Pop-Up Camper Trailers: How Much Do They Cost?

Pop-up campers are a great option for those who want to experience nature simply, lightly, and affordably. They are a blend between a travel trailer and a tent, and can be collapsed into a condensed, portable package. They are lightweight, easy to set up, and can be towed by a variety of vehicles. The price of a pop-up camper varies depending on its features and age, with newer and more sophisticated trailers costing more. They typically weigh less than 4,000 lbs and offer sleeping space for up to six people.

Soft-sided vs hard-sided pop-up campers

When it comes to pop-up campers, you have two main options: soft-sided or hard-sided. Both have their pros and cons, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which type of pop-up camper is the best fit for you:

Soft-Sided Pop-Up Campers

Soft-sided pop-up campers, also known as tent campers, offer a more traditional camping experience. They are typically made with canvas or mesh materials, giving them a lightweight and flexible design. Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of soft-sided pop-up campers:

Advantages:

• Ventilation and Views: Soft-sided campers provide excellent cross-ventilation, which is ideal for camping in warm weather. They also offer panoramic views, allowing you to feel closer to nature.
• Portability: The lightweight construction of soft-sided campers makes them easier to tow and manoeuvre, especially on winding roads. They have a lower profile, which can be advantageous when driving through areas with low-hanging branches.
• Storage: Soft-sided campers often provide ample under-bed storage space, which is useful for keeping your gear organised and accessible.
• Cost: These campers tend to be more affordable than their hard-sided counterparts, making them a budget-friendly option.

Disadvantages:

• Durability: The soft materials used in these campers are more susceptible to tears, water damage, and snags from branches. Over time, they may require repairs or replacements.
• Weather Protection: While soft-sided campers are great for warm weather, they may struggle to keep the heat in during colder seasons. They are also more prone to rain and wind damage.
• Assembly: Setting up and taking down a soft-sided camper can be time-consuming and tedious, especially in windy conditions.
• Privacy and Security: Soft-sided campers offer less privacy and security than hard-sided options. They may not be permitted in certain campgrounds or national parks due to safety concerns, particularly regarding wildlife.

Hard-Sided Pop-Up Campers

Hard-sided pop-up campers, on the other hand, feature solid walls made of materials such as fiberglass, aluminum, or composite panels. They combine the convenience of a traditional camper with the flexibility of a pop-up design. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of hard-sided pop-up campers:

Advantages:

• Durability: The sturdy construction of hard-sided campers makes them more durable and long-lasting. They are better equipped to handle strong winds, rain, and other weather conditions.
• Insulation: Hard-sided campers offer superior insulation, providing better temperature control during winter and summer. They retain heat in the winter and keep the interior cool in the summer.
• Assembly: These campers have a streamlined setup process, saving you time and effort. You don't need to deal with extending poles or fighting with fabrics.
• Amenities: Hard-sided campers are more likely to have dedicated bathrooms, kitchens, and additional storage compartments. They offer more comfort and convenience, especially for longer trips or larger groups.
• Privacy and Security: The solid construction of hard-sided campers provides better privacy and security. Features like door and window locks, strong wall panels, and steel chassis give you peace of mind during your outdoor adventures.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: Hard-sided campers tend to be more expensive than soft-sided options, which may be a factor for those on a budget.
• Size and Weight: These campers are typically heavier and may require a vehicle with a higher towing capacity. They might not be suitable for those looking for a compact and lightweight option.
• Storage: Hard-sided campers may have limited under-bed storage compared to soft-sided campers.
• Maintenance: While hard-sided campers require less frequent repairs, finding replacement parts for certain components can be challenging, depending on the model.

In conclusion, both soft-sided and hard-sided pop-up campers have their unique advantages and trade-offs. Soft-sided campers are ideal for those seeking a more traditional camping experience, with better ventilation and views. They are more portable and usually more affordable. On the other hand, hard-sided campers offer superior durability, insulation, and privacy. They provide more amenities and convenience, making them a better choice for those seeking a more comfortable and secure camping experience. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences, budget, and specific camping needs.

Cost of renting a pop-up camper

Pop-up campers are a great option for those who want to experience nature simply, lightly, and affordably. They are a blend between a travel trailer and a tent, and can be collapsed down into a condensed, portable package.

On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per night to rent a pop-up camper. However, you can find smaller and older versions for as low as $50, while some newer and more sophisticated expandable trailers may cost over $150 per night.

When renting a pop-up camper, it is important to inquire about any additional costs, such as mileage price per mile, cleaning fees, linens, generator usage, pet fees, and delivery fees.

Pop-up campers are generally lightweight and easy to tow, making them a good option for those transitioning from car or tent camping to RVing. They are also more navigable than larger RVs, as they can fit into areas where larger RVs cannot. Planning routes is also easier with pop-up campers, as you don't have to worry about weight and height restrictions.

• 2017 Rockwood Premier: This pop-up trailer is 25 feet in length and sleeps up to six people. It has a weekly rate of $53.33 per night and a monthly rate of $47.40 per night.
• 2020 Coleman Grand Tour Elite Niagara: This pop-up camper sleeps four adults or 2-3 adults with up to four kids. It has a weekly rate of $78.59 per night and a monthly rate of $71.70 per night.
• 2020 Malibu Gladiator Camper: This unique rental includes a rooftop tent and a choice of a Jeep or 4Runner vehicle. It sleeps 2-3 people and has a daily, weekly, and monthly rate of $103.50 per night.
• 2015 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 with Roof Tent: This rental includes a pop-up tent that sleeps two and a Jeep that seats six. It has a weekly rate of $89.10 per night and a monthly rate of $79.20 per night.

In general, pop-up camper rentals are a cost-effective option for those looking to experience RV camping without breaking the bank.

Pros and cons of renting a pop-up camper

Pop-up campers are a great option for those who want to experience nature simply, lightly, and affordably. They are a blend between a travel trailer and a tent, making them a unique recreational vehicle. They are also a good option for those who are transitioning from car or tent camping to RVing. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if renting a pop-up camper is right for you:

Pros:

• Affordable: Pop-up campers are one of the most affordable ways to jump into RV living. New or used, these small campers generally cost much less than traditional travel trailers. It’s not uncommon to find used models for under $5,000, and some older ones often sell for as little as $2,000.
• Easy to tow: Pop-up campers are known for their easy towing capabilities. Unlike larger travel trailers, which require powerful trucks for towing, most pop-up campers can be towed by standard family vehicles, including sedans and small SUVs. For instance, the Sylvan Go pop-up camper has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of only 800 lbs, allowing it to be towed by almost any vehicle with a towing package.
• Comfortable: Pop-up campers are way more comfortable than tent camping. They come with a sleeping area, a small kitchen, and some even have full bathrooms. Some pop-up campers, like the Rockwood tent camper, even come equipped with air conditioning or are prepped for A/C installation. Additionally, many models include small furnaces to keep you warm during colder camping trips.
• Immersive natural experience: The canvas walls of a pop-up camper let you enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of nature while still keeping you safe from bad weather, insects, and some animals. Sleeping in a pop-up camper feels closer to tent camping but with added comfort and security.
• Easy and affordable storage: Storing a pop-up camper is cheaper than storing a typical RV. Monthly RV storage fees can range from $100 to over $400 for heated storage space. But if your pop-up camper fits inside a garage, you can save thousands of dollars in storage fees.
• Beginner-friendly: Pop-up campers are perfect for beginners as they are small, easy to tow and operate.
• Increased navigability: The small size of a pop-up camper means you can fit in areas where larger RVs can’t. You can easily tow them through narrow, dirt roads that might pose hazards to those driving larger rigs.
• Cheaper to rent: Pop-up campers are some of the most affordable RV rentals in the market.
• Lightweight: Most pop-up camper rentals are very lightweight. You may even find one that you can tow with your car.
• Detachable: You can detach the tent trailer from your tow vehicle and use it to go shopping or explore the area.
• Main essentials: Despite their small size, they still come with the most important amenities–a place to sleep, cook, and dine. Some models also have a full bathroom, plenty of storage, and even racks for your bikes or boat.

Cons:

• Setup and takedown: Pop-up campers take time to set up and break down, and doing it in bad weather is not fun.
• Bad weather: Pop-up campers aren't great in bad weather because of the soft materials used to manufacture them. Whether you're facing extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, or any other type of harsh weather conditions, pop-up campers perform only slightly better than traditional tents.
• Break-ins: Pop-up campers are much safer than tents, but they are still considered vulnerable to break-ins. It's important to be aware of what food or valuables you leave inside the RV as they can attract an unwanted crowd.
• Lack of privacy: With almost no soundproofing and limited privacy, pop-up campers might not be the best option if you're staying at a noisy campground or looking for dedicated spaces within your RV rental.
• Climate control: If you rent a pop-up camper without climate control features, the thin walls will offer less insulation. The inside will overheat on hot days or get really cold in chilly conditions.
• Wet conditions: When it rains, the sides of the camper, which are made of canvas, will get soaked, and some water could find its way inside, which can be uncomfortable. And you’ll have to air the canvas to dry before breaking camp.
• Noise: The thin walls can’t block out most outside noises. It can be quite frustrating trying to sleep through the endless chatter of your neighbors or the hum of a generator.

Top pop-up camper manufacturers

When it comes to pop-up camper manufacturers, there are several reputable brands to choose from, each offering unique features and amenities to enhance your camping experience. Here is a detailed overview of some of the top pop-up camper manufacturers:

Forest River

Forest River is a leading pop-up camper brand that offers a wide range of models, including both tent campers and hard-sided pop-up campers. Their campers are known for their quality, versatility, and comfort. Forest River pop-up campers come in various sizes, with sleeping capacities ranging from 2 to 8 people. While they offer many features and amenities, some of their higher-end models may come with a premium price tag.

Jayco

Jayco is a well-respected brand in the RV industry, known for its durable and reliable pop-up campers. They offer a variety of floor plans to suit different camping preferences. However, some models can be on the heavier side, which may affect towing capacity.

Coachmen

Coachmen is recognised for its quality construction and innovative designs. Their pop-up campers offer various amenities to enhance your camping experience. However, more features can lead to increased weight and price.

Starcraft

Starcraft pop-up campers provide a good balance between affordability and quality. They offer straightforward designs and comfortable interiors. However, they have limited floor plan options compared to some other brands.

Aliner

Aliner is famous for its hard-sided pop-up campers, which feature a unique folding design. Their campers offer quick setup and protection from the elements. One trade-off is that their interiors may be smaller compared to some canvas-sided models.

Viking

Viking pop-up campers are popular among first-time campers or those on a budget due to their affordability and straightforward design. However, they may have limited high-end features and amenities.

In addition to these top manufacturers, other notable brands include Palomino, Livin' Lite, Columbia Northwest (Somerset and Aliner brands), and Chalet. Each of these manufacturers offers unique features, catering to different preferences, from rugged outdoor adventures to family camping trips.

How camper weight affects your travel

The weight of a camper trailer is an important consideration when planning your travels. Here are some key points on how camper weight can affect your journey:

Safety

Firstly, and most importantly, camper weight is a critical factor in ensuring the safety of your travels. Overloading your trailer can lead to dangerous situations on the road. When you exceed the weight limit, you put extra strain on the frame, tires, and axles. This can cause trailer sway, making it challenging to control and increasing the risk of accidents. It also puts you at risk of breaking the connection between the trailer and your vehicle, which could lead to a rollover.

Legal Compliance

Understanding the weight of your camper is essential for legal compliance. Some states have special licensing requirements for vehicles over a certain weight. Additionally, certain roads, bridges, and platforms may have weight restrictions that you need to abide by. Knowing your camper's weight will help you plan your route and ensure you don't accidentally violate any weight-related laws or regulations.

Tow Vehicle Selection

The weight of your camper will also determine the type of tow vehicle you need. Different vehicles have varying towing capacities, and it's crucial to choose one that can safely handle the weight of your camper. Selecting the right tow vehicle ensures stability and prevents issues like trailer sway. It's not just about the maximum weight your vehicle can tow but also considering the tongue weight, which is the force exerted by the trailer on the hitch.

Fuel Efficiency and Performance

Camper weight has a direct impact on your vehicle's fuel efficiency and overall performance. Heavier campers will require more fuel to move and may result in higher fuel costs for your trip. Additionally, a heavier load can affect your vehicle's acceleration, climbing ability, and braking distance.

Weight Distribution and Stability

Understanding the weight distribution of your camper is vital for maintaining stability on the road. Improper weight distribution can lead to suspension or frame damage and increase the risk of swaying and tipping. To ensure a safe and comfortable journey, it's essential to distribute the weight evenly and within the recommended limits.

Tips for Managing Camper Weight

To ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience, here are some tips for managing camper weight:

• Pack wisely and only bring what you need.
• Fill your fresh water tanks at your destination instead of travelling with a full tank.
• Stock your kitchen at your campsite to reduce weight during travel.
• Use lightweight materials for repairs or modifications, such as aluminum.
• Regularly weigh your camper, especially when fully loaded, to ensure it stays within the recommended limits.

Frequently asked questions