Jim, if Bev's back cooperates, a pup may be the only RV we can afford. So, I've been reviewing my work experience and what I added to it over the last two decades.
[I remember Pat had back problems. . . Bev is back to being bent in the shape of an "L" and extreme pain. They X-rayed late Thurs but had no report by the end of Fri.
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Having worked for Starcraft and Coachmen during their pups heyday --including the Viking which was Coachman's only pup until late '73, I know a lot about them. Starcraft also produced their upscale Venture pup with vinal instead of canvas tenting.
All this started with the with the Bethany, the best of the 60-70's, followed by the Apache --1 wheel, go anywhere, bed platforms and that was it. Pull it as far as the jeep could go and set up your sight with Coleman lantern, stove, etc. If you can find a used Bethany, that would be special.
Where is she? how many will use it? hot or cold country? A good overview is found here: >http://www.campingearth.com/popups/<
Actually, with all the great gear available including portable showers, an heir to the Apache now exists: the Jumping Jack. It serves as a utility trailer as well!
>http://www.jumpingjacktrailers.com/tent-trailer.cfm< There are four dealers in MT: Missoula, Bozeman, Helena [Sportsman's Warehouses,] and Dillon. Go take a look if it would fit her need and a new one would have warranty. Actually, if someone would be willing to pull it behind their 4x4 toad, it would make a great chuck wagon for off road trips in the desert or the mountains
Used, Coleman has been the top of the pack and certainly the most well known since '90. There are some other good units like Starcraft, Jayco and Viking have used ones around. IMO, avoid used Dutchmen. A woman in Madrid NM bout one and joined the forum in 96? but it was almost junk. The '70 Palomino I bought in '70. Jan, wasn't a lemon, it was a grove! Nevertheless, I pulled it on three trips, two a week each and one 30 day trip to the Cabot trail and tip of Nova Scotia and still had a blast!
If she's alone, those pups with slide outs, etc might ba a lot of work if she moves every day. But, it was so much fun we're considering it. [I still rather have a Itaska Navion turbo diesel (or Jayco 34SS duromax diesel) and really have little work to do!]