Pop Up Questions ...

[allmydisneydreams]

We've been toying with the idea of buying a used pop up late this summer or next. I've seen LOTS Of them on Craigslist - usually arond $2000-3000, but some as low as $750!!!!!!!! I love the idea of having one if it were inexpensive enough - But I really have no idea what to look for! We have three kiddos so it needs to sleep 5. I'm not real concerned about cooking in it - but would want a fridge. I like the ones with a little dining area - or do they all have that?

So many questions, so I thought I'd ask the experts:

Can I tow a pop up with my minivan? About how much would it be to have a hitch installed?

If I buy an older (cheaper) one w/out an a/c - How much would it cost to have an a/c installed?

Do I need a title? Do you have to register it? I am in NJ and checked the DMV website but couldn't find the info I was looking for (no surprise, NJDMV is never really that clear on anything!)

How long does it generally take to set up these campers? Thats why we are thinking of upgrading from our tent. We are actually quite comfy once set up but it takes a couple of hours (in between chasing the baby around the site )to erect the tent, blow up mattresses, etc. Plus time to take it all down and pack up. We'd like to do overnighters/shorter trips, but DH and I don't feel that its worth it for less than a couple of days ... three, really.

Any tips from you seasoned campers out there? Thanks for any help

 

[tim5055]

Can I tow a pop up with my minivan? About how much would it be to have a hitch installed?

It all depends on the weight of the pop up, the tow rating of your van and how much stuff you carry in the van. Google towing weights and take some time to learn about this before you even think of buying. A deal on a pop up isn't a deal if you then have to buy a Suburban to tow it.

If I buy an older (cheaper) one w/out an a/c - How much would it cost to have an a/c installed?

Don't assume you can add it to every pop up. Many do not come from the factory with the internal bracing to support the weight on the roof. Again, do your home work.

Do I need a title? Do you have to register it? I am in NJ and checked the DMV website but couldn't find the info I was looking for (no surprise, NJDMV is never really that clear on anything!)

Most states, yes to both. Also remember safety inspection and insurance.

How long does it generally take to set up these campers? Thats why we are thinking of upgrading from our tent.

With practice we have our set up to around an hour.

Here is a place to start studying: Purchasing a Used Pop-Up-Camper

 

[KristinU]

Tim gave you some great info, and his site is super helpful as well...I remember pouring over it just a mere few years ago myself when we were contemplating our purchase.

I'd also encourage you to swing over to www.popupexplorer.com - the forums there are filled with friendly folks with lots of knowledge on pop-ups.

Buying our camper was one of the best things we ever did - it certainly gets us out more and is so great to have everything packed and ready to go pretty much all the time. When we first brought it home a neighbor came over and said "this right here is lots of family memories in the making" (or something to that effect)...and he was so right.

 

[stacktester]

Tim you always provide the best pop up information. OP Tim has a great website to get info from.

popupexplorer.com also has some good info. Good luck whatever you decide. Make sure there is no water dasmage for sure and don't just assume it's just a rotted floor. I've seen where water has leaked around the outer edges of the end caps and caused damage that you might not see unless you really take a look.

 

[DaveInTN]

If you do determine that your minivan is rated to pull the popup you are interested in, make sure your van is equipped with whatever accessories the tow rating is based upon. In other words, many minivans are rated to tow say 3000 or 3500 pounds when equipped with a transmission cooler and/or PS cooler, the proper class hitch receiver, brake controller, etc. So just because your van has a certain rating in general, doesn't mean the one you own is equipped for that rating.

Learned that the hard way back in the days before you could research these things online...and I was young and stupid enough to listen to the popup salesman. My Pontiac Montana's transmission never forgave me.

 

[soccermomof3]

We bought a pop up camper off of craigs list a month ago. It was ok, but when we got it home, we discovered some things wrong that we didn't check when we bought it. We are now trading it in for a newer camper that we are getting from an rv dealer. That is the way I would go. Try this website, www.rvtrader.com. There are some really good deals on there. I trust buying a camper from an rv dealer. I know the camper was checked out first and they will spend a great deal of time showing you how to put and take down, how everything works etc. Also, we have a chevy Uplander mini van that we use to tow ours and it works great. Look at your owners manual and it will tell you about the weights for towing.

PS We may be nuts, but our main reason for buying a camper is to have something to sleep in while at WDW instead of a tent.

 

[DaveInTN]

PS We may be nuts, but our main reason for buying a camper is to have something to sleep in while at WDW instead of a tent.

Sounds pretty logical to me!!!!

 

[KristinU]

Just thought of another thing when you're looking at your vehicle's tow capacity: it is typically listed for just the driver and that's it, so you'll want to figure the weight of additional passengers, cargo, dogs, bikes, kayaks, racks, coolers, et. and subtract that from the tow capacity for the actual tow capacity. I've also learned that camper dry weights that are published are typically way low and not terribly accurate.

 

[biw314]

We have traditionally gone the motorhome route but got a cheap pop-up so the 2yo twins can be in minivan with all the safety that provides. When they get to seat belt age we'll likely go back to motorhome.

We got a good condition, fairly large (sleeps 9), but simple pup for $475. A '95 I think. The canvas needs some patching but my wife is all over that. Though we are new to pop-ups I am not too nervous because I have done some towing and for $475 you can't really lose. We're headed to the fort in the second week of March and while I think we are in for good weather, the lack of climate control on the pup does make me a little nervous.

Anyway, if you look, I think there are some very good deals and they are cheap enough that they are worth a try.

 

[allmydisneydreams]

Thanks everyone for the great links and info !!!!!!!!!! I am trying to figure out whatthe Voyager can pull ...

That $475 pup sounds great How do you go about fixig the canvas ? I've seen some like that but wasn't sure what the fix would be.

 

[Cindy F]

Thanks everyone for the great links and info !!!!!!!!!! I am trying to figure out whatthe Voyager can pull ...

That $475 pup sounds great How do you go about fixig the canvas ? I've seen some like that but wasn't sure what the fix would be.

We got our off Craig's List by posting a "wanted" ad. It sleeps 5-6, has an awning, indoor/outdoor stove, fridge, heater, hot water heater, sink, and shower...all for $750! We had a blast redecorating it and still have it even though we use our hybrid camper now.

You can get a portable A/C with remote on sale for around $200. With reflectix on the bunk ends and zips, awning up, bunk end curtains pulled (during heat of the day) and A/C on full blast- our interior was about 76 degrees and no humidity when the heat index outside was about 100. We were pleased with it.

As for the canvas- you can buy patch kits or a piece of treated canvas on line.

Good luck!

 

[Avatab]

Thanks everyone for the great links and info !!!!!!!!!! I am trying to figure out whatthe Voyager can pull ...

That $475 pup sounds great How do you go about fixig the canvas ? I've seen some like that but wasn't sure what the fix would be.

Look for one with it's own electric brakes if you can, it will make a big difference in your stopping distance, especially with the bigger 12 foot box PU's.

Check the canvas (usually a vinyl or other type fabric) for ANY mold or mildew.

And if you are buying privately, make sure the seller shows you all of the put-up and take down steps.

My first pop-up was a 1000.00 "deal" that looked great all set up. When I came back w/ the money the guy had it all packed up. He said "don't worry. it's easy to figure out" right..... When I went to do it myself I couldn't figure out why only one side went up and not the other. Took me a week or two to figure out the lift cables were all messed up (after I figured out what lift cables even were! LOL!) No wonder the guy didn't want me around when he put it up or down.....

Steve

 

[lindsey]

We have a Jayco pop up that we bought new in 2000. There is a queen size bed on one side, king size bed on the other side. The table makes a small (maybe twin size) bed, and the couch turns into a bed with a board in the U space - not sure if that makes sense! We have slept 7 in the past, but there's just the two of us now! The one part I like is pulling it. DH does 90% of the driving, but if I have to drive, I'm comfortable pulling the camper (of course the sway-bar is definitely a must).

 

[johnsonmatt3]

If you didn't know, Dry weight is the camper without cookwear, sleeping bags, food, games, etc. In Indiana you have to get it registered and have the title while towing it. Now they require a VIN number. Ours has two tables, sleeps eight, fridge, a/c, heat, indoor/outdoor stove, awening, and takes about 30 minutes to set up with the two bunks having to be pulled out. We had to have the a/c installed later and it works great, It was around 900 dollars. and a 2005 ford f-150 with the right towing package can pull anything, I wouldnt be suprised if it was able to pull a semi-trailer. I love the pop up but wouldnt mind having a smallish trailer that sleeps around 5 or so.
hope this helps.

 

[mikeymouse1]

I had a Coleman made by Fleetwood and we loved it. We had it for almost 10 years and decided to move up to a small TT. It had its quirks after all it was 10. The Fleetwood company produced pop ups in the early 90's to 2000 + with a ABS plastic molded roof. These roofs were supposed to be the best thing in the industry and our sales brochure even had a picture of a happy family standing on the roof of the camper popped up! Well the ABS roofs turned out to be a dog! After several years many of them sagged and cracked.Most also suffered from delamination where the outer plastics separated from the foam core. Mine had some sags and bows and cracks but I learned to fix it to hold off on buying a new roof for $3500!!!! Thats more than we paid for it Almost new!
I would avoid ABS roofs like the plague! If you go to look at one take someone with some camper experience to once over it with you even to a dealership. Many times they will sell as is with no guarantee TRUST ME I KNOW!Just go threw it with a fine tooth comb looking for wood rot mold smells water stains check the electrical in and out look for strange things on the roof soft spots sagging Ext. Also look under at the floor look for wood rot there where water may flow down a crack or a seam and rot the plywood on the bottom. Sorry this went a little long and good luck with the search you will find the right one! Any questions feel free to holler!!!---Mike

 

[bama_ed]

To the OP:

You've gotten some great advice in these collective replies but my advice would be to start with the tow vehicle data. You mentioned your TV is a (Plymouth) Voyager which is a cousin to the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country (the last two I've had for nearly 10 years at different times). They are great minivans.

When we got our T&C we bought it with the towing package included (means it has a transmission cooler primarily). If your Voyager doesn't have this feature included (mentioned specifically) then you will want to get it added to your TV. When towing, tapping the brakes or going up and down hills will cause more shifting in the auto transmission as you get back to speed and your tranny will overheat if does a lot of shifting. In the back of your owner's manual should be a table that lists your towing limits but as another poster said, this assumes you are properly outfitted (with the cooler).

You can probably tow with it but your weights will probably point you to a 10-foot box (under the roof) or smaller with no slide-outs (which are nice for the extra space but add weight). We were on the ragged edge of pulling our pup with the T&C and it did fine for a few years but as the kids got bigger, we started bringing more stuff (bikes, etc) which added weight. Plus my kids got to be teenage drivers so I got a used Suburban for myself which is our TV now. It has no trouble with the pop-up.

So work your numbers on the TV. Take your time and make informed decisions. When it works out you'll love getting a Partial Hookup at the Fort for less than $50 a night with AAA discount in May and not have to sleep on the ground. .

Good luck on your search! Bama ED

 

[AshFamily]

Your local Craigslist is the way to go and I would buy one with an a/c. As for as a hitch I would purchase it from UHaul. If you let them do the install the will give you a lifetime warranty as well. You can order it right on thier website. And we can set up our pup in 20-25 minutes, ours is a basic model though. I suppose if you have one with more bells and whistles I could see it taking longer. Get one and get off the ground, you wont regret it. Also check out popupportal. That is THE BEST site for pop up info. And go ahead and join it and become a member, you do not have to be an owner to join. Happy hunting!