I will be using a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4X4 Automatic Inline 6, with tow package to pull whatever I get. According to what I have read and heard I should be good at pulling about 3,500lbs. Of course, my hitch says one thing, my receiver unit says another, and my owners manual says something completely different.
I want a large enough pop up to grow into and don't want a really small one. Toilet is not much of an issue to me, I can go outside. The rest of the family need to learn to adapt to nature.
I have looked at so many models in the past two weeks I am seeing double.
One other thing, how come I can get a bumper pull for about the same price as a pop up? What makes a pop up worth so much or a bumper pull worth so little?
In short you go with the least value. It's the old weakest link in the chain.
As for the cost, it's a matter of manufacturing. It's easier on average to just slap up 4 walls; than add canvas, and a lift system, and make a roof that is self supporting.
But, you have to compare apples to apples. A 12 foot PU is apx the equivalent to a 24-26 foot travel trailer is usable space; and usually has more sleeping area than the travel trailer.
Hmmm . . . not sure what you mean by a bumper pull? Assume you mean a travel trailer and not a pup. Anyway . . . your Jeep, as described . . . will pull most any PUP. If you have the tow package, I assume you have a class III receiver already on your Jeep. My Liberty is rated at 3500 or 5,000 lbs, depending on how it is equipped. In any case pulling a PUP is no sweat.
Regular RVs insert some factors that are different. First, the wind resistance on one of those monsters IS a factor. They are generally heavier and on and on. You won't find a regular TT cheaper than a pup unless you can find a used bargain.
If I could assume to TELL you what to do, I would go to a good Jayco dealer and look around. You will spend a little more money, but they will finance them for you. The PUPs are very good. Some other companies make pretty good trailers, but you can count on Jayco to do it right.
Use it for a couple of years and evaluate where you are. You might want to upgrade to a larger PUP or go to a TT. By then you will be an expert in your needs.
Keep in mind that if you buy a TT you MAY need a bigger tow vehicle. Frankly, I am glad I am driving the Jeep Liberty. It is big enough for me and gets fair gas mileage.
There are some unusual campers available, such as the A-Liner, the Trailmanor which I now have, and the Hi-Lo. They have their advantages, but they can be expensive compared to a PUP.
I know you are anxious, but I would spend a lot of time looking around. I saw one reply where they said that EVERY dealer says their pup is the best! Of course they would say that. Look around. It seems that the most popular PUPs are Fleetwood, Jayco, Forest River, and Viking. A good brand combined with a good dealer will keep you happy.
Forgot one thing. Ratings on the receiver are maximums for the receiver. Mine says 5000/500 but I wouldn't pull a 5,000 lb trailer if you paid me. The Jeep trailer package says 5,000/500 but, again that is a maximum. The 3,500 on your Cherokee is a safe maximum and I imagine your Jeep will pull most any PUP. Few, if any, are that heavy, but it gives you a general idea of what the Jeep will safely pull. My Forest River weighed about 2,500 filled with water and my wife's clothes.
Tongue weight should be about 15% of the PUP. But that is an average.
I don't think anyone has mentioned this yet...if so, forgive me for repeating. Do some research on the Coleman/Fleetwood ABS roof problems and be aware of that when you're on your search.
'98 Suburban
'73 Apache Roamer (hard sided popup)
"You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children."
~~Madeleine L’Engle
ShotGunWillie wrote: I guess I should have mentioned my price range in the first post. I cannot exceed, nor do I want to exceed $5,000
You don't have to go 10 years old to get a really nice PUP for $5K. In 2006 we bought a 2004 model that was used 3 times for just under $5K. And it was at a dealer too. They wanted to get rid of it because they hate PUPs. Paying cash also helped make the sale.
Unless you live in Cali or some other area where prices are high by default, you should be able to easily find a trailer less then 5 years old for that money. Craigslist is a great resource as well.
I just purchased a 2002 Starcraft 2407 for 4500.00 at a dealer. A very large camper with lots of room for family of 5. Everything works so far. Taking it out this W/E. So you can find a decent sized, relatively new unit for under 5K.
We've had Fleetwood/Colemans since I was a wee kid. Things I like better about them:
1. kitchen galley design: more cabinet space, best height, and swing level on some.
2. Breatheable tenting: no bunkend condensation (EVER for me).
3. Tough lift system with 4 separate cables. You can limp through the rest of a trip if you dumbly break one of them and can find a 2x4 for the broken corner. Most makes have one central cable.
4. Great bunkend shape/height and size (dual king 12 footers)
5. Waist level crank on most models. Nicer as I get older.
6. metal framed couch and dinette bases. No wood to be battered by cushion stops.
7. No loose poles to lose. Bunk supports are attached and well designed.
8. Standard electric brakes (since 2002). Hard to find competitor 8 and 10 footers with brakes on them - dumb way to save money.
But many 1996 to 2003 models had a plastic ABS roof that had a major failure rate. They sagged, cracked and delaminated. If you don't know how to recognize that, avoid any with the ABS roof.
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