With 5 grand you are kind of limited. I would look for a used one there are some nice ones out there, but you need to look. Make sure the floor plan fits your needs, because if you go cheap you will be disappointed later on.
I want to suggest that you rent a PUP for your first outing. Some dealers rent them. I have found that there is not a great deal of difference between the top selling units. Jayco, Forest River, Fleetwood, Viking - there are several pretty fair units available. Dealers are another story! Go with a well-established dealer. Some dealers sell PUPs on the side and don't know diddly-squat about them. We bought our Forest River Flagstaff from a dealer in Denver who had sold FR for many years. He also rented FR PUPs for many years. Our 10' unit had sleeping space for 4 people and a cassette toilet and shower. It also had a hot water heater, furnace, water filter, a Trojan battery, and etc. It listed for less than $8,000 new. Would I buy another? Maybe, Jaycos are awfully nice. Be sure that the PUP has a REAL deep-cycle battery.
You didn't say what kind of Jeep. I have a Jeep Liberty. It will pull a PUP with ease with the V-6 engine and auto trans. I found that the short wheelbase mandated a friction sway bar. You need a class 3 receiver on the Jeep. A weight distribution hitch can be useful if you are getting a lot of rear sag. I added a Hayden trans cooler to the unit. Helps keep things cool, but not necessary in many cases. Don't forget electric brakes.
We just purchased a 2005 Jayco 1206 from CW. We saw it online first on RV trader. They had taken two in on trade and had them priced low because they don't usually have PUP on their lot. We got a great deal. The one we purchased looks new.
As far as brands go, I couldn't tell you which one is best. But my DH likes Jayco best. This makes the third Jayco product that we have owned. The main thing for me is that it have the features we want. Have fun shopping.
I agree with others who say to double check your weight ratings and then start looking after you figure that out. My biggest advice on buying used is to take your time. there are plenty of good used units of all different makes and models out there you just have to find them. You will find some that are junk and some that are way over priced but you will find what you want if you are willing to look. Once you find one you think you like make sure it has the features you feel you need otherwise you will find yourself wanting something else pretty quick. Make sure everything works and check the canvas really well. also look for any water damage. Do not be ashamed to get underneath it and look around if you are able to do so. Check the tires for dry rot and plan to replace them if they have any. Once you have found what you think is the unit for yourself and your family then sit inside and try to imagine a rainy day and how everyone will fit and have places to sit and move around some. Of course no unit will be perfect in every way but you can save yourself from buying something you will regret later if you really put some effort into it. Don't get discouraged if the one you want does not come along in the first month or so. Sometimes it takes a little while to find what you want. I have owned 3 different pop ups and most all makes are similar. You can find good and bad in each manufacturer just like buying a car so just check it over real good and once you have bought your very own get out there and enjoy yourself. That is what it is all about after all.
Best of luck and welcome to the forum, you will find a ton of great info on here, I know I have.
MattC from MO
2003 Grand Caravan
2008 Palomino Yearling 4102
Wife and 4 kids
ShotGunWillie wrote: Buying used, so where is a good source on the internet to find classifieds for used pop up campers?
You can check out craiglist.org to see if there's something in your area that shows up. Depending on where you are in North Texas, you might look at Amarillo or Lubbock or you might have to travel to somewhere in New Mexico (Albuquerque or Sante Fe) to find something. It's a tough time of year to be looking -- everyone is thinking about camping now, so used units go quickly and for a premium.
kine wrote: With 5 grand you are kind of limited. I would look for a used one there are some nice ones out there, but you need to look. Make sure the floor plan fits your needs, because if you go cheap you will be disappointed later on.
If you can stretch that 5k to 6-7k you could get a brand new one.
We paid 6.8k for our 2005 Jayco 1207.
Hey WALT . . . too bad he isn't in Springs. I know where he could have bought a super Forest River!
ShotGunWillie . . . you never told us about the Jeep. Different models require different approaches. My Liberty is supposed to tow up to 5,000 but I wouldn't. 3,000 on my current Trailmanor is the max as far as I am concerned. Driving the long passes in these mountains calls for a different approach. Don't forget to get electric brakes. Some manufacturers call them an option! Buy brakes, a controller, and a breakaway switch. All are required in many States.
They are all good, depending what your needs are is what will determine what is the best to you. We owned a Jayco then went to a Coleman/Fleetwood. Nothing against the rest, I like the Coleman/Fleetwood. After owning the Jayco and looking around for a new one I knew what was important to me. The swing down galley, no more worries of flipping the sink over for storage and water leaking out. The bunk end support poles are attached for easier set up/take down. The sink and stove is higher for waist level use, no more bending over. Indoor stove attached with an extra stove for outdoor use, I have the option of cooking in or out without moving the stove. Those were the reasons why we went Coleman/Fleetwood. These are the reason we traded our Jayco in. I wanted a unit with more storage, slide out dinette, front storage box, furnace. I need 2 king size beds to fit family comfortable. I also stayed away from any unit where the couch was in front of the bed as it was hard climbing over a sleeping person to get into bed. Now these are just my reasons as an individual. We had no problems with the Jayco when it came to quality. So it is best to search in your price range, the size that you TV will tow and look at your needs. You will find what you want. I would like to add we have a porta potty which works out good for us, although when we buy again I will shop for one with a toilet built in.
* This post was
edited 05/22/08 06:43pm by 4hapyMcDs *
The only thing I'll add is that if you do go Craigslist, as someone mentioned, don't be afraid to look outside your immediate area.
We live in Los Angeles County, but once I knew what PUP I wanted, I searched all over the state of California, and Western Arizona/Nevada for the right model at the right price. Finally found it (after several months of daily searching) in San Leandro, CA. (SF Bay Area)
I made the drive (5 hour there, 7 back) and picked `er up. Got a 2005 Starcraft 11RT that had only been used 3 times, and was kept in great shape, for half of what it cost new. We're quite happy with our PUP, overall, and I think Starcraft makes a good trailer.
$5,000 will get you a decent used trailer, probably about 5 years old. Be sure to check it out thoroughly before you buy...
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