Are you planning to buy a pop up camper but don’t know where to start? Fortunately for you, I have them all covered with this complete buyer’s guide. This article will also provide five best pop up campers reviews so you’ll have an easy time selecting the right brand and model for you.
Recently, I’ve seen a lot of people using pop up campers for their outdoor adventure. Many campers love this type of trailer because it’s better than a regular tent and more portable than a travel trailer. So before you get ahead of yourself, keep on reading.
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Advantages Of Pop Up Campers
The selling point of pop up campers is their lightweight construction which you can tow with any vehicle, like sedan, SUV, or even a hybrid car. Together with a more efficient fuel, you save on gas considerably. Also, it won’t damage your vehicle like a bulky travel trailer does.
The beauty of a pop up camper is it offers the same convenient amenities of a high-end RV at a lesser price. Basic amenities include a sink, stove, and even a shower. Many models of pop up campers can be assembled in less than an hour, which is quicker than setting up a tent.
The full weather protection is another benefit of a pop up camper. The hard roof and the waterproof walls provide protection from the rain. If you want fresh air, you can just unzip the sides.
When you’re taking it down for storage, you only need to neatly fold it into a 4-foot tall box. You can conveniently find a place for storage because it’s so compact. The best place for storage is somewhere safe from elements.
3 Different Types Of Pop Up Campers
- 1. Tent Trailer
- 2. A-Frame
- 3. Soft-top Tent Trailer
Via: https://www.jayco.com
The tent trailer is perhaps the standard type of pop up trailer with a solid roof and box that extends twice its length. Examples of tent trailers are Jayco and Coachmen Viking.
Properly Setting Up A Pop Up Camper
The first thing that you need to do is to level your camper from side to side. You can place some small blocks on the wheels to level your camper. Once leveled, pull out the electrical cord and connect it on the campsite’s power source.
Next, crank the roof at full height and pull out the canvas. Hook up your propane and access the hot water tank. If you like a more detailed instruction, watch, this video.
How To Buy The Best Pop Up Camper
Honestly, a pop up camper costs very high. That’s why you need to make sure that what you buy is worth your every penny. Here’s a checklist on buying a pop up camper.
Know Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
To get an idea of the pop up trailer that you need to buy, determine your vehicle’s towing capacity. You can learn this thing from the owner’s manual. Remember to consider the weight of your camping gear and luggage.
Do Some Research
Just like with everything else, a good research will make a big difference. You can look for several models at local or online pop up camper dealers. Consider the amenities you need and the price range that you can afford.
Check The Entire Pop Up Camper
Every time you have set a model that you like, check the whole setup. Extend or crank all sections. Inspect the walls, tires, and roof to check any damage. If there’s any appliances, like a fridge or air conditioning, check if they’re functioning well.
Read more: A Helpful Guide In Selecting The Best Weight Distribution Hitch
What To Look For
Warranty
Since buying a pop up camper is a big investment, you need to look for a warranty. A longer warranty is much preferred because it can give you an extended time of repair or replacement coverage.
Brakes
The law prescribes that a trailer tent should have brakes if its maximum allowable weight surpasses 750 kilograms. There are two types of trailer brakes - surge and electric. Surge brakes don’t need electrical connection and a brake control to work whereas electric brakes allow you to control it directly.
Amenities
The best pop up campers are built with great amenities. Remember that amenities come with a price so make sure you know what you really need. The basic amenities that you should look for are stove, sink, and toilet.
The best models have built-in kitchens either at the back or front. Keep it mind that kitchen will make your trailer heavy so make sure it doesn’t overload your towing capacity.
Durability
You want your camper to last for a very long time so make sure that you invest on something durable. Make sure that the walls, base, and roof are made of durable materials.
The interior of the roof should be made of metal and the walls made of durable canvas or laminated fiberglass. The frame should be made of steel to resist rust and corrosion.
Top 5 Best Pop Up Campers Reviews
1. Forest River - Flagstaff Hard Side Pop-Up Camper
The Flagstaff Hard-Side Pop Up Camper offers the best of both worlds by combining a Classic tent camper with the rigid exterior of a travel trailer. The exterior is vacuum bonded with fiberglass giving that needed durability for rugged use. Just like what you see in today’s travel trailers, this hard side camper offers great amenities, such as a kitchen sink, microwave, and 3-burner stove.
You may also opt to install a hanging wardrobe if you plan to bring a lot of clothes. The steel frame is powder coated to resist rust and corrosion. This pop up is built with electric brakes, two ceiling LED lights, and a spare tire in case you meet an accident along the way.
Pros
Cons
2. Aliner & Somerset Classic
Via: http://aliner.com
The Classic has the right weight and amenities that many people have loved. It’s A-frame design is comfortable and versatile. Unlike the typical A-frame pop up campers, the Classic offers a full insulation of hard walls making it durable to use for any weather.
One of the standard amenities that I like is the 3-cubic foot refrigerator which is seldom offered by its peers. It also includes a 2-burner stove for cooking, a microwave for heating meals, and LED interior lights. There are several options you can try including a 5000 BTU air conditioner, stereo, and a furnace.
Pros
Cons
3. Coachmen Viking Camping Trailer
Via: https://www.rvtrader.com
The Viking Camping Trailer is made with one thing in mind- EASY!. This camping trailer offers a great of use starting with towing, all thanks to its aerodynamic profile. It’s loaded with convenient features such as high-density mattresses, microwave, and shower.
There’s a smoke detector to prevent your trailer from catching fire and a dinette strategically located beside a small window for a great view. You have several options to put into the camping trailer including a toilet with electric flush, 13.5M air conditioner, and a portable solar panel. You can bet on its durability because the I-beam frame is powder coated for rust-resistance while the wheel wells are galvanized.
Pros
Cons
4. Jayco Jay Series Sport Camping Trailer
Via: https://www.jayco.com
The Jay Sport offers reliable comfort as being shown by its 2-year limited warranty. This tent trailer is built to last with a stainless steel stove, acrylic sink, and DiamondFlor vinyl flooring. It’s built with an electric brake so you can fully control its operation.
In case one of your tires get damaged along the way, don’t worry because this camping trailer includes a spare tire along with stabilizer jacks. The standard amenities include cabinets, dinette cushions, and privacy curtains. You also have the option to install two heated bed mats, collapsible hanging wardrobe, and a bath/shower.
Pros
Cons
5. Livin’ Lite Quicksilver Tent Camper
Via: https://www.livinlite.com
The Quicksilver Tent Camper is a large tent that can occupy six people. It’s made of a vinyl cover so it’s super lightweight and easy to set up. There are seat cushions and a folding table that assembles in a couple of minutes.
The exterior is made of tubular aluminum frame and composite material all throughout. Inside, you’ll find several convenient features, such as vinyl cushions, cabinets, and composite countertops. You have several options- electric brakes, air conditioner, and privacy drapes.
Pros
Cons
Which Is Best?
In the best pop up campers reviews, my pick is the Flagstaff Hard Side Pop Up Camper because it has the best features among them all. I like that the Flagstaff has complete bathroom amenities, including a shower and toilet. Viking has also a nice bathroom but it has some major leaking issues.
Flagstaff is very durable without the vinyl material and complete with basic amenities. It features an electric brake and supports a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. With its hard sidewalls and solid roof, you can guarantee full protection from rain and any other worse weather conditions.
If you’ve tried using any of these brands or like to suggest a better brand, let us know in the comment section. Please share this article with your friends if you like it.
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