Hey Scorpion. I worked in the RV industry here in Michigan for 6 years as a service and warranty advisor. In my opinion the key is to find one that hasn't leaked! Look in every corner under every cushion and in every compartment. Dark or discolored flooring is a key, then check for softness in the floor. Make sure to have it FULLY set up, then check every inch of the ceiling - especially the corners! Dark rusty staples and loose trim battens are sure clues. Top repairs are expensive and up here the average shop rate is crowding $120/hour. Next check all the canvas for mold, black spots, discoloration and torn seams and screens. Once you find a good clean one with the options you like check all the appliances for function. Refrigerators are the most expensive so smell inside for a strong ammonia smell and look in from the back at the coils for yellowish powder, both indicating failure. Many pop ups have 3 way fridges; 12 volt, propane and electric. They don't work like residential units with coolant but are absorption units and work with heat. $800 and up for a replacement. A/C units are next expensive but are pretty dependable. They don't usually leak the refrigerant but cannot normally be serviced or recharged if they do. Biggest and most common problem is broken covers. Furnace next, but they are quite serviceable and mostly motor bearings go. Pop up appliances don't get the use of say big 5th wheels as they aren't often lived in for months at a time so I again re-emphasize LEAKS! Rockwood, Flagstaff, Jayco are all as good as any in my opinion. A-liner don't have as much useable space but are top of the line in this area and set up with the push of a button. They've all got some very attractive floor plans and even full baths and decks or platforms to haul bikes and quads and such. I prefer the Hybrids, which are the small trailers with pop out ends. I like them because they don't have to be set up to load on short notice to camp, bathrooms and kitchens can be used while traveling for lunches and breaks along the way without cranking them up, heat and a/c retention are better via less canvas and I can go on and on. More money obviously and heavier to tow but I'm just a fan of them HOWEVER THEY TOO LEAK! Same inspection procedure! People always ask me what the best trailer is, $125,000.00 5th wheel? No, the one that doesn't leak! PM me if I can help in any specific way and I'd be more than happy! :biggrin::thumbsup:
OPS...forgot something,crank the top up and so on.I just rather have a small pull behind.Hell open the door,throw all your stuff in there,lawn chairs,coolers,you can take those bigger things with you that you cant put in a pop up.
