the vehicle is 5,700 that leaves a max trailer of 2,900 pounds (that is with all the stuff you will carry). Pop-ups and travel trailers have both an empty weight and a Gross Vehicle Weigth (GVW) which is the empty trailer plus the amount of cargo you can carry (up to the limit the trailer axles will allow). You will need a trailer with a GVW under 2,900 (and that's with no safety margin). That will limit you to smaller pop-ups with no slide-outs most likely. And it puts travel trailers or hybrids out of the picture IMO.

Of course you can find people who HAVE done this (and exceeded their tow rating) but I've had my share of adreneline rushes with a fully loaded pop-up, all the kids, lots of stuff, going downhill in the rain on the interstate at 65 mph and have some yahoo cut in front of you and you hit the brakes and feel the SLIDE. It's not hard to pull a heavy trailer IMO but it is hard to stop one.

I upgraded to a Suburban which is plenty of overkill for me. Even with the tow package I've had repair issues with my T&C on the tranny and brakes. Plus my gas mileage took a 33% hit when towing (7mpg) with the T&C but my Burb takes a 2mpg hit and I don't hardly know the trailer is there.

So if you love the family look for the smaller pups to use with the T&C. Just a word of advice from someone who's walked a mile in your shoes.

Thanks, Bama ED