Pop up camper longevity
#6300573
08/13/18 10:15 AM
08/13/18 10:15 AM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,791 North Georgia
grousehunter
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,791
North Georgia
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The wife and I have been looking into getting a camper. I'm more attracted to the pop up camper cuase of the price. My only concern is the longevity of the canvas materiels. Do these last? I'd probably be buying good used. What's some things to keep an eye out for on a used camper? Any idea what it would cost to repair or replace the canvas?
Si vis pacem, para bellum.
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Re: Pop up camper longevity
[Re: grousehunter]
#6300602
08/13/18 10:54 AM
08/13/18 10:54 AM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,880 Mn
nightlife
trapper
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trapper
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,880
Mn
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I don’t know about the newer ones but I had a 1980s model that was still up and going till I sold it last year it did have a small patch on a spot of canvas from mouse damage
Big thing about popup campers is they seem to attract mice which damage the canvas other then that it is not much different the looking over any other camper check for leaks in the roof and cover then check that the various systems work electric water ect.also check out the joints where it closes and the closing system
�Everything in excess! To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites. Moderation is for monks.� ― Robert A. Heinlein
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Re: Pop up camper longevity
[Re: grousehunter]
#6300657
08/13/18 12:43 PM
08/13/18 12:43 PM
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,500 Kenai AK
KenaiKid
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,500
Kenai AK
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My folks had one that got ruined by mold from being put away wet. They loaned it out, and the people brought it back without telling them it got wet, so they didn’t open it up. Moisture is the nemesis of canvas and wood. All of the above advice is good.
Boco couldn't catch a cold. But if he did, it would be Top Lot.
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Re: Pop up camper longevity
[Re: grousehunter]
#6300836
08/13/18 03:36 PM
08/13/18 03:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,639 Warren co Mo
hrdtoflw
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,639
Warren co Mo
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I had popups for years. Always store after drying. Moisture is death on the tenting materials. Also, if you are looking at used units, Coleman had major roof issues from '98 thru '06. A percentage of those models had bad ABS roofs, and there was no way to know if you had a good one, until it fell apart. But back to your original question, they will last for a long time, if you do your part.
If your mind draws a blank, turn off the sound, because ya can't learn a thing if you're doin all the talkin
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Re: Pop up camper longevity
[Re: grousehunter]
#6300878
08/13/18 04:33 PM
08/13/18 04:33 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,791 North Georgia
grousehunter
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OP
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Posts: 3,791
North Georgia
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Thanks guys. I really appreciate the advice. I guess just keep up on the preventive maintenance and go from there.
Si vis pacem, para bellum.
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Re: Pop up camper longevity
[Re: grousehunter]
#6300918
08/13/18 05:02 PM
08/13/18 05:02 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,872 Central, SD
Law Dog
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,872
Central, SD
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Look at a High Low camper maybe?
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: Pop up camper longevity
[Re: grousehunter]
#6300936
08/13/18 05:17 PM
08/13/18 05:17 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 21,031 St. Louis Co, Mo
BigBob
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 21,031
St. Louis Co, Mo
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I'll never understand why they don't build them with nylon.
Every kid needs a Dog and a Curmudgeon.
Remember Bowe Bergdahl, the traitor.
Beware! Jill Pudlewski, Ron Oates and Keven Begesse are liars and thiefs!
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Re: Pop up camper longevity
[Re: MChewk]
#6301486
08/14/18 08:16 AM
08/14/18 08:16 AM
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 388 wisconsin, manitowoc
mutt
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 388
wisconsin, manitowoc
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Guys any issues with the wheel bearings, axles etc ...total rookie here Any time I buy a used trailer I service the bearings before using.(after I get it home) It is simple, generally inexpensive, and just good maintenance. I have only had 1 of the last 3 trailers need new bearings, otherwise it's just cleaning out old grease and repacking with new.
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Re: Pop up camper longevity
[Re: tomahawker]
#6303109
08/16/18 08:29 AM
08/16/18 08:29 AM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13,824 central ohio
madcotrappwr
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13,824
central ohio
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I always put bigger leaf springs under em. I wore out my first one. Nobody’s knockin if you smell what I’m cookin come awn Truck springs for me.
Will my toes ever warm up?
I'm Gonna die with my boots on.
Tim Henry.
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Re: Pop up camper longevity
[Re: grousehunter]
#6303112
08/16/18 08:33 AM
08/16/18 08:33 AM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13,824 central ohio
madcotrappwr
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13,824
central ohio
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Check those wheel bearings all the time. Get out at every stop and touch the hubs when you stop. Carry an extra set of bearings and seals and know what to do with them.
Put it up dry for sure.
Will my toes ever warm up?
I'm Gonna die with my boots on.
Tim Henry.
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Re: Pop up camper longevity
[Re: grousehunter]
#6303437
08/16/18 04:39 PM
08/16/18 04:39 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,347 New Mexico
Chamacat
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,347
New Mexico
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Yep..I would NEVER own one. I have been with several people over many years that owned them. They all are JUNK I have seen screws fall out/ hinges come apart/the material that covers them rip and rot/ the poles bend easily/ the jack break that hoist them. I once was on a trip that closing down the (Pop-UP) that it was so bad we had to use straps off the trailer to hold it closed for the hiway. Then there was the deal about the sleeping area. The whole plywood bottom gave way with people sleeping on it. Lucky for me I was on the other side. Everyone had to get up and sleep outside..
Last edited by Chamacat; 08/16/18 05:11 PM.
I can catch them here...I can catch them ANYWHERE
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Re: Pop up camper longevity
[Re: grousehunter]
#6303462
08/16/18 05:31 PM
08/16/18 05:31 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,347 New Mexico
Chamacat
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,347
New Mexico
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Yep..People spend hard earned money on pull/5TH Wheel trailers..None of them are boondockers IMO. AAnd some of them are not fit for the asphalt hiway. These are $9000.00 to $25000.00 trailers. Look at the frames cheap junk..the drawers cheap material put together with air guns ans staples. seams don't match up...wood rot..issues with electrical/black and grey water holding tanks..on and on..I talk to owners all the time..It doesn't matter what brand..It seems to be all on the price ranges mentioned..cheap axles..one and two year warranty's..No one has parts everthing has to be ordered..Pop-ups are the step up to higher priced junk..In fact the other day a guy was leveling his trailer with the jacks that are welded to the frame and the jack broke at the cheap weld..man he was mad..
I can catch them here...I can catch them ANYWHERE
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