Help Looking for used Coleman Pop-up

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Zeppo - 13 Jul 2007 18:32 GMT

Looking to replace my '87 Coleman Chesapeake with something a little newer
and hoping you folks could help me narrow down what I should be looking for.
I've enjoyed the 2 Coleman's we've owned so I'm looking for another.

The features I'd like to see in a pop-up are:
1. non-ABS roof.
2. a layout where you don't need to climb over the Dinette to get to the
rear bed (I like the layout in my friend's '88 Sequoia).
3. crank-down stabilizers.
4 electric brakes
5. model year '96 - '05
5. dry weight under 1700 lb.

Anyone help with this?

Jon

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Chris Cowles - 13 Jul 2007 23:32 GMT

> The features I'd like to see in a pop-up are:
> ...snip...
> 5. dry weight under 1700 lb.

The last requirement excludes a huge section of the market. Popups are
heavier now, in general, than they were in '87.

Signature

Chris Cowles
Gainesville, FL

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Zeppo - 14 Jul 2007 02:26 GMT

>> The features I'd like to see in a pop-up are:
>> ...snip...
>> 5. dry weight under 1700 lb.
>
> The last requirement excludes a huge section of the market. Popups are
> heavier now, in general, than they were in '87.

Chris,
I realize that. I never said it would be easy <g>.

The problem is I'm not really sure when they got heavier, or when they
started having crank-down stabilizers as standard equipment or which years
ABS tops were a serious problem. I haven't been able to find a resource with
floor plans of various models over the years to see which ones I'd like.

I figure I'll have to compromise on some points when it comes down to it.

The other option would be to fix up my Chesapeake and use that for a few
more years.

The biggest problem is the roof interior. We took some water in a seam last
year and the plywood is rotted at the ends. The ceiling is puckered and
ripped from the door back. It could also use new flooring vinyl. It's also
never had brakes and I would fell much more secure having them when I tow. I
figure I'd be looking at $1000-1500.

It's just hard contemplating putting $1500 in a pop-up I bought for $1100.
10 years ago.

Jon

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Chris Cowles - 14 Jul 2007 03:47 GMT

> The problem is I'm not really sure when they got heavier, or when
> they started having crank-down stabilizers as standard equipment or
> which years ABS tops were a serious problem.

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Chris Cowles - 14 Jul 2007 03:52 GMT

> The problem is I'm not really sure when they got heavier, or when
> they started having crank-down stabilizers as standard equipment or
> which years ABS tops were a serious problem.

ABS tops of any year are a potential problem. Some folks didn't have
problems; lots did. I replaced the roof on my 12' 2000 Coleman Mesa
twice. The second time the roof was warranted but transportation was
not. That cost a bundle but we got the redesigned sandwich roof. If
you buy a Coleman/Fleetwood, I recommend you avoid ABS entirely.

The Mesa is way outside your requirements. Loaded, it probably tops
3000 lbs.

Signature

Chris Cowles
Gainesville, FL
'00 Coleman Mesa/'05 Dodge Durango Hemi

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Andrew - 14 Jul 2007 04:08 GMT

>> The problem is I'm not really sure when they got heavier, or when
>> they started having crank-down stabilizers as standard equipment or
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> The Mesa is way outside your requirements. Loaded, it probably tops
> 3000 lbs.

My brand new 2001 Coleman came from the factory with a buggered roof
that was missed by the dealer (2" gap at the front and rear seals.) They
never did fix it to my satisfaction. That and the long list of other
problems would make me completely avoid Coleman products of this era,
especially used, without warranty.

I personally have found that the older, 80s vintage popups are of better
build quality and are lighter to tow. I was amazed to find that my new
popup was assembled mainly with hot melt glue and staples.

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Zeppo - 14 Jul 2007 20:28 GMT

>>> The problem is I'm not really sure when they got heavier, or when they
>>> started having crank-down stabilizers as standard equipment or which
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> build quality and are lighter to tow. I was amazed to find that my new
> popup was assembled mainly with hot melt glue and staples.

So maybe it would be worth it to restore and upgrade my current pop-up. I'm
going to give my dealer a call and see if I can get his opinion and an
estimate on how much it would be to repair the ceiling and seal the roof,
replace the crummy Atwood jacks with crank down stabilizers, add brakes and
new flooring.

Maybe that would get me in a better position to see which way to go.

Thanks,
Jon

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Chris Cowles - 15 Jul 2007 00:19 GMT

> So maybe it would be worth it to restore and upgrade my current
> pop-up. I'm going to give my dealer a call and see if I can get his
> opinion and an estimate on how much it would be to repair the
> ceiling and seal the roof,...

That's risky. Because of the nature of the construction, there can be
hidden damage.

Signature

Chris Cowles
Gainesville, FL

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Zeppo - 15 Jul 2007 04:23 GMT

>> So maybe it would be worth it to restore and upgrade my current pop-up.
>> I'm going to give my dealer a call and see if I can get his opinion and
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> That's risky. Because of the nature of the construction, there can be
> hidden damage.

True, but at least I'll have a starting point. If he say's $3,000 that will
put a halt to it right there.

Jon

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Andrew - 15 Jul 2007 13:27 GMT

>>>> The problem is I'm not really sure when they got heavier, or when they
>>>> started having crank-down stabilizers as standard equipment or which
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> Thanks,
> Jon

I'm a do it yourself type guy and would definitely try to fix it.
However, as you've stated, a newer popup may be more cost effective and
allow you to enjoy some of the newer features such as Sunbrella fabric
as opposed to the old canvas.

Note that roofs that are water saturated can get extremely heavy. This
can make them dangerous if the weight causes a lift cable to snap. This
is something to consider if you plan on selling your old pop-up. I hear
people in the US like to sue.

Good Luck
Andrew

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Zeppo - 16 Jul 2007 14:02 GMT

>>>>> The problem is I'm not really sure when they got heavier, or when they
>>>>> started having crank-down stabilizers as standard equipment or which
[quoted text clipped - 40 lines]
> Good Luck
> Andrew

My Chesapeake has Coleman's Evolution 3 fabric which has been much better
than the canvas on older pop-up I've owned and it is in really good shape
for it's age. I was a little concerned about wear at the corners that go
over the edges of the bed platforms so I sewed some pieces of Cordura on the
inside about 5 years ago. No other leaks or rips in the fabric or screens. I
could use new curtains, but that's something I could do myself.

I don't think the roof is saturated now. I resealed the center seam where
the leak was happening, and it pretty much dried out. There was definitely
extra weight on the lift system when I discovered the problem in the spring
and I made sure to use extra bracing when I had it up for a while.

It was fine when we camped last at the end of June. We had a few
thunderstorms during the week we were at Hickory Run state park and didn't
take in any water. It looks pretty crummy however. Part of the roof is
covered with black duct tape and the area behind that is puckered. A few
small pieces of molding have popped off. The roof has about 1/2" of sag in
the middle, but still seals fine when it is closed.

I'm taking it into my dealer in a few weeks and see what my options are.

Thanks,
Jon

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AustinMN - 16 Jul 2007 18:50 GMT

> The problem is I'm not really sure when they got heavier,

Every year, and it's still going on. I have a 2000 bayside, which
tips the scales at about 3,500 gross. It weighed about 500 lbs more
than when they first came out. That year, the Niagara was the same
weight as a Bayside. Today, the Niagara is just shy of 4,000 lbs.

> or when they
> started having crank-down stabilizers as standard equipment or which years
> ABS tops were a serious problem.

The ABS roof came out in 1996. Today, a 1996 Coleman/Fleetwood with
an original roof is, IMHO, worthless (except maybe to someone who is
not afraid of building a new roof).

They were supposedly better in '97, then again in '00. Some time in
2003 they gave up on the one-piece ABS roof. Anybody buying a used
pop-up today should do the same.

Just today, on the Pop-Up-Times forum, I heard someone describe
symptoms of roof sag on a 2002 Coleman. Just not worth it.

I have a 2000 Bayside with an original ABS roof. I have had no
trouble with it, and not a hint of sag. But I have seen others go
through enough heartache and $$$ that I would not buy a used C/F with
one-piece ABS roof.

Austin

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Pounds on Wood - 13 Jul 2007 23:58 GMT

> Looking to replace my '87 Coleman Chesapeake with something a little newer
> and hoping you folks could help me narrow down what I should be looking
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Jon

What area are you? I have a friend selling a 2000 m.y. Coleman, Timberlake
or Timberline I think is the model. We are in So. Cal. If interested email
me and I'll get you his contact info.

Signature

********
Bill Pounds
http://www.billpounds.com

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Zeppo - 14 Jul 2007 02:12 GMT

>> Looking to replace my '87 Coleman Chesapeake with something a little
>> newer and hoping you folks could help me narrow down what I should be
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> Timberlake or Timberline I think is the model. We are in So. Cal. If
> interested email me and I'll get you his contact info.

Thanks Bill, but I'm in Southeastern PA. It would be a long ride. :-)

Jon

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