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Forum
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RE: Is it over yet? Oil prices dropping like a rock.

When we see auto makers changing their production lines from big trucks/suv's over to compact cars and hybrids I think that's a pretty good sign that fuel prices are going to stay up. At least that's what the auto manufacturers believe, and I think they're pretty well, "in the know".
Seems to me if they were "in the know" they would've changed their production lines a good while back.
I don't mean "In the Know" as in collusion between industries. I just think they've done their homework now and they don't want to get bit on their nether-regions again. If they had seen this coming they would have retooled a lot quicker.
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jtbeck
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07/24/08 01:50pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Is it over yet? Oil prices dropping like a rock.

When we see auto makers changing their production lines from big trucks/suv's over to compact cars and hybrids I think that's a pretty good sign that fuel prices are going to stay up. At least that's what the auto manufacturers believe, and I think they're pretty well, "in the know".
I'm by no means an expert on the costs associated with the retooling of production lines, but I assume that they are significant. I don't think they would be spending this kind of money and making these huge changes if they thought things were going to turn around in the foreseeable future.
Just my .02 for what that's worth.
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jtbeck
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07/24/08 12:04pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Shopping for PUPs in the Houston area...?

You'll do just as well looking at the classified in your local papers as with your local dealers.
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jtbeck
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07/24/08 11:53am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: bike rack

The rear bumper on the PUP isn't very strong. I'd go between, no question.
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jtbeck
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07/23/08 12:02pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Portable AC

I returned our portable unit to Circuit City last week and had a rooftop unit installed on our PUP yesterday. There's no comparison. Plus, the portable was taking up too much valuable floor space. They are in the way, they are also quite noisy, they are heavy and unwieldy to move around and their lower btu's really are an issue.
If you are going to use a portable unit I would highly recommend getting POP UP GIZMOS for your bunk ends. They will make a tremendous difference. Actually, I would recommend getting them even if you have a rooftop unit.
I will say that one of the features I really liked on our portable was the fact you could always look at it and see what the temp was in the PUP. But that was easily replaced with an indoor digital thermometer/clock for around $10.
We just found them to be inadequate. Opening the door at all seemed to make a titanic difference almost immediately. You could also watch the temp rise when you got multiple people inside the PUP. A trip to Florida made me see the light.
The roof unit does a better job, isn't really all that loud at all, and blows the cool air directly into both bunk ends. It's WAAAAAAY better.
But that's just my opinion. Others may disagree.
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jtbeck
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07/23/08 08:16am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: roof ac

Well, I got my A/C installed. But as it turns out my Utah was already prepped for an A/C unit, so no additional bracing was needed. I was hoping that would be the case, saved me about $100.
My ceiling (before the install) had 4 pins that marked where the braces were and I had a 20amp outlet that was separate from all the other outlets (it was reserved for the a/c).
So, I could take a picture for you, but all you would see is an a/c unit sticking through the ceiling.
Go HERE for the installation instructions for the Coleman Mach III 8000 series A/C. It might not be the one you've got, but I think it does have some information about the bracing that should be installed. It might be helpful to you.
I should also say that it (Coleman Mach III) is a great unit. It knocks the temp down in a hurry. Can't wait to take it out this weekend and use it! Once I get some Pop Up Gizmos I'll be all set.
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jtbeck
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07/22/08 07:08pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: 08 Jayco 1008 vs. 09 Rockwood 1910...help please

Here's a thread I came across today while looking for something totally unrelated to this topic! But it is relevant to your situation.
Forrest River campers discussion
I admit I haven't read through the whole thing, but the first page is fairly indicative of the information I've come across in regards to Forest River as a company.
Again, I haven't really come across too many complaints about their PUPs, but as a company I find them dubious at best.
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jtbeck
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07/22/08 11:20am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Where can I find used pop-ups?

Keep your eyes open. We stumbled across ours just driving home one afternoon. After weeks of searching in neighboring states on the internet we found our PUP less than 10 miles from our front door!
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jtbeck
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07/22/08 11:01am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Tucson Dealer won't honor E-Bay Auction- Advice

Send them an email that you AND your lawyer will be over to look at the trailer, that might shake things up.
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jtbeck
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07/21/08 08:11pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Frustrated with one of the RV dealers

Good luck justthe5ofus, let us know how it goes. I'm rooting for you!
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jtbeck
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07/21/08 07:55pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: after 2 seasons...bye bye PUP.....

We've already started eyeballing the Starcraft Star Stream Expandables. They are sweet!
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jtbeck
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07/20/08 05:48pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: List of RV Manufacturers that are closed or closing?

I don't give a hoot about the media or anyone's political affiliations. All I know is I'm paying WAY frickin' more for just about everything right now. Call it a recession, a slowdown, a depression or whatever. It's all just semantics.
I've been watching my 401K turn to******and I'm seeing businesses close everywhere. I can't and won't paint some rosy picture just so I can feel better for a little while. We've come to a point where some tough decisions need to be made at every level of our society. From the top of the governmental structure all the way down to you and me.
I won't become entangled in some infantile p*ssing contest between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. They're all to blame. Wake up folks, there's not enough votes on either side of the aisle to get anything done without the collusion of the other side.
But I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see more rv manufacturers shut their doors or downscale massively. Let's face it, RV's are a luxury not a necessity. Don't shoot me for saying that please! But those are the sorts of things that burn away first in an economic downturn.
I also don't subscribe to the belief that our country, the greatest country in the history of this planet, is ignorant enough to simply parrot the comments of a news anchor or talking head. Whether that be Brian Williams or Rush Limbaugh. They're entertainment folks, nothing more. To believe that our general populace is truly that ignorant is just insulting.
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jtbeck
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07/20/08 10:31am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: 08 Jayco 1008 vs. 09 Rockwood 1910...help please

I've got a Fleetwood PUP, so I don't really have a horse in this race.
But, having said that, I can tell you from several months of researching PUPs and reading scores of owner reviews I would go with the Jayco in a heartbeat.
I'm sure there are exceptions to this but Jayco owners seemed almost universally happy with their campers whether they be a PUP, TT, Hybrid or whatever. Conversely Forest River owners had mountains of complaints, gripes and horror stories about the products, warranties and customer service associated with Forest River. I will say that most of the complaints had more to do with their larger trailers than with their PUPs but I would be leery of a company that inspires the levels of dissatisfaction that Forest River seems to inspire. You can find lots of examples here: http://www.rvreviews.com/. The reviews of the Rockwood PUPs are generally good, but overall the company makes me nervous.
But, as I said, I don't own one and all the information I've got was anecdotal. But, to me, it was overwhelming and convinced me to steer clear. And I'm sure you can find owners of each brand who love them, and owners who hate them.
I will now sit quietly while Forest River afficianados berate me mercilessly. And keep in mind I bought a Fleetwood and they just sold their folding camper division, so what the heck do I know?
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jtbeck
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07/19/08 09:02pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Bear attack at Yellowstone

Do you honestly think a "hard sided" rv would even slow a bear down? Not a chance.
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jtbeck
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07/18/08 08:51pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Lightning and PUP's

Well said moparmaga2.
You are in FAR more danger pulling your camper to the CG than from lightning.
I'll find something more likely to worry about. Maybe being hit by a rogue satellite or something?
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jtbeck
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07/18/08 08:55am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Is it my imagination?

Our first RV trip of the season (mid June), to the Canal CG in Grand Rivers, KY, we stayed on a loop with 19 spots. 10 of them were filled with PUPs, 4 with tents, 1 truck camper, 1 van conversion the rest were TT's. Saw lots of TT's and 5vers on other loops, though along with more PUPs but no tents. Didn't do any sort of count on the other loops.
I was very surprised at the number of PUPs and tents.
Worked out well for me because I'm a novice with the PUP and I had lots of folks to point me in the right direction when I had a question.
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jtbeck
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07/18/08 08:15am |
Travel Trailers
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RE: roof ac

I'm having a/c installed on my PUP next Tuesday, I'll post some photos of whatever they have to do to support it. Maybe it will give you some idea of what your next move should be.
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jtbeck
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07/18/08 06:54am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Whats best lube /? for popups rails

Liquid Wrench Dry Silicone here, too.
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jtbeck
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07/17/08 06:23pm |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Newbie

I forgot to add, look for customer reviews online on any camper you might be thinking of getting. We looked through literally hundreds of reviews during our "search" phase.
You can read all the fluff that the manufacturer will put out, but it doesn't amount to much alongside actual real world customer reviews.
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jtbeck
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07/17/08 11:43am |
Folding Trailers
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RE: Newbie

Welcome to the forum.
Keep us posted on your search and keep asking questions. You're right at the beginning of a fun ride.
Since it's just the two of you, your storage will be great. You can use the extra bunk end for tons of storage.
I think Starcraft and Jayco make excellent PUPs. We've got a Fleetwood that we love but since they've just sold their folding division who knows what will happen there. I don't think you could go wrong getting a Fleetwood/Coleman. They've got lots of great features, and they're built well.
Are you looking for used or new? I'd recommend used. Let someone else take that initial depreciation and you can be the beneficiary. There are fantastic deals out there. Good luck!
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jtbeck
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07/17/08 10:22am |
Folding Trailers
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