Tent Trailers: Pop-up Camping

Top 948. Mar 2, 2001 10:45 AM

» Abbanat - Re: Bike transport?? Help.

tseck,

I believe Reese makes a hitch mounted bike rack, where the rack is mounted between the coupler and the receiver. I think it holds 4 bikes. I'm pretty sure it's less expensive than the Yakima rack, but all the weight on the back may cause your rear suspension to sag heavily, in which case you would need to add air shocks or heavy duty shocks to your Safari. The total cost of this system may end up being more than the Yakima roof-mounted system. I saw a manufacturer that made a 4-bike unit that straps on to the top of your popup (i.e. no holes in your roof) and believe it was more affordable than the Yakima system. I can't remember the name of it, though. Hope this helps.

-Brian

-- posted by Abbanat

Top 949. Mar 3, 2001 2:38 PM

» 69Chuck - Inexpensive pop-up

I know everyone is looking for this. I am trying to find the most "perfect" 1st pop-up, in or around the $1,500 range. I have two children, ages 7 & 5 (Boys might I add!) and am looking for as many frills as possible (For the wife, she's has never camped.). I am located in Virginia. Please send info to: CLaLa1@aol.com

-- posted by 69Chuck

Top 950. Mar 4, 2001 8:10 PM

» mcwig - Re: Bike transport?? Help.

In response to message posted by tseck:

We pull a coleman Cheyenne popup with a Chevy Astro van. We use a Reese bike mount that mounts on the back of the van between the popup and van. It holds 4 full sized bikes very well, except we need to add shocks soon to the back of the van. It sags. Otherwise, we have no problems.

-- posted by mcwig

Top 951. Mar 5, 2001 9:04 PM

» megabyte - Re: Bike transport?? Help.

In response to message posted by tseck:

We just purchased a Coleman Cheyenne and over the last weekend I was installing the hitches and brakes on my truck and van. Bikes were a concern to me hoever, I decided to go to class 3 hitches with 2 inch receivers. One reason for this was the fact that there is a bike rack that holds 4 full size bikes that plugs into the receiver and extends with the ball mount on the back. Price here in Canada is 240 dollars. If you are interested in more information please let me know and I would be happy to send you the make and model. tera-byte@home.com

-- posted by megabyte

Top 952. Mar 9, 2001 6:51 AM

» NJCAMPR - Coleman Sagging Roofs

My family and I are about to purchase our fist Coleman popup camper. The used Coleman is a 1997 and I am worried that the roof will sag(as I have read) that from 1996-2000 the ABS roofs were defective. The original owner never heard anything about this but did call the dealer who "downplayed" the roof problem but did agree to take a look at it. Can anyone e-mail to me some good solid hard facts or info. that I could take to the dealer in an effort to get them to replace this roof. My e-mail is SUNFISHUSA@YAHOO.COM

-- posted by NJCAMPR

Top 953. Mar 9, 2001 8:35 AM

» Abbanat - Re: Coleman Sagging Roofs

NJCAMPR,

It is well known in the popup community that Coleman has a roof sag problem for the 1996-2000 model years with the ABS roofs. They have had several design improvements throughout these years that have been unsuccessful. Apparently, the 2001 design is supposed to be much better, but they haven’t been out long enough for the effectiveness of this new design to be confirmed. So here are a few suggestions/facts:

1.) The roof sage problem occurred more frequently in 12’ models because of the longer roof than the 10’ models. Though it has occurred in both. The roof sag breaks the seal and allows water to enter while towing in the rain. Not a good thing. Heavy objects on the roof such as air conditioners and bikes exacerbate the problem.

2.) I’m not surprised the dealership and/or Coleman has downplayed the problem, but it is a serious issue.

3.) The lifetime warranty on the roof applies only to the original owner and NOBODY else. A roof replacement costs in excess of $2000. If the Coleman you are looking at appears to have a sagging roof (it can be seen in the middle along the sides and specification for replacement, I believe, is ¾” sag), have the original owner replace the roof before you purchase it. They will incur no costs as it will be covered under their warranty. Some dealerships are more supportive of replacing roofs while others downplay the significance of the problem.

4.) I cannot recommend your purchase of a Coleman popup during these model years as a secondhand owner. Many current, original owners agree with this position. Even the new roof design has not been proven effective in the long-term yet, so you may end up paying later to have it replaced again.

5.) There are MANY other wonderful popups out there that can meet your needs. Be patient and find a different brand, or buy a new Coleman with a full warranty. You can also consider the Coleman Destiny series which has an aluminum roof (with no problems), but is not as fancy.

For more information, refer to the following websites:

www.popuptimes.com
*Go to “message boards” and then “general” and then scroll through the archives. This topic has been addressed recently (and frequently). If you have any further questions, the people there are very nice, but check the archives first (they are the numbered pages in the upper right-hand corner of the topics list).

www.deja.com
*Go to “alt” then "rv" then “pop-up-trailers.” This topic has been discussed ad nauseum in that forum, so check the archives first.

Bottom line: either have the roof replaced or do not buy the popup. Even if it doesn’t sag now, it probably will at some time in the (near) future. I would stay away entirely though. If this is your first popup, you deserve for it to be a good experience.

Good luck!

Brian

-- posted by Abbanat

Top 954. Mar 10, 2001 12:52 PM

» Lablover - Re: Bike transport?? Help.

TSeck, Check out the Reese Outfitter hitch mount with the capability to still tow. We bought one this week for 4 bikes for $83.00 at Walmart in the automotive dept. It is very solid and well made.

-- posted by Lablover

Top 955. Mar 10, 2001 1:09 PM

» Lablover - Re: Coleman Sagging Roofs

NJCampr, I would have to disagree to stay away from all Colemans with ABS roofs during those years. There was a problem but I do think that it is possible to find some that have not sagged and it seems to be the consensus that if it hasnt sagged by now then it probably wont. Do your research and examine very carefully as you would with any purchase. We bought a used 1997 Coleman Yukon from a one owner who had had dealer replace the roof in 1999 for a leaking problem. We could not be happier. Our experience in our shopping showed us that some dealers were less than open about camper histories. All of the private parties selling that we dealt with were upfront and honest. We found exactly what we wanted for a great price. You will too.

-- posted by Lablover

Top 956. Mar 11, 2001 12:51 PM

» rigger54 - Rockwood folding campers

I'm new to the camping in folding camping trailers. We have been camping in tents for the past 10 or so years. Last August we purchased a Coleman 93 Sequoia in great shape. I don't want to keep it more than a year, so we can move up to something newer. I'm very interested in the Rockwood Preimier folding campers and what they have to offer for the prices I have seen both used and new. Are these units a good quality? Are there good or bad years? Please give me any information why I shouldn't buy one of these products.

Thanks

-- posted by rigger54