Which Pop Up To Buy?
Drew Watson
days ago, and and "lurked quite a bit"
My wife and I have been avid tent campers since we got married, and we are
now looking to go to a pop up. I have so far looked at Jayco, Starcraft, and
Viking, and are planning on looking at Coleman next weekend. Any suggestions
as to quality and value on any of these. We live in North Georgia, and these
are the only dealers I have found in a 100 mile radius from the house.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks
Drew Watwson
Bill
enough for "quite a bit".
This has been discussed MANY times and comes down to Dealer, personal
preferences, features, etc...
I searched on "Best Popup" and got tons of hits.
http://groups.google.com/groups?as_epq=best%20popup&safe=images&ie=ISO-8859-1&as
_ugroup=alt.rv.pop-up-trailers&lr=&hl=en
--
Bill & Sharon
2 girls (13 & 9), 1 big boy (6)
'02 Coleman Caravan, (ex-Coleman Niagara)
'00 Ford E-150 Conv.
"Drew Watson" <depo...@charter.net> wrote in message
news:vgf30l9...@corp.supernews.com...
Thomas Parson
I'm by no means an expert, but let me give you a little personal
experience.
When I was a kid, my Dad bought our first pop up (also our first camper, as
we had been tent campers up to that point as well), it was an EMPTY
something or another. I don't even remember the brand, with four kids, two
parents, and a dog, it was 10 gazzilion times better than a tent. Later, he
bought a Palomino, which had a stove, and table, and 'real' beds, and once
again, 10 gazzilion times better yet. Fast forward...oh, I dunno, two or
three years at least. My family, three kids, (now two), two parents, and a
dog, and we bought an older used Coleman Sun Valley two years ago. We paid
under $2,000, and did a bunch of work ourselves, (replaced the countertop
and the table, still need to replace the storage bin, and do something with
the door), but it has been the BEST investment I've ever made. We -did-
look at buying new, and even then, they were spendy, but would have been
worth the money, but buying used, as long as there are no leaks...I don't
personally think a guy can go wrong, and save some pretty good bucks while
your at it.
Ok, with that said and done, after I win the PowerBall tonight, I'll GIVE
you my camper, as I'm buying a bus and doing the NASCAR circuit! hehehehehe
Tom
In South Dakota
--
T. E. Parson
29S2R
Black Hills Rocketry Club
NAR Chapter#638
NAR #78955 L2
AMA #767628
.
"Drew Watson" <depo...@charter.net> wrote in message
news:vgf30l9...@corp.supernews.com...
Steeler Fan
--
"The Steelers have always mirrored the city in which they play, a
shot-and-a-beer town where a tough, four-yard run is as valued as a 40-yard
pass play."
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
"Bill" <hallw...@spampeoplepc.com> wrote in message
news:vgf3mjc...@corp.supernews.com...
k andreson
I also live in N. Georgia... not that this makes my opinion more qualified.
I have been looking at the same options for quite some time and have owned a
Coleman and currently own a Starcraft. Here's my thought. You probably
won't go wrong with any of the 3 brands. Models in each brand vary widely.
For me, it was where could I get the best deal for the features that
mattered to me... I do have to say, however, over all, I liked the Coleman
for quality.
Kevin
"Drew Watson" <depo...@charter.net> wrote in message
news:vgf30l9...@corp.supernews.com...
Bill Cornwell
Ringgold has a Palomino & a Rockwood dealer. Don't overlook the Rockwoods before
you buy.
I have their phone #'s if you want them.
HTH,
Bill
00 Jayco Eagle 10UD
01 Ford F150 XLT SC
Chatta, Tn.
Drew Watson
apologize to the "smart-asses" for not being more computer savy, don't woory
I will not bother you again.
Thomas Parson
I think someone was just having a bad day. I don't read _every_ post
here, but for the most part, comparing to the two other newsgroups I follow,
this one has by far been the most helpful, and least 'mean'. Don't let it
get you down, and don't be afraid to ask more questions as you get closer to
buying.
Tom
--
T. E. Parson
29S2R
Black Hills Rocketry Club
NAR Chapter#638
NAR #78955 L2
AMA #767628
.
"Drew Watson" <depo...@charter.net> wrote in message
news:vggc8eh...@corp.supernews.com...
Scout
Go Eagles!!
Scout
"Steeler Fan" <DIESPAMMERS...@charter.net> wrote
Scout
For what it's worth, we've had our Jayco 1206K for almost 10 years now and
love it. No problems, just fun, comfort, and convenience.
Scout
"Drew Watson" <depo...@charter.net> wrote in message
news:vgf30l9...@corp.supernews.com...
GHB
Reading posts is a good start but manufacturers have upgraded their products
each year. It would be difficult to know if a particular feature or lack of
a feature is currently present in any brand wihout looking at the actual
models.
My advise would be to identify two constraints at the start of the process:
1) How many (and how comfortably) do you need to sleep 2) How much you want
to spend. This may narrow your brand search.
The next step would be determining your towing capacity - this may eliminate
some of the models selected and some of the features you will not bring
along with you.
If money or towing weight is not a limiting factor then the above advise
will not help you much - but the good news is you can afford any pop-up on
the market.
If quality of product, floor plan and dealer relations are pretty much the
same, I would opt for the closest dealer with a good supply of parts. At
some point you may need to take the pop-up in for service. Or you will want
to purchase an acccessory desugned specifically for your pop-up.
Good Luck & Best Regards
Gary
"Drew Watson" <depo...@charter.net> wrote in message
news:vgf30l9...@corp.supernews.com...
George & Theresa Odom
the best Coleman dealers there is. Three Way Campers in Marietta, GA. is most
likely the closet Jayco dealer. You should be able to find most any brand in the
Atlanta metro area. There is also Shipp's in Chattanooga (Coleman). All Aboard
RV in Ringgold (Palomino) seem to be pretty good people to deal with also. I
have bought a few accessories from them. There is also a Rockwood dealer in
Ringgold, but I don't remember their name. We have been very pleased with or
Jayco, but the North Gate RV in Chattanooga no longer sells them :( Remember
that a bad dealer can make a great camper a nightmare!
jaxla...@columbus.rr.com
etc. Get electric brakes and a Tekonsha controller to go with it.
Things I like about my Starcraft: Fridge is on wall opposite door and
can be accessed when the camper is closed up. Lighter weight. 3-way
fridge. Furnace for off-season camping. Hot water. Shower.
Cassette Potty. The design seems to be well thought out and it tows
well.
You will probably want to get air conditioning because of your warmer
climate. However, since you tent camp you're probably used to being
without. I don't have it, but then I tend to dry camp where AC would
be useless.
Hope you continue to hang out here!
John Laughlin (remove the x to e-mail).
2001 Starcraft 2406
2001 Astro
Jim
If you're not computer savvy now, you will be soon.
Wanna read some "smart-asses"? Usenet is full of 'em.
After awhile, it seems the more of them there are, the
easier they are to ignore. :)
Anyway, continue to post here.
Your buying experience will make interesting and
informative reading.
As for advice, if you can afford to buy new, then
the shopping should be fun. Take your time.
Ask specific questions here about the models you check out.
Do you know what options you want to look for?
We have a Palomino we bought used. It was very well taken care of.
It doesn't have a furnace, or refrigerator. But we are happy with it.
It tows like it's 'not there' behind our pickup.
Have fun shopping. :)
Jim
Steve Silverwood
says...
Definitely look hard at the Jayco. Best brand made.
--
-- //Steve//
Steve Silverwood, KB6OJS
Fountain Valley, CA
'97 Voyager minivan towing '96 Jayco 8' Eagle tent trailer
Email: kb6...@arrl.net
Web: http://home.earthlink.net/~kb6ojs_steve
billi jo miner
options for a great price.
Scout
IMHO, when people have no clue, and ask for opinions as to what they should
buy, they are conversely asking, "what are the problems you've experienced?"
Advice seekers probably negate most unsubstantiated happy-happy opinions,
and pay more attention to complaints. My best guess is they use the negative
list more than the positive testimonials, throwing out the choices that, by
consensus, are problematic.
Scout
"Mark Filice hotmail.com>" <m_filice@<nospam> wrote
> Here is my challenge to you:
Tom Klingler
We shopped Jayco when we bought in the summer of 2000.
As I recall, we had pros and cons.
Pros:
1. good warranty
2. good reviews
3. good frame, roof, lift system, overall structure
4. good build quality
Cons:
1. surge brakes (I like electric brakes better.)
2. 1-piece canvas (I worried about some canvas accident requiring me to
replace the entire canvas.)
3. tables sat on a single, wobbly pole (Could be easily fixed by buying a
generic camping table with legs.)
4. floorplans at the time didn't provide a single, decent-size dining
area without going to a slide-out (I couldn't afford the weight of a
slide-out.)
We really liked the Jayco 12SO, but, again, I couldn't afford the extra
weight of the slide-out.
My advice: set your personal goals first, then shop to match them. For
example, we wanted a 12-foot box, a floorplan with a single, decent-sized
table, lots of storage space, big beds on both ends, and low weight. We
were pleasantly surprised to find all of these in the Dutchmen. Despite a
spotted history of quality issues, we (knock-on-wood) have had no major
problems, and we're in our 4th season with this camper. I must note that
Dutchmen pop-ups aren't being made anymore! Yikes! But, that's not my
point. My point is: set your personal goals -- write your wish-list --
and then go have fun hunting for it !
Good luck shopping and have fun.
Tom Klingler
2000 Honda Odyssey
2001 Dutchmen 1208 Classic
===============================
In article <bg68c...@drn.newsguy.com>, Mark Filice
<m_filice@<nospam>hotmail.com> wrote:
> In article <MPG.198c7a45e...@news.west.earthlink.net>, Steve says...
> >
> >
> >Definitely look hard at the Jayco. Best brand made.
> >
> >--
> >
> >-- //Steve//
> >
> Steve:
>
> I have been posting in this newsgroup since 1999. It never ceases to amaze me
> when someone posts "My popup brand is the best made". When challenged, they
> can't come up with a reason other than personal preference.
>
> Some Coleman owners boast that their brand is best. With a majority
share in the
> market, they are definitely the most popular.
>
> Others like myself state that each person has to decide for themselves what is
> best for them.
>
> Here is my challenge to you: What specifically makes Jayco "Best brand
made"? Be
> specific. Cite references. Personal opinions don't count.
>
> Also, did you know that Jayco and Starcraft are owned by the same company?
>
> FWIW, I saw Jayco, Coleman and Starcraft before I bought in 1999. The main
> reason I bought a Starcraft is that the dealership is a 2nd generation
> family-owned business for over 35 years. The dealership is 5 miles from my
> house.
>
> The Jayco and Coleman dealers are 40-50 miles from my home.
>
> I have not been disappointed with my purchase.
>
> Mark Filice
> 1999 Starcraft Starflyer
> 1990 Ford Ranger
>
--
Scout
If I buy another pop-up I'm specifically looking for 1-pc canvas. I've had
quite a bit of trouble with leaks at seams, and often thought, why can't
they just make it one piece?
Scout
"Tom Klingler" <tomkl...@neo.rr.com> wrote
> Cons:
Jeff H
"Scout" <Scout...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:yeicnfzoi6I...@comcast.com...
> Tom,
> If I buy another pop-up I'm specifically looking for 1-pc canvas. I've
had
> quite a bit of trouble with leaks at seams, and often thought, why can't
> they just make it one piece?
> Scout
Scout,
Even a one piece has to have seams.
Jeff
01 Westlake
02 F150 Supercrew
49 nights camping and still hasn't rained on us once.
Scout
"Jeff H" <nos...@cox.net> wrote
the old anarchist
"Scout" <Scout...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:xbKcnc6horm...@comcast.com...
Scout
pretty strong word in this day of technological miracles.
Seems like it can't be done until someone thinking outside the box does it.
BTW - if it can't be done, then what is the OP talking about when he says he
has 1-pc canvas?
Scout
"the old anarchist" <shawves...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:m4mdnScbOKf...@comcast.com...
Tom Warfield
wrote:
> what is the OP talking about when he says he has 1-pc canvas?
Colemans, and other brands, have zippers between some of the major
pieces of canvas, thus they have multiple pieces and you can purchase
just the damaged piece. Others are sewn together, thus 1-piece and you
either purchase all of the canvas or take it apart at the seams and
sew a new piece in. Personally, I prefer the zipper concept.
*****************
-Tom Warfield
> 2000 Coleman Mesa
> 1999 Ford Ranger (4dr supercab, 4.0L, 5sp AT w/OD)
> In the great Pacific NorthWest (sw washington)
> NOTE: if you send an email msg to my hotmail acct,
> dont be surprised if I don't respond. I'm tired of
> all the spam and have all email from unknown sources
> sent to "junk mail".
http://communities.msn.com/PopUpTrailerCamping
Tom Klingler
This is exactly what I mean! Thanks for explaining it. I, too, prefer
the zipper concept. My Dutchmen has 5 major pieces of canvas zipped
together. Of course, each of those 5 major pieces has some seams. For
example, each bed-end is one zippered piece, made of some smaller pieces
put together with some seams. The tent side on the door side has two
large zippered pieces. The tent side opposite the door side is one large
zippered piece. So, I figure, a big tree through one side or one bed end
would mean I have to replace one of the 5 large zippered pieces instead of
taking the whole tent apart and getting busy with a seam ripper!! ;-)
Thanks again,
Tom Klingler
2000 Honda Odyssey
2001 Dutchment 1208 Classic
In article <lkaqiv8ftmfvvjgtt...@4ax.com>,
twar...@hotmail.com wrote:
--
Steve Silverwood
> >Definitely look hard at the Jayco. Best brand made.
> >
>
> I have been posting in this newsgroup since 1999. It never ceases to amaze me
> when someone posts "My popup brand is the best made". When challenged, they
> can't come up with a reason other than personal preference.
>
> Some Coleman owners boast that their brand is best. With a majority share in the
> market, they are definitely the most popular.
>
> Others like myself state that each person has to decide for themselves what is
> best for them.
>
> Here is my challenge to you: What specifically makes Jayco "Best brand made"? Be
> specific. Cite references. Personal opinions don't count.
- Solid construction, not as much particle-board stuff as we saw in
other brands
- Never heard of a "roof sag" problem with a Jayco
- Factory-authorized dealer treated us well, before and after purchase
- Very easy to set up and take down. (Tried with other brands on the
lot while we were shopping around, wasn't impressed with them in this
regard.)
- Nice selection of floor plans available
- Same for optional equipment in comparison with other brands.
Sound like a good list for starters?
> Also, did you know that Jayco and Starcraft are owned by the same company?
OK, that's news to me.
> FWIW, I saw Jayco, Coleman and Starcraft before I bought in 1999. The main
> reason I bought a Starcraft is that the dealership is a 2nd generation
> family-owned business for over 35 years. The dealership is 5 miles from my
> house.
So was the Jayco dealership we bought from. A little further than five
miles, but not by much.
> The Jayco and Coleman dealers are 40-50 miles from my home.
>
> I have not been disappointed with my purchase.
Glad to hear it. I hope you have many years of enjoyment.
The Other Harry
<nos...@cox.net> wrote:]
> 49 nights camping and still hasn't rained on us once.
Switzerland would be a possibility also.
I have this vivid recollection of seeing giant slugs
climbing the sides of the tent when the lightning flashed.
Lake Constance. I think it was. Something like that.
The Other Harry
<nos...@cox.net> wrote:]
> 49 nights camping and still hasn't rained on us once.
Move to Virginia.
Jeff H
"The Other Harry" <hc...@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
news:vbe5jvsevonnaob5e...@4ax.com...
That's funny. My wife suggested the same thing, but without her :-).
Jeff
01 Westlake
02 F150 Supercrew
Chandler, AZ
the old anarchist
No one has walked away untouched. Besides, what is more important than the
owners' happiness? I like my Coleman. Seems like someone likes their Jayco
and hates Coleman and Starcraft. Well, IMHO, if it isn't a Prevost or a
Newell, big deal. On those two if I had something wrong, I would want it
fixed. PUs are just chump change compared. Who wants to pool their money
together for a Prevost? I figure 1,000 kicking in 1,000 will get a good,
new Prevost. If we only have 800, well, that would be the one without the
whirlpool tub then.
the old anarchist
ps,camping at St Louis tomorrow until sunday. wife's club kids, 16 yo girls.
suggestions? arch is on thelist.
>
>
> A great list of OPINIONS. My Starcraft is also very well made. But that is
my
> opinion, and I really don't have any absolute facts to make the statement
"the
> best popup made."
>
> I don't dispute that Jayco makes a good popup, but "the best popup made?"
>
> I'll wait for a list of FACTS....
>
> Mark Filice
> 1999 Starcraft Starflyer
> 1990 Ford Ranger
> "the best beer in the world is the one you are holding"
>
>
>
>
Thomas Parson
--
T. E. Parson
29S2R
Black Hills Rocketry Club
NAR Chapter#638
NAR #78955 L2
AMA #767628
.
>
> ps,camping at St Louis tomorrow until sunday. wife's club kids, 16 yo
girls.
> suggestions? arch is on thelist.
Suggestions? hehe, ASPIRIN, and LOTS OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mine is only 14, with a job, and thinks she runs the entire household!!
Steve Silverwood
@SPAMBUSTERS.yahoo.AGAIN.com says...
> > ps,camping at St Louis tomorrow until sunday. wife's club kids, 16 yo
> girls.
> > suggestions? arch is on thelist.
>
> Suggestions? hehe, ASPIRIN, and LOTS OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Mine is only 14, with a job, and thinks she runs the entire household!!
Cheer up, things will improve. It's amazing how smart your parents
become, the older you get....
Laura
in Collinsville, IL. Right across the river from East St Louis. It is the
largest ancient manmade structure in the Western Hem. You can take a guided
tour of the mounds and spend 1/2 the day in their learning center. If you
and the family have any interest in Native American history, this is a don't
miss event.
Laura
"Steve Silverwood" <kb6...@arrl.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.19a4ba8e7...@news.west.earthlink.net...