Top 5 Tips for Buying a Pop-Up Camper

When you think of traveling with a trailer, the type of trailers that come to mind might be large, cumbersome, expensive vehicles. However, pop-ups, also called folding trailers, offer a lighter-weight, budget-friendly way to experience RV camping. It’s also a great, introductory step up from camping in a tent. If you love tent camping, but not the discomfort of sleeping on the ground, a pop-up camper may be the answer!

Buying a new or used pop-up camper can be an exciting experience, but it is important to keep in mind a few key tips to ensure you get the right camper for your needs. RVT has provided five top tips to consider before buying a pop-up camper.

1. Consider Your Budget

Determine how much you are willing to spend on a pop-up camper and stick to that budget. Pop-up campers can range in price from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the make, model, and features. Well-known folding trailers with a good reputation include Flagstaff, Rockwood, Aliner, and Jayco. It is helpful to seek out specific brands and compare across models to find a trailer that suits your needs and your wallet. Remember to factor items like a hitch (if you don’t have one), insurance, storage (if necessary), and accessories into your budget. 

2. Determine Your Camping Needs

There are numerous factors to consider before purchasing a pop-up trailer. How many people will be using the camper? Where will you be camping? How often do you plan to use it? Answering these questions will help you determine the size and features you need in a pop-up camper. Some pop-up campers are equipped with a bathroom or a dinette, however the cost of added features like these may increase the price. If you plan to do a significant amount of cooking while traveling, a kitchen or dinette space will be a useful feature. Another major feature that must be considered is the type of external material on your trailer – canvas or hard-sided. Both come with advantages, but canvas is often less expensive. Though durable, it may not perform well in extreme weather and inside conditions may be very hot or very cold depending on the environment. On the other hand, hard sided pop-ups have a higher price tag, as they are made of more durable material that can withstand more harsh environmental conditions.

3. Consider the Weight and Towing Capacity

Pop-up campers are typically lightweight and easy to tow, but make sure your vehicle can safely tow the camper you are considering. Locate the sticker on your current driver door that displays the towing capacity. However, do not simply look at the weight of the camper against your vehicle’s towing capacity – the listed number of the camper typically reflects the weight without any gear packed inside it. A good rule-of-thumb is to add an extra 500 pounds to the weight. If your vehicle has a higher towing capacity than the adjusted number, you are in the clear. If the pop-up trailer you are considering is too heavy, you need to weigh your options – either get a smaller trailer and save more money or trade in a larger vehicle to support the larger pop-up trailer. If you’re unsure of the towing capacity of your vehicle, or whether your existing vehicle can handle the trailer you’re interested in, check your vehicle owner’s manual or talk to a dealer.

4. Do Your Own Research

Browse various dealerships and online marketplace platforms like RVT.com to determine your ideal pop-up trailer. It is also useful to check out reviews on sites like RVinsider.com to get honest opinions of the trailers that piqued your interest. This will help you determine if the trailer is the right fit for your needs. Do not solely base your opinion off one platform. Rather, search a variety of forums to determine the reputation of the specific make and model.

5. View the Trailer in Person

Pictures may be deceiving. Before you decide to purchase your desired pop-up trailer, make sure to view it in person. Check to see if there is enough storage space for all your camping gear and supplies and get a feel for the living quarters. If the trailer feels too cramped, consider purchasing a trailer with a larger floorplan that is still within your budget range.

Pop-up trailers are a great, lightweight entry into the world of RVing. They are often more wallet-friendly than other RVs, and may sleep up to 8 people. Consider what you’ll be using the trailer for, and how often you’ll be using it before you go shopping to help you determine how much trailer you need. 

When you’re ready to purchase a new or used pop-up trailer, check out the current listings on RVT.com

By Alex Hoyes