Preparing to Purchase a Camper

Searching around, we found that quality and condition vary so much in the pop-up camper market.  There are a good amount of used ones out there, but many we saw online or in person had mildew on the canvas, musty odor, and signs of neglect.  Even one that had all the same features we ended up with that was in good condition and 5 years old, the owner wanted nearly what we could buy a new one for and have the warranties with.  So, we then spent some more time looking at the inventory at Indian Valley Camping Center, Fretz, and Media Camping Center.  Each place has it's pro's and con's according to web reviews, but we found Media Camping Center to have the best inventory in stock, options of models and accessories, and we spent a while there one Saturday just checking them out.

Challenge for us was to find a camper layout that we liked, flexible enough for our family of 5, and something that we could tow with our current vehicle, the Toyota Sienna.  Over the month or two prior, I've read a lot on the SiennaChat Forums about towing with our van and felt comfortable with a camper in the 1500-2000 lb range.  See, our model year has a 1200 lb tow rating without the tow package, and a 3500 lb rating with the tow package.  Well, ours is without the tow package.  So what does the tow package include?  An engine oil cooler.  Yup, that's all.  Both with/without versions have the same alternator, HD transmission, transmission cooler, and same uni-body frame.  So, to tow more than 1200 lbs, the SiennaChat forums recommend running a more temperature stable synthetic motor oil, which we already do.  Heck, I've been putting 1200 lbs of wood pellets in the van the past two years and driving home no trouble.  (note, I do not urge anyone to go above manufacturer's manual limits, read your manual, research and understand your limitations / warranties)

We have a Curt Class III hitch already, but by recommendation we added an AirLift 1000 airbag system to the rear spring coils.  The purpose of these is to keep the vehicle level when loaded up and with the additional hitch weight of the camper.  This helps in vehicle control, headlight position, ground clearance, trailer towing stability, and FWD traction. These airbags installed easily with the help of my Dad and all his tools, and when set at 24 psi, no load in the car, the camper and car sit level.  I found on our first trip that 28 psi with the kids, gear, and the camper worked just about right.  Here are some install photos of the AirLift 1000 System.  (no pressure in the bags yet and note that the van is still jacked up, springs fully extended)


Airlift bag with airhose out the top inserted in spring.  Red line is protective cover for air line going back to the rear.



Where to go with the valve? We removed the interior and routed up the inside to the Gas Cap!



Ta-Da!  Lower right corner is the Schrader fill valve for the Air Lift system.  Nice and clean installation, Thanks Dad!

So, with the hitch, harness, and now the air lift kit, we were ready to go find a camper!