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Just a glorified tent.
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10 Posts
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October 3, 2015 - 10:37 pm
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;D Purchased a used Coleman (Fleetwood) Utah pop-up.  I've been tent camping for years and recently began two week trips.  I thought the pop-up would be great, especially when foul weather rolls in.  Having an "indoor" seating area, cooking area and dining area would be such a plus.  When I camp it's just myself, my teenage daughter and usually one of her friends.  My husband despises the idea of camping.  I bought the 2005 beauty for $1000 from a relative.  I have disposed of all curtains because of bleach stains presumably from cleaning sprays.  I'm making all new curtains now.  The upholstery and mattresses are in perfect condition.  After setting camper up in my yard I discovered a small pinhole (ok, a little larger than a pinhole) in the canvas roof over the full size mattress.  I used my seam sealer from my tent camp supplies and it worked like a charm.  Unfortunately the electrical system seems to be shot.  There is no battery and I was told that the 110 wasn't working either.  Since our camping experiences are usually state parks, at primitive sites, I wasnt worried about it.  So basically, I have a $1000 tent on wheels.  I'm having second thoughts about my purchase since I actually have never had a problem in my tent.  Do y'all think I spent too much?

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October 4, 2015 - 11:46 am
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The advantages are numerous.  You are off the ground, so you will be dry.  If the rest of the canvas is good, and the box and frame are good too, plus the stove works.... Then I figure good deal.  Here is why: you can pack the popup with the basics, bedding, plates, utensils, canned goods, chairs, you know the basics.  And leave it that way.  When you decide to go somewhere, you throw in food and clothes and are ready to go. 

The electric could be something simple, a fuse even maybe.  Not my specialty, maybe someone else can give suggestions.  Battery shouldn't be hard to add.  I bet you find directions on this site. 

Have fun camping!

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October 4, 2015 - 4:58 pm
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We bought an old, dirty, bare-bones popup as our introduction into the trailer world. It had no battery, no heat, no furnace, no fridge, no AC, & no hot water. It had an indoor stove top, but we never used it. We cleaned the trailer, made it our own, & loved it. We camped in our Pal for 3 years.
We had been lifelong, hardcore tent campers. As we began to venture to further destinations, I bought this popup for ease of travel. My family honestly was not happy. They thought I had gone soft & made me agree to only use the popup for our long road trips. Our wknds would still be for our tents.

Well, it only took one wknd for my family to see the light! We were all happy to be up off the ground. No more bending over to find tent zippers or snagging them on fabric. On our maiden voyage, the weather was cold, damp, & rainy. Everyone was happy to have dry seating in the popup when we got tired of being outside in the dampness. I was able to eliminate some of our storage totes & keep items in the cabinets in the trailer. It was great!

If you can't figure out your electrical problem quickly, you can always run extension cords to the pole at the site to power your items. Even with our hybrid now, we often do that to use the electric skillet or toaster outside when preparing meals.

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October 4, 2015 - 6:55 pm
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Thanks.  I think I was having buyer's remorse since I always enjoyed the tent.  Now I need to buy a truck, or something to tow the PUP.  I don't think my Hyundai elantra will handle it!! 😉

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October 4, 2015 - 7:16 pm
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We started with a 2004 Coleman Utah. Love the layout and the room.

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October 4, 2015 - 8:45 pm
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It does indeed have a lot of room.  I'm sure it's way to big for my needs, but purchased from a relative, impulsively, I might add.

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Eastern Pennsylvania
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January 14, 2016 - 5:59 am
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2005 Coleman Utah for $1,000 - If it is road worthy, you got a deal.  The small hole in the canvas bunk end is a easy patch.  Same with the electric.

There are some great advantages to a popup over tent camping.  Storage is a large one, everything you need can be stored in the camper.  Just pack some clothes and you're ready to go.  Sleeping off the ground, just more comfortable as you get older.

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January 18, 2016 - 10:13 am
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Thanks everyone.  Now I'm looking forward to Spring here in NY to complete me PUP makeover. 

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