Towing A Pop-Up Camper: How Far Is Too Far?

Pop-up campers are a great option for those who want to try out the RV lifestyle but are not quite ready to commit. They are compact, easy to tow, and can be brought around in small vehicles. However, it is important to ensure that your vehicle is capable of towing one.

The towing capacity of your vehicle depends on its gross vehicle weight rating, gross combined weight rating, gross axle weight rating, curb weight, and tongue weight. You can calculate your vehicle's towing capacity by finding its curb weight, adding the weight of passengers, fuel, and cargo, and then subtracting this number from its gross combined weight rating.

Pop-up campers typically weigh between 1,100 and 3,300 pounds, with an average of about 2,400 pounds. However, some can weigh below 1,500 pounds or even above 4,500 pounds. It is crucial to ensure that your pop-up camper weighs less than your vehicle's towing capacity.

In addition to weight, you should also consider the width of your pop-up camper. If it is wider than your vehicle, you may need to install tow mirrors to improve visibility.

Before embarking on your journey, it is recommended to practice driving with the pop-up camper attached. You can drive around your neighbourhood or go to an empty parking lot to practice parking and braking.

Overall, towing a pop-up camper is relatively simple due to its size, weight, and height. By understanding your vehicle's capabilities and the weight of your camper, you can safely enjoy the benefits of a pop-up camper on your next trip.

Pop-up camper weight and towing capacity

When towing a pop-up camper, it is important to understand the weight capabilities of your towing vehicle. Pop-up campers are some of the lightest options for RV towing. The average pop-up camper weighs around 2,000 pounds, with smaller pop-up trailers weighing below 2,000 and larger ones weighing above 3,000 pounds.

Before deciding on a specific pop-up camper, it is important to ask yourself two questions: Can your vehicle safely tow it, and are you comfortable towing a trailer of that size? To answer the first question, you must understand the following key terms:

• Trailer Dry Weight or Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW): This refers to the unloaded pop-up camper weight, without water or camping gear.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum weight the pop-up camper can carry, including the trailer weight, gear, water, and optional equipment.
• Vehicle Towing Capacity: This is the maximum weight that your vehicle can safely tow.

Experts recommend keeping your loaded pop-up trailer weight 10-20% below your vehicle's towing capacity. Towing a fully loaded trailer that weighs more than your vehicle's capacity can be dangerous and negatively impact your vehicle's handling and braking ability. Standard passenger sedans are typically best suited for towing pop-up campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds, while heavier-duty vehicles like 4x4 SUVs can tow more.

When towing a pop-up camper, ensure that the trailer is balanced, without all the weight concentrated in one area. If you're using a smaller passenger vehicle, be mindful not to strain the hitch or jack where the camper attaches. Additionally, always fold the walls, roof, and expandable elements before hitting the road.

Preparing your vehicle for towing

Before you set off on your camping trip, it's important to ensure your vehicle is prepared for towing a pop-up camper. Here are some essential steps to follow:

• Check your vehicle's capabilities: Review your vehicle's manual to understand its towing capacity and weight capabilities. This information is crucial in determining whether your vehicle can safely tow a pop-up camper.
• Calculate your vehicle's towing capacity: To do this, you need to find the curb weight of your vehicle (its weight without passengers) and then add the weight of passengers, fuel, and cargo. Subtract this total from your vehicle's gross combined weight rating, which can be found on the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) if not on the door sticker. The resulting number is your vehicle's towing capacity. Ensure your pop-up camper weighs less than this value.
• Ensure your hitch can handle the weight: Most modern hitches can handle substantial weight, but it's important to verify that your hitch is rated for the weight of your pop-up camper setup.
• Understand weight distribution: Familiarize yourself with terms like GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), UVW (unloaded vehicle weight), GCWR (gross combined weight rating), and GAWR (gross axle weight rating). These terms will help you understand how weight is distributed across your vehicle and trailer.
• Practice driving with a trailer: Before embarking on your trip, practice driving with the pop-up camper attached. Get a feel for accelerating, braking, and turning with the added weight and size of the trailer. This will help you adjust to the differences in handling and manoeuvrability.
• Install a remote backup camera: Consider investing in a remote backup camera that connects to your mobile device or dashboard. This will greatly improve your visibility when reversing or parking with the trailer attached.
• Check your vehicle's maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition. Check items such as tyre pressure, oil levels, brake functionality, and lights. Also, ensure your vehicle's bearings are serviced and tyres are in good condition and properly inflated.
• Plan your route: Take into account the speed rating of your trailer tyres, typically 65 mph, and plan your route accordingly. Allow extra time for braking and passing, and try to avoid rushing.
• Practice backing up: Backing up with a trailer can be challenging. Find a large, empty parking lot and practice backing into spaces. This will help you gain confidence and improve your manoeuvring skills.

Driving and parking techniques

Before you set off, it's important to check your vehicle's towing capacity and ensure you do not overload your camper. Pop-up campers are generally light and easy to tow, but you should still be careful and follow some basic safety practices.

Firstly, make sure you have the right equipment. Check that your vehicle has a suitable tow package and electrical connection. You may also want to consider installing a remote backup camera to help you see what's behind you when driving.

When towing, remember to drive slowly and smoothly. Be patient and leave plenty of space for braking and stopping. Keep your speed under the maximum speed limit for your trailer tires, which is usually 60-65 mph. Allow other traffic to pass you if necessary, rather than speeding up. Signal any turns or lane changes well in advance, and stick to the right-most lane to give other drivers space to overtake you.

When making turns, remember that you need to swing a little wider to account for the trailer behind you. Practice driving with the trailer in a large, empty parking lot to get a feel for it.

When parking, leave plenty of room in front of your vehicle so you can pull away easily when you leave. Try to park in a way that prevents other vehicles from parking directly in front or behind you, which can obstruct your vision and make it difficult to manoeuvre when leaving.

When unhitching, remember to chock the wheels before unhitching and always unhook latches first before raising the roof.

Trailer brakes and safety

Trailer brakes are an important safety feature when towing a pop-up camper. While not all pop-up campers come equipped with trailer brakes, it is highly recommended that you have them installed for your safety and the safety of other drivers. Trailer brakes can help control a bigger, heavier rig and prevent accidents. They are especially important if your trailer ever comes loose from its hitch, as they provide a way to stop it from swaying out of control.

The type of trailer brakes you need will depend on the size and weight of your camper. Larger and heavier trailers will require trailer brakes to assist in stopping, while smaller and lighter trailers may not need them but can still benefit from having them. Some states may also mandate the use of trailer brakes, so it is important to check the laws in your area before planning a road trip.

There are several types of brake controllers available:

• Time-delayed brake controllers: These controllers allow you to set the amount of power needed to bring your rig to a complete stop, with the stopping power increasing as your rig weight does. They are known for their speedy installation and low price, but they can strain your towing vehicle's braking system over time.
• Pendulum brake controllers: These controllers detect vehicular motion via a pendulum and require calibration in a completely level area before use. When you stop your rig, the pendulum moves, and the controller brakes your camper accordingly.
• Proportional brake controllers: These controllers are more advanced, as they include a motion sensor. When you stop your rig, they apply the same amount of stopping pressure to the trailer brakes, resulting in less strain on your towing vehicle's braking system and smoother stops.

In addition to trailer brakes, there are several other safety considerations to keep in mind when towing a pop-up camper:

• Always review your passenger vehicle's manual to understand its towing capabilities and ensure that you do not exceed its weight limits.
• Keep your speed down when towing a camper, especially on interstate highways where tractor-trailers may be passing you.
• Practice backing up and turning with the trailer in a large, empty parking lot before your trip to get a feel for the extra width and length of your rig.
• Allow more time for braking and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Regularly check and maintain your trailer tires, bearings, and other components to ensure they are in good condition and properly lubricated.
• Familiarize yourself with the road rules and regulations in the areas you will be driving through, including any speed limits, weight restrictions, or other requirements.

By following these safety tips and ensuring your trailer is properly equipped and maintained, you can confidently embark on your pop-up camping trip and enjoy the flexibility and comfort it offers.

Insurance and regulations

Although pop-up campers are not required by law to have insurance, it is still a good idea to get one. If you are at fault in an accident that damages your camper, the towing vehicle's liability coverage will not pay for repairs to your camper. The liability coverage from the vehicle towing your camper transfers to it while it is on the road, but only while it is on the road. If your camper is parked on your property, your homeowners insurance could help out.

If you rent a pop-up camper, the dealer or owner will include a mandatory insurance policy with the rental agreement. If you are buying a pop-up camper using a loan, the lender will require you to pay for insurance.

The cost of insuring a pop-up camper will depend on the kind of coverage you take and will vary depending on the insurance company. On average, pop-up camper insurance costs between $75 and $400 per year.

When towing a pop-up camper, it is important to understand the weight capabilities of your towing vehicle. Many passenger vehicles can safely tow pop-up campers below a certain weight using a towing hitch. You will need to confirm the total weight of the camper and any equipment you will be bringing along.

If you already have car insurance, check with the dealer or go through their policy terms to find out if it covers your camper for liability as it is being towed by the car. Not all car insurance companies provide full trailer insurance, so it is important to do your research and find out which companies offer this policy.

Additional Pop-Up Camper Insurance to Consider

While your pop-up camper would carry the liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage under your towing vehicle's auto policy, it wouldn't be covered for damage that it sustains. That's why it's imperative to get an RV policy on your camper. Plus, since you don't technically need the liability portion, it should be much cheaper than getting RV insurance on a drivable rig.

Collision coverage can pay for damage your pop-up camper sustains in an accident—even if the accident wasn't your fault. Comprehensive coverage can pay for damage to your pop-camper and belongings that are deemed to be out of your control and don't involve another vehicle.

Frequently asked questions