About to pull the trigger on a new pop-up...

Ok ladies and gents, today the wife and I went to check out a few travel trailers at a local dealership. The one that initially brought us in to browse didn't do it for me once I saw it in person. We spent about 2 hours talking to a sales guy and he showed us everything we wanted to see and answered all of our questions - total no pressure kind of guy. Anyway, after looking at about 6 different units we decided on a Rockwood Freedom 2318G pop-up. I like the fact that it only weighs 2331 dry and comes in around 3314 loaded. Before we got this far I had decided that I was going to get a weight distribution hitch with sway control (since we were looking at a heavier travel trailer). But now that we're getting something that is much lighter than we anticipated what do the towing gods think about this? Should I just get it or save that money until I upgrade to a larger truck and trailer in the future? I don't care about spending the money on this, I just want to be safe. But if not getting it for this configuration is still deemed safe then I'll hold off. Thoughts please? My Taco is a 4x4 V6 DCab with factory tow package.

 

I really doubt you would ever need a wd hitch or sway control for a pop up. They pull 600 times better then a travel trailer. I traded my pop up in this summer so I had experience towing both the same week and its not even comparable. If you are thinking for sag in the back I dont think it will much either. Its about 10% tongue weight on a popup so 350lbs in the bed is nothing. My truck didnt move much at all.
Personally I would never buy a hitch before you need it because the things get old, dirty, and rusty and you wont want to use it after a few years as much as you do now when its brand new. I think you should always buy the right setup for each different camper because wd hitches are also different weights. I made the mistake of picking up a used one and thinking i got a steal and then realized after searching that it was rated for 800-1200 lbs tongue weight and we had mayber 400 lbs lol. So I sold it and bought the right one. felt much better.
This is just my experience, I am no expert

 

I have a Rockwood Premier pop-up and there is no need for a for anything more than your taco to pull it. I pull mine with my Nissan Murano with no problem as well.

 

Thanks for the info, guys. I appreciate it. I'll just save that money until I have a Tundra and a larger travel trailer. Keeping the taco, of course.

 

We went from a popup to a regular travel trailer several years ago. Tacoma pulls it fine, but gas mileage stinks. It's true that the new camper is more comfortable and has way more conveniences. But EVERY time we take it out my kids reflect about trips with the old popup. So much so that I truly regret having sold it (must note that the wife has a different opinion and would never go out with us in the popup). I think pop up camping is closer to true camping, while trailer camping is more like a hotel. And I could easily store my popup inside my garage. The new camper occupies my parent's side yard, something they offered but aren't super happy about. Think about it. Take your time. But don't wait too long and miss out on camping. You can find sweet deals on used popups. I bought ours nearly new at around $5k. Got 6 plus years out of it before easily letting it go for around $4k (probably could have gotten more).

 

Not buy a pop up at all? Man your missing out. I did 4 years of pop up camping and it was awesome, also really shows you what you want in a camper before you spend more money

 

No!!!! I meant I won't get the weight distribution hitch!! I'm getting the pop-up for sure within the next two weeks!

 

The travel trailers were definitely nicer, but the fact that the unit I'm looking to buy will fit in my garage and it is much lighter than a TT makes this a easy decision for me. This makes more sense for me and my family right now. When the time is right we'll get something bigger.

 

Nice, I dont think you will need it. Even if you end up needing it, its way cheaper to buy after then to buy through a dealer usually. My favourite one i used so far was the Husky brand. Heres what I have
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http://www.ebay.ca/itm/like/152128258309?lpid=116&chn=ps
Such an easy install too, but like I said you shouldnt need it at all

 

It's official. Signed the papers for our new 2017 Rockwood Freedom 2318G today! I'll be picking it up on Saturday and taking it out for it's maiden voyage the following weekend. We're all excited and can't wait to get out there in the comfort of our own little RV. Now I need to go get my garage cleaned out so I can park this thing in there!

 

Sweet. I love pop ups but you have to keep them in good shape or shit happens quick. Like canvas and stuff

 

For now we do plan to keep it well maintained. I'm sure I'll get lazy in a couple of years, lol. Hey, just being realistic.

 

And here it is...
The whole way home in could hardly tell it was there. Got the brakes dialed in too so all is well and we're already prepping for our first trip. Thanks for the advice on this thread. A weight distribution hit h would have been an unnecessary expense right now.

 

Sweet popup. Congrats and have fun.

 

thats a sweet looking pop up, take some time and tinker with it and learn everything, its fun

 

Yep. Spent about 3 hours at the dealership with one of their guys going through everything from setup to breakdown. Tomorrow my wife and I are going to do it all again. Can't wait to get it out at one of our state parks next weekend!