Looking to buy a used camper. Advice?

[HawkeyeScott]

Been considering a pop-up camper for a few years. But like everything, I have to do it on a budget. So I'm looking for something in the $2k to $3k range that is still in pretty good shape. May need to buy a late 1990s model. (Old doesn't bother me - junky does.)

I'm looking for any opinions on what I should be on the lookout for. I've heard Coleman is a brand to stay away from, but I have no idea how much truth there is to that. There are a couple of Jayco trailers available locally for under $2500.

Any advice on brand, style, pitfalls, etc. would be helpful. Thanks a lot.

 

[redhat]

With a popup, my biggest thing to look out for would be the screens. If they are not in good shape, I'd turn it down just because of that.

Screens and roof leaks. IMO if those two are not a concern, and the rest looks OK, then I'd go for one with the right price.

 

[supton]

Right now is tough. Everyone who wants one is shopping--and sellers know it.

I hang out on popupportal.com at times. Good amount of info there.

Quick summary off the top of my head:

-avoid ABS roofs. If it looks like plastic/fiberglass-skip. Very hard to repair. When it goes it cracks like crazy apparently. Used from like '99 to '03, give or take, forget now.
-watch out for water damage. Seems obvious to state, but, campers sit for months at a time, so a small leak goes unnoticed for a very long time... Campers are made of cheap plywood, and it doesn't take much to damage them.
-canvas goes for $800 to $1k. If you find a perfect trailer but it needs canvas, take a look at Bear Creek(? brook? something like that); but from what I've seen, canvas runs in that neighborhood for prices. It may not be a deal breaker.
-I've repaired a "goshen" lift system. It's dirt simple. If it has what looks like a crank/winch setup on the tongue off a boat trailer, it's one of these systems. And it's easy to replace/repair, as much of it's exposed and easy to get to. But it's a basic lift system. The other lift systems I know nothing about.
-I've heard good things about Coleman in general, surprising to hear a no-recommend. They did have the ABS roof issue, maybe that was the cause?
-tires, trailer tires are a pain, and it's not uncommon to have to replace them if they are only a few years old.
-Jayco's tend to be heavy on the tongue. They also tend not to sway.
-All of them are built to a price point. That said, most/all of the appliances etc are common items and not made by the manufacturers. Making them easier to repair.

If it didn't have wood damage from leaks, the rest is likely repair-able.

 

[nwjones18]

My friend bought one off craigslist here recently. Keep an eye on it and you'll find one you like. Just need to watch out for mildew and bad canvas.

 

[spasm3]

It will probably need tires due to age , not mileage. Keep that in mind as far as pricing. Jayco makes good units.

 

[rodney_f]

try to look here. can at least get an idea what it could be
http://claz.org/classifieds/vehicles/rv?l=3000