Tent Trailers: Pop-up Camping

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

Top 867. Sep 7, 2000 10:17 AM

» Tom_Stephens - Oregon Chris

Howdy,
Glad we were around to help confuse you on your purchase--just kidding. I believe there are a number of excellent makes of pop-ups on the market. Rockport is a good trailer, and you should find a lot of enjoyment using it. Good luck-good camping!

-- posted by Tom_Stephens

Top 868. Sep 7, 2000 11:12 AM

» campgirl - A Good Deal?

Hello,

I am looking at a 1998 Bayside this weekend. It sounds like it somewhat loaded (A/C, screen room, outside shower). They layout is exactly the same as the 2000 Utah. They are asking 8600 for it. How does this compare with what other folks are seeing/paying? Your advice is very much appreciated.

Thanks

-- posted by campgirl

Top 869. Sep 7, 2000 8:09 PM

» spike13 - Starcraft Starmaster Vista XL

Looking to buy for the first time. I have read a lot of posting in several BB and see 3 names come up over and over - Coleman, Starcraft and Jayco. I have an opportunity to buy a used Starcraft Starmaster Vista XL -- hard sides in the box area versus tent. Does anybody have any experience with this model? A hard-sided versus tent? Thanks.

-- posted by spike13

Top 870. Sep 8, 2000 3:51 PM

» morrisix - Bike racks and air conditioner

Hello all,
After exhaustive research and reading this FINE site ( all 860+ messages ) my wife and I purchased a 2001 Coleman Bayside this week. Also we previously owned an 87 Coleman Williamsburg and as nothing ever went wrong with it, this added to the Coleman direction. We did think the Jayco Heritage Series was even up, but didn't care for the salesman at the dealership.
For reference our purchase price was $11,100 including tax,title,license. Included was air and bike racks. Here is where my questions come in.
When picking up the camper this week, I was suprised to see the bike racks mounted on the rear of the roof. The dealer explained this was the way they did it with air installed. I am thinking with 4 bikes mounted back there, my tongue weight will be difficult to balance out.
By the way, I have a 1/2 ton Chevy Pickup and had no problems towing it empty. ( Nothing fancy here, just a hitch.) Absolutely NO sway. I was really expecting the worse after reading several sway problems here and was headed to the anti sway bar, but think not now. ( Still too early though to totally rule it out.) Does the air conditioner weight add to the tongue weight? Maybe counter balance for the bikes?
Also we did not receive a manual, and when calling our salesman, he said the video was the manual. Can't be, as the video refers to the manual several times, as I told the saleman. He explained he would have to call the manufacturer and check on a manual. Where / when did you new buyers receive your manual?
Thanks in advance and I hope to return the favor in future posts. ( Like we recently found a 6 shelf hanging bag at "Organized Living" that fits perfectly on the wardrobe hanger bar. )

-- posted by morrisix

Top 871. Sep 8, 2000 5:50 PM

» avacado181 - Coleman Colorado

Sir, I am a former owner of a Colorado Sport and if what you speak of is similar(no sink, no stove, one slideout, all canvas top) then you should have no major problem towing with a decent six cylinder. I even believe some four cylinders may be capable of towing if loads are kept light. we towed our Colorado with an older Chevy S-10 and experienced no problems. If you acquire this trailer I suggest you hang on to it, as they seem rare and may be sought after someday.

-- posted by avacado181

Top 872. Sep 8, 2000 7:12 PM

» Me_o_my - Colorado vs Sport

The Coloradao is sparse, Yup!. With its own awning, cute. Weights in at about 700 lbs. So is not the sport. We are going to pull with a 91 Subaru Legacy Wagon, GVWR 2000# - best at 1000#.

-- posted by Me_o_my

Top 873. Sep 10, 2000 10:58 PM

» Luanne_Paul - Coleman Dealer

Hi, We live in Eugene and were wondering where the nearest Coleman Dealer is. It sounds like it may be in Portland. We are looking for used tent trailers and are not sure about brands. All we have found here in eugene is Rockwood and Jayco.

Have you found any good sources for used tent trailers besides the dealers?

-- posted by Luanne_Paul