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Started By
Message
Questions for Pop-up Camper Owners
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:37 am
Posted on 8/26/15 at 9:37 am
Background: I never thought I'd buy a pop-up, but I need something for base camp for Appalachians trips (5-6/year) and for beach camping trips (2-3/ year) that will fit in my garage. I use my big truck camper out west and love it--it's just too big for down south and neighbors would freak out if I tried to keep it here.
Questions:
1) Ever replaced the lift cables in a pop-up? I'm considering buying an otherwise nice pop-up that needs two lift cables. The guy bought four new replacement cables, but he said the dealer doesn't work on this system and he isn't handy.
I found manufacturer's instructions for cable-replacement on this exact model of lift system + some good youtubes. Doesn't look too hard, but wanted to see if anyone has done this. Based on my research, the camper would sell easily for 2.5/3X his asking price but-for this issue.
2) Any other experiences with/advice on pop-ups? My tow vehicles range from SuperDuty PowerStroke 4x4 to inline-6 Cherokee XJ 4x4 to maybe a new Outback--debating between 6cyl (3000lb towing) v 4 cyl (2700lb). The first two vehicles will tow any pop-up with ease. Will need to be more selective if Outback, esp given its 200lb tongue-weight limit (which I figure is conservative).
I don't have kids and don't need a lot of crazy amenities. Would like to eventually get it in decent shape for short dry[boon]docking with my typical car-camping gear etc.
There's tons of info on forums, but wanted some good OB advice.
Thanks!
Questions:
1) Ever replaced the lift cables in a pop-up? I'm considering buying an otherwise nice pop-up that needs two lift cables. The guy bought four new replacement cables, but he said the dealer doesn't work on this system and he isn't handy.
I found manufacturer's instructions for cable-replacement on this exact model of lift system + some good youtubes. Doesn't look too hard, but wanted to see if anyone has done this. Based on my research, the camper would sell easily for 2.5/3X his asking price but-for this issue.
2) Any other experiences with/advice on pop-ups? My tow vehicles range from SuperDuty PowerStroke 4x4 to inline-6 Cherokee XJ 4x4 to maybe a new Outback--debating between 6cyl (3000lb towing) v 4 cyl (2700lb). The first two vehicles will tow any pop-up with ease. Will need to be more selective if Outback, esp given its 200lb tongue-weight limit (which I figure is conservative).
I don't have kids and don't need a lot of crazy amenities. Would like to eventually get it in decent shape for short dry[boon]docking with my typical car-camping gear etc.
There's tons of info on forums, but wanted some good OB advice.
Thanks!
This post was edited on 8/26/15 at 4:01 pm
5
Posted on 8/26/15 at 10:09 am to McLemore
Had one that I was getting ready to replace the lift cables in but I wound up selling it.
All the research I did showed that it wasn't really that hard of a job. Look for the service manual for whatever unit you end up getting and there should be a step by step guide.
I would avoid the Coleman units from the early 2000's (maybe late 90's too) with the ABS molded roofs. They are prone to dryrot/cracking and you're left with either a totaled pop up, or a major repair. I believe Coleman replaced many of them under a warranty but I would want documentation if it was replaced.
check out these sites for all the info you could ever want on pop ups:
www.popupportal.com
www.popupexplorer.com
All the research I did showed that it wasn't really that hard of a job. Look for the service manual for whatever unit you end up getting and there should be a step by step guide.
I would avoid the Coleman units from the early 2000's (maybe late 90's too) with the ABS molded roofs. They are prone to dryrot/cracking and you're left with either a totaled pop up, or a major repair. I believe Coleman replaced many of them under a warranty but I would want documentation if it was replaced.
check out these sites for all the info you could ever want on pop ups:
www.popupportal.com
www.popupexplorer.com
This post was edited on 8/26/15 at 10:10 am
Posted on 8/26/15 at 10:37 am to McLemore
quote:
1) Ever replaced the lift cables in a pop-up? I'm considering buying an otherwise nice pop-up that needs two lift cables. The guy bought four new replacement cables, but he said the dealer doesn't work on this system and he isn't handy.
Yes, did it on a 1990 model coleman. Not that hard.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 11:19 am to McLemore
I was just about to start a pop-up thread, myself. Rather than start another, I'll just piggyback this one, if that's ok.
I was just wondering how durable they are? Does the canvas ever wear out?
We've been thinking about getting a smaller camper for beach trips and vacations. Something that we can leave dogs in for short periods, so we don't have to try to find a dogsitter for the unfriendly doberman.
I was just wondering how durable they are? Does the canvas ever wear out?
We've been thinking about getting a smaller camper for beach trips and vacations. Something that we can leave dogs in for short periods, so we don't have to try to find a dogsitter for the unfriendly doberman.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 11:45 am to McLemore
I had a pop up. One of the cables popped so I brought it to a dealer and he changed if out for right at $100. That was well worth it to me.
Posted on 8/26/15 at 12:08 pm to Jblac15
quote:
avoid the Coleman units from the early 2000's (maybe late 90's too) with the ABS molded roofs.
run from those models
quote:
I was just wondering how durable they are? Does the canvas ever wear out?
I make sure mine is completely dry before I fold it up and store it. If it rains while camping, I pop it back up when I get home. Also, if you leave them open too long, UV light kills the canvas. New canvas will cost you about $1200
Posted on 8/26/15 at 1:14 pm to Teague
quote:
I was just wondering how durable they are? Does the canvas ever wear out?
I had a late 80's model coleman that went through katrina in St. Bernard parish, sat completely submerged under water for as long as the water stayed, and then was untouched for 3 years.
I got it from my cousin after the 3 years because I had a new property that needed a camp.(the infamous green Jeans property)
I ripped out the cabinets and counters because I wanted more room, and cleanded the hell out of it. let it air out for about 2 weeks and it was fine. All the lights worked and the AC would freeze you out of that thing. I used it for a couple years with no trouble and passed it on to friends of friends and I believe they still use it today.
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[/URL][/img]Posted on 8/26/15 at 1:44 pm to McLemore
Some years ago I found an old starcraft (very well made)
Owner had just replaced the canvas. I remodeled the inside and tried to wear it out- sold it for more than I paid for it
Owner had just replaced the canvas. I remodeled the inside and tried to wear it out- sold it for more than I paid for it
Posted on 8/26/15 at 2:43 pm to Jblac15
thanks all for the replies--I love that you get real answers on this board compared to the OT where I'd be called a white-trash poor (I mean, I am but...).
Anyway, I'll be back with more.
And
That was one of the first things I learned when researching (including on those forums)--apparently they had a third-party mfg who didn't allow the ABS to cure properly, causing major problems in a good number of units--the problem is, there's no way to tell which ones are going to fail if they aren't already showing cracking, bowing, sagging, or delam.
The one I'm looking at is $800 for a 1996 Coachmen Clipper, loaded (gonna offer less). Unless it takes me more than a day to fix cables (which are included), then it's worth it. I can always part it if I fail....
Anyway, I'll be back with more.
And
quote:
I would avoid the Coleman units from the early 2000's (maybe late 90's too) with the ABS molded roofs.
That was one of the first things I learned when researching (including on those forums)--apparently they had a third-party mfg who didn't allow the ABS to cure properly, causing major problems in a good number of units--the problem is, there's no way to tell which ones are going to fail if they aren't already showing cracking, bowing, sagging, or delam.
The one I'm looking at is $800 for a 1996 Coachmen Clipper, loaded (gonna offer less). Unless it takes me more than a day to fix cables (which are included), then it's worth it. I can always part it if I fail....
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