Tent Trailers: Pop-up Camping

Top 15. Apr 9, 1999 9:03 AM

» LearningQuest - Screen room on pop up

Dennis,

Noticed your comment about use of screen room, we have the addaroom (screen room with privacy flaps) and we don't camp w/o it. We just purchased a new popup, and ordered addaroom to go with. It takes extra few to set up, but the benefits for us far outweigh the added few minutes of grief...From what I've seen you either love these things or not. I'm on the love 'em side of the discussion.

-- posted by LearningQuest

Top 16. Apr 9, 1999 10:33 AM

» Dan_Ellsworth - Another couple difference

Screen rooms: I usually vote against setting up ours for short stops (1-2 nights) and abstain from voting for longer stops. Judy usually insists on setting up. Then sometimes I am glad she did. Depends on rain and insects - if I were guaranteed no problem with either I'd say let's not.

For long, slow, no-wind rains, it's really a big improvement in your day to have it up.

All together, it's worth the fraction of the price it adds to the camper. For example (memory fails here) for $150, if camper is $3000, it only has to make your camping life 5% nicer on the average to be worth it for cost. For setup time - depends on length of stay, rain and insects.

-- posted by Dan_Ellsworth

Top 17. Apr 9, 1999 10:45 AM

» Tom_Stephens - Screen Room

Yes, I would have one for sure. Don't really need it with our travel trailer, but using a pop-up it would be a real help. I remember camping at Bryce N.P., Utah and the bees were thicker than flies--really! We had to finally get in the car to eat dinner. We didn't know--dumb--at the time that Utah is the bee state and they were in season.

-- posted by Tom_Stephens

Top 18. Apr 12, 1999 4:51 PM

» LearningQuest - Bees in Utah

Dear Tom,

What month was bee season in Utah? We are planning trip there in two years...these things matter!

and Dan, reason we set up addaroom everytime is simple, our kids perception of where 'camper' starts is extended...meaning the camper proper is treated more gently and rules like no shoes in the house, seem to be considered when camping...and if it's mud, off they come, outside the addaroom, and set in a box...keeps things a little cleaner, with four kids and a husband it helps ALOT! : -)

-- posted by LearningQuest

Top 19. Apr 15, 1999 5:22 PM

» Tom_Stephens - Utah Bees

LQ,
We were in Utah in mid-July when we had the bee invasion! Every auto had bees stuck all over their front. We were swatting bees like flies. The dogs couldn't even eat their dinner left-overs, as the steak bones were covered with bees!

Your right about your enclosure and kids.

-- posted by Tom_Stephens

Top 20. Apr 18, 1999 2:25 PM

» Sherri - Purchasing a Pop-up

Our family would like to purchase a pop-up camper to use when we go on vacation and also for weekend camping trips close to home throughout the summer. With 5 children, ages 14, 12, 9, 8, and 7, we need a tent camper that sleeps 8. We have seen some we like that have a dinette area/bed and also a lounge/slide out bed, in addition to the king/double bunks. We are hoping to find a used one that will accomodate us, but are also checking into the new models. Salesmen do their best to answer questions, but we would like to hear from people who have actually camped in tent campers. We have never owned a pop-up camper and would like advice on how to choose the best one. What type of construction is best? Is there any thing we should know about the type of canvas and which is best at keeping the rain out? Are there any important features we should look for? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

-- posted by Sherri

Top 21. Apr 18, 1999 9:51 PM

» Tom_Stephens - Pop-Up Purchase

Sherri,
Thanks for posting and hope you enjoyed the pop-up article. Boy, you asked a big question. I'll do my best to help you.
1.Buy a name brand--Coleman, Starcraft, Jayco are all very good. We owned a Starcraft and loved it. As far as which is best construction and canvas, I don't know. I know we used a canvas water repellant spray every year to maintain the canvas.

2. Get what you need and want when you buy. Make sure the pop-up is large enough for all of your family. You might want an Add-a-room screened room to keep bugs out and dirt and mud from the kids shoes. You might want an a/c. Be sure to buy it with a furnace, stove, water pump, refridgerator and other basics. We did not and wished we had after using our trailer for a while.

3. If you can, rent one first and give it a trial run. Some RV dealers have pop-ups to rent.

4. You might try posting some of your questions on the pop-up newsgroup at:news:alt.rv.pop-up-trailers.That's on the netnews.msn.com server.

5. Here are some links to dealers: Coleman , Jayco ,Starcraft. Let me know how you do.

Good Luck,
Yours,

-- posted by Tom_Stephens

Top 22. Apr 20, 1999 2:02 PM

» LearningQuest - Picking a Pop up

Sherri, hello!

I'm kinda seconding Tom's good advice. We have four children and bought used three years ago when we didn't know if we would like pop-upping...we just purchased a new unit a couple months ago, apparently we are hooked! : -)

We first bought a Jayco and were entirely satisfied with it. For some unknown reason (guy thinking,) my husband wanted to go Coleman for the new purchase.

We looked at many used units, but only Jayco, Coleman and Starcraft. We ended up with a Jayco with four sleeping beds, furnace, fridge, awning, addaroom and were never sorry to have all the extras. It also has a flip up wardrobe and two hanging cabinets. Nice extras. Addaroom was a must with the new purchase...well worth the money in my book. With five kids, you'll realized it's value quickly. I personally would not let my kids go to the bathouse/bathroom w/o an adult, and at night I really didn't want to get up to take my son, get on shoes, coat, flashlight etc....so we set up portapotty in the addaroom at night...great solution!

I really recommend you go to alt.rv.pop-up-trailers or search it at www.dejanews.com there's a wealth of information there.

As far as a/c, furnace, etc...it depends where you live. Potty/shower combos etc. are all things you need to ask yourself if you want. Personally, showering at campground facilities works and porta potty for nights and we have the room in camper then for storage, etc.

Good Luck,

P.S.

thanks for info on bees you guys!

-- posted by LearningQuest

Top 23. Apr 22, 1999 9:09 AM

» Tom_Stephens - New Purchase

LQ,
You offer some very sound advice. Thanks for the post.

Yours,

-- posted by Tom_Stephens