Question:
I have a 1997 V-6 four wheel drive Ford Ranger Supercab pickup. I am
interested in a pop-up camper (the Eagle model) made by Four Wheel
Campers in Woodland, California. I am considering a three-way
refrigerator, screen door and awning and plan trips for two of us not to
be in excess of a week per trip. I am new at this, want to make the
correct purchase the first time, and will gladly accept any information,
suggestions, advice, (even flames since there seem to be a lot in this
group). In short, your positive comments are solicited, via off-group
email or in the newsgroup.
Answer:
-While I am not familiar with the specific pop-up camper you are referring
to, I suspect it weighs in the neighborhood of 2,000 lbs., thus I think that
your Ranger would do well as a tow vehicle. I do recommend the addition of
electric brakes if the trailer is not already equipped with them. Good Luck
-I'm not familiar with that make and model, but as a general rule, keep
that pop-up on pavement! I learned the hard way that these trailers are
not meant for anything more than a well-groomed logging road at best.
Axles break, cables break (do you know how horrible it is to stand next
to a lake watching trophy bass in a feeding frenzy, and you can't get at
your pole 'cause the damn pop-up's lift system broke?), the frame work
comes apart etc. Judging by the name of the company, they are at least
implying that their product is off-road capable. If it is your intent
to go off road, I would be very careful. I would try and find a couple
of used ones, and take a look at them. See how they held up. Check the
spring/axle bracketry for cracks, look at the frame, etc
