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Car Forum / Driving, Maintenance, Tuning / RVs / March 2005

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1996 Coleman

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Ron - 15 Feb 2005 15:45 GMT
We are looking to buy our first Tent Trailer, a 96 Coleman Santa Fe.  Would like to get feed back from previous owners, things to lookout for, etc.  

Here's the web site for it:  1996 Santa-Fe   or

http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?adID=5149234&pgno=1

Thanks
Ron

2003 F-150 SuperCrew FX4 w/tow pkg
lfm - 15 Feb 2005 17:42 GMT
YIKES!! they are asking way, way too much. I have a 2000 Santa Fe (great
trailer, BTW), and did consider buying a new one last year. I decided I
could get about 4,000 US for it. I just did a currency conversion, and it
was that was about $6500 us$.

When I bought my Santa Fe new 4 years ago, I paid $7500 out the door, and
that included California's rather high taxes.

Laura
We are looking to buy our first Tent Trailer, a 96 Coleman Santa Fe.  Would
like to get feed back from previous owners, things to lookout for, etc.

Here's the web site for it:  1996 Santa-Fe   or

http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?adID=5149234&pgno=1

Thanks
Ron

2003 F-150 SuperCrew FX4 w/tow pkg
SuperCrew Express - 15 Feb 2005 18:31 GMT
Their only asking $6800 CDN right now plus taxes.  We really haven't seen it
or even had a chance to deal on it.  Just looking for owner input.

> YIKES!! they are asking way, way too much. I have a 2000 Santa Fe (great
> trailer, BTW), and did consider buying a new one last year. I decided I
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> 2003 F-150 SuperCrew FX4 w/tow pkg
meldx - 15 Feb 2005 18:42 GMT
maybe check the price of a new unit... to compare...this one does have
almost 10 year of usage, even if it's top shape!

Mel

lfm a écrit:
> YIKES!! they are asking way, way too much. I have a 2000 Santa Fe (great
> trailer, BTW), and did consider buying a new one last year. I decided I
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>
> 2003 F-150 SuperCrew FX4 w/tow pkg
meldx - 15 Feb 2005 18:37 GMT
The main thing to look for (and not sure they had this problem with 1996
10 foot box) is roof sag.  There are tons of discussions on this
subject.  If they sell you a garanty, make sure it includes the roof...

Other than that, it's regular things to look for such as tear or roth in
the fabric, unusual wear of tires, check floor for soft spots...etc...

enjoy!

Mel

Ron a écrit:
> We are looking to buy our first Tent Trailer, a 96 Coleman Santa Fe.  
> Would like to get feed back from previous owners, things to lookout for,
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>  
> 2003 F-150 SuperCrew FX4 w/tow pkg
ltrib2001@yahoo.com - 15 Feb 2005 19:02 GMT
While Coleman is considered by many to be the top of the line, one
usually has to pay a premium.  You should consider that the 2005 models
are out, so that makes a 1996 nine years old.  I would look a very long
time before I spent that many $$$ on a nine year old unit.  There
should be many other pop-ups available for much less.
You will probably need new tires.  Tires should be relpaced ever 5
years, even though the tread is still there, because of UV damage to
the sidewalls.
Other than normal wear and tear, look for evidence of water damage and
any rips or tears in the canvas.  Look under the frame for water damage
and for frame warping.  When looking at a 9 year old unit, look for
outside skin damage and the interior walls.  This should tell a lot
about how the unit has been used/abused...
Just my 2 cents worth...
Leon in Texas
Jim Redelfs - 16 Feb 2005 04:33 GMT
> We are looking to buy our first Tent Trailer, a 96 Coleman Santa Fe.  Would
> like to get feed back from previous owners, things to lookout for, etc.  
>
> Here's the web site for it:  1996 Santa-Fe   or
>
> http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?adID=5149234&pgno=1

Even converting for the value of dollars that I am used to (US), 6800 CDN is
still a lot of money for a 9-year old camper of any stripe.

The seller has the time of the year/season on his side:  It's Spring (or soon
will be) - the BEST time to SELL a camper.

You have INFORMATION on your side - US!   <grin>

If this camper has the ORIGINAL one-piece ("seamless") ABS roof, you would do
well to THOROUGHLY examine it for ANY sign of "sag" - distortion of the
straight line edges where the roof and its gaskets meet the lower box and,
hopefully, SEAL.

Ask them SPECIFICALLY about the roof and "ABS roof sag".

Don't be in a hurry to buy this camper.

           :)
JR
bob - 09 Mar 2005 22:01 GMT
> If this camper has the ORIGINAL one-piece ("seamless") ABS roof, you would do
> well to THOROUGHLY examine it for ANY sign of "sag" - distortion of the
> straight line edges where the roof and its gaskets meet the lower box and,
> hopefully, SEAL.

I got my 96 Niagara for $3k. It does have a sagging roof. It's ugly, but
I figure as long as I can keep it water tight it's worth the savings.

Bob
Jim Redelfs - 09 Mar 2005 23:56 GMT
> I got my 96 Niagara for $3k. It does have a sagging roof. It's ugly, but
> I figure as long as I can keep it water tight it's worth the savings.

Agreed.

I have seen where a sagging-roof-owner has built a jig that occupies the
inside of the camper when it is folded DOWN.  This jig stands on the isle in
the center of the camper and is JUST high enough that the roof rests on the
jig instead of its outer walls.  It was claimed that this actually reduced -
by a perceptible amount - the sag.

              :)
JR
Gerry Pierce - 10 Mar 2005 01:49 GMT
Jim, do you remember how they did this?  I'm thinking a 2x4 on end with some
sort of top on it, but I can't recall if the bunks meet or if their would be
room berween them for this contraption.  My camper is in storage, I'll have
to go look.  I have the "new" abs roof, but it is showing signs of sag and I
am getting minute cracks along the curbside edge.  I am going to the dealer
as soon as we move to VA (less than 3 months), but want to try and release
some pressure on the one side in the meantime.  I just don't want to get the
camper in the shop and have to deal with that stress while trying to find a
new house and get moved.  (we will be camping while looking for a house:)  )

Gerry

> > I got my 96 Niagara for $3k. It does have a sagging roof. It's ugly, but
> > I figure as long as I can keep it water tight it's worth the savings.
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>                :)
> JR
Jim Redelfs - 10 Mar 2005 13:20 GMT
> Jim, do you remember how they did this?  I'm thinking a 2x4 on end with some
> sort of top on it, but I can't recall if the bunks meet or if their would be
> room berween them for this contraption.

My description may not have been complete or completely accurate.  (How's THAT
for an after-the-fact disclaimer and potential retraction?<g>)

I assure you that I READ about the device elsewhere.  In any case, it makes
good sense from a physics standpoint.  Practical application is debatable.

Bunk Ends:  I suspect that most, if not all, bunk ends MEET when the camper is
fully closed.  If not, I'll bet the distance/separation between the two is
minimal at best.

Any anti-roof-sag support would have to either rest on the closed bunk ends or
or on VERY thin "legs" that extend through the gap (if any) between the
bunkends to the floor below.

In any case, you should ensure that water does NOT penetrate the camper.  I
neglected this with my (bought new) Starcraft popup.  Over thirteen years, the
floor LITERALLY rotted under our feet.

If the rest of the camper is in EXCELLENT condition, you might even consider a
roof replacement some time later.  Just keep the water out.

Good luck with the house hunt and move!
                   
             :)
JR
Gerry Pierce - 11 Mar 2005 00:49 GMT
no problem... I remember the thread, just not the details.  I'm going to get
the roof replaced (oh yea, fleetwood's gonna pay AGAIN for all the pain I
had in the beginning), just witing untill I get to VA vice shipping it to
FL.  I am sure there will be some grief involved getting the replacement
approved so rather than a.s the heartache now, I'll deal with it after the
move.  It will be nice to be near my son again, he is stationed up there
while I am still stationed in FL.

I'l figure the roof brace out and post details, I just have to lock myself
inside the closed up trailer with a tape measure and pencil w/paper.

Gerry

> > Jim, do you remember how they did this?  I'm thinking a 2x4 on end with some
> > sort of top on it, but I can't recall if the bunks meet or if their would be
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
>               :)
> JR
bob - 11 Mar 2005 18:16 GMT
> I'l figure the roof brace out and post details, I just have to lock myself
> inside the closed up trailer with a tape measure and pencil w/paper.

If you happen to have a folding ruler it makes the job easier.

Bob
bob - 10 Mar 2005 17:02 GMT
> Jim, do you remember how they did this?  I'm thinking a 2x4 on end with some
> sort of top on it, but I can't recall if the bunks meet or if their would be
> room berween them for this contraption.

I have done this. On my Niagara, there is 4 inches between the bunk ends
when closed, plenty of room for a 2x4.

I measured the vertical distance with the roof down. I cut a 2x4 to that
length, minus 3 inches. I nailed 2x6 by 1 foot to the ends of the 2x4,
making a sort of H shape.

It does seem to reverse the sag.

The next step is to cut something to support the roof while up.

Bob
Gerry Pierce - 11 Mar 2005 00:51 GMT
thanks Bob, Jim--here's my answer.

Gerry

> > Jim, do you remember how they did this?  I'm thinking a 2x4 on end with some
> > sort of top on it, but I can't recall if the bunks meet or if their would be
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Bob
Rick Scott - 16 Feb 2005 15:24 GMT
Wow 1996 Coleman SANTA-FE Price: $8,127.00 , thats a lot of Canadian
Dollars for a 96.  That works out to 6,581 USD.  I would hope to get
that much for my 2000 Sante Fe :).
SuperCrew Express - 16 Feb 2005 18:48 GMT
Here there is probably more demand then supply at times so hence higher pricing.

 We are looking to buy our first Tent Trailer, a 96 Coleman Santa Fe.  Would like to get feed back from previous owners, things to lookout for, etc.  

 Here's the web site for it:  1996 Santa-Fe   or

 http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?adID=5149234&pgno=1

 Thanks
 Ron

 2003 F-150 SuperCrew FX4 w/tow pkg
Dave Robertson - 17 Feb 2005 14:36 GMT
We have a 1996 Santa Fe, we love it, but we have had the rubber gasket
that seals the top when closed started falling off.  The material to
replace it is not cheap.  Also, our awning pulled off during some
moderate winds.  We have found ways to fix all of these things on our
own which is what I like about the older ones, they are pretty simple.
My folks bought a 2004 coleman and it was higher tech and difficult to
get timely service when traveling the country with it.  Sometimes its
nice to have something you can fix yourself.  I would concur with the
way over priced comments.

> We are looking to buy our first Tent Trailer, a 96 Coleman Santa Fe.  
> Would like to get feed back from previous owners, things to lookout for,
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>  
> 2003 F-150 SuperCrew FX4 w/tow pkg
SuperCrew Express - 17 Feb 2005 16:41 GMT
Their asking 6800 CDN as of now
 We have a 1996 Santa Fe, we love it, but we have had the rubber gasket
 that seals the top when closed started falling off.  The material to
 replace it is not cheap.  Also, our awning pulled off during some
 moderate winds.  We have found ways to fix all of these things on our
 own which is what I like about the older ones, they are pretty simple.
 My folks bought a 2004 coleman and it was higher tech and difficult to
 get timely service when traveling the country with it.  Sometimes its
 nice to have something you can fix yourself.  I would concur with the
 way over priced comments.

 Ron wrote:
 > We are looking to buy our first Tent Trailer, a 96 Coleman Santa Fe.  
 > Would like to get feed back from previous owners, things to lookout for,
 > etc.
 >  
 >  
 > Here's the web site for it:  1996 Santa-Fe
 > <http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?adID=5149234&pgno=1>  
 > or
 >  
 > http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?adID=5149234&pgno=1 
 > <http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?adID=5149234&pgno=1>
 >  
 >  
 > Thanks
 > Ron
 >  
 >  
 >  
 > 2003 F-150 SuperCrew FX4 w/tow pkg
lfm - 17 Feb 2005 20:54 GMT
which is $5500 - still way too high. way too high. I checked out the NADA
guide - guessing at some of the options. Still, it came out in the low to
mid 2000s. Try it yourself, and show it to the seller. Offer a lot less. He
is dreaming. I would sell my 2000 SF for 5500 in a flash!

http://www.nadaguides.com/Values/ValueReport.asp?UserID=55080CD2D1390&DID=38400&
Type=CT&GCode=RV&wPg=1107&wSec=5&Letter=C&Com=0011&Year=1996&Model=2500001131


Laura

Their asking 6800 CDN as of now
We have a 1996 Santa Fe, we love it, but we have had the rubber gasket
that seals the top when closed started falling off.  The material to
replace it is not cheap.  Also, our awning pulled off during some
moderate winds.  We have found ways to fix all of these things on our
own which is what I like about the older ones, they are pretty simple.
My folks bought a 2004 coleman and it was higher tech and difficult to
get timely service when traveling the country with it.  Sometimes its
nice to have something you can fix yourself.  I would concur with the
way over priced comments.

Ron wrote:
> We are looking to buy our first Tent Trailer, a 96 Coleman Santa Fe.
> Would like to get feed back from previous owners, things to lookout for,
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> 2003 F-150 SuperCrew FX4 w/tow pkg
SuperCrew Express - 17 Feb 2005 21:08 GMT
We looked all last summer and in that age group 94-97 w/ F/S/F screen room and good to great cond, the market is 5-7+K CAN throughout SK
 which is $5500 - still way too high. way too high. I checked out the NADA
 guide - guessing at some of the options. Still, it came out in the low to
 mid 2000s. Try it yourself, and show it to the seller. Offer a lot less. He
 is dreaming. I would sell my 2000 SF for 5500 in a flash!

 http://www.nadaguides.com/Values/ValueReport.asp?UserID=55080CD2D1390&DID=38400&
Type=CT&GCode=RV&wPg=1107&wSec=5&Letter=C&Com=0011&Year=1996&Model=2500001131


 Laura

 "SuperCrew Express" <cnd_supercrew@accesscomm.ca> wrote in message
 news:4214c938$1@news.accesscomm.ca...
 Their asking 6800 CDN as of now
 "Dave Robertson" <therobertsons@uci.net> wrote in message
 news:eMCdnd0TpZhDNonfRVn-qQ@uci.net...
 We have a 1996 Santa Fe, we love it, but we have had the rubber gasket
 that seals the top when closed started falling off.  The material to
 replace it is not cheap.  Also, our awning pulled off during some
 moderate winds.  We have found ways to fix all of these things on our
 own which is what I like about the older ones, they are pretty simple.
 My folks bought a 2004 coleman and it was higher tech and difficult to
 get timely service when traveling the country with it.  Sometimes its
 nice to have something you can fix yourself.  I would concur with the
 way over priced comments.

 Ron wrote:
 > We are looking to buy our first Tent Trailer, a 96 Coleman Santa Fe.
 > Would like to get feed back from previous owners, things to lookout for,
 > etc.
 >
 >
 > Here's the web site for it:  1996 Santa-Fe
 > <http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?adID=5149234&pgno=1>
 > or
 >
 > http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?adID=5149234&pgno=1
 > <http://www.canadatrader.com/result/detailinfo.aspx?adID=5149234&pgno=1>
 >
 >
 > Thanks
 > Ron
 >
 >
 >
 > 2003 F-150 SuperCrew FX4 w/tow pkg
meldx - 17 Feb 2005 21:24 GMT
don't know why..but here in Canada... it looks like selling prices of
old units are always way above Nada guides... and people#dealers are
always able to find a buyer since the price is way below new unit
prices.   it's the same for Cars...

Mel

SuperCrew Express a écrit:
> We looked all last summer and in that age group 94-97 w/ F/S/F screen
> room and good to great cond, the market is 5-7+K CAN throughout SK
[quoted text clipped - 56 lines]
>      >
>      > 2003 F-150 SuperCrew FX4 w/tow pkg
Jim Redelfs - 18 Feb 2005 05:19 GMT
> don't know why..but here in Canada... it looks like selling prices of
> old units are always way above Nada guides... and people#dealers are
> always able to find a buyer since the price is way below new unit
> prices.   it's the same for Cars...

That's the price you pay for living it up in God's Country!   :)

Now that we've heard the same thing from two Canadians, I think he ought to
get the camper before someone ELSE does, provided the roof is good (et al).

          :)
JR

Hey!  Grandbaby #3 is due at any hour!  I'm actually thinking of taking the TT
to Des Moines, Iowa, for the birth.  I am debating on flushing the antifreeze
and just keeping it artifically warm for a couple weeks after it gets back
home.  Then again, I may just keep the thing winterized and flush the toilet
with a bucket.

February 18th would be several WEEKS earlier than I have ever UNwinterized the
thing.  Winter really isn't over in Nebraska.  Not quite yet, anyway.  The
bone crunching sub-zero temperatures probably are, though.

Decisions, decisions!

Regardless, we're taking it to sleep in.

There's only one thing DUMBER than buying an RV:

Buying and RV and NOT using it!!

             :)
JR
meldx - 18 Feb 2005 16:56 GMT
We kept our potta-potty when we sold our last pop-up.  So, sometimes,
when we use the trailer without water connections, we prefer to use the
potty vs the TTs toilet, easier to flush when no dumping station close by

Mel

Jim Redelfs a écrit:

>>don't know why..but here in Canada... it looks like selling prices of
>>old units are always way above Nada guides... and people#dealers are
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
>               :)
> JR
Jim Redelfs - 19 Feb 2005 01:19 GMT
> We kept our potta-potty when we sold our last pop-up.  So, sometimes,
> when we use the trailer without water connections, we prefer to use the
> potty vs the TTs toilet, easier to flush when no dumping station close by

I have had several qualified and trusted RV repair users recommend using 2-3
gallons of simple automotive windshield washer fluid in the holding tanks when
using them during cold weather.

I have decided to not blow the lines of their antifreeze so we'll flush the
toilet with a bucket.  Mrs. MacWidow is OK with that.

To avoid the appearance of bragging, I have waiting until today to talk about
my WAY COOL accessory that I got last summer:  Flojet Portable Macerator Pump.  
I have used it 2-3 times and it works GREAT!  I bought a 50-ft length of
3/4-inch rubber "contractor grade" water hose.  The hose runs through the
doggie door into the washing machine's drain standpipe.

It works PERFECTLY.  I have the CLEANEST holding tanks in the WORLD!!

             :)
JR
Jim Redelfs - 18 Feb 2005 05:09 GMT
> We looked all last summer and in that age group 94-97 w/ F/S/F screen room
> and good to great cond, the market is 5-7+K CAN throughout SK

Look...  If you've done your homework, the roof isn't a POS and the camper is
in good condition and EVERYTHING works, buy it.  With Spring just around the
corner, it WILL sell for that new, "lower" price.  Someone will buy it.  It
may as be YOU.

But...  (There's always a big BUTT in there! <g>)

Tell 'em that, for the $$, you want everything ready to tow:  That includes a
complete hitch system and electric brake system, if the camper has brakes.  
('96 ten-foot box...  Hmmm..  It may or may NOT have brakes).

If it DOES have brakes, you want a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller.  You do
NOT want a DrawTite, Reese, or whatever OTHER brand they will TRY to get you
to accept for the "throw in" deal.  If they still balk at the Prodigy, pay the
difference but still get the Prodigy.

Don't forget to ask about roof sag.  Please let us know what they say about
that.

Good luck.
                   :)
JR
 
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