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5 Advantages of a Pop Up Camper
If you love tent camping but want a few more amenities, a pop-up camper is a great option. Pop-up campers are excellent towable RVs for folks that don’t want to upgrade to a truck or simply want to go RVing more affordably.
Pop-ups are the most affordable RVs you’ll find, and they offer a lot for the money. If you’re looking for an upgrade from a tent or want a good beginner RV, a pop-up is a smart way to go.
Shop new and used Pop Up RVs online from Camping World, or read on to learn some advantages of pop-up campers.
1. Pop-Up Campers are Affordable
Of all the RVs out there, the pop-up is by far the most affordable option. This is even true of brand new models, but the used market is an excellent option too. You can often find a used pop-up in good condition for less than $10,000 if you don’t mind a camper with minimal features.
The simplicity of a pop-up camper is what keeps their price tags low, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without amenities. Most pop-ups feature a nice kitchen area with a sink, a dinette, and two queen beds for ample sleeping space.
Some even have a wet bath, so you don’t have to utilize the campground facilities whenever you need to shower or use the restroom. Many modern pop-ups also boast outdoor kitchens, which allows you to minimize in-and-out foot traffic during meal times.
The scope of features in a pop-up RV really depends on the unit’s size and what the manufacturer can fit within the floorplan. Obviously, units with larger floorplans and more features and amenities will demand a higher price.
2. Pop Up RVs are Lightweight
Photo by Camping WorldThe design of the pop-up camper makes it a lightweight tent trailer. Most are under 3,000 lbs, and many are under 2,500 lbs. This means the vehicle sitting in your garage right now can likely tow a pop-up if it has a hitch. They’re easy to tow, and you don’t need a huge and expensive tow vehicle.
One of the downsides of fifth wheels and travel trailers is weight. Depending on a trailer’s size, you might need a full-size truck or heavy-duty truck to tow it. However, pop-up campers can usually be towed by your regular family SUV, minivan, midsize truck, or crossover utility vehicle.
Explore five RVs you can pull with an SUV.
3. Pop Up Campers are Small and Maneuverable
Another plus to the pop-up camper is that it’s small and maneuverable. Especially when folded away and ready to be towed to the next location. Pop-up campers can fit in smaller campsites that other RVs can’t. This opens up more opportunities for adventuring to new locations.
It also makes maneuvering into your campsite much easier. Because it doesn’t obstruct your rear vision, pop-up campers are arguably the easiest type of RV to maneuver when it comes to backing up a trailer into your campsite.
That same benefit pertains to driving pop-up campers on the road. Their ability to fold down makes many new RVers feel more comfortable towing a pop-up over a larger camper like a fifth wheel or a travel trailer.
4. Pop-Up Trailers Are Easy to Set Up and Breakdown
Photo by Sarah Tee via ShutterstockWhen it comes to setting up and breaking down, pop-up trailers are easy to use, especially if you’re new to the RV camping experience. Because of their smaller size, they’re easy to set up on leveling blocks when you pull into your campsite.
Depending on the model, they’ll either have a manual or electric crank to pop open. With either method, this process is quick and easy to complete, and you’ll be able to climb inside your camper to lounge in one of the beds in minutes.
Some of the best pop-up campers include a fresh water tank and waste holding tanks, as well as a prep for installing solar panels on the roof. So despite their small size, these small campers can also be a great option for boondocking.
5. Pop-Ups Require Minimal Storage Space
Photo by Gregory Simpson via ShutterstockOne of the big challenges for new RV owners is where to keep your RV in the offseason. Paying for a storage facility may or may not be in your budget, but another benefit of pop-up campers is the ability to store them on your property.
Larger class A RVs can be restrictive if you don’t have a dedicated RV pad at your residence. Yes, you can store them away from your home, but you’ll have to pay for that, and you won’t have the peace of mind to walk outside and check on your RV whenever you want.
More people have the space at their homes to store pop-up campers instead of larger RVs. This helps you reduce RV storage costs and also keeps your camper nearby so you can pack up and hit the road at a moment’s notice.
These are just a few of the advantages of a pop-up camper. While you don’t get all of the privacy and comforts that come with other RV types, it’s important not to discount this small and affordable option.
Have you ever owned a pop-up camper? If so, what did you think? Leave a comment below!
