We are preparing to purchase our first pop up camper. We're trying to decide between three used, but nicer used popups. We just don't know what the heck we're doing. Here are our current choices.
2001 flagstaff "forest river" pop up
2000 coleman tacoma pop up
2004 fleetwood "cheyenne"
We've never even heard of flagstaff...don't know if we should be looking at it at all...It could be the cheapo of the group. Anybody know anything about quality of the flagstaff vs. coleman vs. fleetwood?
For our family, the weight of the camper was a biggest factor. We had fewer choices based on the fact we could not buy a bigger SUV. So we had to purchase a lightweight tent camper -- which we love so far.
So, before others ask, how much can your current tow vehicle pull safely?
Livin Lite Quicksilver 8.0 (Folding Tent Camper) only 900 lbs!
IIRC, the tacoma is in the Destiny series and should have an aluminum roof. If it has a seam in the middle, it should be fine as long as there have been no leaks.
FYI, Coleman and Fleetwood are one and the same. Fleetwood made popups with the Coleman name on them. You need to sit down and think about what you want in a popup. Do you want a toilet/shower? Will you cook inside? Do you want extra seating besides the dinette or more counter/storage space? Do you want a front trunk? How will you use the camper? Will you spend more time inside or outside? Do you want/need air conditioning? All this will give you an idea beforehand of whether a camper will meet your needs or not.
Then, when you inspect it there are lots of things to look for besides general condition. Is there evidence of leaks? Are there soft spots in the roof, especially the sides of the roof? Has the owner rechaulked on a regular basis as they should have? Have the wheel bearings been repacked on an annual basis? If the camper has brakes, are they in good working order?
There are a lot of things to consider that are MUCH more important than brand. Quality is pretty equal over most brands, with some being better in some areas than others.
Just joining the chorus. If you search on this topic, you'll find it's a constant question as to 'what to buy' and what brands have issues. It is generally accepted that quality is somewhat lacking on PUPs --- of course, some people have no problems, others have several, even with new units.
So, as others stated, purchase based on layout and features. Imagine yourself spending a day inside the PUP. Do you like the layout of the dinette, do you want front storage, 2 dinettes, shower, slide out, etc.
As a generalization, most people have responded to the question "if I could purchase again, what do I wish I had done" and the general answers were to purchase the largest PUP and have outside, front storage. So, go for a 12-foot box, all things being equal.
Pup: 2007 Jayco 1206 w/slide-out + shower
surge brakes, 54w solar panel
TV: 2005 Nissan Xterra 4X4, manual trans
25 years tent camping, 4000+ miles of hiking, lots of biking
The only thing I wish that our PUP had would be a shower. I can do without the toilet. I can't see using a toilet that is separated from the living area by a shower curtain. Yuck. But I would love to have the capability of showering in the PUP.
I believe I'll be moving to a HTT next, but whatever we wind up with be it a HTT or another PUP, it will definitely have a shower in it.
Me (69), DW (69), DD (95), DS (00), DS (01) and 1 camping toy fox terrier (08)
95 Fleetwood Utah, 02 Ford Explorer Limited (V8)
How do the prices compare to what you want to spend? The Cheyenne is a 10 foot box so it will be smaller than the Tacoma. I think the Tacoma has a tilt out kitchen which would give you a little more space. I'm not sure about the Forest River what model was it?
Have you gone and looked at them? Which one do you like best? That is truely all that matters. Let us know which one you buy.
Happy camping!
Crosbygroup 2008 Fleetwood Avalon Highlander
If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate. ~Henry J. Tillman
Flagstaff is a fine brand, you hear more negative things about Rockwood (even though it's made by same company) than you do Flagstaff. It's a safe choice!
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