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FAQ

(also: Questions Rarely Asked But Still Good To Know)

General

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-Is there a difference between a "fold-down trailer" and a "pop-up trailer"? ( Back)
No, the terms are used interchangeably along with "camping trailer" and "tent trailer" although "pop-up camper" is sometimes used to describe a soft-sided truck camper.
-How long does it take to set up the camper? ( Back)
About 10-20 minutes, depending on the model, the campsite, and whether or not it's raining!
-Do you offer a "rent-to-own" program? ( Back)
Sort of. If you rent a camper from us and decide you want to buy one of our campers we will apply the rent to the purchase price (even if the sale trailer is a different model from the rental trailer).

Two notes: 1. This offer only applies for 30 days from the date your rental camper is returned. 2. The rent applied to the purchase of a camper is limited to one week's rate, so if you rented the camper for 8 days (or longer) only the weekly rate will apply to the purchase.
-What series does the 206LT belong to? ( Back)
The 206LT is its own series and is a designation used only by Roberts Sales. It has some features of the LTD series and some features of the MAC series. A more detailed explanation is found on the 206LT model page .
-Do you carry spare parts for the trailers you sell? ( Back)
We have a warehouse full of parts but in the event a part is not in stock we will order the part for you. Here is a list of common parts.

Sales

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-What do all the numbers and letters in the model name mean? ( Back)
Here's an abbreviated glossary of those terms.
-What does "EM" stand for in the model description, as in "em 2012"? ( Back)
EM stands for "early model" and indicates a camper that was built with the previous year's specifications and color scheme but then titled as the next year's model year. The long-winded-but-highly-informative answer is here: Early Model.
-Which trailers have slide-out dinettes? ( Back)
228D, 228D with shower, 246D, BR23SC, BR28TSC, 425D, 625D, 823D, HW25FS, HW27SC, HW27KS, and the HW29SC.
-Which trailers have a shower and toilet? ( Back)
The 205, 228 with shower, 228BH with shower, 228D with shower, 246D, BR23SC, BR28TSC, 625D, and T12SC have interior showers and cassette toilets.

The HW27SC, HW27KS, and the HW29SC have hard-wall shower areas and residential-style toilets.

Some models come with a Porta-Pottie: 206ST, 620ST, 425D, all T-Series (except T12SC).

Hot water systems (incl. exterior shower) and Porta-Potties also available separately (please see Options).
-What is the best time of year to buy campers? ( Back)
For new campers the best time is in the spring when we have the largest selection of new models on hand for the Colorado, RV, Sports, Boat, & Travel Show.

For used campers any used camper we have is available year-round but the youngest used campers can be found in August when all of our rental fleet (including campers that may have only been used once or twice) goes on sale in our annual End Of Summer Clearance Sale.

Any new campers we still have in stock from the previous model year are also included in this sale--it's an excellent time to find a new camper at a discount price.
-You have a lot of used trailers for sale--do you have that many trade-ins? ( Back)
No, almost all of our used campers come from our rental program. We rent our campers for one or two seasons and then offer them for sale here: Used Sales.
-Do your used trailers come with a warranty? ( Back)
Our used trailer warranty information is here: Used Trailer Warranty.
-Do you haggle? Can I negotiate a better price? ( Back)
Sorry, but no. Rather than inflate our prices in anticipation of haggling to a lower price we simply set our prices as low as they can be from the start. This assures a good deal for everybody and not just those who excel at negotiation.

We understand haggling is a commonly accepted practice in our industry but we believe it is harmful to the relationship we seek to build with our customers. A detailed explanation of our opinion on haggling can be found here: Why We Don't Haggle.
-How much are your D&H fees? ( Back)
Zero. Please see: Fees.
-What tent camper brands/dealerships are available in the Denver area? ( Back)
As of January 2012 the major tent camper brands (& parent company) and their local dealerships are:
 
As of January 2012 the major A-frame brands and their local dealerships are:
 
For cab-over/truck tent campers we recommend: Outfitter in Longmont and Five Star RV in Henderson

Technical Specifications

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-How heavy are Flagstaff trailers? ( Back)
The fold-down trailer line ranges from 1344 lbs. (176LTD) to 3135 lbs. (HW29SC).
-Will a car with a 4-cylinder engine pull the campers? ( Back)
Yes, 4-cylinder cars and trucks have pulled the 8' campers (176LTD & 176ED) and the lightest 10' camper (206LTD) before but they probably weren't the fastest ones up the mountain. Please call if you would like to test drive (test pull) a camper to see how your vehicle handles the load. Here is a more detailed article on weight: Weighting Is The Hardest Part.
-Do Flagstaff campers have brakes? ( Back)
Starting in 2010 all Flagstaff campers (except the LTD series) come standard with electric brakes from the factory. Factory-installed brakes are an option for the LTD Series and Roberts Sales can add brakes to the LTD campers at our store. (Options: brakes)
-How much weight will the beds hold? ( Back)
The factory says 1,000 lbs. each. To be conservative we say 900 lbs.
-What type of roof does Flagstaff use? ( Back)
Flagstaff tent campers use a one-piece Fiberglass vacuum-bonded radius roof with no center seam. Steel air conditioner reinforcing is laminated into the roof (so no bars are visible on the ceiling interior).
-What is a "Group 27 Battery Pack"? ( Back)
"Group 27" refers to the physical size and the amp-hour rating of the battery.

The factory uses a Group 24 battery with a capacity of approximately 90 amp-hours (one ceiling light on for one hour draws ~ one "amp hour"; the heater draws 2.5 amps). We upgrade to a Group 27 battery at our shop; it is physically bigger than the Group 24 battery and has a capacity of approximately 105 amp-hours (6 more hours of heater use, for example).
-Will the roof hold a boat? ( Back)
That depends on the weight of the boat: the roof--with a roof rack installed--will hold 250 lbs.
-What measurement is used to describe pop-up camper sizes? ( Back)
The most useful measurement is box size. Box size describes the length of a camper's interior living space as determined by the box that constitutes the camper's body. A more detailed explanation of camper sizes is here: Camper Size Explanation
-The brochure says "Sleeps 8 " --there's no way eight will fit; what is Flagstaff thinking? ( Back)
The factory sets the "sleeps __" number based on the number of beds in the camper, not necessarily on the size of each bed in the camper. For example, a 70" x 80" bed is considered to sleep two people even though it could hold three or four children. A 36" x 64" dinette that converts into a bed is considered to also sleep two people even though it could barely fit one small adult.

Bottom line: look for the dimensions listed for each bed to see what size you're actually getting. See also: Not All Dinettes Are Created Equal.

Rentals

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-I want to rent a camper--how do I do that? ( Back)
Here's how : The Process For Renting a Camper
-Can I pick-up the rental in the morning instead of the afternoon? ( Back)
Of course. If a morning pickup is better for your schedule than the typical afternoon appointments we can usually accommodate that. Keep in mind your rent will start that morning (as opposed to starting the next morning for afternoon appointments).

If you need a morning appointment please let us know that when making your reservation.
-Do I need a brake controller to rent a camper? ( Back)
A brake controller is only required to rent the 228. The 206LT and 208 have brakes but they do not need to be hooked-up.
-When should I make a reservation? ( Back)
We recommend reservations be made no later than a month prior to July 4th. For Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the rest of the summer two or three weeks is recommended. For the rest of the year one week ahead of time is usually sufficient.
-Do you have a weekend rental rate? ( Back)
Yes; details on weekend rentals.
-Can I rent a camper after Labor Day? ( Back)
Yes, we rent campers all year. Note that after a certain point in autumn the water system will be winterized and not functional until the following spring.
-What is included with the rental trailer? ( Back)
Our rental trailers come with: heater, stove, fridge, sink, water tank (full of water), 20# propane tank (also full), a spare tire, and an entry step.

The following items are not included: pots, pans, bedding, plates/cups, cutlery, firewood, matches. For a detailed list of items to consider bringing on a camping trip please see: Recommended Supplies.
-Why is a battery not included with the rental? ( Back)
Because not everybody needs a battery. If a campsite has power a battery would only add unnecessary weight to someone's trip (53 lbs.!) Also, if someone wanted to bring a generator or their own battery they would end up paying for a battery they don't need.

If anyone needs a battery, we have them available for $10 per week.
-Do you rent a camper with a toilet or shower? ( Back)
No. Porta-Potties are available to buy (and then you'll have one for any future camping trips).
-Do you rent a camper with a roof rack? ( Back)
No, sorry. For bikes or other roof-top storage maybe look into roof systems for your tow vehicle.
-Can I take a rental camper out of the country? ( Back)
To Canada, yes. To Mexico, sorry, but no.
-Do you provide instructions to set up a rental camper? ( Back)
Yes, we give an hour-long orientation/training course when you pick up the rental camper. We also provide a reminder card with instructions and troubleshooting tips (this card is located in the front door-side storage compartment). The set-up instructions are also available online here: Camper Set-up. Also available online is Troubleshooting and Tips & Ticks.

Options

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-Is hot water available for all Flagstaff models? ( Back)
Almost. The 176LTD is the only model that won't accommodate a hot water system.

Hot water systems are standard on all Back Road, Classic, High Wall, and T-series campers. Hot water is a factory-installed option available to all MAC campers. Roberts Sales can also add hot water to the 206LTD as well as most older Flagstaff campers that didn't originally come with a hot water package but the price between the factory installation and Roberts Sales installation is different. For a detailed explanation please check out: Hot Water Price Explanation.
-I'd like more clearance on the chassis--is a lift kit available? ( Back)
Yes. There are two versions. One for leaf-spring systems (Raise frame for MAC, LT, and LTD Series) and one for torsion-bar systems (Raise Frame for Classic, High Wall, and T-Series). Back Road units are already lifted.
-I want a "Back Road" camper without the big metal deck on the front--is that possible? ( Back)
In a way, yes. Adding features like larger wheels and tires while also installing a lift-kit can help gain "Back Road" clearance without the full Back-Road size, weight, and price. These and other features like aluminum deck-plate panels and light protectors are detailed in our Back Road Package.
-I prefer an ice box to a fridge--can I still get one? ( Back)
In most cases, yes. We order all of our campers with a 3-way refrigerator but we can special order an ice box for you if you prefer.
-Is there an alternative to the roof-mounted bike rack? ( Back)
Yes, we offer a rear receiver that accommodates a hitch-mounted bike rack.
-Which models come with heated mattresses? ( Back)
All Flagstaff camping trailer mattresses have 110V heated tops (with adjustable controls). Note: dinette tables that fold into beds are not heated.
-Can I get an Innerspring mattress in a MAC camper? ( Back)
Yes, here's the Innerspring mattress option but you end up paying a LOT to freight the mattress from Indiana to Colorado. Alternatively, consider checking local custom mattress companies and see if a custom-sized mattress would be more economical.

A less-expensive alternative: consider using a foam pad under the foam mattress (or a memory foam pad on top of the mattress) from Target or a club warehouse.

Maintenance

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-How much maintenance does a pop-up camper need? ( Back)
Pop-up maintenance is relatively simple: pack the bearings in the spring, winterize the water system in the fall. Check the caulking (at roof and body panel joints) at least once a year. After a trip let the canvas air out for half a day or so. That's about it--easy!
-How often should I pack the bearings? ( Back)
Bearings should be checked/packed once a year, generally in the spring.

We pack bearings at our store. For assistance packing the bearings yourself this website has several instructional videos: etrailer.com
-Can I water-proof the tent canvas? ( Back)
The few canvas sections of a Flagstaff tent already has water-proofing on it. The majority of the tent is vinyl and does not need water-proofing. In fact, some water-proofing agents turn the tent yellow. We recommend against treating the tent with anything besides soap and water.
-How do I winterize my camper? ( Back)
We have an article with those instructions here: Winterizing.

Our Company

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-Who is Robert? ( Back)
Bill and Merle Roberts founded Roberts Sales. To be grammatically correct the company name should be "Roberts' Sales" but "Roberts-es Sales" sounds a bit clunky so "Roberts Sales" it is.
-How long has Roberts Sales been renting and selling campers? ( Back)
Over 40 years. We started renting and selling Starcraft campers in 1969 as Southwest Rentals. In 1978 we divided the two areas of Southwest Rentals (tool and construction equipment rentals and camping trailers) into two companies. Southwest Rentals remained our tool and equipment rental company and Roberts Sales focused on camping trailer sales and rentals.

Our literature says "Since 1969" because that's when our family started renting and selling pop-ups even though the entity "Roberts Sales" was created in 1978.
-Why do you carry Flagstaff campers? ( Back)
First and foremost Flagstaffs are built tough, which is vital for our sale customers and especially for our rental program.

Second, we are impressed with Flagstaff's quality fit & finish.

Third, Flagstaff offers 32 floorplans which allows us to better fit our customer's specific needs to the right model (some manufacturers only offer 9 floorplans).

Lastly, the folks at Flagstaff's camping trailer division are great to work with; even though Forest River is a large corporation owned by Berkshire Hathaway the Flagstaff factory itself runs like a family business, just like us.

Flagstaff / Forest River

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-Are the campers made in Flagstaff, Arizona? ( Back)
No, Flagstaff is a brand name and is made by Forest River. Forest River builds the campers in Millersburg, Indiana.
-How long has Flagstaff been around? ( Back)
The first Flagstaff campers were built in 1988 and sold as 1989 models by a company named Cobra. Forest River bought Flagstaff/Rockwood in 1996.
-Flagstaff campers look a lot like Rockwood campers--are they built by the same people? ( Back)
Yes, in the same factory with the same parts even. Forest River uses different colors in the tent, linoleum floor, fabrics, and countertops to differentiate the two lines but the floorplans and features are the same for the two brands. For every Flagstaff model there will be a corresponding Rockwood model with the same floorplan (the model number will be slightly different, though).
-Flagstaff also builds travel trailers and fifth wheels--do you carry those? ( Back)
Sorry, we don't. Frankly we don't have the space on our small lot to carry travel trailers. Focusing on fold-down trailers allows us to specialize in that area and provide our guests with the best possible experience when looking for a pop-up.

For Flagstaff travel trailers, Micro Lites, and Shamrock trailers we recommend Trailer World of Denver. Forest River also has a dealer locator.
Forest River seems to own most pop-up trailer brands--what's up with that?( Back)
Forest River's first pop-up brands were Flagstaff and Rockwood (since 1996)--they have shared the same manufacturing facility and design team since their inception.
Over ten years later Forest River acquired Palomino and Coachmen (including Clipper and Viking). These various brands share some items (like certain parts that benefit from commonality) while other aspects (like manufacturing facilities, floorplans/models, color schemes) remain distinct.
Is the HW31SCTH discontinued? If so, why are they still available at some dealerships ?( Back)
Flagstaff's representative said the HW31SCTH is discontinued from Flagstaff's standard model lineup. The model does not appear in Flagstaff's 2012 brochure. Oddly, the model is still on the website (as of May 2012); several other discontinued models are also on the website so perhaps Forest River's IT department needs to update that part.

Flagstaff's representative said that even though the HW31SCTH has been discontinued the model could still be special-ordered in loads of five campers. Dealers who order five HW31SCTHs at a time may indeed have new stock of that model.

Miscellaneous

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-Where can we go camping (with a pop-up) in Colorado? ( Back)
Here are some places you might like to see: Colorful Colorado Gallery
This site has Colorado campgrounds: Colorado Directory
More Colorado campgrounds: Camp Colorado
Search and reserve campsites: Colorado State Parks | Reservations
-Other questions? ( Back)
Please email us (mark@robertssales.com) or call 303-922-6221.
Last Updated 5-14-12

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