Before I get to my question, I have a statement to make, it really sucks not being in Baja. I left Los Barriles mid may for my grandsons baptism and
it has been raining and cold ever since. The baptism was great ( he is so cute looks a lot like his gran pa ) but next year Im not coming back untill
mid june.
Now to the question. Iam looking to buy a 8' over head camper with a pop up top. Ihave found a couple pf older campers, one is a 1990 texson and the
other is a 1989 viking they both appear to be in good shape. Does snyone out there in Baja Nomade land know anything about these brands or maybe
even have a camper for sale?
any help will be greatly appreciated.DENNIS - 5-31-2011 at 11:28 AM
Does it have an inside shower? It's my understanding some don't. I think that would be a deal maker/breaker for me.Borregoman - 5-31-2011 at 01:33 PM
I've heard of the Viking, not the Texson. I owed a Northstar pop up, it was and maybe still is, considered one of the best but pretty high end $$
You can get them oufitted with just about any add on. Check out their website Northstar
The only downside with any pop up is the loss of upper cabinetry and the inevitable frailities of the material that makes up the pop up sides. They
are also quite noisy in the wind, not good for sleeping in those conditions. The Northstar model I had carried almost 50 gallons of water, a real
plus when boondocking. It was a great camper for the time I had it, if you are buying used, just really inspect the fabric or be prepared to have it
replaced.
[Edited on 6-2-2011 by Borregoman]J.P. - 5-31-2011 at 01:51 PM
We had a NORTHSTAR after looking long and hard we decidid on the north star. the main reason i liked it it had a full height entry door. for many of
the stated reasons above i got rid of it.The biggie for me was no room to store anything it was a pain in the assssss to have to unload it every time
you needed to get in the back. we now have a toy hauler anyone want to buy a toy hauler.woody with a view - 5-31-2011 at 06:50 PM
Quote:
anyone want to buy a toy hauler.
perhaps. a friend is looking for a trailer. you never know. send u2u.Marc - 6-1-2011 at 06:10 PM
I understand they don't hold up to wind in the up position.boe4fun - 6-2-2011 at 08:36 AM
Alaskans are probably the strongest (built) of all the pop ups - you can google them.watizname - 6-2-2011 at 09:36 AM
I have a Palomino pop-up, and have camped for the last two seasons for 3+ weeks at a time in Baja, sometimes under very windy conditions. A little
noisy when very windy, but very snug. The storage problems can be overcome with a little planing, and ingenuity, and I like the lite weight. Set up
and take down are about an hour apiece, and after practice, not a problem. Northstar is the upper end, Palomino is mid range. The ones you
mentioned, I haven't heard of. Like Borregoman said, check the fabric closely, and look for signs of leaks. Mine stays up all winter long in So Cal
when stored and has no problems in the rain.
Bottom line---I like mine and would recommend them. brewer - 6-3-2011 at 10:04 PM
I have a Four Wheel. We LOVE it. It's simple and lightweight. My wife and two young boys fit fine in it.Skipjack Joe - 6-3-2011 at 11:05 PM
The best advice I can give is to get one with a metal frame. Once a wood frame camper gets wet within, dry rot will soon follow.GC - 6-4-2011 at 12:21 PM
The Texson was made by the same people who now build the Northstar campers. They adopted the Northstar name when they bought the company. I have a
1991 8ft Texson that I have camped in all over Baja--it is great for going to those out of the way places because of its low profile and weight. I
recently purchased a Northstar TC 850 because I wanted a bathroom and shower, but I did just fine with the older one and a porta potty. My 19991 is
for sale--U2 me if you want more information.TacoFeliz - 6-4-2011 at 01:48 PM
I've been enjoying my 4 Wheeler pop top for seven years now. Bought it used. No, not a lot of space, just don't pack so much. Works fine for 2-3 week
trips. Yes it is noisy on windy nights but it's not that big a deal. If you would like something that's a step up from tent camping, go for it. If you
are expecting a motorhome you'll be disappointed. I like running 4x4 trails and remote camping so it has been perfect for me and family and dog.mcfez - 6-4-2011 at 02:26 PM
Used to have a pop up here too. Take it thru the rain or hose it like hell....to check for seal failure (rubber seals)......and do indeed look for
small fabric damage. Little nicks become big port holes rapidly.
I have had the Pace Arrow to Land Rover.......the pop ups are the best for long term travel.805gregg - 6-4-2011 at 04:52 PM
With canvas sides you might as well be in a tent.mcfez - 6-4-2011 at 06:32 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by 805gregg
With canvas sides you might as well be in a tent.
Oh no no no! One cannot get the T.V. in a tent Sunman - 6-4-2011 at 09:38 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by 805gregg
With canvas sides you might as well be in a tent.
Wrong. Maybe in a pop up trailer trailer but not a FWC/ATC/Northstar or similar brand camper.pappy - 6-8-2011 at 12:26 PM
check outfittermfg.com. aluminum(strong and lite)framed and with all you need. built on colorado. kinda like a four wheelr pop-up on steroids.Neal Johns - 6-8-2011 at 06:41 PM
Sunman is right, little wind noise in my Northstar. Used to tent camp - little wind, big noise.msteve1014 - 6-8-2011 at 07:39 PM
We have a 8.5 foot Hallmark. Built really well, with a little bit more room than a 4 wheel or Northstar. More storage (not much more), more water.Been
in chubascos in Baja, and prairie storms in the flat-lands, no problem. The truck rocking around is a bigger problem in high winds, not the camper.Neal Johns - 6-8-2011 at 09:30 PM
msteve1014,
I guess you are younger than I am! Spearo - 6-9-2011 at 10:35 AM
I have a FWC and the wind noise isn't really an issue, especially after fishing, diving and drinking several beers. The sides are PVC coated nylon,
not canvas, same material whitewater rafts are made of. Frame is welded aluminum and very strong. I spent a decade sleeping in tents in Baja and the
pop-up is a palace.
