Pop-ups Recommendations
To:Byron Yeiser,
My wife and I started out with a ten foot Jayco pop-up, thinking later we would upgrade to a larger unit. After having our unit stolen and looking to replace it. We looked at all the good and bad things, about our previous unit. What we found is some of the same reasons, that others give-up camping shortly after buying one. People usually buy too small, without the items they really like most. Thinking if they don't like-it, they wouldn't have much invested. This is what we did, and although we had fun and got-by with what we had. We often found ourselves wondering what if. Others go the total opposet and buy too large a unit, that is hard to tow and back-up. Just like yourself, we asked others about thier likes and dislikes in pop-up campers! Boy did we get an ear full of different opinions! If you are a first time camper or pop-up owner, this is what I would say!
All campers have thier good and bad points, just like people do. If your thinking of a pop-up, try renting a unit close to what you want, or if you know someone with a unit ask to use it for a weekend. This way not only can you try different brands, but different features as well as setup types. This will truly let you know if you would like a pop-up or not, and what features you would like to have in it. Pop-ups have come along way, with glide-out units and even hot showers and flushing toilets.
Our final decision after looking at all the other brands, was to stay with Jayco and to up-grade to a 14 foot pop-up. We basicly took every feature they offered: 3-way refridgerator, ac unit, hot shower with toilet, and a screened add-a-room. The first caution I would give is what we ran into, do you have a vehicle big enough to tow it! The dealer told us yes we did and it did tow it home, but swayed all over the road when passed by trucks. Because with a ball activated surge brake, it isn't advised to use a weight distribution or sway bar kit. After finally getting the right vehicle, we have had no problems with towing. What I enjoy most is the size when going down the road, less wind drag, easy to look over, and easy to back-up.
The time it takes to set-up one, differs from unit to unit and experience. Ours on average takes 15 minutes including setting-up our screen room and getting water, note this is with both of us setting it up. And yes they are simple enough, that a lady can set one up by herself. Like others have said, one big drawback to a pop-up is rain. But just like a travel trailer, you have to open or set it up at home to remove the item you want out. If it is a sunny day, the trailer will be dry by the end of that day with the new type fabrics. The mold problem that the old units use to have, is pretty much gone with the new type fabrics also. Room seems to be the other issue, however with the new glide-out units, most have just as much room as a small trailer. A pop-up can be opened-up on all sides to let fresh air in, on cool nights without having the ac to run. Most large trailers have to use there ac units, to keep them from getting stale.
To close I feel great that we have a pop-up, but to be truthful there have been times I wanted a trailer. But then I see all the fun they have on a windy day going down the road or backing them into a site, and that all goes away! Jayco has been a great brand for us, when we had trouble they stood behind there warranties. It is a brand I recomend, but what I feel is a mistake on there part is the 14 foot pop-up isn't made anymore. Maybe someday they'll bring it back, but for now others offer the 14 foot series. I wouldn't go anything smaller then 12 foot loaded, even for two people. Like I tell others, remember you have to live in this, when it rains. Get it big enough so your not climbing over each other. Good luck with what you decide and if you would like, let us know.