Need thoughts on Tent trailer??

[pumpkey3]

We are in the begining stages of looking for a tent trailer, and was looking for information on what to look for, reviews, and just anything that can help us make our choice.

Thanks so much,

 

[F4disneyfan]

Well my wife just bought a Jayco J series and it was by far the best fit and finnish and build quality of all the ones we looked at. We looked at Starcraft and Rockwood and Mustangs and fleetwoods etc and it had by far the best decor and layouts and fit and finnish of any of the brands.

 

[tim5055]

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.

Here are some things to help:

Pop Up Camping Frequently Asked Questions

Purchasing a Used Pop-Up-Camper

Towing and Hitch Information

 

[mash]

We have a 1994 Fleetwood (Coleman) Pioneer Avalon. We purchased it used for a great price in 1998. I was hesitant to buy it at first because I didn't think it had all the features I wanted. However, the price was so good we couldn't pass it up. As it turns out we have been very happy with it. Buying used is a great way to find out what features you may or may not want and to find out if you will even like camping without making a big investment.

As far as our Coleman goes, we haven't had any problems. Although it is now 12 years old it's in great shape and everything has held up reallly well. We do take good care of it and keep it in the garage. We are thinking of upgrading to a larger PUP now that we have a second child and will definitely buy a Fleetwood again.

My parents have a Viking PUP and seem very happy with it. It's 3 years old and I don't believe they have had any problems. My sister had a Palomino PUP and in my opinion it was poorly made. It seems to have a multitude of problems. That's just my opinion.

Review the features of the PUPs and decide which are most important to you. Continue to task around and find out about other folks' experiences.

 

[minkydog]

We have a 5yo Dutchman bought barely used for under $5000. DH & I spent months looking at campers to decide what we really needed, not just what looked good. Some things we decided were that we don't spend a lot of time inside the pop-up but we need enough seating to get out of the rain. We don't need a potty( our teens would die!) We like to eat outdoors and cook over an open fire, so an indoor kitchen is not important to us. Sleeping arrangements are, since our kids are B/G/B. And it had to be light enough to pull with our van and push in our driveway(I'm not good a backingyet )

We use it about 6 times a year and have no plans to replace it. It is exactly big enough for us and it still feels like tent camping,but we're up off the ground. Take a look a some dealerships and you'll see a world of different styles. It takes some time to decide what you really need.

 

[F4disneyfan]

We have a 1994 Fleetwood (Coleman) Pioneer Avalon. We purchased it used for a great price in 1998. I was hesitant to buy it at first because I didn't think it had all the features I wanted. However, the price was so good we couldn't pass it up. As it turns out we have been very happy with it. Buying used is a great way to find out what features you may or may not want and to find out if you will even like camping without making a big investment.

As far as our Coleman goes, we haven't had any problems. Although it is now 12 years old it's in great shape and everything has held up reallly well. We do take good care of it and keep it in the garage. We are thinking of upgrading to a larger PUP now that we have a second child and will definitely buy a Fleetwood again.

My parents have a Viking PUP and seem very happy with it. It's 3 years old and I don't believe they have had any problems. My sister had a Palomino PUP and in my opinion it was poorly made. It seems to have a multitude of problems. That's just my opinion.

Review the features of the PUPs and decide which are most important to you. Continue to task around and find out about other folks' experiences.

THe Palomino also a mustang etc are poorly made one of my wifes co workers bought one and they have had to have many repairs done to it and it is only 2 years old he bought it for the price and regrets that.