We are, hopefully, purchasing this week a 2002 Coleman Destiny Westlake pop up. It has shower/potty, furnace, a/c, fridge, stove, and microwave (yes, I may be gloating a TINY bit! ;D )
Any experience with popups is appreciated, things to watch out for, esp if you also have any of the features listed above...
also, if you 'Faire-ized' it, I'd love details- havent even seein it in person yet and already I'm thinking how to make it a proper Faire wagon!
Is it the full pop-up or a semi pop up?
full pop-up: http://www.crestviewrv.com/detail-inventory.aspx?inventoryid=104156 (http://www.crestviewrv.com/detail-inventory.aspx?inventoryid=104156)
Just some general things:
They make quiet generators. Honda has a model or two and there is another Chinese brand out there for 1/2 or more lower than the Honda prices. I can't recall the name but will ask hubby.
Water is always an issue for us at TRF. We are very conservative with water usage.
Also, you will want to lock down propane tank(s) and the generator.
If it has a stereo that accepts mp3 files/cd's by all means make yourself some faire playlists to enjoy while getting ready, etc.
I will list more as I think about it. We are getting ready to prep our t/t for TRF so I'm sure my checklist will have some things to share.
Have fun! ;D
-Pack the chocks (wheel brakes) and crank for the pop up in a duffel bag in the CAR...not the camper. Hehe...
-Get a set or two of the square, stackable levelers (LYNX Levelers is what we've used) and some strong tent stakes just in case you need to build a taller level for one side of the camper (and you aren't willing to use a log like our friend...eeek)
-Include an extra level in the bag, the ones on the camper will eventually break.
-In the cold weather, put a wool horse-type blanket under the pad for the mattress of the bed, it keeps the cold air from coming up under you at night.
-Don't fry anything inside...put the stove outside for that, you will never get the smell out otherwise.
-Get a colapseable water bag and fill with drinking water, just in case.
-And last but not least, as my Grandpa would say...."Swing wide!!!!" when hauling it! ;D
The generator is a Kipper.
Just check with the dealer on what size you will need. Hubby says they are selling some smaller models at Home Depot now.
Wheel Blocks
Gas Cans (for generator)
Flashlight!
Levels (you can buy the stick on kind)
We have rope lights to go around our awning (ooohhhh pretty!)
edit:
Toilet tissue that will dissolve! :-X
http://www.kipornorthamerica.com/Default.aspx (http://www.kipornorthamerica.com/Default.aspx)
This is a decent brand. However, I found that Yamaha makes generators as well which say they are rated to as low a decibel rating as the Hondas, and appear to be cheaper -- http://www.yamahagenerators.com/home.php
Also, don't forget locks. Chance of a trailer theft are low, but people do try unless there is an obvious lock they would have to saw through.
oops i spelled the brand name wrong lol! it is kipor as DF pointed out lol! ;D
Quote from: bellevivre on August 03, 2010, 04:36:04 PM
full pop-up: http://www.crestviewrv.com/detail-inventory.aspx?inventoryid=104156 (http://www.crestviewrv.com/detail-inventory.aspx?inventoryid=104156)
Sweet. I will be getting a pop up (A/C included) in the hopefully near future. I love the Jayco brand, not as flashy, but very well made and solid quallity. They occasionally have used models.
I moved from a semi-pop up truck camper to a 24' bunkhouse trailer (loved those bunk beds when I had young kids) then, right before my divorce, a 28' Starcraft ToyBox (the worst RV I have
ever owned, very poor quality and down right dangerous). All of the above were bought new.
Tips:
~Print a checklist for packing and any prep work you will need to get the trailer ready the night before you leave, i.e. toilet chemicals (make sure you add a valve lubricant regularly to your holding tanks) potable water treatment, TP, kitchen implements, pots and pans, spices, etc. This will de-stress the departure.
~Have another checklist for the day you leave. This saved my butt a few times. I laminated mine and kept it in a cabinet in the RV.
~Chocks, you will forget these. Have a spare set.
~A potable water hose (get this from an RV supply store) for when you get the rare treat of being able to hook up to an outside water source. Important! get a pressure regulator, ask for this at the RV store also.
~At least one 10'x10' tarp for covering picnic tables or anything you want to keep dry.
~A decent sized piece of Astroturf and a dirt well type doormat to go on top of that to help keep mud/dirt out of the camper and give you someplace clean to put things outside.
Have fun!
A 2006 Jayco, looks like very similar specs only $900 more than the one your are looking at. I may needs to get me over there. ;D
http://www.apachecamper.com/rv/jayco/foldingcamper/752/Jayco_JAYCO_1006
Turns out the one we were gonna look at was already sold, so, here's teh one we are awaiting to get financing approval on:
http://www.crestviewrv.com/detail-inventory.aspx?inventoryid=75616 (http://www.crestviewrv.com/detail-inventory.aspx?inventoryid=75616)
The specs and the floorplan are wrong, look here for those: http://www.rvweb.com/guides/manufacturers/jayco/models/2005_baja-1099062324333 (http://www.rvweb.com/guides/manufacturers/jayco/models/2005_baja-1099062324333) (the 10Y)
Its newer, and has a stereo and AC! no heater, but a Mr Buddy should be fine for us...
I like that one! It's got the extra ground clearance; makes it easier offroad, I would imagine. Perfect for TRF. Nice choice!
Quote from: bellevivre on August 04, 2010, 01:57:01 PM
Turns out the one we were gonna look at was already sold, so, here's teh one we are awaiting to get financing approval on:
http://www.crestviewrv.com/detail-inventory.aspx?inventoryid=75616 (http://www.crestviewrv.com/detail-inventory.aspx?inventoryid=75616)
The specs and the floorplan are wrong, look here for those: http://www.rvweb.com/guides/manufacturers/jayco/models/2005_baja-1099062324333 (http://www.rvweb.com/guides/manufacturers/jayco/models/2005_baja-1099062324333) (the 10Y)
Its newer, and has a stereo and AC! no heater, but a Mr Buddy should be fine for us...
I like the big heavy duty carry rack on the front-never seen that before. Motorcycle maybe? Very handy. Is it a custom job? Odd that it has A/C but no Furnace.
Some of the 4wheeler forums really like this one for off road. You might want to make sure this one hasn't been beat up too much. Jayco is a solid name.
we saw it in person today- looks like it's been used maybe 4 or 5 times! practically brand new- only small issue we see so far is some light water spotting on the wood under one of the beds, like it dripped during a heavy downpour...
now if only they'll call back and let us know we've got the financing...
Quote from: Rowen MacD on August 04, 2010, 03:04:51 PM
Quote from: bellevivre on August 04, 2010, 01:57:01 PM
Turns out the one we were gonna look at was already sold, so, here's teh one we are awaiting to get financing approval on:
http://www.crestviewrv.com/detail-inventory.aspx?inventoryid=75616 (http://www.crestviewrv.com/detail-inventory.aspx?inventoryid=75616)
The specs and the floorplan are wrong, look here for those: http://www.rvweb.com/guides/manufacturers/jayco/models/2005_baja-1099062324333 (http://www.rvweb.com/guides/manufacturers/jayco/models/2005_baja-1099062324333) (the 10Y)
Its newer, and has a stereo and AC! no heater, but a Mr Buddy should be fine for us...
I like the big heavy duty carry rack on the front-never seen that before. Motorcycle maybe? Very handy. Is it a custom job? Odd that it has A/C but no Furnace.
Some of the 4wheeler forums really like this one for off road. You might want to make sure this one hasn't been beat up too much. Jayco is a solid name.
I've found Jayco decent, from what I've seen, but for pop-up tent campers, Colemans seem to be best of breed. I might be wrong though, as things change.
Okay, I won't discuss the camping equipment checklists (see the thread in the TRF area).
For a pop-up trailer, remember it basically a tent on wheels.
Use a spray sealant for the fabric joints. Water will run down the hard-top and along the fabric covering the pull-out bunks. The water "will" find a weak spot, usually right above your head while sleeping.
Make sure the snaps along the edge of the pull-outs are kept clean and use a bit of WD-40 to make connection and removal easy.
Since it's a small trailer, it probably doesn't have brakes. This will place an extra load on your tow vehicle brakes.
Put together a "pre-flight list", including checking brake and turn signals, chains hooked up, tongue lift fully up, all fasteners tight, etc.
Practice maneuvering and learn how to back into tight spaces. Good place is a large parking lot with no vehicles around. That is if you aren't experienced hauling a trailer.
I like that front deck. That will come real handy for additional transportation storage.
I've owned 2 pop-up campers in my life and the single biggest issue is water/moisture getting into places you don't want it. Keep a can of that spray sealant in the trailor at all times and use it often.
Academy has some spray sealant in the area they sell boots. It's made for weatherproofing boots.
One suggestion that I would make is this: If the unit gets packed up wet or damp (it will happen if you use it often), set it back up asap once back home and let it dry out for a day or two. And if it's kept outside, one again set it back up after a big rain and air it out. Condensation will happen, especially during the warmer months.
Enjoy!!