Why aren't popup's more popular?
- Thread starter jnelson4x4taco
- Start date
Heloflyboy
Adventurer
I had a starcraft 12 rt and it worked very well for what it was used for. We would load a quad on the front platform and use it as base camp on hunting,camping and fishing trips. They are pretty durable.
jscusmcvet
Explorer
We have packed it away wet and set it back up when we got home several times. It does take paying attention to. My wife is fanatic about mold and mildew, so she will spend time once it is dry wiping the spots that have shown themselves to be prone to mildew... Same thing when we used a tent and I assume with an RTT.
As for cold, we have been out in sub freezing temps and it is cold, but then it is camping. When I say cold understand I am in North Carolina... so certainly not what some of you have to deal with.
John
VanIsle_Greg
I think I need a bigger truck!
The great thing about modern Tent Trailers or Pop-Ups is that they are not made out of Canvas anymore. They are made out of a heavy duty UV stable vinyl. Our Coachman Clipper is very similar to the Rockwood (if I recall, they are made int he same factory), and the vinyl is reported to be 22 years UV stable in direct sunlight. The other nice thing, they are not "mold friendly". We try to let the trailer dry before ever putting it away, but it has had to be closed up for a few weeks, never have any mold issues at all. A wipe and it is good to go. They also clean up nicely with dish soap and warm water.
The other thing I like about the vinyl, it is fleece lined on the inside. This acts as sudo insulation, but more importantly it stops condensation and is again, not mold friendly. Kool little trailer, we looked at a Rockwood exactly like that one, but my wife said it was too small? My XJ can tow the Coachman all day long, so we opted for the larger setup.
Good thread.
The other thing I like about the vinyl, it is fleece lined on the inside. This acts as sudo insulation, but more importantly it stops condensation and is again, not mold friendly. Kool little trailer, we looked at a Rockwood exactly like that one, but my wife said it was too small? My XJ can tow the Coachman all day long, so we opted for the larger setup.
Good thread.
fullofdays
Wondering Wanderer
Before I found my conqueror conquest, bob and I were kicking around the idea of building a narrow military frame A liner. The cost was just too high.
GregB_00XJ, have you had any experiences where you simply close up the trailer at the end of the camping trip without letting the outside dry completely? I've been looking at trailers for a few months now, but the common wisdom is that you have to let the outside dry after a trip or you'll end up with mold issues.
Thanks
Jeff Dodgen
Explorer
I have put mine up in the rain before and went home only to park it for a few days until the rain stopped. I would then put it up and let it air dry out. My parents have had three PUPS and I am on my 2nd. So far no problems.
That's encouraging, thanks Jeff. I'd love to pick one up so that I can camp in the winter, but I was banging my head trying to figure out how to dry the PUP without having a garage..
VanIsle_Greg
I think I need a bigger truck!
Usually if it is wet or raining when we pack up to leave, I drag it home wet, and then simply put it up again once home. It is vinyl, so once it stops raining, it doesn't take long for it to be completely dry. in 5 years, no mold or smell...still smells new inside. As stated, the vinyl is tested to last MANY years in direct sunlight, so it is ok to leave them up for longer periods of time. They simply wipe clean.
The old canvas... mold was a big problem. Bad smells and black spots.
STREGA
Explorer
Pop ups are a good choice for many people, especially those who do not have a lot of $$$ to spend on a camp trailer. They are great for first timers, young families that need alot of cheap tent space or someone who may only get out once a year, but after using them for awhile most will find that there has to be a better way to camp.
I had a Rockwood in the early 90's that I just never really liked all that much. It just took to much time to set up and take down, wasn't all that well built but the thing that made me sell it was being in high winds once. We were camped at the Natural Bridges NP and the wind kicked up badly, even though we were nestled in fairly tall oak brush/vegetation I did not think we would last through the night with the top of the tent intact. Some how we did but there was no sleeping that night either. For most the wind is probably not a issue but if you camp in places where the wind can be harsh then you might want to rethink a pop up.
I had a Rockwood in the early 90's that I just never really liked all that much. It just took to much time to set up and take down, wasn't all that well built but the thing that made me sell it was being in high winds once. We were camped at the Natural Bridges NP and the wind kicked up badly, even though we were nestled in fairly tall oak brush/vegetation I did not think we would last through the night with the top of the tent intact. Some how we did but there was no sleeping that night either. For most the wind is probably not a issue but if you camp in places where the wind can be harsh then you might want to rethink a pop up.
D
Deleted member 9101
Guest
Because canvas rots, hence why I will never own another camper unless it has hard sides/roof.