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wilbur267 · Finger Mullet Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 45

OK -Sorry this is kinda long but here is the deal, we are getting ready for our 3rd annual PINS trip and this year we have a wrinkle and I want to run it buy those in the know -

We have a POP-UP that we would like to take down island with the Tow vehicle being a 4X4 Suburban. The pop-up weighs 4000 pounds. Can we pull this thing down island? How far?

Now the concern for the pop-up itself - It is only one year old and I do not want it trashed after staying on the beach for 4-5 days. We will have a generator and will be running the AC. What all should we be worried about and what precautions should we take to keep the camper in good shape ?

(Side note) I still have the Baja-Bomber (still for sale) and it will be going down as well. If anyone is interested in it you can stop by and see it in action on PINS....

Any and all input is appreciated. The feedback we get will more than likely be the determining factor if we bring the pop-up or not so bring it on.

stickmoore · Joined: 12 Aug 2007 Posts: 4

I think the problem with a pop up is the tire size and height of the axil
you'll be dragging it at bs unless you take the low road (danger)

I would feel safe through mp 18 ....but would start to worry beyond that point

Howie · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 9:01 am Post subject:

My wife and I are looking at pop up campers. In order to use them offroad you need bigger tires and lifted. Several shops are now offering to lift popups for you. Now Fleetwood, Starcraft and a few others are offering offroad packages in new popups. Too overpriced from what we have seen.
One guy bought a used flat trailer and stripped the bottom of his camper and bolted it to the bigger tire trailer. He said the frame was much stronger and it all cost the same as a new axle with 15" tires and wheels.
If you don't lift it you could end up just dragging it in the sand until you rip off the axle or make major dammage.
Good Luck!
Howard

Big Ed · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 9:26 am Post subject:

Had a pop up a few years ago and it was nice to be able to sleep in it. However, the concerns about "dragging" the thing down the beach are real. Took mine down to the 40's once and it was a long, hard trip. Didn't get stuck, but it had me worried a few times. If you plan on using the low road, two obvious things to worry about. First are campers who have the beach blocked in Big Shell (the high banks). You can really get yourself in a bind. Secondly, the water pockets that you sometimes encounter will really suck up those little 12" tires. As far as trashing your camper, especially with the small tires everything will get a "rattle job" that is almost beyond belief. You have to keep your speed up whenever possible to avoid getting stuck, and that makes for an even bumpier trip on the camper. Also, as I am sure you are aware, there will be sand in places you never thought about. It was impossible for me to get the sand out of the gears that raised & lowered the unit.
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Big Ed
San Antonio

"A word to the wise ain't necessary. It's the stupid ones who need advice.", Bill Cosby

robul · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 26 Jun 2007 Posts: 2677

I have also been looking for a popup for pins.. Anybody got a lifted one for sale? I have seen some nicer pop ups with bigger tires/lifts as well..

One of my other concerns is stablizing it on the beach.. Mabye some plywood under the stabilzers on the side?

Bluffer · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 9:54 am Post subject:

Wow, now lift-kits for pop-up campers! thats incredible. Shocked

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wilbur267 · Finger Mullet Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 45

The POP-up does have the 15" tires
I did not mention that and ground clearance seems to be number one.

Big Ed · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 2:22 pm Post subject:

If you have 15 inch tires you are much better off. Almost everything I posted still applies, just not to the same degree. Most parts you will not be dragging the camper and thats a real plus. You still will have to live with the rough ride that will shake a few things loose and the sand in every possible (and impossible) place. With those tires I would give it a shot.
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Big Ed
San Antonio

"A word to the wise ain't necessary. It's the stupid ones who need advice.", Bill Cosby

Howie · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 3:21 pm Post subject:

wilbur267..
If they are 5x5 bolt pattern. You can buy old chevy truck 5 bolt rim's.
You might just get away with a shackle kit or reverse mounting ( axle mouning on the springs rather than under) and 15x7 rim's and 8" or 9 1/2" tires. Or even a thick axle seat block to get lift. A few of the guys that pulled popups down Baja on dirt roads did that.
Cheers!
Howard

larry meinert · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 3:36 pm Post subject:

Park the trailer at the 10 or where the road gets questionable.
Drive the suburban down the island.

Dcalame · Finger Mullet Joined: 25 Sep 2006 Posts: 49

We've pulled pop-ups several times. It ain't all that bad. Sure is nice to be able to lay out and sleep. I pick up a crate on the way down and use that as a front step. Put a 5 gallon bucket of water by the door, so we can dip the sand off our feet, and we sprinkle lots of baby power on the sheets. Best to hit the beach at the start of low tide and return the same time. Best fish I have caught so far on the pins was within the first 5 miles and that is easy for a pop-up. You'll need some boards to place under each crank lift. Whatever you do, do not fill her with water. Smile

Uncle D · Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2007 8:08 am Post subject:

I have a small trailer and tires, so I thought I'd make skid plates for those deep ruts. What do ya think. D.

rabbit · Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 4:54 am Post subject:

whats a baja-bomer?
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mastergunner · Posted: Sat Sep 08, 2007 7:17 am Post subject:

You should plan your driving at the lowest tide possible and you will still have to drive around some people who block the road. Then it depends on how far down you go, if you stay under the 17mm or so it wont be bad at low tide. I would keep a tub of water by the door to wash feet off before getting inside EVERY TIME.
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Mastergunner, supporter of hardheads for state fish of Texas