Tips Frequently Asked Questions

The advantages of buying a new camper are obvious, however the advantages of buying a used camper may not be so obvious. My argument for buying used includes:

1. The obvious cost savings. Pop-ups do depreciate like cars, loosing 40% of the purchase price in the first 3-4 years. However, after 4 years, you shouldn't loose more than 3-5% per year, if you maintain it properly.
2. If you have kids; you won't have to worrying about a scratch or dent they may have caused (no crying over spilt milk).

Remember, this is camping and I hope you don't feel the need to keep up with the Jones's, after all the average pop-up only gets used 2-3 times per year. The values of camping are not found in the smell of new canvas, its about family time and the great outdoors.

1. How big of a camper do I need?
2. How big of a camper can I tow?
3. What is my price range?
4. What amenities do I need?

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To help answer the above questions, I will provide my thoughts:

1. Minimum Box sizes: 1-4 people (8ft. box will work); 4-6 people (10ft. box); 6+ (get a 12ft. box).
• Its hard to buy a pop-up camper that's to big, if you can afford the next size up then go for it.
2. How big? Refer to your vehicle owners manual for towing weight limitations.
• I think you should have a vehicle with at least a 6 cyl. if you want to tow a 10ft. pop-up or larger.
• Future destinations are also important considerations. Do you plan to tow your camper locally or take it out to the Rocky Mountains?
• Remember the pre-1989 campers were quite a bit heavier and those in the 1970 were much heavier.
3. Price range is up to you, however I have not been able to attract a worthy camper for less than $2,000.
4. The minimum requirements should be a stove, heater and a place to get out of the rain.
• If it doesn't have a furnace then an electric heater (for under $20) works well.
• You probably won't use an ice box except for storage. Don't be set on having a refrigerator, you may be narrowing your choices for the wrong reasons. If it doesn't have a refrigerator then the dorm size refrigerators ($79 at Walmart) work as well as those 3 way installed refrigerators.
• I found that a couple of dish pans work much better at doing dishes than the small sink inside a camper.
• An awning is very nice but the screen rooms are usually not used because of the added work necessary to put them up. Its cheaper and easier to purchase an independent screen room and they also provide more room.
• Don't get caught up on having a toilet, air conditioning, slide-outs or hot water. If your thinking about these amenities than your probably going to be shopping for a new tow vehicle to pull the new trailer.
• If you really must have an air conditioner, you can purchase a portable air conditioner which is about the size of a dehumidifier. Just place the a/c on the counter and place the 6" hose out the canvas end to dissipate the heat.

Condition, Condition, Condition: Don't get caught up with color schemes, camper age, or manufactures. You can find a great used pop-up that is 20 years old and it may be in better condition than a neglected 5 years old camper.

1. First look at the top; I tell people to use the knuckle test. Knock your knuckles on the 4 corners of the inside top of the camper. You should hear a solid wood sound. Many campers first sign of damage is because the outside caulk fails. This lets in moisture and rots out the wood in the top. This structural integrity issue will do all kinds of structural damage which most people can't detect until a cable breaks, or worse.
2. Next, look at the condition of the canvas/tent covering. It is usually o.k. to have one or two patches (mistakes do happen when you rush to take it down), however be suspect of worn out tent covering if there is more than a couple of patches. Also look at the screens, again there should not be more than one or two tears. New tenting will cost about $750 or so.
3. Note how smooth the cable system works, look and listen for cables binding. Some binding will occur on the main take up cable but this should be an obvious clunk noise which is o.k. when cranking up your camper.
4. Look for excessive mold and mildew stains, a diluted mixture of bleach and water will get rid of some of this mildew but some of the ugly stains will never go away. You will probably do more damage trying to get rid of the mildew because of the bleach or other cleaners which can be attempted.
5. Check the tires for cracks, this is a minor cost but it is usually reason for $50 off the price.
6. The last thing to check is the general condition of the camper. It is always more desirable to find one that was stored inside. Plastic parts are cheap, don't worry about the cost of replacing these.

1. In general, I think the best brands are made by the manufactures who have been around the longest. I would put Coleman, Jayco, and Starcraft on the "A" list. Rockwood, Flagstaff, Coachman and Dutchman, and Skamper can go on the "B" list and then a comes Viking and Palamino, try to stay away from the older and lower end units from these last two manufacturers.
2. Since 1996, I do feel though the playing field has become much more level in regards to the quality of pop-up manufacturing with any of the brands. There are some years that even the best manufacturers made, were inferior campers.
3. With all that said, just remember the most important rule which is to focus on "Condition, Condition, Condition". Even a cheaper built pop-up can be in better shape than a similar year Jayco if the Jayco was neglected.