GBlack
Evansville, Indiana
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Joined: 08/10/2006
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Hi, I'm trying to narrow down my final choice to one of these:
1) low wall PUP
2) high wall PUP
3) hybrid TT
My criteria/limits are: 5000 lb tow rating on SUV and need indoor bath/shower and A/C. Although I'd like to keep it below 7 ft high (to fit in garage), that will seem to severely limit my options.
My questions are:
1) what's the advantages/disadvantages between these three types of RVs? Can a low wall PUP have a comfortable indoor toilet/shower, or only a high wall? Are there any advantages to a hybrid (vs. PUP) other than more hard wall surface area and more storage space while traveling? I know the disadvantages are lower mpg and higher storage height.
2) I read about folks having problems with "wet canvas" on PUPs. Is this normal, or only if some problem exists? Seems like hybrids with canvas bunk ends would have the same problem, but perhaps I'm missing something.
Thanks!
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Cape Cod Mountain Man
Eastham,MA
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Joined: 01/16/2004
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Let me address the wet canvas question for you. In over 800 days of campingon our Coleman Niagra we have had to endure 27 out of 30 days with rain, coastal fog, breakdown in the rain, and snow. We have been delighted with the way this Pup handled it all.
Bed ends and bump out windows can remain open during rain if the wind is not blowing too hard due to the angle they have. Cleaning takes place once a season (winterizing) and canvas cleans up very well. (Not like new but not disturbingly mildew either.) I also spray down with Lysol on opening up.
Our Popup can't be beat for delivering on the outdoor "feel" to our camping experience - and that means staying dry.
Destinations on purpose: Canada: Alberta, BC, Nove Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick. USA: ME,NH,MA,VT,NY,MT,WY,MN,MI,WI,GA,VA,FL
 Life is Good
2000 Fleetwood Niagra
2008 Toyota Highlander
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mwebber78
Maine
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Joined: 08/07/2005
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As mentioned in the Hybrid forum on your previous postings, you can eliminate the HTT entirely from your list. Your requirements for under 7' and under 21' in total length doesn't fit any hybrid in production.
You are left with a choice between a popup or a HiLo/Trailmanor style camper.
Good luck in your choices. If I had the limitations you have on size, length and price I'd pickup a good used/nearly new HW popup. Most of them feature all the ammenities you are looking for and will provide many, many happy memories!
Happy camping to you!
Michael 
2 DD's and my DW
6 Acre's in Southern Maine
2009 Crossroads Cruiser CF31SB
2008 Chevy 2500HD LT 4X4
Camping Pictures
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OldMan5
California
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Joined: 10/13/2008
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WE went from a tent for 30 years to a 2007 Fleetwood Highlander series Niagara (highwall).
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A low side tent trailer was not an option for us. We wanted more usable storage space and did not want a fold down galley.
It's very comfortable for sleeping 5 or more---tons of sleeping room for any RV of any size. The shower/toilet have worked out well for us. The heater, frig, microwave, counter space, sink, stove top, oven are all very adequate for us. Hey we came from a tent!! We didn't want a/c, we almost always camp where it's not needed.
We live in California--with barely 5" of rain where we live (wet) is not an issue.
And as for storage--it's in the driveway from Feb to Nov and we easily push it in the backyard for our short winter, if we're not camping at the coast which could happen at any moment.
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It still is a tent as far as security though, but we have not had any issues to date. Camping folks are better than average, we find.
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OldMan5
2007 Fleetwood Niagara (AKA the ChuckWagon)
EU2000 Honda
1989 E150 Ford van (Restored)
We've been tent camping for 30yrs----This is a nice change
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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Joined: 07/10/2002
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Trailmanor has a model with a swing-away tongue that is made to fit into garages; I believe it is a model 2720 which means it tows like a 20 foot popup and sets up like a 27 foot travel trailer.
www.trailmanor.com
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
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Mike Up
here
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Joined: 05/29/2005
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Don't oppose the Pop Up. You'll not be camping in any other type of 'camper' according to some misled souls.
* This post was
edited 10/24/09 10:23am by Mike Up *
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jspringator
Versailles, KY 40383
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Joined: 01/07/2003
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Dick_B wrote:Trailmanor has a model with a swing-away tongue that is made to fit into garages; I believe it is a model 2720 which means it tows like a 20 foot popup and sets up like a 27 foot travel trailer.
www.trailmanor.com
I'm very interested in looking at these campers. I don't think there is a dealer in the state of KY, even though they are made in Tennessee. In a year of two there will only be 3 of us camping. I needed all the space in my Eagle when there were six of us, but it is really overkill for 3.
Jim & Sherri
05 Jayco Eagle 308 FBS, Dual Cam
2001 Ford Excursion LTD 3.73 LSD, V-10, 2WD
Honda EU2000 and EU1000 gensets;
2000 watt Tripp-Lite inverter/charger APS 2012
1989 Bayliner Ciera 2150
Saturn SD365 inflatable, 15 hp 2 stroke Yamaha
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GBlack
Evansville, Indiana
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Joined: 08/10/2006
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Thanks for the replies! What are the advantages of a high wall PUP compared to a low wall? I know I can store more stuff in a high wall while traveling, and don't have to collapse a sink/stove. Are there any other advantages? For instance, does a low wall PUP limit the type of indoor toilet/shower and does it have a lower ceiling height when extended? Low walls do seem less expensive.
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azemptynesters
Chandler, AZ
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Joined: 10/11/2008
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Quote:I know I can store more stuff in a high wall while traveling, and don't have to collapse a sink/stove.
Depending on the manufacturer and model, you may have a reduced cargo carrying capacity. The slide out adds considerable weight to some models. With our Niagara, the added weight of an air conditioner, battery, propane, and water didn't leave us a whole lot of room (weight wise) for cargo. So what we did is reduce the amount of "stuff" that we carried. My wife and I pack light for every trip. It's actually made each trip we take easier to get ready for and the setup and take down much faster.
By the way, we love our Niagara. We have been doing the popup camping thing since 1986. We have always enjoyed the feel of tent camping with the luxuries of a TT. We looked at travel trailers before our last purchase but decided on staying with a popup instead. Due to our HOA rules, purchasing a travel trailer would have meant that it had to be stored off site. That meant a monthly fee along with the trailer sitting outside during the HOT Phoenix summers. With our Niagara, we're able to keep it in the garage which keeps it looking like new.
Dan
1986 Coleman Williamsburg (given to our son and his family)
2009 Fleetwood Niagara
1994 Toyota Land Cruiser
1997 Toyota 4 Runner
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mwebber78
Maine
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Joined: 08/07/2005
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GBlack wrote:Thanks for the replies! What are the advantages of a high wall PUP compared to a low wall? I know I can store more stuff in a high wall while traveling, and don't have to collapse a sink/stove. Are there any other advantages? For instance, does a low wall PUP limit the type of indoor toilet/shower and does it have a lower ceiling height when extended? Low walls do seem less expensive.
If your over 6' tall you will appreciate the "closer to residential" height of all the counters and a actual hardwall bathroom enclosure which are not found on the regular popups. Other advantages are larger fridge, a microwave, a full oven/cooktop/stove, more comfortable seating areas, etc.
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