Adding A Hitch To Your Pop-Up Camper: Is It Possible?

Pop-up campers are compact and easy to tow, but you still need to ensure your vehicle is capable of towing one. You'll also need a suitable tow package and electrical connection. When it comes to attaching your pop-up camper to your towing vehicle, you'll need a hitch. There are many hitch types and designs, and they come in different weight classes. The lightest-weight hitches are ideal for pop-up campers, as they tend to weigh very little. One of the best hitches for pop-up campers is the rear receiver hitch, which has five weight classes. Bumper hitches are also a good option for pop-up campers.

The weight of your pop-up camper

When choosing a pop-up camper, it's essential to consider your vehicle's towing capacity. Smaller SUVs, larger cars, and minivans typically have a towing capacity between 2,300 and 3,500 pounds, while a small car can usually tow up to 1,000 pounds. It's important to consult your vehicle's owner's manual to determine its specific towing capacity and not exceed it.

The weight of a pop-up camper can also impact your travel experience. Heavier campers may affect your gas mileage, especially if towed by a large truck or SUV. Additionally, the size and weight of the camper can impact its visibility and handling on the road, so it's crucial to find a balance between the camper's weight and your vehicle's capabilities.

When packing for your trip, it's important to consider the weight of your gear and necessities. Water, in particular, is heavy, weighing 8 pounds per gallon, so it's crucial to factor this into your cargo weight calculations.

Pop-up campers offer a great balance between portability and comfort. By understanding the weight of your camper and your vehicle's capabilities, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

• UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight): This refers to the weight of the pop-up camper when it reaches the manufacturer with a full fuel tank. It represents the lightest weight of the camper before you pack your gear.
• CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity): This indicates the amount of gear, water, and other necessities you can bring. It's important to weigh your cargo to ensure you don't exceed the carrying capacity.
• GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight that the trailer's axles can safely support, including gear, water, and the weight of the camper body. Exceeding this rating can compromise the trailer's structural integrity.
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio): This encompasses the weight of the hitch, passengers, pets, and all cargo inside the vehicle, in addition to the weight of the pop-up camper itself.

The towing capacity of your vehicle

When considering the towing capacity of your vehicle, it is recommended to consult your vehicle's manual to understand its specific towing capabilities. Most passenger vehicles can safely tow pop-up campers below a certain weight using a towing hitch. However, it is crucial to ensure that your vehicle's towing capacity includes the weight of both the camper and any additional equipment. It is also advisable to familiarize yourself with the basics of RV towing capacity to make an informed decision.

Additionally, it is important to consider the weight distribution of your setup. The hitch weight, also known as the tongue weight, should typically be between 9% and 15% of the gross trailer weight. This includes the unloaded vehicle weight (UVW), hitch weight, and cargo in the pop-up. Proper weight distribution ensures a stable and safe towing experience.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that some vehicles may require additional modifications or equipment to handle the towing load. For example, if your vehicle does not have a factory harness for a brake controller, you may need to install one. Additionally, ensuring that your vehicle has a well-maintained cooling system and good brakes is essential, as towing a trailer can strain the engine, transmission, and braking system.

In summary, understanding the towing capacity of your vehicle is crucial when considering adding a hitch for a pop-up camper. By knowing the weight of your camper and your vehicle's specific towing capabilities, you can make an informed decision about the feasibility and safety of towing your pop-up camper. Remember to always leave some "wiggle room" in your towing capacity to accommodate for any additional cargo or passengers.

The different types of hitches available

There are two main "types" of trailer hitches commonly used in North America: receivers and fixed hitches. Receiver tow hitches consist of a square tube that is mounted to the frame of your vehicle, and you can slide in a ball mount of your choice. Fixed hitches either have a fixed ball or let you bolt different balls in place.

• Weight Distribution Hitch: This hitch is more common for larger trailers like RVs but can be used with a pop-up camper setup. It is considered a rear hitch and attaches to the back of your towing vehicle. It features lengthy dual spring rods connected to chains with metal ends. These hitches control the weight of your towing setup by reducing tongue weight, which is the maximum downward pressure on your hitch.
• Bumper Hitch: Bumper hitches are recommended for lighter vehicles, making them suitable for pop-up campers. They are characterised by a square receiver tube that goes over your towing vehicle's bumper.
• Pintle Hitch: This hitch has two parts: the lunette, which resembles a thick metal ring, and the pintle, which looks like a metal wrench. Pintle hitches are typically used for commercial-grade vehicles and can pull weights of up to 60,000 pounds, which is far more than what is needed for a pop-up camper.
• Gooseneck Hitch: If you're using a truck as your towing vehicle, you might consider a gooseneck hitch. It fits in the bed of your truck and can pull weights of up to 30,000 pounds, though you won't need this capacity for a pop-up camper.
• Fifth-Wheel Hitch: This hitch is similar in function to the gooseneck hitch but differs in design. It is shorter and smaller but can still pull weights of up to 24,000 pounds. It is exclusive to trucks and can be used for bigger pop-up campers.
• Front Mount Hitch: This is one of the only front hitches available for your towing setup. It has a square receiver and is typically used for functions other than towing a camper, such as trailer parking aides, spare tire mounts, and transforming your vehicle into a snowplow.
• Rear Receiver Hitch: This hitch is similar to the front mount hitch but is placed at the back of your towing vehicle. It also has a square receiver. Rear receiver hitches have five weight classes, with the first two being the lightest. Pop-up campers typically fall into the first or second weight class.

How to attach a hitch to your vehicle

Attaching a hitch to your vehicle is a straightforward process, but it's important to choose the right type of hitch for your needs. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to attach a hitch to your vehicle:

Step 1: Choose the Right Hitch

There are several types of hitches available, including bumper hitches, weight distribution hitches, pintle hitches, gooseneck hitches, fifth-wheel hitches, front mount hitches, and rear receiver hitches. The type of hitch you need will depend on the weight and size of your pop-up camper and your towing vehicle. For pop-up campers, bumper hitches and rear receiver hitches are commonly recommended due to their compatibility with lighter vehicles.

Step 2: Check Vehicle Compatibility

Before installing a hitch, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is capable of towing a pop-up camper. Check your vehicle's towing capacity, which can usually be found in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. It's also important to consider the weight of your camper, including any gear and water you'll be carrying.

Step 3: Select the Correct Ball Mount

To keep your pop-up camper trailer level when hitched, you'll need to choose the right ball mount. The ball mount should allow for the correct rise or drop to ensure the trailer is level with the towing vehicle. Additionally, if you're using a separate ball mount and hitch ball, make sure the ball has the correct shank diameter and length to fit the ball mount.

Step 4: Install the Hitch

You can choose to have a professional install the hitch, or you can do it yourself. If you opt for a DIY installation, follow the instructions provided with the hitch carefully. Make sure to run any necessary wiring for lights and brakes, and consider adding a brake controller if your trailer has surge brakes.

Step 5: Test and Adjust

Once the hitch is installed, test the setup by attaching your pop-up camper and checking the trailer's level. Make any necessary adjustments to the ball mount to ensure the trailer is level and secure.

Step 6: Practice Towing

After installing the hitch, practice driving with the pop-up camper attached. Start by driving around your neighbourhood or in a large, empty parking lot to get a feel for the setup. It's also a good idea to invest in a remote backup camera to assist with visibility when towing.

Remember to always prioritize safety when attaching and using a hitch. Consult professionals if you have any doubts or concerns about your setup, and ensure your vehicle and hitch are properly equipped to handle the weight and dimensions of your pop-up camper.

The ball size of the hitch

When it comes to the ball size of a hitch for a pop-up camper, there are four key measurements to consider: the ball diameter, shank diameter, shank length, and shank rise. The hitch ball diameter is the most important factor in ensuring a secure connection between your towing vehicle and the camper. The two most common diameters are 1-7/8 inches and 2-5/16 inches. It is crucial to select a hitch ball with a diameter that matches the specifications of your camper's coupler or tongue.

The shank diameter and length are also important considerations. The shank diameter should be smaller than the ball mount hole diameter to ensure a proper fit. Most shank diameters range from 3/4 inches to 1-1/4 inches. The shank length, meanwhile, determines how far the ball sits from the ball mount. Selecting the correct shank length helps maintain the proper clearance between your towing vehicle and the camper.

Additionally, the shank rise, or the distance from the bottom of the ball mount to the centre of the hitch ball, is crucial for levelling your pop-up camper. Choosing a ball mount with the appropriate rise or drop ensures that your trailer remains level when hitched, resulting in a smoother and safer towing experience.

It is important to consult your camper's specifications, including its weight and tongue weight, to determine the optimal ball size and hitch type for your setup. This information can typically be found on the camper's frame, coupler, or tongue.

Frequently asked questions