Used Pop Up Camper Parts

Sometimes used pop-up camper parts may be a reasonable solution for your problem

Owners of older pop-up campers and especially owners of more “obscure” models that had short production spans and since long disappeared from manufacturers’ parking lots may face the problem of finding replacement parts.

Also the fact that RV industry went through (and is still undergoing) the long period of consolidation, several brand names disappeared, many RV businesses went belly up - does not help.

As a result numerous models got discontinued and owners were left at the merci of their own “ingenuity” and secondary market of used pop-up camper parts.

Many car owners are familiar with the benefits of “junk-yards” which indeed can be the good source of used auto-parts.

Unfortunately the situation in RV sector and used pop-up camper parts is not similar. Not many of us know that RV industry is not well regulated (compared to car’s industry with very strong safety rules, great warranty services and incredible push for reliability and efficiency). RV Industry largely escaped these trends and in many aspects it is still “in the woods”…. (well, pop-up campers suppose to be in the woods but not in this sense…)

Presentation of the Starcraft tent trailer (popup) roof repair

All that puts extra pressure on owners of older models for which new parts are not available even from the “third party” sources.

Used Pop Up Camper Parts: Guidelines for search of used pop-up camper parts:

Whenever possible use local sellers for used parts. This is because you can examine the part at least in terms of shape, dimensions, degree of use etc… before you pay for it. Even if you are not an expert in repairs, the fact that you can see and touch the part you are searching for offers you chance to compare it with the one you want to replace. For bigger items (fridge, microwave, some furniture… you can take the measurements to determine if it can fit into the original place in your camper. This practical approach may save you a lot of time and spare from frustration later.
For the above reasons use Craigslist and/or adds in local newspapers as the first source. Buying the part from owner is usually the best strategy. And frankly, quite often the “used pop-up camper parts” from tent campers’ owners are not only original, but also never used before (kept as spare for campers they sold and replaced by newer models etc…). EBay may be also a good source for used parts, but unfortunately also the source of frustration because from the posted picture or description you cannot see “little details” that at the end matter the most. Buying used pop-up camper parts “remotely” you risk retrofitting work in your camper. In the worst case you may just waste money and loose the precious time. Having said that, we have to accept the fact that sometimes we have no other choices.
There are specialized shops selling refurbished used pop-up camper parts. These parts are redone to make them appear new and sometimes do come with a limited warranty. Please understand that this does not make them brand new (most likely they have been only buffed up to give the new look). Some sellers may also have the return policy in place. Sure, you will pay slightly more, but in exchange you have some kind of “buyer protection”.
Be very careful when buying used pop-up camper parts that determine the safety of your camper. Last thing you need is to lose “your sleep” over the replaced part that is compromising the vital functionality of the camper.
Unless you are an expert (in this case “handy man” with a lot of “technical” experience) – do not buy used pop-up camper parts that are not in good condition. That may be waste of money right away and ‘asking for problems” later approach rather then a bargain.
If it is not too late – unless you are collector of “antic” RVs, never buy a used pop-up camper if you cannot determine the source for repair and replacement parts. The bargain may soon turn into the bottomless well draining your pocket and time.
May be this guidelines sound too pessimistic, so let’s end on more positive note:

pop-up camper trailers are not as complex as “rockets”. Many parts like furniture, canopy, awnings, doors, grills, refrigerators etc… can be replaced with used ones provided you find them being in good shape;
sometimes instead of buying new item (for example LP gas/electric refrigerator, gas heater, water pump, AC units etc…) you may find that repair service is a better option than buying new one (lower cost and certainty that it will fit to the place).

Used Pop Up Camper Parts: Pop-up campers parts and supplies camper...

Using a “good (engineering) sense” when buying used pop-up camper parts should be always part of your strategy. Prepared this way and armed with knowledge, you may find that in many cases the secondary market of used pop-up camper parts can help to solve your problems in an inexpensive way. The bottom line is – if you can get it for less without compromising safety, quality and “esthetics” – there is nothing wrong with used parts.