sundaypunch
Michigan
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Joined: 05/14/2008
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Hello
We have done tent camping but are looking to move up to a used pop-up. I really like the "offroad" models like the Jayco Baja and Fleetwood Evolution, particularly the larger 15" wheels and higher ground clearance. My wife would really like to get a model with the shower / toilet option. The problem is that they all seem to have the large front deck like the Baja 10Y.
I was wondering if it would be possible to convert a regular popup to the offroad style? Is it as simple as just getting a new axle & springs? I also noticed that most conventional popups are much cheaper.
Thanks in advance.
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PavementPilot
Vernon, BC
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Joined: 08/21/2007
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I have an older model and I was going to get taller spring shackles to lift the unit up high enough and get an axle from a Dodge Caravan with 15" tires. Most likely do this at the end of this season.
DW, 2 girls, and me
07 Freestar
76 Parklane Tent Trailer
08 Minn Kota 30 lb Troller
56 Featherlite 10' Cartopper
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Nights camped in 2008: 3 so far
17 years Professional Driving accident free all over North America
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Vapor_Trails
Yucaipa, CA
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Joined: 09/29/2004
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sundaypunch wrote:Hello
We have done tent camping but are looking to move up to a used pop-up. I really like the "offroad" models like the Jayco Baja and Fleetwood Evolution, particularly the larger 15" wheels and higher ground clearance. My wife would really like to get a model with the shower / toilet option. The problem is that they all seem to have the large front deck like the Baja 10Y.
I was wondering if it would be possible to convert a regular popup to the offroad style? Is it as simple as just getting a new axle & springs? I also noticed that most conventional popups are much cheaper.
Thanks in advance. That's a great question. I think the manufacturers are missing something by not offering offroad pups with full amenities, without the front deck.
68 Me & DW
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Big Dave 2
Central California
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Joined: 04/25/2005
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I converted our PUP for off pavement/boondocking use. The suspension changes consist of "flipping" the axle and adding 15" tires, new springs and shocks. The other major changes were a large battery bank, solar panels and battery monitoring electronics.
2007 Silverado 2500HD Extended Cab Long Bed 4x4
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Rick Y
USA
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Joined: 11/03/2003
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I know this is a fairly minor point but you would also want to make sure that you have a safe stepping distance at the door particularly when exiting the pup. You might also consider, if the pup doesn't already have it, adding a safety grip beside the door.
Rick & Karen
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2007 Aliner LXE
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javaseuf
Southern Cal
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Joined: 03/30/2005
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All I did was move my springs from under the axel to the top of the axel. Gave me enough clearance to add 14" tires but 15's could have also fit.
I think I lucked-out with finding wheels that fit. Usually the hubs or entire axel would need to be changed for a 15" bolt pattern to fit.
Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
2003 F150 King Ranch
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1991 Palomino Mustang PUP
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New2RVees
Chatsworth, CA
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Joined: 07/02/2007
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So the thicker frames on the off-pavement models (Baja, Evolutions, and don't forget the Starcraft RT's!) make no difference? Then why do they use reinforced frames for those models? Perhaps it's just to support the extra weight of quads, MC's, etc?
If you take a regular PUP off-pavement and subject it to a bit of abuse (Rough roads, rocks, creek-crossings, etc.), is it gonna hold up the same? Does suspension alone do the trick?
Just wondering aloud, here...
We've got a Starcraft 11RT, and just use the deck for cargo - no quads or MC's. Our TV was cramped with 3 passengers and a Golden Retriever - plus gear. The extra cargo space is what sold us on that model. (As well as the off-pavement capabilities...) It's got all the amenities, and allows us to bring plenty of toys along. It's pretty rugged, and allows us to camp where we want to be - mostly boondocking. Something to consider.
FWIW...
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88beast
pa
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Joined: 11/06/2007
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if i did it then id use a 2x3 frame underneath then use a shock system to keep it in place
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Vapor_Trails
Yucaipa, CA
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Joined: 09/29/2004
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New2RVees wrote:So the thicker frames on the off-pavement models (Baja, Evolutions, and don't forget the Starcraft RT's!) make no difference? Then why do they use reinforced frames for those models? Perhaps it's just to support the extra weight of quads, MC's, etc?
If you take a regular PUP off-pavement and subject it to a bit of abuse (Rough roads, rocks, creek-crossings, etc.), is it gonna hold up the same? Does suspension alone do the trick?
Just wondering aloud, here...
Those are also great questions. I've been a fan of the off-road pups since they came out some years ago. Of course, this is JMO but I think the main reason for the larger frames is for the added cargo capacity. And yes I think bigger tires and suspension is enough to absorb the terrain of fire roads and light trails. As far as the interior and appliances go, I've looked (and tried to convince the DW that I need one ) at offroad pups and their street going brothers. I can see no difference between them concerning the interior build or materials. I bet all the current owners of off-road pups who previously owned regular pups could chime in with their experiences. I'd be interested in hearing their observations.
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mike4947
N. Syracuse, NY
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Chris is correct, from the frame up construction is the same for "off road" and "conventional" PU's. And like he said they are designed for graded dirt roads not rock climbing.
Figure if you have to go to 4 low or any decent speeds when off pavement you'd better have some tools along as something sooner or later is going to need fixing from the stresses.
A better name for most of these would be toy hauler rather than off road.
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