2002 Coleman Niagara

[puprincess]

My husband and I are in the market for a pop up. New or used it doesn't make a difference to us as long as we feel like we are getting a good deal. We are going to look at a 2002 Coleman Niagara. I have read some information about the roofs at this time, but since this will be our first pop up, I don't really know what I am looking for as far as damage goes. The owner has only used it twice. Do any of you have one of these and how do you like it?

 

[Digger]

Welcome Princess!

The Niagara is a really nice rig. The roof issue has to do with ABS roofs that had problems with sagging and de-laminating (the layers coming apart and flaking/peeling). I'm not sure of the year that the ABS was introduced...it was discontinued, I believe, in mid 2003. Fleetwood does make a replacement roof. The Westlake I am getting next month had the entire roof replaced by the dealer before I ever saw it.

There are loads of folks from Texas on the board....I'm sure you'll get some good campground tips...and dealer advice.....

Ðigger
2004 Fleetwood Westlake (on hold 4 me, getting it in Jan08)

 

[Luv2ridebikes]

Here is one of the better articles I have seen about the roof problems:

http://www.title-3.com/RoofStory.htm

We had a 2002 Cheyenne and the roof on it was fine. If the roof on the Niagara looks good - no blemish, blisters or sag, then I would guess you will be okay. The vast majority of these roofs did not fail. The biggest concern would be to never cover it with a tarp to avoid major heat buildup and blistering.

Steve& Deb (the boys are grown & gone)
Aspen & Riley (the 4 legged children)
05 Fleetwood Sequoia THE QSR
Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Univega <img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_bike.gif border=0 align=middle alt="Bicycle"><img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_bike.gif border=0 align=middle alt="Bicycle">

 

[Hothand]

Age is not really a factor in choosing your N2U pup.
Layout and creature comforts for <u>your</u> family's usage are your main concerns.
Main thing is to be sure and check for leaks before you buy...
Down and dirty, just walk around the top pressing in on the sides looking for an area that appears to be "spongy." (spony bad, firm good)
When the PUC is popped up, pop off the plastic light covers and look for rust in the fixture... shouldn't be any at all.
Good luck and enjoy whatever you find!

Hothand '47
DW '46
'87 Coleman Chesapeake
'99 Ford Ranger

Edited by - Hothand on January 02 2008 12:35:50

 

[puprincess]

We haven't decided agains the 2002 Niagara, but we are going to see if we can get something new for about the same amount of money. I just cannot see spending thousands and then having to drop another couple of thousand if the roof goes bad. I guess I am just a chicken!

 

[Digger]

Regardless of whether the Niagara is 'THE ONE' or not....it is always best to take a breath, and perhaps check around a bit more before you plunk down a chunk of change like that...I speak from recent/current experience.....

Good Luck with the search and the decision

Ðigger
2004 Fleetwood Westlake (on hold 4 me, getting it in Jan08)