View Full Version : Looking at buying a camper
I am looking at buying a small camper. I have looked at some new pop up campers. I am also interested in a used camper trailer that is not a pop up but is small and light enough to pull with a Nissan Xterra. Anybody have one for sale or have any advice?
You might consider renting one the first couple of times to see if its gonna be worth the investment.
Thats knowledge I`ve gained from friends who had one.
You might consider renting one the first couple of times to see if its gonna be worth the investment.
Thats knowledge I`ve gained from friends who had one.
to be honest go with a trailer. It don't hurt as much to see it degrading in the back yard. I've got an apache, and quite frankly that is the only way I can afford to go on vacation. Makes things amazingly cheap. Buy used, new is really a ripoff. just look at the new trailers and look at places where water may potentially leak, then go over those places with a fine tooth comb on the used one. If you smell mold just walk away without even looking.
I was not aware that you could rent one. Where do they offer that?
I think a trailer might be better because I have not see a popup yet that has a decent bathroom. I have two boys ages 9 and 11 and think it would be a lot of fun to get them outside camping somewhere. They are addicted to the gameboy and playstation.
I have read I can not pull anything bigger than 19 feet with my Xterra.
Renting.
http://www.hawleyscamping.com/
http://www.colfaxcountryrv.com/
http://www.thomasrvrentals.com/consign.htm
Oh Thelt do yourself a favor, don't max out the towing weight on your xterra unless you've got heavy duty shocks sway bars and a load distributing hitch, and external transmission oil cooler. Go lighter regardless of what the rental guy trys to tell you, one you sign the paperwork and you're responsible for the rig, and burning out your trans on the interstate is a bummer, doing on some dinky road in east bumfuck miles from a cell link even more so. But if you take the time to put all the pieces together, you and the family can go all over the place at 1/3 the cost of a regular vacation.
I plan on using this for short weekend trips a lot so I do not want a heavy trailer that will cost a fortune in gas to pull. I do not want to approach my weight limit, which is 5000 pounds. The popups I have been looking at are around 1300 pounds in dry weight. The one fixed trailer was around 3200 pounds.
Looking at the camper lots makes you wonder who buys the mamouth high dollar trailers. If I could afford one of those I would just stay in a hotel everywhere I go.
oh gosh Thelf.....go with the nice big Tents, air mattresses and the such. raised our two college age DDs with this and they have since bought their own and love it still.
save all the wear and tear on the vehicle
I tried tent camping and I did not care too much for it. I like a little less rough when I rough it.
I tried tent camping and I did not care too much for it. I like a little less rough when I rough it.
That's why I bought the popup, at least you're not sleeping on the ground and have a little room on crappy days, nothing is worse than cramped kids.
One time I did tent camp at disney world in august. that was cool we duct taped a room airconditoner to the window.
two or three days sleeping on an air mattress is roughing .......just gettcha a popup.............they do look nice in the yard the remainder of the time.
hope the boys enjoy camping :D
It will either be a popup or a small travel trailer. It all depends on whether I find a small used travel trailer I like for a good price. If I do not I will probably buy a new popup.
I have a 31 foot airstream I would rent to you, but you'd need a real truck. :P
I can not afford a seperate tow vehicle from my daily driver. I do not think riding around in a one ton truck with a big block is really an option. Besides I am so far upside down on the Xterra that I could not trade it if I wanted to.
What do you pull it with?
I can not afford a seperate tow vehicle from my daily driver. I do not think riding around in a one ton truck with a big block is really an option. Besides I am so far upside down on the Xterra that I could not trade it if I wanted to.
What do you pull it with?
teeth
I can not afford a seperate tow vehicle from my daily driver. I do not think riding around in a one ton truck with a big block is really an option. Besides I am so far upside down on the Xterra that I could not trade it if I wanted to.
What do you pull it with?It's perma-parked in Cherokee at the moment, but before that, I pulled it with a 3/4 ton 87 GMC Sierra with a 350, oil cooler, trans cooler, and all the towing shit added on.
How did that 350 do towing up to Cherokee? Struggle going over Black Mountain? I would have expected you to say either a deisel or a big block.
Cherokee is pretty nice, I was up there a couple weeks ago. My wife and I rode the train in Bryson City then spent a few hours in Cherokee.
I like some of the 24 foot travel trailers I have seen but I think that is a little too much for the Xterra. I would like to find a nice used travel trailer in the 18 to 19 foot range.
How did that 350 do towing up to Cherokee? Struggle going over Black Mountain? I would have expected you to say either a deisel or a big block.
Cherokee is pretty nice, I was up there a couple weeks ago. My wife and I rode the train in Bryson City then spent a few hours in Cherokee.
I like some of the 24 foot travel trailers I have seen but I think that is a little too much for the Xterra. I would like to find a nice used travel trailer in the 18 to 19 foot range.It pulled it just fine, it never even dropped a gear going up Black Mountain or Soco Mountain. The smog shit had been removed too though. Airstreams are light as hell, but I'd rather have something else if it's going to be parked much because of the loss of headroom.
Yeah, Cherokee is really nice, I just go to fish and relax. Went with my grandpa about every other weekend from the time I could walk until he died 2 years ago, so it's a sentimental place for me.
I used to go to Cape Hatteras to surf fish with my grandfather a couple of times a year from when I was a small child until he died a few years ago. I can understand what you mean.
You ought to check out the train sometime. It is a pretty nice ride, my wife really liked it. There are several different routes you can take but the one I did went along the Nantahala gorge. It goes over a tressle over lake Fontana and along the river.
There's a really cool place up near Fontana where the blue ridge parkway goes through a tunnel and just stops on the side of a hill. Dead end. I think they ran out of money or couldn't get a right of way or something. You can walk through the tunnel and go hiking on the other side. My grandpa always called it the road to nowhere. There was usually a ton of people there, and people brought horses to ride through the tunnel and on the trails. I'm not sure that I'd remember how to get there now, unfortunately.
We would eat at that Western Steer across from Frontier Land every friday evening on the trip up. Steerburger. :D Damn, those were the days, not a care in the world.
gridfaniker
04-20-04, 11:24 AM
we bought a pop-up over the weekend.
we bought a pop-up over the weekend.
You are still talking about a camper, right?
How do you like it Grid? I have looked at them. Did you buy new or used? Get a good deal?
gridfaniker
04-20-04, 12:36 PM
How do you like it Grid? I have looked at them. Did you buy new or used? Get a good deal?
I spent a lot of time shopping around, talking to people who have purchased them, etc. If I had any advice to offer from the experience it would be this: get used, directly from an individual and not a dealer resale (you'll save lots). Look around and wait until you find one that's been taken care of well. really look it over for canvas/screen tears, mildew, cracks in toof or body. Make sure the seller demonstrates that everything works (fridge, heater, AC, stove, sink, etc.). Have them put it up and take it down so you know all the stabilizers and the lift system is in sound working order. if the seller has a good looking teenage daughter, see if you can bang her in the camper while they listen from outside. if possible, have them connect the electric from vehicle to camper so you can see that the signals are all in working order.
We got ours in Williamsport, PA. It's a 1996 Coleman. The people we bought it from used it once a year for the six years they owned it. They gave us the number of the person they bought it from (who had gotten it new and used it only four times.) It's in immaculate condition (looks like it's only been used a dozen times in eight years. Has AC and bike rack. Very roomy inside. King on one end, queen on the other; total sleeping for seven. Indoor-Outdoor stove, awning and screen room, electric brakes. $3,500.
Now all I need are a few nights where the temps don't dip into the 40s. I'm shooting for late July.
gridfaniker
04-20-04, 12:37 PM
You are still talking about a camper, right?
yes, although I also bought a blow-up over the weekend. That isn't a camper.
I can get a new viking with an 8' box, AC, fridge, stove and sink for $3995. I looked at some used ones on a dealer lot but they were not an option.
I am leaning more towards a small travel trailer. I like the Kiwi design.
I spent a lot of time shopping around, talking to people who have purchased them, etc. If I had any advice to offer from the experience it would be this: get used, directly from an individual and not a dealer resale (you'll save lots). Look around and wait until you find one that's been taken care of well. really look it over for canvas/screen tears, mildew, cracks in toof or body. Make sure the seller demonstrates that everything works (fridge, heater, AC, stove, sink, etc.). Have them put it up and take it down so you know all the stabilizers and the lift system is in sound working order. if the seller has a good looking teenage daughter, see if you can bang her in the camper while they listen from outside. if possible, have them connect the electric from vehicle to camper so you can see that the signals are all in working order.
We got ours in Williamsport, PA. It's a 1996 Coleman. The people we bought it from used it once a year for the six years they owned it. They gave us the number of the person they bought it from (who had gotten it new and used it only four times.) It's in immaculate condition (looks like it's only been used a dozen times in eight years. Has AC and bike rack. Very roomy inside. King on one end, queen on the other; total sleeping for seven. Indoor-Outdoor stove, awning and screen room, electric brakes. $3,500.
Now all I need are a few nights where the temps don't dip into the 40s. I'm shooting for late July.
you planning on that peice of shit buick pulling that?
gridfaniker
04-20-04, 02:42 PM
you planning on that peice of shit buick pulling that?
yes.
yes.
are you planning on camping at the end of the driveway?
gridfaniker
04-20-04, 03:19 PM
are you planning on camping at the end of the driveway?
it'll pull 3,300 pounds. the camper weighs 2,000.
You should park in the stadium lot at Mountaineer Field like the rest of the state for 6 months or so. Maybe catch a few games.
What is your tow vehicle Grid. Most anything will pull a popup.
gridfaniker
04-20-04, 03:41 PM
What is your tow vehicle Grid. Most anything will pull a popup.
It's a Buick Rendezvous. It'll pull the pop-up. Hell, it would probably pull the pop-up AND DaveW's rusty old pontoon boat at the same time.
It's a Buick Rendezvous. It'll pull the pop-up. Hell, it would probably pull the pop-up AND DaveW's rusty old pontoon boat at the same time.
Can it pull Dave's boat up from the bottom of the lake?
gridfaniker
04-20-04, 03:49 PM
Can it pull Dave's boat up from the bottom of the lake?
not if dave's fat ass is in it.
Shrapnel
04-20-04, 04:39 PM
I can get a new viking with an 8' box, AC, fridge, stove and sink for $3995. I looked at some used ones on a dealer lot but they were not an option.
I am leaning more towards a small travel trailer. I like the Kiwi design.
8' isn't very big. We got a 12' box and all the stuff grid got except the screen room for $3,200. Its a '95 Dutchman. It's the proverbial cat's ass.
gridfaniker
04-20-04, 04:44 PM
I was told to stay away from Viking.
My whole problem with the popup is the lack of a bathroom. I can't imagine using campground showers and toilets is a good experience.
I really need a bigger tow vehicle. If I were not so upside down on the Xterra I would get an Expedition or a Tahoe. I have seen several 24' trailers that I like but they are a little too heavy for the Xterra.
gridfaniker
04-20-04, 04:55 PM
My whole problem with the popup is the lack of a bathroom. I can't imagine using campground showers and toilets is a good experience.
depends on the campground. we stayed at the Williamsburg KOA and the facilities were first rate. always clean, plenty of shower stalls and toilets. We went to the KOA in Virginia Beach and the restooms and showers were nasty. I usually just wear an adult diaper and go in my pants.
gridfaniker
04-20-04, 04:56 PM
I have seen several 24' trailers that I like but they are a little too heavy for the Xterra.
you'd be surprised how little space the 24-foot travel trailers have (sleeping-wise), compared to the pop-ups.
The one I like has bunk beds in the back for the kids and a queen size up front. It also has the standard table that makes a bed.
I usually just wear an adult diaper and go in my pants.
I am hoping that is a joke....
If you can find one and they are extremely rare these days. look at the manner in which the canvas is attahed to the camper, try to find one where the canvas is most easily removable. and every take it out and store it in the garage and only keep it in the box during camping season. Makes the camper last way longer. From 1981 till hurricane andrew, I had a 66 apache canvas popup. That was still like new when it cartwheeled all over the backyard. That little extra work of removing the canvas when you're not using the camper really preserves your investment.
Shrapnel
04-21-04, 10:07 AM
You don't need no stinking bathroom in a camper. Then you gotta worry about dumping the slop and the showers in a camper are pretty worthless unless you get a big motor home. You're camping!! Not at a hotel. Piss behind a big tree.
QueenCityHillbilly
04-21-04, 10:40 AM
we stayed at the Williamsburg KOA
My sister worked there one summer.
You don't need no stinking bathroom in a camper. Then you gotta worry about dumping the slop and the showers in a camper are pretty worthless unless you get a big motor home. You're camping!! Not at a hotel. Piss behind a big tree.
Not to mention all but the grungiest bath houses are way better than the head in a trailer. Ft. Wilderness has to have the Adam's Mark of bath houses, almost more comfortable to sleep in those crappers than in your RV.
gridfaniker
04-21-04, 11:14 AM
Not to mention all but the grungiest bath houses are way better than the head in a trailer. Ft. Wilderness has to have the Adam's Mark of bath houses, almost more comfortable to sleep in those crappers than in your RV.
VOR frequents bath houses
I have mentioned the whole "piss behind a tree" idea to my wife but she somehow remains unconvinced.
gridfaniker
04-21-04, 11:45 AM
I have mentioned the whole "piss behind a tree" idea to my wife but she somehow remains unconvinced.
bring builder, the human urinal, along with you. he can sit outside on a camp stool with his mouth open.
VOR frequents bath houses
Frequents is an overstatement, let's say partakes of when the need arises.
bring builder, the human urinal, along with you. he can sit outside on a camp stool with his mouth open.
Probably won't cost much either.
I have mentioned the whole "piss behind a tree" idea to my wife but she somehow remains unconvinced. Maybe squating over the edge of a rock would have more appeal to her?
Probably won't cost much either.
But it would have to be an IKEA camp stool. You'd have to pack it for him of course. He gets upset when he has to pack stool too often.
I am starting to hear dueling banjos playing in the distance. This thread has went down hill fast... :laugh1:
I looked at an Aerolite Cub today. It is a 16 foot hybrid. It is new and the dealer wants about $10k for it. Anyone have any thoughts? It is kinda small but it should tow easy.
I looked at an Aerolite Cub today. It is a 16 foot hybrid. It is new and the dealer wants about $10k for it. Anyone have any thoughts? It is kinda small but it should tow easy.
you do realize that once you buy it, it's worth about 6 grand. Personally watching 10 grand deteriorate in the backyard would drive me nutso. However do what you think best.
It probably would bother me too, although I have a twenty thousand dollar Xterra depreciating in my yard right now.
I am going to go look at a used popup camper monday night. It is a '93 Jayco. I talked to the guy on the phone and he said it had some minor damage to the canvas on one end. He said it was still usable but I might want to replace the panel. He is only asking $1500.00. Anything specific I should look for?
It probably would bother me too, although I have a twenty thousand dollar Xterra depreciating in my yard right now.
I am going to go look at a used popup camper monday night. It is a '93 Jayco. I talked to the guy on the phone and he said it had some minor damage to the canvas on one end. He said it was still usable but I might want to replace the panel. He is only asking $1500.00. Anything specific I should look for?
Check the floor, for rot. bad floorboards are always a bitch. Pick up the cushions and look underneath it there is any mold just walk away from it it leaks with the road cover down. Check all the zippers make sure none are broken or have broken teeth, bring a bar of soap if you can't get a stuck zipper working then you have a decision to make. Make sure the furnace is working if it has one but for 1500 buck in otherwise good shape I'd let that slide, check out the a/c. If there is mildew on the canvas I wouldn't buy it
gridfaniker
05-03-04, 10:27 AM
It probably would bother me too, although I have a twenty thousand dollar Xterra depreciating in my yard right now.
I am going to go look at a used popup camper monday night. It is a '93 Jayco. I talked to the guy on the phone and he said it had some minor damage to the canvas on one end. He said it was still usable but I might want to replace the panel. He is only asking $1500.00. Anything specific I should look for?
you're making a good decision going used. we wound up getting a 96 coleman bayport for $3,500. It was really taken care of. we checked it over and there's nothing wrong with it. If it lasts another 10 years, we'll have saved several thousand. when we first started looking, I checked out eBay just to see what people were asked for campers with features comparable to what I had in mind. I found there were several in NC, so you might want to look into that, since you may be able to call the seller and check it over before bidding on the reserve amount.
BTW, VOR actually offered some useful input here. I'm fucking stunned beyond belief.
He is alright when he is not talking politics :)
This one is a '93 but it is cheap. I have looked at Ebay but there are not any on there in my area that are in that price range.
gridfaniker
05-03-04, 11:42 AM
He is alright when he is not talking politics :)
This one is a '93 but it is cheap. I have looked at Ebay but there are not any on there in my area that are in that price range.
no there aren't too many in that range, but I figured since your were looking at a $10 K aerolite, you might be willing to sprnd a little more. That is cheap and you'll probably get something decent for the price. Just make sure you heed VOR's advice. He is wise.
I would be willing to spend a little more for a nicer camper. I am just a little leary of Ebay. I want to go see it and check it out before placing a bid. It is hard to do that with Ebay sometimes.
This thread makes me think that maybe we need a forum for activities on this site. Somewhere we could discuss camping and destination or maybe tips. It could be for any activity people enjoy not just camping, it could be rollerblading or skiing or whatever. What do you guys think?
crazydave
05-03-04, 03:49 PM
This thread makes me think that maybe we need a forum for activities on this site. Somewhere we could discuss camping and destination or maybe tips. It could be for any activity people enjoy not just camping, it could be rollerblading or skiing or whatever. What do you guys think?I think this should be moved to the activities forum.
Just in case any one was dying to know what I ended up doing, I purchased a Viking 1906st Saga folding trailer. I bought a new one, I know wasted some money doing that, but I could not find a used one I liked and I do get a warranty this way.
It is pretty neat, it has the trunk on the front for extra storage and comes with a sink, refrigerator, and stove. I has a battery and propane power. I did not get air because if it is so hot that I can not go without A/C then I do not want to go camping anyway. I can add it later if that turned out to be a mistake and it will not cost much more than it would have to add it now.
Now I just have to get used to how to park it. I have never towed a trailer before and it keeps going the opposite direction of where I want it to :)
two-six
05-20-04, 02:43 AM
can't believe this went 4 pages without anyone mentioning this, but it might be time to get a weighted tag. if you have a 5000lb tag now, you're xterra is 4 grand of that. those little dmv cars a bitch, and will slap you with several, and i mean several, fines for being the slightest bit overweight.
The trailer has a seperate tag of its own.
when you taking her camping?
enjoy it and the boyz time outdoors together! :D
two-six
05-20-04, 12:06 PM
The trailer has a seperate tag of its own.
of course it does. doesn't matter. the tag on your xterra has to cover all the weight you're towing, plus the weight of the xterra.
I do not think I will be over much if any. The trailer weighs less than 1500 pounds.
I am going to take it to Cape Hatteras this weekend. I will probably go somewhere over the memorial day weekend too, just not sure where yet, everything will be crowded. My boys are excited about it.
two-six
05-20-04, 09:04 PM
with your xterra just over 4000, that is 5500. thats not counting what you pack, and family members. easy over 6000 before you get done.
i'm just trying to warn you of what can happen. serious stuff. i wouldn't take it too lightly. those dmv guys don't play when it comes to that stuff. my dad was pulled over years back for being overweight hauling a skid-steer. if not for the luck of him knowing the head man in charge that was at the weight station, he would have had serious trouble. possible revoked license, and thousands (yes plural) in fines. as was, he still totaled around $500 in fines before he got out of it and had to leave the trailer there and pick it up with an appropriately tagged truck.
I do not think I will be over much if any. The trailer weighs less than 1500 pounds.
I am going to take it to Cape Hatteras this weekend. I will probably go somewhere over the memorial day weekend too, just not sure where yet, everything will be crowded. My boys are excited about it.
to be honest thelt, I would camp closer to a walmart for the first camping trip, you will be surprise at the things that you are gonna need and don't have.
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