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Thread: Pop-up tent campers

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Hampden, ME
    Posts
    911

    Default Pop-up tent campers

    Does anyone know of available pop-up tent camper rentals?

    After a number of years of tent camping, I want to try a pop-up but want to rent first. I'm aware of RV rentals, but looking for a pop-up.
    Everyone has the right to be an idiot at times. Just don't abuse the privilege.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Richmond
    Posts
    410

    Default

    Used to be able to rent them in Oxford($70?) ...and in Hampden I think. Depending on what you're towing with...I'll forewarn you of personal experience. If the tow vehicle is narrower than the trailer.... you'll notice a serious lack of power. Most pop-ups are box like and not very aerodynamic. After renting a pop-up once... I was told to return the rental and not come home until I had a Real tow vehicle.
    I'm just nuts about geocaching!!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Brewer,ME
    Posts
    2,611

    Default Deceiving

    Yes they can be heavier than you may think. Our 03 Coleman weighs in around 2900 pounds. I have been pulling it with Saturn Vues and now my Jeep. Those were all rated to haul 3500. Nothing smaller or lighter would do well. As far as rentals. A few campgrounds I have been to rented them on site. Can't help you much on rent to travel. I would call the local sales places. They would know or maybe have some to rent.


    BTW I really like mine. It has lots of room with the slide out. And we have a furnace, water heater, 3 way ref. as well as comfortable beds. Paul, you are welcome to stop by and check it out. I have it open for now as we are doing some cleaning on it.
    Happy Trails!



  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Solon, Maine
    Posts
    5,965

    Default

    Yeah - I agree that you should try before you buy.

    We have a smaller Coleman pop-up that we really like. When we upgraded from the V6 Explorer to the V8 Explorer, we really noticed that towing got a whole lot easier. Bottom line: the more power you have, the more you'll enjoy the camper - whatever size it is.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    So. China Maine
    Posts
    1,597

    Default Pop Up

    Paul, just make sure you get one with a good latch on the door if you're bringing it to Eustis. If Nick even thinks you have beer in there, he'll break in! You'll need the kind of doors they have in jets now that are designed to keep people out of the cockpit!
    Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Richmond
    Posts
    410

    Default

    Pop-ups are a great step up from tenting. We discovered that they're still tent like and have to be opened up and dried out after use, esp. after a rainy camp-out.

    We decided on a hard side because we like to travel and wanted to stay in parking lots if necessary. Sure enough....we had to twice on one trip and slept well w/no concern for safety.

    One thing dealers don't tell you that I had to learn through experience. Wheel base of a tow vehicle is more important than it's supposed towing capacity. They overstate themselves when it comes to hauling safely in a car/suv.

    Campers are built very light to allow reasonable towability. Because of that......they don't survive an on the road accident very well at all. And in those cases the occupants of the tow vehicle are exposed to life threatening harm.

    If the laws haven't changed...anything over 2k lbs. requires brakes on the trailer. Don't go cheap when buying your break controller. It can make a huge difference in safety...as well as a relaxed vs. white knuckled hauling experience.
    I'm just nuts about geocaching!!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Hampden, ME
    Posts
    911

    Default Thanks

    Thanks for the replys. Fortunately, I have the right vehicle to tow with...full size pickup with tow package and have experiencing towing a heavier boat for a few years. All your points are very valid and spot on.

    I've camped with a pop-up as a young adult and quite frankly prefer tenting in a more wilderness, back woods setting. However, there are times when a pop-up would be preferable.

    I think this week I'll call around to find a rental and go from there.

    Brad, thanks for the offer. Although I am in Topsham all week, so I don't think I can make it.

    Dan, my plan is to hang a Bud Light with a small hole in the bottom about 2 inches above nose level to distract him, thus protecting the microbrews.
    Everyone has the right to be an idiot at times. Just don't abuse the privilege.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    ME
    Posts
    3,529

    Default

    There is a camper rental place on the main drag through Verona Island - not sure if they have any popups. Maybe the Town Hall of Verona knows the name of the business.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Richmond
    Posts
    410

    Default

    I called the sources I know of and there are fewer renting even pop-ups anymore. So it appears there is one in the Winterport area(Maine Motor Coach Rental) who rents the interesting A-frame styles. And Destinations in Portland that does delivery/set up and all..... and rents the standard type, Fleetwood Yuma.
    I'm just nuts about geocaching!!

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