Tent Trailers: Pop-up Camping

Top 858. Sep 2, 2000 7:31 AM

» kiyokoya - shower

We have a 99 Coleman Westlake with toilet and shower. We love it! The shower is a great place for storage when not in use (remember to dry first), and we use the shower to rinse off our little ones.

-- posted by kiyokoya

Top 859. Sep 2, 2000 10:35 PM

» Everettfolks - Coleman vs other Makes

I just found this great website today! We are planning to buy our first tent trailer between now and next summer. We thought we'ld decided on buying a Coleman but then we talked to a guy who runs a Camper rental and repair place. He believed that Jayco is superior. He said that in his book there are 4 flaws with Coleman's. 1) water stored under the tent trailer is very inconvenient, 2)swing-level galley if heavily loaded could fall down and break a foot, 3)kitchen sink is awkward to use, and 4) there is no insulation between the walls thus causing sweat. I feel Coleman offers a good selection of accessories but I would hate to buy one and find I should have listened to this guy who recommends Jayco's. We have a 93 Dodge Caravan and understand we can tow up to 2500 lbs. From perusing your old messages it sounds like we should get a transmission cooler. We have two young children and hope to get into a used tent trailer. Any one have any comments/advise on the above?

-- posted by Everettfolks

Top 860. Sep 2, 2000 10:50 PM

» Tom_Stephens - Coleman vs others

I can't comment on this fellows points myself, but if you have read the treads on this discussion, you can see that many folks are very happy with their Coleman pop-ups. I am sure some of our fellow campers will be posting on this subject. So, just please stay tuned! Welcome to Camping in America, by the way, and glad you joined us!

Yours,

-- posted by Tom_Stephens

Top 861. Sep 3, 2000 12:01 PM

» Me_o_my - Coleman COLORADO

Has anyone had experience with this small tent trailer? We are considering one. Our vehicle is not meant to tow large trailers. The pic at the dealer looks nice/cute.

Also, have you seen, used or know about the Lee-sure units? They are taking one in on trade.

Have trailered in the past, but had bigger and heavier vehicle. Replacing our vehicle is not in the picture. Need something in the 1000# or less catergory. So any advice or help would be desired.

-- posted by Me_o_my

Top 862. Sep 4, 2000 9:37 PM

» richwi - Exceeding Tow Limit

I have a '98 Caravan with the 3.3L engine. The towing limit is 2000lbs but in looking into the specs on the tow package it looks like the only difference (other than beefed up brakes) is a second transmission cooler (the Caravan comes standard with one) and heavier springs/shocks in the rear. If I added a second after market transmission cooler and heavier shocks do you think I could tow about 2200-2300 lbs without causing damage??

-- posted by richwi

Top 863. Sep 5, 2000 5:10 AM

» ruraven - coleman vs other makes

Hi my wife and i bought a 2000 coleman utah this summer loaded. i have camped in 3 differant pop-ups over the last 15 years and feel the coleman is the best camper for my family. the water being stored underneath seems safe to me being located above the frame and it gives me more storage witch is a big point using a pop-up.my grey water storage tank is also stored underneath camper for traveling.and the swing over gally is also a good feature because you dont have to unload after every camping trip.the only thing i didnt get in my camper was the shower/potty because we camp in camp grounds with shower houses so we took the extra storage space. and we are happy we did it the way we did. One more thing ....look into the slide out dinnette this is an awesome feature.

-- posted by ruraven

Top 864. Sep 5, 2000 9:29 AM

» ezcamper - Totally agree...about winterization

I agree with your comment on the practibility of the slide-out dinette. We find it very useful because of the space your gain. I own a Coleman Fairview. I don't hear about people with Destiny serie but mainly of Grand Tour owners. Is there anyone owning a Destiny particularly a Fairview somewhere? I'd like to hear from you.

I live in Montreal, Canada and like to know your comments on winterization of a pop-up. As you know certainly we have a rough winter and I was wondering if the need for a total winterization was necessary (anti-freeze.....) even if you clear all trace of water.

By the way, I really enjoy reading your comments on all the topics. Continue the good work.

Pierre

-- posted by ezcamper

Top 865. Sep 5, 2000 11:02 AM

» Tom_Stephens - Pierre

You might try this site for advise on your pop-up: http://www.rvadvice.com/popup.html .I would also recommend this great site for questions on winterization:http://www.rvia.org/consumers/recreation... . Pop-ups need to be winterized just as other RVs.
Yours,

-- posted by Tom_Stephens

Top 866. Sep 5, 2000 11:55 PM

» Oregon_Chris - What should I buy?

I just completed reading all 800 plus entries and seek advice from this learned audience. Here's my story. We are a family of five (three kids,; all under 9). We have done plenty of tent camping and are ready to buy a new tent trailer. I see the overwhelming favorite is Coleman. For two main reasons, though, I am thinking of other brands. First, the nearest Coleman dealer is 120 miles away; too far. Second, my tow is a 1997 Plymouth Voyager (3.3 litre/V6). The weight of the Colemans are a bit higher than other brands and I am concerned about my transmission. If I am reading my owner's manual correctly, I have a maximum trailer limit of 1,500 lbs. when I have the family and luggage in the van. Chrysler also says I should get a load equalizing hitch and air brakes for more than 1,000 lbs. I looked at some Rockwoods and their "Premier 1904" model. I can get it with a water heater, front storage area, water pump and heater for about $7,000. It has an "axle weight" of 1,100 pounds. I am continuing to look and feel far better educated having read your entries. Any advice greatly appreciated.

-- posted by Oregon_Chris