New to TC Pop-ups....questions

[SoCalAngler]

New to the group. My family (wife, teen, and young adult), currently camp in our 25' Outback TT. It is
a great family camper and suits are needs well. We have been campers for many years.

I am considering a used pop up TC for times when wife does not want to tag along on my fishing adventures (sometimes towing a boat). I found a used 2009 Guanella for sale. I went to see it last week. It's condition is well used, but not abused. Has AC, refer, stove, electric pop up, and whatever stock items were included. No black or gray tanks. It will need complete roof and sides reseal, cushions will need to be redone, and other misc repairs. Soft side vinyl does not appear to be torn anywhere. Asking $14,900. My uses will primarily be West/Southwest in Summer, Spring and Fall (CA, NV, AZ, NM, OR, WA, ID). I have a 2003 Ford F-350, Crew Cab, V10, 2WD. I do not camp in areas requiring 4X4.


Thoughts on the asking price?
What should I look for in a used Guanella?
I am also considering used FWC Hawk models


Thanks!

 

[SoCalAngler]

a few more pics.....

 

[SoCalAngler]

one more .....

 

[corybrown50]

Great looking camper!!
First, I have to say.....I want your truck. I keep looking for one here.

As for 3 "basically" adults in the camper, it will be tight if only 1 person is sleeping up top. If you share space with one of the kids, it should be great.

As for the price, I look at campers as I look at boats, either get one that is pristine, or get one that needs rebuilt. I went with the latter. Figure out your budget, add 50%, and make a mathematical decision.....depending on your ability and want to do the work yourself, your probably looking at a couple thousand extra to get it "perfect" to much more taking it to someone to do the work.

I will say though.....a camper doesn't have to be "perfect" to be campable......a word that I love using myself.

With the all fiberglass construction, I would hope that rot would not be a problem.

 

[goinoregon]

am no expert on pricing, but my first reaction, is that the price is not too bad. if you add solar, which i recommend, that will add a few bucks. i saw an ad for a newer used FWC, full size, and i think they were asking around $25k

 

[eyemgh]

We have a FWC Raven shell, but want something bigger with more amenities. I’m building a relatively customized K2 right now. It’s essentially a Guanella with a cassette toilet. Considering it’s going to cost me $43K, I think the price they’re asking is pretty good.

As for Guanella vs. Hawk, there are many significant differences.

First and foremost, the Guanella is much bigger. It’s the same length as a Grandby.

Second, and very important to us, it has a side dinette. My wife sleeps below, because I toss and turn too much. Being an old goat, I have a routine scheduled toilet visit at roughly 2AM. The side dinette makes getting to the toilet more of a chore if there’s someone in that bed.

Third, the roof capacity is much higher. You can stand on it when open. Running two full rocket boxes is no problem.

How does the one you’re looking at lift? They abandoned the full electric lift due to problems. Many of them are fine, but be prepared to deal with that potential Achilles heel.

Also, as far as sleeping capacity goes, they offer a bunk option over the dinette. I doubt it would be too hard to fab. They are very friendly and helpful people, they may even send you specs. Alternatively, if you’re close to Denver, you could have them install one.

Do you have any pics of the inside?

Good luck!

 

[SoCalAngler]

Thanks for the replies!

BTW.....this Guarnella has no cassette toilet. Has 3 way refer, stove, and sink. Hard composite counters.

coreybrown50....

Yes, I do most work myself; always have.

Yes, I love my V10! It loves gas but can tow / pull anything. AND.... I can repair most anything on it! It has been very reliable and is very comfortable driving, especially with 2WD. Super smooth on the highway. You'd never think you were in a one ton truck. No kidney belt required as with some older 4x4s that bounce like the dickens!!
If I ever went new, It would be Ford gas.....6.2L or the new 7.3L. I may consider the Ram 6.4L. Not sure on 4x4......?

As I come upon 60, I do not like climbing on my travel trailer's roof for any repairs. For that I'll take it to a local shop. Yes, fiberglass should reduce potential rot. I believe floor is marine ply. Wife will not camp in this, that's why I have a travel trailer!!!!!

goinoregon......

Solar would definitely be an option I will be considering!! However, I do have two 2500watt Champion portable gennys (dual fuel) I use for travel trailer when 120V is not available. I believe one of them would power the AC on the Guarnella.

eyemgh.....

Your custom K2 sounds awesome!

Yes, I do like the side dinette. Can a cassette be added? Or is a standard porta-potty preferred?

It has an electric lift. Due to weight of roof, I wonder what mechanism is used now to lift them? Hydraulic? Can the electric be retrofitted? I'll reach out to Hallmark for info.

 

[ntsqd]

What indicates the need for a roof and side re-seal?

There is a torsion bar supported 'X' brace system the holds the roof up or down. The lower-inner legs of the X on one end are connected to long threaded bar. Turning that bar raises or lowers the roof. The system on our Chucara XL has an electric motor with a compound gear reduction system to spin the bar.

I also will suggest getting at least 100 watts of solar and more if it is in the budget. There are many threads here on that topic, can deep dive at your leisure.

Some can make them work, but neither of the two 3-way fridges that we've had worked very well. The first one I went thru all of the steps to get it working at it's best, and that wasn't able to keep things frozen in 90° NV weather. With the second one I just replaced it without even bothering to try to make it work. In our old camper the 100 watt solar panel had no trouble keeping up with the fridge in the Mojave or in the Sierras.

 

[eyemgh]

Your custom K2 sounds awesome!

Yes, I do like the side dinette. Can a cassette be added? Or is a standard porta-potty preferred?

It has an electric lift. Due to weight of roof, I wonder what mechanism is used now to lift them? Hydraulic? Can the electric be retrofitted? I'll reach out to Hallmark for info.

I think most Guenallas have a standard porta-potty. A cassette could be retrofitted. After all that’s how Matt developed the K2. It would take some real work though I’d suspect.

The new lifting mechanism is called super manual. It’s a manual actuated by a drill.

Prices are going up. They are estimating new builds will price out $7K more per build.