I posted this elsewhere on RV.Net - hope this doesn't cause problems. I'm just looking for some practical advice and opinions.
My husband and I currently have a 27' Viking pop up (yes, 27' when fully opened) and can't take our Honda 700 motorcycle with us when we go camping. We've just started looking into a toy hauler pop up, but don't know which model or manufacturer has the best reputation, price, reliability, etc. We looked at the Starcraft yesterday and I understand that Fleetwood and Jayco both have models that might work for us. Does Jayco's only come with a 10' box? Do those of you who haul motorcycles have plenty of room with a small deck for hauling the bike, or would you recommend something larger (Starcraft has the three sizes...) Do any of them offer a solid ramp for loading or are they all "two tracks?" ANY advice would be MUCH appreciated.
Also, how much should we plan to spend for one of these?? I mean REALLY - not the price you're quoted at the dealer.
That's certainly one tall PUP! Must be breeze to set up the bunk supports though . How tall is your DW if you don't mind me asking?
Pat
OK, after looking at it, that may be an optical illusion 'cause DW is only 5'0" to 5'4" (depending on the shoes). We did notice on the day we picked it up, we could look right in the windows of a Class A parked next to it, though.
We've just started looking into a toy hauler pop up, but don't know which model or manufacturer has the best reputation, price, reliability, etc. We looked at the Starcraft yesterday and I understand that Fleetwood and Jayco both have models that might work for us.... Also, how much should we plan to spend for one of these?? I mean REALLY - not the price you're quoted at the dealer.
OK, I'll put in my thoughts on this...
The bigger the deck, the easier to load. I went with a large deck for my quad, and am glad I did because my road bike takes up most of it (I have a Kawasaki Concours); couldn't put the bike on a smaller deck.
AFAIK, Jayco only has the Baja series, 10' box, but when you open it up, it's pretty big. At least for me. All of the manufacturers have web sites with floorplans and dimensions, just use your favorite search engine, or as they say, "google it." (just when did a company name become a verb?)
Jayco has the best rail/ramp system. In fact, Starcraft has a label on theirs stating "do not use as ramps." But for about 200 clams you can pick up real nice moto specific ramps from motorcycleramps.com or discountramps.com (I suspect they're the same company).
Some of the manufacturers have a "build your trailer" option on their web sites so you can see the base price and MSRP as optioned how you like. Figure 75% to 80% of MSRP for an out the door figure. Ex.: the 10Y with everything except the AC, cargo box on the deck and screen room is $12.4k MSRP. I negotiated $10.9k. Found out later I could have gotten it down a little more.
Spend some time on-line looking at what they offer, check out as many in person as you can. I really liked the Starcraft and Forest River Rockwoods, but the Jayco Baja met my needs for a fair price.
HTH
2004 Chevy Colorado 4x4
Jayco Baja 10Y
Yamaha Grizzly 700FI
I'm like the Roaming Gnome - you never know when I'll turn up on your lawn
Also, how much should we plan to spend for one of these?? I mean REALLY - not the price you're quoted at the dealer.
Don't be afraid to consider used units, as well. There are deals to be found out there, for sure. We found our nearly immaculate 2005 Starcraft 11RT - pretty much fully loaded - at about half the price of new on Craigslist.com in the off-season. (Out of our area, but I was willing to drive for the savings.)
Also, don't know if it matters to you, but being that I do most (if not all) of my camping these days with my wife and daughter, the interior trim on the Starcrafts is a little more "homey" feeling.
I really liked the Fleetwood Evo series also, but they were a little too "industrial" looking inside for our tastes. The Jayco's are trimmed pretty dark, as well. Seemed like it would be kinda depressing to spend any amount of time in there on a rainy day...JMHO.
Hi All,
Newbie here. Wanted to thank you for all the info and opinions on TH pups. We sold our 24' Rampage TH last month and wanted something a little more flexible for remote camping in Utah. After much research and visits to multiple dealers, we put a deposit on a 2008 34RT. Pick it up this afternoon. Plan to be at 8,000 ft + on Friday. Selling points: high wall, ground clearance, perceived ruggedness (TBD), larger fridge, oven, overall roominess for 2. Oh and the DW liked the maple interior best of all the units we looked at.
Will post pics when available.
Note: updated my signature to include a pic from last night. The 34RT makes my 4 door long bed 4x4 look small.
* This post was
edited 08/15/07 05:38am by Tandemfolk *
Tandemfolk
2008 Starcraft 34RT
2005 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4
2006 BMW 650 Dakar Dual Sport
Burley Rock and Roll Hybrid Tandem Bicycle
Tandemfolk wrote: Hi All,
perceived ruggedness (TBD)
Won't take you long to determine the ruggedness. I've had my big ol' 36RT in some places that I shouldn't have even tried. The worst thing i've had happen is a busted tail light housing (a little too close to that tree...).
Enjoy the 34RT, one of my good buddies bought it and is very happy.. every time we go camping it looks like a Starcraft convention..
Tandemfolk wrote: Hi All,
Newbie here. Wanted to thank you for all the info and opinions on TH pups. We sold our 24' Rampage TH last month and wanted something a little more flexible for remote camping in Utah. After much research and visits to multiple dealers, we put a deposit on a 2008 34RT. Pick it up this afternoon. Plan to be at 8,000 ft + on Friday. Selling points: high wall, ground clearance, perceived ruggedness (TBD), larger fridge, oven, overall roominess for 2. Oh and the DW liked the maple interior best of all the units we looked at.
Will post pics when available.
Note: updated my signature to include a pic from last night. The 34RT makes my 4 door long bed 4x4 look small.
I'm still considering one of these. How has yours worked out?
Offline
That's certainly one tall PUP! Must be breeze to set up the bunk supports though 
. How tall is your DW if you don't mind me asking?
