Pop-Up Camper Lengths: Feet Measurements For Your Next Trip

Pop-up campers are a type of recreational vehicle that can be collapsed for easy storage and transport. They are compact and lightweight, making them easy to tow and manoeuvre. The most common measurement used for pop-up campers is the box size, which refers to the interior length before sliding out the beds. Pop-up campers come in a range of sizes, from around 8 feet up to 16 feet, and can weigh anywhere from 700 to 3,800 pounds.

Pop-up camper sizes

The size of a pop-up camper is an important consideration when planning to buy one. The most common measurement used for pop-up campers is the box size, which refers to the interior length of the camper before sliding out the beds. This measurement indicates how much living space you'll have inside the camper.

Historically, pop-up camper boxes came in three sizes: 8 feet, 10 feet, and 12 feet. More recently, 14-foot and 16-foot campers have also become available. The overall length of a pop-up camper can vary due to extra features such as storage trunks or decks, but the box size is a good indicator of the actual living space.

When set up, a pop-up camper can roughly double in size compared to its box size. For example, an 8-foot box can open up to 16 feet, while a 12-foot box can expand to 23 feet or more. It's important to note that the "double-the-box-size" concept doesn't apply to larger campers with queen or king-sized beds.

In addition to the box size, other dimensions to consider are the width, height, and weight of the pop-up camper. The average width of a pop-up camper is between 7 feet and 7 feet 6 inches, while the height can range from 4 feet 6 inches to 5 feet for standard models, with high-wall models offering more height.

Pop-up campers are known for their lightweight construction, with smaller models weighing as little as 700 pounds and larger ones reaching up to 3,800 pounds. This makes them suitable for towing with a variety of vehicles, from motorcycles to cars, SUVs, and trucks.

When choosing a pop-up camper size, it's important to consider your storage space, towing capacity, and the amount of living space you require. Additionally, knowing the dimensions of your camper will help with purchasing a cover, determining campsite requirements, and planning for offseason storage.

Pop-up camper weight

The weight of a pop-up camper varies depending on its size and features. Small pop-up campers can weigh as little as 600 to 900 pounds, while large pop-up campers can weigh 3,000 to 4,500 pounds. The average weight of a pop-up camper is around 2,000 pounds.

Weight Ratings and Definitions

When purchasing a pop-up camper, it's important to understand the different weight ratings and definitions to ensure safe towing:

• Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) or Dry Weight: This is the weight of the pop-up camper when it leaves the manufacturer, including a full fuel tank but excluding any gear or personal items.
• Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum amount of gear, water, and other necessities you can safely pack in the camper.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio (GVWR): This is the total weight of the pop-up camper when fully loaded, including the weight of the camper itself, cargo, water, and passengers.
• Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): This is the maximum weight that the trailer's axles can safely support, including the weight of the camper, gear, and water.

Factors Affecting Pop-up Camper Weight

The weight of a pop-up camper is influenced by several factors:

• Box Size: Larger boxes result in heavier campers due to increased trailer size and more hard wall space.
• Accessories and Amenities: Adding features such as kitchens, bathrooms, larger beds, and entertainment systems increases the overall weight of the camper.
• Construction Materials: Pop-up campers built with higher-quality materials tend to be heavier than those made with cheaper, lightweight materials.

Towing Considerations

When considering a pop-up camper, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle can safely tow the selected camper. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Vehicle Towing Capacity: Check your vehicle's towing capacity in the owner's manual or by searching for your vehicle's make, model, and year. Stay within 80% of the maximum towing capacity to avoid straining your vehicle.
• Trailer Brakes: Trailer brakes are required for trailers over 3,000 pounds, and it's recommended to consider them for trailers over 2,500 pounds. They improve safety and reduce wear and tear on your vehicle's brakes.
• Tongue Weight: Ensure the tongue weight, or the pressure the camper's tongue puts on the hitch, is within the limits specified by your tow vehicle.
• Weight Distribution: Distribute weight evenly in the camper, especially for longer trips. Store heavier items around the middle (above the axle) or at the front end of the trailer.

Pop-up camper features

Pop-up campers are a type of recreational vehicle (RV) that can be collapsed for easy storage and transport. They are a popular choice due to their affordability, compact size, and ease of towing. Here are some of the key features you can expect to find in a pop-up camper:

Basic Features

• Sleeping arrangements: Basic pop-up campers typically include two sleeping bunks and a fold-down dinette that can be converted into an additional bed.
• Kitchen amenities: A basic model will usually have a small dinette or bed, an icebox, and a propane stovetop with two burners. More advanced models may include a sink with a hand pump, freshwater tanks, and a gas or electric refrigerator.
• Power and lighting: Most pop-up campers have a 12-volt DC power system, including an AC to DC converter and a deep-cycle battery. Interior lighting is also standard, while some models may include battery lights.
• Storage: Pop-up campers offer various storage options, such as storage cabinets, large storage trunks, and bike haulers.

Premium Features

• Bathroom facilities: While basic models may not have a bathroom, premium models can include a shower, toilet, and wastewater tanks.
• Climate control: To regulate the temperature, some pop-up campers offer a rooftop air conditioner, propane furnace, and water heater.
• Exterior features: Many pop-up campers come with an awning, skylight or roof vent, propane tanks, and an exterior shower.
• Convenience: Some models have slide-out sections to increase interior space, as well as a microwave, oven, and electric water pump.

Additional Considerations

• Setup and packing: Pop-up campers require setup and packing time, including unfolding and reassembling furniture and connecting to utilities.
• Maintenance: Special care and maintenance are required to improve the functionality and longevity of the camper, especially for the canvas or vinyl walls and the lift mechanism.
• Size and weight: Pop-up campers range in size from 8 feet to 16 feet when packed and can double in size when opened. They typically weigh between 700 and 3,800 pounds.
• Vehicle requirements: Pop-up campers are easy to tow, and their lightweight construction allows for a wide range of towing vehicles, from motorcycles to SUVs.

Pop-up camper setup

Setting up a pop-up camper can be intimidating, especially for first-timers. However, with a bit of guidance, you can confidently set up your camper and start enjoying the great outdoors. Here's a detailed and instructive guide on how to set up a pop-up camper, with a focus on the setup process.

Choosing a Campsite:

First, select a suitable campsite for your pop-up camper. Consider factors such as the slope of the ground, the location of trees, proximity to the fire pit, and the availability of electrical hookups. Ensure you have enough space to extend your camper and that there are no low-hanging branches or obstructions that might interfere with the setup.

Leveling and Stabilizing:

Position your camper in the chosen spot and check the side-to-side level. If one side is lower, adjust it by placing plywood or leveling blocks under the wheels. Repeat this process until the camper is level from side to side. Then, place small blocks of wood in front and behind the wheels to prevent the camper from moving.

Disconnecting and Stabilizing:

Disconnect the camper from your tow vehicle. Lower the camper tongue jack and crank it to raise or lower the tongue end, ensuring the camper is level from front to back. Extend the stabilizer jacks, if available, and place leveling blocks under them for stability.

Power and Utilities:

Connect your camper to the electrical hookup. Turn on the power to essential appliances, such as the fridge, and switch on the power supply to your camper. If using propane, open the valve on the propane tank and wait for the pressure to equalize before using any propane-powered appliances.

Raising the Roof:

Unlatch the roof latches and use the crank handle to raise the roof until it reaches its full height. Some models have a tension cable that tightens as the roof is raised, while others stop automatically.

Beds and Canvas Setup:

Pull out the beds and install the bed support braces. Attach the canvas to the bed ends using Velcro, snaps, or bungee cords. Set up the interior canvas support poles, ensuring they are snug but not forced into place.

Entry Door and Galley Setup:

Install the entry door, locking it into its frame. Attach the canvas around the door frame. Set up the galley or outdoor stove, connecting it to the propane supply.

Water and Drain Connections:

Connect a sanitary water hose from your camper to the water source. If using your water tank, turn on the water pump. Attach a drain hose to the drain fitting and connect it to a grey water tank or bucket.

Water Heater Setup:

Access the hot water tank and light the pilot using a long lighter. Turn the knob to the "on" position, and the water heater should ignite and begin heating the water.

Final Touches:

Secure the beds and canvas, ensuring everything is attached correctly and taut. Plug in any remaining electrical appliances, and you're ready to start camping!

Remember to perform regular maintenance on your pop-up camper, especially the canvas, to keep it in good condition. Enjoy your camping adventures!

Pop-up camper storage

Pop-up campers are a popular choice for those seeking a recreational vehicle (RV) that is easy to store and transport. These campers can be collapsed into a compact size, making them ideal for those with limited storage space. However, their small size also means that storage solutions are essential for a well-organised and enjoyable camping experience. Here are some tips and tricks for maximising storage in your pop-up camper.

Understanding Pop-Up Campers

Before delving into storage solutions, it is essential to understand the basics of pop-up campers. These campers are towed recreational vehicles that offer a large interior space when set up but can be collapsed for easy storage and transportation. They typically consist of a trailer frame, a box, a hard roof, pull-out bunks, and "soft" walls made of vinyl or canvas. Basic models include features such as a fold-down dinette, an onboard freshwater tank, a sink, a power system, interior lighting, sleeping bunks, and storage cabinets.

Storage Ideas for Pop-Up Campers

Now, let's explore some creative storage solutions for your pop-up camper:

• Milk Crates: Plastic milk crates are versatile and handy for storing items in your camper and packing supplies for your trip. They can easily be brought into the house, filled with supplies, and then placed in the camper. Milk crates can also be used as a "dirty dish caddy" to transport dirty dishes to and from the campground's dishwashing station.
• Hanging Mesh Tower: A hanging mesh tower is perfect for storing lightweight plastic dishes, cups, bowls, and even dish towels. It helps utilise vertical space in your pop-up camper.
• Grocery Tote Bag: If you often eat your meals outside, a durable grocery tote bag can be handy for packing your dishes and bringing them into the camper when needed. It can be stored under the dinette table or in the aisle when the camper is folded down.
• Plastic Totes: Plastic totes are another popular option for storing dishes and other items in a pop-up camper. They can be easily cleaned and washed and are ideal for transporting dirty dishes to the campground's dishwashing facility.
• Plastic Organiser with Drawers: Some campers use 3-drawer plastic bins to hold dishes, kitchen utensils, and other small items. When the camper is collapsed, the organiser can be placed in the aisle, and when set up, it can be placed on the counter or brought outside.
• Hanging Wire Baskets: Hanging wire baskets can be hung inside cabinets or above the sink to store items such as bowls, pans, dish soap, and other dishwashing supplies.
• Plastic Bins and Baskets: Using plastic bins and baskets inside cabinets is a simple way to keep items organised and easily accessible.
• Pop-Up Camper Clothes Storage: Plastic dresser drawers are a popular choice for storing clothes in a pop-up camper. They are lightweight and can be easily transported. Hanging closet shelves are another option, which can be hung from ceiling hooks or tension rods. Duffel bags are also commonly used to store clothes, either in the tow vehicle or inside the camper.
• Hanging Storage Ideas: To maximise space in a pop-up camper, it is essential to think vertically. Hanging toiletry organisers, closet organisers, and shoe organisers can be hung from supporting poles or tension rods, providing easy access to frequently used items while freeing up floor and counter space.
• Roof Rack System: A roof rack can be installed to store bulky items such as bicycles and kayaks, freeing up space inside the camper.
• Pop-Up Camper Storage Box: An aftermarket storage box can be added to the front of the trailer frame to provide additional storage space for camping gear, games, and other supplies.
• Tension Rod Shelves: Vertical tension rod shelves can be placed between the counters and the roof to keep counters clutter-free and provide additional storage space.

By utilising these storage ideas and thinking creatively, you can maximise the limited space in your pop-up camper and ensure a well-organised and enjoyable camping experience. Remember to learn as you go and adapt your storage solutions based on your specific needs and usage patterns. Happy camping!

Frequently asked questions