Before you begin shopping for a pop up you should take the time to do a little research. This can save you time, money and headaches down the road. You should do the following: research towing, floor plans, what to look for in a used camper and put together a budget.

First and foremost, make sure you have the appropriate tow vehicle to safely pull a camper. Check the manufacturers towing recommendations in you owners manual. Sometimes this information is not clear in the manual so a call to the dealer may be in order.

A visit to an RV dealer may be your best choice, as the first question they ask you is “What will you be towing with?”. A dealer always considers safety first before selling someone a travel trailer, so they have the resources to give you the correct information.

Having a budget set can be a great help when shopping for used campers. This will give you a starting point when looking for a used pop up. You will probably need to make some minor repairs and/or do a little redecorating when you do purchase a camper. With that in mind it is a good idea to set aside ten to twenty percent of your budget for these items.

The layout of pop ups very greatly and you should have an idea of what will work for you prior to shopping. RV shows and dealer lots are a great place to view the available floor plans. You will have to compromise, since you are purchasing used, but you will be able to find a layout that suits you well.

The condition of the used camper you are looking at should be high on the list of priorities. The number one problem with pop up campers is water and moisture. Left untreated water can quickly ruin the structure of the camper. If you see any signs of water intrusion, make a very thorough inspection of the surrounding areas to look for damage. This type of damage is very costly, if not impossible, to repair.

The canvas and mechanical systems are next on the list. Inspect the canvas and screens for rips, holes and mold. Check that the lift system works properly and that the roof seals tightly when lowered. Run all the systems in the pop up, such as heating, cooling, water and electrical. On the outside check that the lights function properly and that the tires are in good condition.

Take notes of the problems you find during your inspection of the used pop up. If the problems are major and costly consider walking away and looking for something in better shape. If only minor problems are noted use this information to calculate your offer. Your purchase price should allow you enough money from your budget to make the needed repairs, if the seller is unwilling to deal walk away from the transaction. Remember you will be able to find another pop up for sale and maybe even a better deal!