Pop Up Trailer Campers

If the idea of sleeping on the ground in a tent doesn't appeal to you, and the thought of driving a large RV scares you, then perhaps you might want to look into pop up trailer campers. They may go by different names (popup trailers, popup camper, pop-up camper, folding camper, tent camper, camping trailer, folding camping trailer, fold down camper and soft-side camper), but they're basically the same: a camper that folds down into a hard sided base "box" with pull-out sleeping areas and canvas sides on either end of the camper. For those who need more room, a popup camper with a slide out will give you even more space.

Popup trailers are a nice upgrade from a tent because they're more comfortable for sleeping and provide better protection from the elements than most tents do, yet easier on the budget than an RV. New pop up campers start at around $5,000 up to about $20,000 for a larger, fully decked-out model, with the average price being around $8,000 to $12,000. Most dealers who carry new pop ups will also have used models available, so you can save some money there as well.

For more information on the benefits of pop-up trailers, we've included the following article:

Pop-up Campers – Van, Truck and Tent Travel Trailers
by Nina Romanov

A family of four can sleep comfortably in the trailer, especially if the kids are young enough to sleep in the same bed.

The basic unit has two fold outs that are used as sleeping quarters. The main part has a small dinette, a storage area and a cooking area with a tiny refrigerator. Generally there is an outdoor shower and a grilling area. Notice a toilet is not mentioned. The low end pop-up trailers don’t have them. Many people use portable toilets for emergencies and use the campground facilities otherwise.

The higher priced campers often have cassette toilets, a shower, better cooking facilities and some have a slide out, which gives you extra living space. The extra room is a boon when everyone is stuck inside due to inclement weather. Remember to pack some games and toys for the kids and a good book for yourself.

Your family should have no problem eating and sleeping in the pop-up as long as you don’t have to stay indoors for long periods of time. You are protected from the elements by heavy duty canvas and a metal rook.

One problem new RV-ers have with their pop-ups is backing into your campsites. Take it slow and have someone guide you in or choose a pull-through campsite.

The only other major expense you will have is the cost of the hitch, which is less than $500. The increased consumption of gasoline is minimal and your insurance and tolls for your camper is much less than it would be for high end RVs.

Our first camper was a Coleman pop-up that we bought used. We used it for two years and had a blast. It was sold to a friend when we bought a camper van.

If you aren’t sure about whether you would enjoy RV-ing and don’t want to hassle with having to get the RV back to the dealer by a certain time, get yourself a used pop-up and I guarantee you will be hooked on RV-ing.

To get discounts on campground and RV rentals as well as RV parts you should join the Good Sam Club. The club also provides a discount RV insurance and an excellent roadside assistance program. This group also has message boards where you can ask questions and make life-long friendships.

There are dozens of websites where you can find places to rent or buy a pop-up camper-trailer. You can also look in hunting or other outdoor sports magazine want ads for used campers.

Auction sites like E-bay often have pop-ups listed either for direct sale or as an auction item. If you shop wisely you can save big money here on your used trailer.

Coleman is one of the manufacturers of pop-ups a.k.a. fold out trailers. They have been in business since 1978. You can’t go wrong with one of their campers.

The pop-up actually has some advantages over the bigger more luxurious motor homes. The camper is easier to maintain and store. Also once you get to your campsite and set up, the tow vehicle can be used to go sightseeing, shopping or to visit local attractions. You can’t park a big motor home in front of the local mini-mart.

Cost-wise the care, maintenance and use of a pop-up is cheaper than the bigger mobile homes. Enjoy your pop-up camper trailer.

About the Author:

Nina is an expert freelance writer. She is a cake decorator and a certified naturopath. Presently she is happily RV-ing with her husband. Would you like to learn more about pop up campers? Visit Pop-up-ing

Synonyms:  cmper, caper, capmer, camer, camepr, campr, and campre are typos and mispellings for "camper."