Pop-Up Trailers?

[Bri-Man]

Does anybody have a Pop-Up Trailer? Me and my wife are thinking about getting one once we get our F150. I'm looking for a trailer that the truck can pull so I figured a Pop-Up Trailer. Do you think that a 01-03 F150 with a long travel suspension can pull something a little bit bigger?

[Waldo]

Does anybody have a Pop-Up Trailer? Me and my wife are thinking about getting one once we get our F150. I'm looking for a trailer that the truck can pull so I figured a Pop-Up Trailer. Do you think that a 01-03 F150 with a long travel suspension can pull something a little bit bigger?

I've seen F-150s pull 26 foot WW trailers (Superlite). I'd check your towing capacity first and go from there. If you can get an enclosed type trailer I think you'd be happier. Back in the day I camped a few times in a tent trailer. Good for a couple of you if you are just camping. If you have or are planning on having toys or more peeps (kids) I'd recommend a larger one. Good luck.

[steveG]

You can definitely tow more than a pop-up. A lot people tow pop-ups with cars. My wife and I went back and forth on getting rid of our camper (old and small but works) for a tent trailer but decided we liked having hard walls. I also like the fact that if we stop in the middle of a trip and need something out of the trailer it's not a big deal.

Of course, the big advantage with the tent trailer is it's much easier to tow and rearward visibility is better. Keep in mind that most tent trailers don't have an actual bathroom.

I attached a pic of our '79 Grasshopper... One of only two I've ever seen! I tow it with a short-wheelbase Bronco with fairly soft suspension.

[dan200]

http://www.ownersrental.com/207

I rented the above one for the Parker 425 and enjoyed it very much, heat,shower, toilet etc. It was nice but you have more prep to do when you pack it because everything has to fold and unfold and slide to put it all away. Lots of moving parts that will probably wear out sooner or later. Previously we had used a 25 foot box camper and that was cool because the set up was easier but since it did not expand it seemed a bit cramped in there. The aero dynamics and weight of the big box did not help fuel economy either.
I would recommend you rent one. Most guys who rent them wont let you take them to mexico but they are usually flexible about pick up dates and late returns and there is no mileage fee. They are also cheaper than a hotel if you have an extended stay and then you can decide which you like from personal experience. I like both of em but I want a motor home one day. I have seen beater motor homes sell for less than some tent trailers though I might just be looking at buying someone else's headache if I go that route.

[Bri-Man]

Yeah, I have two small kids, 2 year old and an 8 month old. I found some regular trailers out there that were about the same price as a pop up. So I think that I just might go with a standard trailer.

[steveG]

I have a 4 year old and a 2 year old. Our trailer works great for us. It's true, when I step foot in new 20 foot +, dual pop-out palaces on wheels I start to wonder what the hell I'm doing in my trashy little trailer. But, when I remember that those are $10,000 and waaaaay up versus the $500 I have in mine, I feel a little better, hehe.

[woundedyak]

I had a pop up for years and hated it! The thing was a pain to set up and break down. The canves always grew mold in one corner or another and there isn't much space to pack things in. Again,this is just my opioin which doesn't mean much!

[Bri-Man]

All opinions count!!

Yeah, not that I think about it, if theres a lot of work setting it up and taking it down then I should just get a big huge tent. I'm pretty sure that I'm going to get a regular trailer though, they are pretty cheap right now with the gas prices so darn high.

[Alex Paterson]

I have a pop up tent, but thats another story ;) Some of the new pop up trailers look pretty cool. For me I don't mind sleeping in a tent, as long as the weather is nice, I just hate not having a shower and a bathroom of some sorts.

Alex

[Bri-Man]

I know that answers to this question are going to vary according to what size trailer you have, but. When going out to the desert and the dunes how long "on an average" can you stay out there before running out of water and gas? I'm thinking of a 23' trailer. I just wouldn't want to get out there and have a great day wheeling and come back all dirty and find out that were out of water :(

[JENN]

Maybe you should rent a trailer to figure it out? My friend owns this company - He is very much into the offroad community (AMA D37) and would be a great person to talk to.

http://socalrvrentals.net/

You need to be careful with weight distribution as my aunt and uncle were towing a trailer with a vehicle that was too light for their trailer and it was a horrific accident that could have ended much worse (semi truck went by, draft ripped them off the road at the top of Cajon Pass).

[dezertdude]

I would reccomend a 19-21' trailer. Load levelers and a sway bar and your golden. Water depends on the size of the tank and how many people are staying in the trailer and how often thier using it. I dont think we've ever run out of water in all the trailers Ive stayed in over the years. Most have a water level gauge inside the trailer.

[JENN]

Funny my parents never run out of water unless I come along..... ha! What do you mean I can't take a 45 minute shower? Actually it always works out pretty well. We have never completely run out. We are a family of 4 ...

[btshannon]

I like my pop-up. Is it a PITA to set up? Yes. Is it a PITA to take down?. Yes.

My pop up has a fridge (propane end electric), a slide out ice box (cooler), a propane heater, a stove for cooking, a sink, lights, and a soft bed for me and the missus (and one for the kid if she tags along). We can entertain 5 friends and listen to XM in there and stay out of the elements. Soo much better than a tent. Less time to set up, and we keep a small pantry of ramen, box dinners and canned soups for emergency chow (we use bottled water for cooking and cleaning, cheaper and lighter than carrying water on board).

Major draw back: cannot set up camper while still hitched to truck, no roadside camping!

[mattb]

I just got a '00 Jayco Kiwi 23b this week. Although it isn't a pop up, it's a hybrid- 23ft trailer with fold out tent style beds on each side. Queen on the front and a double in the back. What seems cool is that it's essentially a 23ft living room,kitchen, etc with beds that don't waste any of the floor space of the trailer. It's light and should be a good time.

[dan200]

I just got a '00 Jayco Kiwi 23b this week. Although it isn't a pop up, it's a hybrid- 23ft trailer with fold out tent style beds on each side. Queen on the front and a double in the back. What seems cool is that it's essentially a 23ft living room,kitchen, etc with beds that don't waste any of the floor space of the trailer. It's light and should be a good time.

Matt,
That looks like a pretty cool set up. All I could find for pics was a 2002. Is this the same setup with the side popout?

http://www.generalrv.com/inventory/23850/Used-2002-Jayco-Kiwi-23B.aspx

What is it like inside when it is all closed up? Can you walk around in there,use the kitchen and bathroom etc. It seems like the best of both worlds.

[mattb]

Matt,
That looks like a pretty cool set up. All I could find for pics was a 2002. Is this the same setup with the side popout?

http://www.generalrv.com/inventory/23850/Used-2002-Jayco-Kiwi-23B.aspx

What is it like inside when it is all closed up? Can you walk around in there,use the kitchen and bathroom etc. It seems like the best of both worlds.

That's very similar to mine. I don't have the bunk, and the fron "Booth Table" is actually a "U" shaped seating area that can fit about 6 adults. Besides that, it's very similar.

Here's the same floor plan as mine with lots of good information- http://www.glpuc.org/campertime/trailerpics.asp

[dan200]

When it its folded up can You still used the kitchen and bathroom etc? It doesnt block that stuff right. I am gonna recommend this to a friend of mine.

[squirrel80]

Weekend Warrior Superlights have just about everything the Wide Bodys offer except room for a Truck or Sand car. My friend pulls one with a half ton no problem. He carries a rhino, 100 gallons of water and 30 gallons of fuel. It is a 23' model with a front bedroom and back beds that fold up. Any of the tag trailers are going to pull better with a full tank of water and fuel. You will notice more weight, but it is down low and helps by not getting pushed around by semis. Also load the trailer front heavy and use sway and weight distrubution bars and you will be fine.

[mattb]

When it its folded up can You still used the kitchen and bathroom etc? It doesnt block that stuff right. I am gonna recommend this to a friend of mine.

Everything else is accessable and functionable with the beds up. It is perfect for tailgating- no wasted square footage on sleeping areas. Its a mobile livingroom with fold out beds.

[dan200]

Everything else is accessable and functionable with the beds up. It is perfect for tailgating- no wasted square footage on sleeping areas. Its a mobile livingroom with fold out beds.

Exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks.:)