Popup campers are a great option for people who want to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort and convenience. Popup campers are towable recreational vehicles that can be folded or collapsed when not in use, making them easy to store and transport. When you reach your destination, you can pop up the camper and enjoy a cozy living space with beds, kitchen, and sometimes even a bathroom.
But how do you choose the best popup camper for your needs? There are many factors to consider, such as size, weight, features, price, and style. In this guide, we will review some of the best popup campers on the market and help you find the one that suits you best.
What are the Benefits of Popup Campers?
Popup campers have many advantages over other types of RVs, such as:
- Affordability: Popup campers are usually cheaper than travel trailers or motorhomes, making them more accessible for budget-conscious travelers. You can find a decent popup camper for under $10,000, or even less if you buy used.
- Lightweight: Popup campers are lighter than most RVs, which means you can tow them with a smaller vehicle, such as a car, SUV, or minivan. This can save you gas money and make driving easier and safer.
- Compact: Popup campers are compact when folded or collapsed, which means they take up less space in your garage or driveway. You can also park them in more places than larger RVs, such as campsites with size restrictions or low-clearance areas.
- Spacious: Popup campers are spacious when popped up, which means they can accommodate more people and offer more amenities than tents. Most popup campers can sleep up to six people depending on the model, and have features like kitchenettes, dinettes, storage cabinets, and sometimes even toilets and showers.
- Versatile: Popup campers are versatile because they can adapt to different weather conditions and terrains. You can choose from different styles of popup campers, such as soft-sided or hard-sided, regular or off-road, basic or luxurious. You can also customize your popup camper with accessories and upgrades to suit your preferences.
What are the Drawbacks of Popup Campers?
Popup campers also have some disadvantages that you should be aware of before buying one, such as:
- Setup time: Popup campers require some time and effort to set up and take down. Depending on the model and the features, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to pop up or fold down your camper. Some models have electric or hydraulic systems that make the process easier, but others rely on manual cranks or poles that can be tedious or challenging.
- Maintenance: Popup campers require more maintenance than other RVs because they have more moving parts and exposed materials. You need to regularly check and lubricate the hinges, cables, springs, and other components that enable the folding mechanism. You also need to clean and protect the canvas or fiberglass walls from dirt, mold, mildew, and UV damage.
- Insulation: Popup campers are not very well insulated compared to other RVs because they have thin walls and windows. This means they can get very hot or cold depending on the outside temperature. You may need to invest in an air conditioner or heater to keep your camper comfortable in extreme weather.
- Security: Popup campers are not very secure compared to other RVs because they have less sturdy locks and doors. This means they can be more vulnerable to theft or vandalism when left unattended. You may need to take extra precautions to secure your valuables and personal belongings when camping in a popup camper.
What are the Best Popup Campers on the Market?
There are many popup campers available on the market today, each with its own features and specifications. Here are some of the best popup campers we have found based on customer reviews and expert ratings:
Air Opus Pop Up Camper
The Air Opus is a cutting-edge popup camper that uses air pole technology to pop up in 90 seconds with the flip of a switch. It deflates in 30 seconds for easy packing. The Air Opus is lightweight, durable, and spacious, with a comfortable seating area, a gas stove, a refrigerator, an electric heater, and a water tank. It can sleep up to four people in two queen-sized beds. You can also choose from four different styles, including an off-road edition that has a slide-out kitchen, a rough terrain chassis, and off-road tires. The Air Opus costs around $19,000.
Clipper Pop Up Trailers by Coachmen
The Clipper Pop Up Trailers by Coachmen are a popular choice for popup camper enthusiasts. They offer 15 different floor plans to suit different needs and preferences. They have features like LED lights, tinted windows, heated mattresses, awnings, and outdoor speakers. Some models also have bathrooms with toilets and showers. The Clipper Pop Up Trailers can sleep up to six people depending on the model. They are easy to tow and set up, with electric brakes and lift systems. The Clipper Pop Up Trailers cost between $10,000 and $20,000.
Forest River Flagstaff
The Forest River Flagstaff is a high-end popup camper that has a hard-sided roof and slide-out sections that increase the living space. It has features like a three-burner stove, a microwave, a refrigerator, a stereo system, and a TV outlet. It also has a bathroom with a toilet and shower. The Forest River Flagstaff can sleep up to six people in two king-sized beds and a convertible dinette. It has an electric lift system that makes it easy to set up and take down. The Forest River Flagstaff costs around $20,000.
How to Choose the Best Popup Camper for You?
Choosing the best popup camper for you depends on your personal needs, preferences, and budget. Here are some questions to ask yourself before buying a popup camper:
- How many people will you be camping with? You need to consider the sleeping capacity of the popup camper and how comfortable it will be for everyone. You also need to consider the storage space and the seating area of the popup camper.
- What kind of vehicle will you be towing with? You need to consider the weight and size of the popup camper and how compatible it will be with your tow vehicle. You also need to consider the hitch type and the brake system of the popup camper.
- What kind of features do you want in your popup camper? You need to consider the amenities and appliances that you want in your popup camper, such as kitchen, bathroom, heating, cooling, entertainment, etc. You also need to consider the style and design of the popup camper, such as soft-sided or hard-sided, regular or off-road, basic or luxurious.
- How much are you willing to spend on your popup camper? You need to consider the price range of the popup camper and how it fits your budget. You also need to consider the maintenance costs and the resale value of the popup camper.
FAQs
What is the meaning of pop-up camper?
A pop-up camper is a type of recreational vehicle (RV) that has collapsible walls and a roof that can be raised when in use and folded down for when you don’t need it. This makes them lightweight and easy to tow, making them a popular option for people who want to enjoy the great outdoors without having to sacrifice comfort.
Why do people like pop up campers?
There are many reasons why people like pop up campers. Here are a few of the most common reasons:
- They are lightweight and easy to tow. This makes them a good option for people who do not have a truck or who do not want to tow a large RV.
- They are affordable. Popup campers are generally more affordable than traditional RVs.
- They are easy to set up and take down. Popup campers can be set up and taken down in a matter of minutes. This makes them a good option for people who want to be able to get on the road quickly.
- They have limited interior space. This can be a problem if you are traveling with a large group of people or if you have a lot of gear.
- They are not as comfortable as traditional RVs. This is because they do not have as much interior space and they may not have all of the amenities that you would find in a traditional RV.
- They are not as weatherproof as traditional RVs. This means that you may need to take extra precautions if you are camping in inclement weather.
Do popup campers have bathrooms?
Some popup campers do have bathrooms, while others do not. If you are considering purchasing a popup camper, it is important to decide whether or not you want one with a bathroom. Bathrooms in popup campers are typically small and cramped, but they can be a lifesaver if you are camping in remote areas.
What is another name for pop-up camper?
A pop-up camper is also known as a folding camper or tent trailer. These terms are all used to describe the same type of RV.
Conclusion
Popup campers are a great way to enjoy camping without sacrificing comfort and convenience. They are affordable, lightweight, compact, spacious, and versatile. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as setup time, maintenance, insulation, and security.
There are many popup campers on the market today, each with its own features and specifications. Some of the best popup campers we have found are the Air Opus Pop Up Camper, the Clipper Pop Up Trailers by Coachmen, and the Forest River Flagstaff.
To choose the best popup camper for you, you need to consider your personal needs, preferences, and budget. You need to ask yourself questions such as how many people will you be camping with, what kind of vehicle will you be towing with, what kind of features do you want in your popup camper, and how much are you willing to spend on your popup camper.
We hope this guide has helped you find the best popup camper for you. Happy camping!
