13' trailer or pop-up tent trailer

[tputnam]

Willing to drive within 50 miles of Bonney Lake (close to Puyallup, Wa)
Fixer-uppers are ok with us.

Look forward to hearing from you!

[Roger C H]

My suggestion is to forget the pop-up tent trailer.

You will have to someday take down in the rain and then you will have to re-erect the trailer on the first sunny day to prevent mildew and rotting in the tent fabric.

I come from plain tenting and I had enough of dealing with wet tents which is why we bought Homelet.

[BCDave]

^^


Ditto X 2!

[RogerDat]

I think a solid trailer is easier to deal with by a long stretch, be it the vastly superior FG trailer or a sticky.

That said... pop ups can have more floor space for a family than a 13 ft scamp which can sleep two kids but getting ready would be pretty tight for two adults and two children. May have a greater availability on the used market, weight being equal they typically have less wind area so you might get better fuel economy.

However FG trailer will hold it's value much better, and will probably sell much easier than pop up. FG camper offers greater possibilities to customize and make it your own or add value. You also have to consider if you want a toilet and shower, not typical in a pop up, available in FG 13 ft camper.

In use I think you will find a solid wall camper with it's ability to park and use with minimal set up, and ease of pack and go to be more user friendly. You arrive at a park 9:00 pm on a Friday do you want to set up or just park?

Pets would be easier to deal with in a solid camper than a canvas walled one I would think.

[Thomas G.]

You may need to expand your search beyond 50 miles. Many buyers travel 1000 or more miles to get the right trailer.

[Bob Miller]

The biggest difference between the two types of trailer you are looking at is space. Some of the pop-up camping trailers are HUGE when opened and can sleep 6-8 adults and kids. On the other hand, many fiberglass rigs on this site are in the 2 adults and a small dog category with a few good for 2 adults + 2 kids, so your first decision has to be what you need for space. Add to that your budget and fixability factor and you can make a decision as to what you want.

However, as mentioned, your 50 mile range is very limiting, I would add at least one "0" to that number or be prepared for a lot of disappointment. Not only are there not that many rigs out there, for example, right now there are about "zero" 2000-2012 13' Scamps for sale in the entire state of CA, you also have to be prepared for a lot of condition issues in the few that are for sale.

Best bet, check all known sources at least twice a day for ads. Good buys sometimes only stay on the market for a few hours.
Good Luck

[Kenny Strong]

camping in the wind... the flapping of the fabric can be a bit annoying!!!

[RogerDat]

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

You may need to expand your search beyond 50 miles. Many buyers travel 1000 or more miles to get the right trailer.

That willingness of buyers to travel a far piece to buy a FG trailer is a big plus if and when you decide to sell. Don't hear often of people driving a few hundred miles for a pop up.

If you can find a FG rally in your area close enough for a weekend or day trip it would be a great way to scope out what FG campers meet your needs. Picnic or camping would be fun way to spend a day or weekend checking out FG campers.

Then it's mostly a matter as Bob says of watching ready to pounce like a hawk on a field mouse.