Tent Trailers: Pop-up Camping

Top 75. May 24, 1999 12:07 PM

» Dan_Ellsworth - ...and the lights

Unless you're buying "as is" and super-cheap, see that the lights work. They might stop working later, but at least for one thrill-packed time as you buy it, you should get to see action in at least three modes: With headlights or parking lights on, you should get taillights - the lower-strength lights, but steady on both sides. Then for left signal in the car, it should actually be a left signal (not right or faintly both) on the camper. Same, mirrored, for right. You might want to try the brake lights too, but I think that's just both signal lights on steady instead of blinking.

Patrick F. McManus (recommended humor-augmentation reading for campers) told of someone who once claimed to have hooked up trailer lights and got them to work twice consecutively. He said the guy was a fisherman, so probably could be discounted; but a clergyman, so maybe should be believed to some extent. He concluded that the man got the lights to work ONCE consecutively.

At least at the point of sale, before you commit, you should do no worse. See the lights working once consecutively.

-- posted by Dan_Ellsworth

Top 76. May 24, 1999 10:08 PM

» Tom_Stephens - Lights!

Point well taken Dan! Another point might be to check the condition of the electric brakes (hopefully it has them!). We towed a pop-up that had no brakes for about four years and at times we thought we wouldn't stop! Scary stuff when you're going down a mountain side.

-- posted by Tom_Stephens

Top 77. May 26, 1999 3:26 AM

» LearningQuest - Coleman Table

Tom,

It's not a folding table that just folds up flat. The top are slats, this attaches to a base that has pieces that slide up and down legs for compacting, and two metal bars you attach to these legs to firm up the slatted top.

When apart, it rolls up into a self contained package, table wrapped around legs and metal bars and stores in the provided bag. It's approx 1' x 3' when rolled up. (I know that's not great dimensions for you, but it's close as I can guess, it's in the camper!!! LOL It's easy to set up and can hold up to 50lbs (rating). With the new camper, we lost an outside table (the old one had this) so we needed a cooking prep, storing area, and place for kids to put shoes/toys out of the way so mom doesn't step on them and trip and get ticked...LOL

-- posted by LearningQuest

Top 78. May 26, 1999 3:33 AM

» LearningQuest - Older pop ups

Dar,

Our first pop up is 19 years old. We just sold it yesterday. We weren't trying very hard...

When we were looking originally for the first one, we didn't intend to go that old. But really what can go wrong. As long as they did maintenance work, simple precautions, they are for the most part are pretty hardy purchases. Personally, I wonder if that isn't why resale value is so good.

You'll know by looking at it how well it was taken care of. I cared for inside of ours like my house. (at end of each trip : -) ) Hubby was responsible for outside/mechanical stuff. (not much there to deal with)

Good Luck
LQ

-- posted by LearningQuest

Top 79. May 26, 1999 3:36 AM

» LearningQuest - Weight

Whoops, forgot to say (mind is a terrible thing to lose) in regards to weight. We got alot of camper for the weight, 2100 lbs. I believe real weight depends on the maker way back then. Alot of them are very light weight and cheap... They did things like make the side walls very low (I never cared for that) too thin metal, plywood, etc.

Alot of new units are incredibly heavy. I always thought our old unit was heavy at 2100, loaded, well our new one is almost 3200 loaded...for a pop up...so weight can be a factor regardless of age.

-- posted by LearningQuest

Top 80. May 26, 1999 10:41 AM

» Tom_Stephens - Table and Weight

That table sounds very functional. I'd like to get a small sturdy table to carry with us. We have a plastic foldup, but it's a bit wobbly when we use it to cook with our portable propane bbq. On occasion, we have a site with no picnic table.

LQ, the weights surprise me! Older trailers, I thought, are generally heavier than recent models.However, I know it depends on the options that it has.

-- posted by Tom_Stephens

Top 81. Jun 1, 1999 4:50 AM

» LearningQuest - Table and weight

Tom,

I don't know if I'd bbq on this table, the slatted top is made of some kind of heavy duty plastic or such. BTW it's called a Coleman Compact Table. I believe it was $32.95 ish... plus shipping.

Re: weights...

I should have mentioned our new unit has the slide out...adds the pounds.

-- posted by LearningQuest

Top 82. Jun 1, 1999 9:46 PM

» Tom_Stephens - Weight!

Ah yes, but the slideout will add needed space that I am sure you will appreciate. We didn't get the slideout as Pam wanted to keep the cabinet space that we would have lost. Also, we usually only have the two of us and our fat beagles to take up space. The dogs do a good job of using more than they really can us however!

-- posted by Tom_Stephens

Top 83. Jun 5, 1999 11:34 AM

» Scott_Cindy - shop vac

I am looking for a good portable shopvac to use in the tent trailer. It is a father's day present for my husband. Any input about a good one and where to get it would be appreciated.
So far I have only looked at Target. But the one there did not have a extension on it so you could stand while doing the floor.
Thanks!
Cindy

-- posted by Scott_Cindy