How Do I Choose A Pop-up Camper?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Is a pop-up camper a good investment?

As far as RVs go,

pop-up campers are the most wallet-friendly option on the market

. If you only camp a few times per year, it may not be worth it to you to spend lots of money on a full-size travel trailer. You can get a pop-up at a fraction of the cost. And because they cost less to start, they’re cheaper to insure.

How long does a pop-up camper last?

A pop-up trailer can last between

10 to 15 years

, depending on how often you use it, how well you have maintained it and whether it was stored inside or outside. Some pop-up campers can last even less, and that is because their owners didn’t know how to properly maintain them.

Do pop-up campers leak when it rains?


Yes, pop-up campers may leak when it rains

. Why? First, because they are not waterproof. Second, because your camper canvas is probably torn or seriously damaged.

What is the easiest pop-up camper to set up?

Of all the small pop up campers out there, the

OPUS Off-Road

is the easiest to set up.

How much is a pop-up camper worth?

Travel trailer prices may be high, but a new pop-up camper will cost you

around $5,000

. You can find some that retail for up to $20,000. The price difference includes amenities like a hydraulic lift system, an AC, and upgraded features.

Do pop-up campers stay warm in the winter?

Although there are things you can do to heat up your pop up camper,

it will never get as warm as an RV with regular heating

. So, make sure you pack lots of winter clothes and pack clothes that you can wear in layers while you sleep.

Do pop-up campers stay cool in summer?


Pop up campers are not known for staying cool in summer

. In fact, the vice versa is more accurate: if you are not prepared, you will start sweating in your pop-up camper every summer night.

Can you live in a pop-up camper?

Pop-up campers are designed to combine a comfortable living space and a portable design. The camper roof collapses for easy transport and raises to create standing room and a living space.

Living in a pop-up camper is possible in many regions with the fabric walls being the only downside

.

How hard is it to replace the canvas on a pop-up camper?

It is also possible to replace the canvas on your own with a bit of sewing skill and a weekend to spend on the project. So while it is costly to replace the canvas on a full pop-up camper, it is

not overly difficult to do

.

Do pop ups have bathrooms?

Pop-up campers, also known as fold-out campers or tent trailers, are camping trailers that collapse down into a much smaller, portable package, thanks to a partial canvas construction. Like a fifth wheel or travel trailer, pop-up campers often have a mess area, large mattresses and

sometimes a functioning bathroom

.

What is the roof of a pop-up camper made of?

Pop-up camper roofs are made of

1” x 2” boards that form the pop-up ceiling frame. On the inside, there is a thin sheet of luan (plywood) attached to a foam core

. This soft roof is what allows the pop-up camper to have its “pop” properties.

How do you get mold and mildew out of a pop-up camper canvas?


Rubbing Alcohol: Mix a solution of half rubbing alcohol and half water

. The acidity in the rubbing alcohol kills mold spores. Vinegar: Vinegar has long been used as a cleaning agent because of its ability to kill mold and mildew spores. Use it straight on the mold spot to kill spores and clean stains.

Are pop-up campers insulated?

Because while every other RV and travel trailer is built with insulated fiberglass or aluminum exterior walls, the standard tent-style pop-camper has walls made from canvas or some other thin synthetic material like you might find on a tent. But that doesn’t mean that

pop-up campers have no insulation

.

How long does pop up canvas last?

The lifespan of your pop-up camper’s canvas is going to vary depending on how much you use it, the kind of climate you use it in and how well you look after it. Generally speaking though, you can expect a brand new canvas to last

between 10 and 15 years

. Regular upkeep is central to ensuring a long lasting canvas.

How do you waterproof a pop-up camper?

Do pop-up campers have electricity?

Heaters and AC can be nice, but they do add a lot of cost to a pop up camper. You should also know that

they are only useable in campsites that offer electricity, which many don’t

. Note On Electricity: Many RVer’s bring along a generator when they stay at campsites that do not provide electricity.

Does Coleman make pop-up campers anymore?

Today, you’ll find the Coleman name on a small line of high-quality travel trailers that Dutchmen RV makes. Still,

its iconic pop-up camper is now retired

as a favored vehicle for generations of families.

Are there hard sided pop-up campers?


A hard side pop-up camper is exactly what it sounds like: a pop-up camper with hard sides instead of tent or canvas

. These pop-up campers are perfect if you want more privacy, protection, or insulation. Hard side pop-up campers don’t weigh much more than canvas pop-up campers, either, and are easy to set up.

Is Forest River a good pop-up camper?

The Forest River Rockwood Freedom Series is

an excellent choice for tent campers who dream of getting off the ground

. It is a compact and convenient entry-level RV for families and couples who want more comfort during their outdoor adventures.

Do I need AC in a pop-up camper?

Thankfully, the answer is yes;

many pop-up campers do come with air conditioners

. They’re not always standard, though. If having an air conditioner is important to you, be sure the model you select comes with one or that you can install one.

How much is the jay feather micro?


Starting at $20,063

. Towable by most mid-size tow vehicles, the Jay Feather Micro is the lightest travel trailer from Jayco.

How much do pop-up campers depreciate?

Type of RV 3 Years 5 Years Class A RVs 43% lost 66% lost Class B RVs 33% lost 49% lost Class C RVs 26% lost 49% lost Pop-up Campers

38% lost


75% lost

How many can sleep in a pop-up camper?

How many people can they sleep? Typically,

2-8 adults

can sleep in a pop up camper. That means you’ll only have to set up one “tent” for everyone making it a faster process overall. The beds are also raised off the ground and use real mattresses making them significantly more comfortable than a ground pad.

Are pop up campers waterproof?

Are pop-up campers waterproof?

Pop-up campers are waterproof when they are new

but there are many factors that can hurt their ability to remain waterproof. Because of this, pop-up camper owner’s need to take special measures to ensure that their pop-up campers will remain waterproof.

Should you cover a pop-up camper in the winter?


Yes, you should

! Covering an RV, if you don’t invest in proper RV storage, is essential to keeping it protected from the elements. RV covers, RV skirts, and other methods can be used besides the traditional tarp route.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.