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Re: Our new popup camper
I don't think this one needs a new frame, just maybe some reinforcement in key locations and removal of some members to clear bigger tires. If I remember right, I think all colemans have a fully boxed frame, at least I know mine does.
Other than a lift, I think it could use some softer suspension and damping to help with washboard roads. Washboard roads will kill the interior. Even the guy we bought it from said he's had to go through and tighten the screws holding the cabinets together.
The stock suspension uses these tiny little leaf springs with no shackles and no shocks. It gets its damping from the back of the leaf spring rubbing on the frame. Going with car tires and airing down would help a lot too.
We picked it up for $2300. It seems like these coleman taos campers go for around $2500 and even right now, there is a 97 here in phx for sale for $2300.
If you want to restore one, you can pick one up for as little as a few hundred dollars. The biggest expense would be new canvas and you're looking at $1000-$1500. There are a few projects on the popupportal where they are doing frame off restorations and it seems pretty straight forward. It also seems like prices in california are better than the phoenix area. I missed a fully loaded taos in san diego for $1900.
Keep in mind that these trailers are pretty wide and it would be tough to get one through rock crawling trails. Having said that, I've got ideas for some armor.
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Re: Our new popup camper
I have been having trouble with the doors on mine...the lock on the stepper door broke on out last trip and I drove it home with ratchet straps around the whole thing.
Mine is big and heavy too, 4runner hates pulling it up the hills.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...0109011325.jpg
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Re: Our new popup camper
change springs, Use shocks to stop fishtailing and lower washboard rattle.
Maybe airlift, Run it lower profile on the highway and raise it for the trail, Also makes it quick to put on and take off the corner jacks.
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Re: Our new popup camper
That camper is huge, Marc. Where does the door go?
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Re: Our new popup camper
Looks great. I'm a little jealous!
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Re: Our new popup camper
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Re: Our new popup camper
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Re: Our new popup camper
Whoa, that's pretty sweet!
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Re: Our new popup camper
I am anxious to see your build thread. Lift, larger tires, better suspension, awnings, LEDs galore... :)
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Re: Our new popup camper
Thanks. I need to hit the local trailer places to see about bigger axles and what my options are to get truck tires on there. Axles themselves seem pretty cheap as it looks like I can get a 2000 lb axle for about $100-150.
The first order of business, however, is to make a "fence" for the side yard so that people walking behind the house can't see it. I have a view lot and technically, I'm not supposed to have a trailer back there, I think.