Four Wheel Pop Up Campers

- I couldn't find a good used one, had to buy new

- Mine is a bit cramped but the Grandby should be adequate. you learn to adjust.

- They have a warehouse in Riverside so perhaps you can drop by and sit in one for awhile. They're always at sportman's shows so that's another place to experience them.

- 3 years now without any major problems. (1) the stove and sink must have some low quality metal 'cause they're showing signs of rust. (2) the overhead lights are getting flaky (but if you open and close the sink panel they come one :lol.

- I understand that you can buy the basic poptop shell for $5K. Money could be saved if you installed all of the appliances yourself.

- I have no appliances. Use icebox instead of frig (ribeye steak went bad recently . Coyotes were happy). Turn on the stove burner just a tad with an open vent for heat. Don't laugh. Don't even have auxiliary battery.

P.S. The burner stove as heating is only used in the evening while awake. It's turned off after we get into sleeping bags. Even though these campers have all sorts of alarms that go off due to high carbon monoxide levels I never rely on any of that stuff when it comes to safety.

[Edited on 1-11-2010 by Skipjack Joe]

We have had a Grandby since 2001. We feel it has served us very well and allowed us to go places a full sized camper can't quite get to. We are still OK with not having inside shower and just use the good old sun shower or heat some water on the stove if needed. We thought about an awning but we went with EZ-UP for versatility because you can move the shade around. We have the 12,000 BTU heater and use it sparingly but it has come in handy when camped in higher elevations or after a surf session in February. The screen door is essential as mentioned for bug defense. We added a back porch/sun deck/access elevator to ours so it's easy to get in and out. Doing so precludes one from utilizing jacks as they don't go high enough to clear top of same. I can still lift top with two kayaks and a surfboard on it but it seems to get a bit heavier every year, maybe I need some smaller kayaks? I have one friend who utilizes a power drill to operate a device that raises the roof. Just make sure drill is charged. We have a fan over the bed area and it is nice because it's reversible and helps with airflow. The fridge is handy when you are on a long trip but we always have at least one ice chest for beverages and snack. We put stuff in the fridge that we don't need as much because frequent opening makes it harder to keep stuff cold. We like having the outside lights for those moonless nights on the beach. We have had our share of loose screws here and there but considering the roads and the speeds traveled that is not surprising, viva locktight! My chef has me bring a two burner Coleman stove these days so she does not have to always be inside cooking while I am outside tending the beer cooler/campfire/bocce ball tournament but it's nice to be able to cook inside when it's cold and or windy. We started camping in Baja out of the back of a pickup with a tent and then moved to a Callen shell and when we moved to the 4Wheel we had to pare down what we brought with us and that was a good thing because there were things we hauled down for years in the other setups just because we had the room but never actually used them. Plenty of storage under the seats for all the necessary stuff. We can pop the top and be setup in a matter of minutes and breaking camp is just as easy. We have had numerous trips both south and north of the border where we slept in/near/on a different spot/beach/forest/lake/river/canyon every night over a week or two. The one thing I would change is the flourescent light over the stove/sink area, it attracts bugs and uses too much juice. Over the couch/bed area we have a two stage incandescent light so if you want to read you can turn it up or not.

If you want we can make arrangements and you can "test camp" ours!

The low profile has many benefits - and not all have to do with economy. Here's a lake in BC we probably couldn't have reached with a cabover camper. Lots of rainbows back there.

back road

Mateo!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco We have had a Grandby since 2001. We feel it has served us very well and allowed us to go places a full sized camper can't quite get to. We are still OK with not having inside shower and just use the good old sun shower or heat some water on the stove if needed. We thought about an awning but we went with EZ-UP for versatility because you can move the shade around. We have the 12,000 BTU heater and use it sparingly but it has come in handy when camped in higher elevations or after a surf session in February. The screen door is essential as mentioned for bug defense. We added a back porch/sun deck/access elevator to ours so it's easy to get in and out. Doing so precludes one from utilizing jacks as they don't go high enough to clear top of same. I can still lift top with two kayaks and a surfboard on it but it seems to get a bit heavier every year, maybe I need some smaller kayaks? I have one friend who utilizes a power drill to operate a device that raises the roof. Just make sure drill is charged. We have a fan over the bed area and it is nice because it's reversible and helps with airflow. The fridge is handy when you are on a long trip but we always have at least one ice chest for beverages and snack. We put stuff in the fridge that we don't need as much because frequent opening makes it harder to keep stuff cold. We like having the outside lights for those moonless nights on the beach. We have had our share of loose screws here and there but considering the roads and the speeds traveled that is not surprising, viva locktight! My chef has me bring a two burner Coleman stove these days so she does not have to always be inside cooking while I am outside tending the beer cooler/campfire/bocce ball tournament but it's nice to be able to cook inside when it's cold and or windy. We started camping in Baja out of the back of a pickup with a tent and then moved to a Callen shell and when we moved to the 4Wheel we had to pare down what we brought with us and that was a good thing because there were things we hauled down for years in the other setups just because we had the room but never actually used them. Plenty of storage under the seats for all the necessary stuff. We can pop the top and be setup in a matter of minutes and breaking camp is just as easy. We have had numerous trips both south and north of the border where we slept in/near/on a different spot/beach/forest/lake/river/canyon every night over a week or two. The one thing I would change is the flourescent light over the stove/sink area, it attracts bugs and uses too much juice. Over the couch/bed area we have a two stage incandescent light so if you want to read you can turn it up or not. If you want we can make arrangements and you can "test camp" ours!

Some pics attached for you Dern:





















[Edited on 1-12-2010 by Sunman]

What a nice Baja rig!!!

pop ups

I've had this Northstar for many years. It has been great, however, if you plan on much rough off-roading, the 4 Wheel Pop Up may be better, as it is lighter in weight. Enjoy your camper search. Jim

Here is a Granby for 6500 in SD.


http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/rvs/1547735845.html

On a 4WD Tundra doublecab

Replies

Dr. Goat

The icebox works for me. I buy crushed ice and cover the more important perishables both above and below. In the summer I get 1-2 days out of it, in the winter 3-4 days. I had a 3 way fridge in the old cabover and it required frequent maintenance. In addition, my camper is small and I don't want some of the storage taken up with accessories.

Unlike many, I don't like tinkering with the camper (adding here and adjusting there). I just got something basic with few parts that can go wrong. Fans, heaters - all that is superfluous at this time. The screen door is a must, though.

BTW, if you buy them at the shows they give you some sort of discount. I can't remember any more. But I think I saved about $1000 by doing that.

Paulina is not going to be happy climbing up to that door. I have that step thing exactly like sunman's and it really helps. One time at Asuncion I was feeling a bit tipsy when I stepped out and put a gash in my left ankle that turned purple and later a putrid yellow green color. That was before the step.

People often ask about the door height but it has had no effect on us whatsoever. The reason is that you naturally bent over as you step down or climb in. We climb into our camper, not walk in.

I am amazed at the amount of stuff on sunman's roof. Not that I couldn't lift them (:cool but that those plywood panels can support that weight, especially in the wind. But the people at 4 Wheel claim that it's doable.

Prior to purchasing I was warned about the difficulty of lifting that roof but have never experienced that. We take 10 minute breaks on the highway and lift the roof for a snack of tea and bodillas.

I think that Dern was digging on the point breaks in the baja photos as well as checking out the campers!

I have a feeling that Dern is on a mission with this one.

P<*)))>{

Thanks

Sunman, Elgatoloco, Surferjim,

Thanks for all the input. I have come to the conclusion that this is the camper for me. I just have to weigh my options as to what is an absolut must. I can live without most of the foofy options or do it myself. Silly things like awnings, flood lights, steps , battery system and the like I can deal with in the future.

BTW, nice pics of the secret surf spots.

DERN

[Edited on 1-13-2010 by DERN]

I can set you up! Just let me know.

My favorite Chef says "Right back at ya!"

Go Dern Go!!

Dern right!

Sunman

Have had a Grandby for 13 yrs, it is great for Baja. It may be spartan compared to others but is very functional and lighter than other brands. I luckily got mine used but it was fully loaded, dual roof vent (one with power), 3 way refer, screen door, closet with vanity, 2nd cabinet, heater (don't really need this). I put on the awning, and moved the auxiiary battery inside the under seat storage for maintenance and access. For some reason they put the battery in the truck bed in front of the wheel well making it impossible to get at without removing the camper. My awning has taken quite a bit of abuse over the years and when it finally breaks, will probably rig up something like the one in pictures shown previously in this post. Solar hookup and wiring to truck electrical is easy, find a "hot" wire that is active when the motor is running to charge the aux battery and to run the 12V function on the 3 way refer. But make sure you put an isolator switch in to prevent the aux battery from draining the truck battery in case of a short. For me, a 3 way refer, stove and screen door are the only real essentials. The best thing I did was get a custom rear bumper rack made that holds 2 gas cans, 4 water cans and my small gas grill. Outdoor shower, look at Paha-que tents, very sturdy and easy setup and use sunshower or even Zodi heater if you wish. I originally had it on a F150, but felt I was maxing it out when loaded down with gear and extra water for prolonged trips to remote areas. Have just recently put it on a F250, but haven't been out with it yet. Good luck and happy trails.

4X4 Pop up For Sale

Dern, I have an older model Grandby for sale. If your interested? I have 2 and need to sell one.

my pop up input-

4 wheels:
pros:
1. Windows surrounding the bed make it feel like you're sleeping outside. We had 12 volt fans on each side of the bed for hot summer nights.
2. Fewer gadgets=fewer things to break.
3. That silly foam mattress on a piece of plywood was the most comfortable bed we've ever had!

cons:
1. Fewer gadgets= fewer creature comforts (at least on the 1988 Gradby we had). I was happy to have a porta-potty and fridge back then.)
2. The straps for the roll up windows wicked rain water and the bed would get wet.

The 2 of us could lift the top with 3 boards on top but the kayaks always had to come off first. I made a screen that velcroed on to the back door frame- you've gotta have a screen on the back.

Skamper pop up-

A little heavier (aluminum frame rather than the wood frame of the 4 wheel). Hand crank mechanism was much easier to lift the top than the manual 4 wheel Hernia mechanism.

Desginated potty closet and black/grey water systems.

Fewer windows around the bed but better system so windows didn't leak.

We could leave the Skamper popped-up in most storm conditions, but had to secure the frame of the 4 wheel to leave it up in high winds.

We enjoyed both pop ups and I'd say we like the Skamper better and used it til it fell apart- the frame kept cracking after offroad (gentle) driving.

We got tired of moving everything off the floor of the pop ups campers and moved on to a Lance lite which we still have. Nice to have a potty and indoor/outdoor shower.

It sounds like a simple one like a 4 wheel might be you're best bet Dern. I don't have a picture of our old one handy, but here's one of our Skamper.

For Sale

For sale: While we are on the subject I have a 4x4 Wheel pop up camper Grandby for sale. Has propane frig, 2 burner stove, 10 gal water tank and sink, camper jacks, vent fan. $2000.00 or best offer. Contact webmb@att.net If you are intrested or know someone who is intrested please pass on my contact info. Thanks

Great deal

Kelty Car Port Delux....And a silly little overpriced camper

Car port delux up on stilts...



Dern, you won't be dissapointed in a 4 wheel camper purchase.
This is my second one. Thousands of offroad Baja miles on the first one, sold it for more than I paid after 10 years of dutiful service..

It doubles as one of those hokey kite rigs..

Definately a wind sensitive rig. not bad when its all buttoned down..but up on stilts its about a 8 knot rig..pretty cool though, you can enclose a full size pickinick table under it buttoned down.

B&J,

The buckles that hold the pop top camper down line up perfectly with the attach device on the kelty your only able to utilize 2 of the 3 hold-downs on the kelty, but it works just great.

TT

I saw these stairs used by the 4 Wheel Camper people at the Sportman's show this weekend. Getting in and out was really comfortable. Am thinking of buying them.

Anybody use them? What are their cons?

I'm thinking that their clearance may not make them suitable for baja offroading but good for everywhere else.

The 4 Wheel people don't think much of the scissor stairs they used to sell.

Dern, the new Grandby models looked real good to me. Quite a few improvements in the last 3 years.

Skipjack