How much does a pop up camper cost? That’s the million dollar question. (no pun intended) There are so many different types of pop-up trailers to choose from that it can feel a bit overwhelming. The average cost can vary depending on the year of the camper and the condition. You’ll literally see numbers all over the board.
You can expect to pay top dollar for a camper in perfect condition and get a potentially great deal on pop-up campers if you’re willing to put in a little bit of elbow grease.
A better question to ask yourself is how much do you want to spend on a camper? Here are some things to think about before buying a pop up camper.
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What is a pop-up camper?
A pop up camper is a type of trailer where the roof folds down into the floor, making them small and compact for saving space and ease of pulling.
Pop-ups have become increasingly popular over the past few years as more people seek out ways to enjoy the outdoors without having to spend a fortune.
They offer an affordable alternative to traditional campers because you can get them pretty bare-bones, without a lot of frills.
How many types of pop-up campers are there?
There are actually four different types of this lightweight camper. These are teardrop campers, a-frame campers, tent-trailers, and high wall campers. They’re all unique in their own right.
High wall campers and fold-out campers are popular, but don’t forget about the convertible models as well. These convert between hard-sided and tent modes at the touch of a button.
The most common style of pop-up camper is the hard-sided travel trailer. These come with a solid frame and a canvas cover that protects against the elements. Some even include air conditioning and heating systems.
Fold-out campers are another option. These are similar to pop-ups, except instead of folding the entire roof into the floor, they only open the back half of the roof. This allows for more headroom and storage space.
Convertible campers are a newer addition to the market. These feature two separate sections: one for sleeping and one for living. When not in use, the two sections fold together to form a single unit.
Pop-up Camper sizes
When it comes to the size of pop-up campers, there are a lot of sizes to choose from. Some are on the smaller size, around 8 feet or so, and others will be on the larger size, around 30 feet in size.
What are the top features of a pop up camper?
The features will vary depending if you get a basic model or larger models. You can get some that have certain appliances in them, which can be nice to keep food cool and to be able to cook.
You can also get a pop up camper with an AC unit as well. It all just depends on what you want!
What are the most popular brands of pop up campers?
There are many companies that make campers, but the most popular manufacturers include :
- TM Industries
- Coachmen
- Viking
- Time Out Trailers
- Jayco
Check with rental companies to rent the perfect camper for families to try as well. It doesn’t hurt to try before buying, especially when it comes to expensive models.
Should you buy a new camper or a used camper?
Everyone knows that no matter what, new purchases depreciate fast. This doesn’t matter if you buy new from Camping World or from a local RV dealership. You have to decide what you want to spend and what you’re willing to pay for it.
New pop up campers cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the model and size. Used ones can start at about $3,500.
If you’re looking for something cheap, then look for a used pop up camper. There are plenty out there that are in great condition and won’t break the bank.
If you’re looking for something more luxurious, then consider purchasing a new popup camper. These tend to be pricier than other types of campers, but they offer better amenities and comfort.
Is it hard to finance a camper?
It’s actually not hard at all to get financing for a travel trailer. The way to get the best possible rates is to work with your own bank or credit union.
You can oftentimes get a better deal at a better interest rate. Most camping dealerships will also have in-house financing, but they’ll charge you an arm and a leg with interest and fees.
As long as you have decent credit, you should be able to finance.
Pop up Trailer Pros and Cons
There are a lot of positives, and a few negatives to buying campers.
Some of the positives of owning a pop up include :
- Versatility – They’re easy to move, take places, take down, and store.
- Simple maintenance – There are less parts to the camper so it’s easier to maintain.
- Easy to modify – Pop up campers are easy to modify and change.
- Cheap to maintain – You don’t have to put a ton of money into a pop up to keep it nice.
- Easy storage – A pop up camper is one of the easiest trailers to store. Just fold it up and put it away!
- Ease of towing – As long as you have the proper towing vehicle, it’s easy to tow.
Some of the negatives about having a pop up camper include :
- Made for smaller families – Since they’re smaller in size, they’re rated for smaller families typically.
- Limited storage space – You won’t have a ton of storage space options.
- Lack of privacy – You may not like that the camper is made of canvas.
- You’ll need an exterior shower – If you want to get clean, you’ll need a camper shower.
- There are no fancy features – It’s pretty basic in what it offers.
- They lack safety – Since most are made with canvas, they’re not the strongest in keeping out critters, etc. You can also feel quite vulnerable.
what type of vehicle do you need to tow a camper?
You MUST make certain that you have the right vehicle to tow a pop up camper. If you don’t, then you will damage your vehicle and possibly cause an accident. Trucks and SUVs are the best for towing campers, as any experienced camper will tell you.
Trucks can tow larger campers, while an SUV will only be able to tow a smaller one. Always check the towing limitations and instructions before assuming anything.
You’re not only putting yourself at risk, but you’re putting others on the road at risk, too.
What are the most common items to fix on a pop up camper?
Camper maintenance is a thing and a big part of owning a camper. Some of the biggest things that you’ll need to maintain are :
- The roof – The roof should be inspected regularly. Look for leaks and cracks. Also, look for signs of mold growth. Mold can ruin your camping experience.
- The windows – Make sure that all of your windows are working properly. Check them for broken glass and cracks.
- The doors – Doors are another important item to inspect. Look for loose hinges and broken locks.
- The floor -Inspect the floor for holes and cracks.
- The walls – Walls are another important area to inspect. Look for signs of water damage and mold growth.
Always check the inside of the roof and inspect for leaks or signs of mold.
Can I rent a pop up camper?
Yes, there are rental companies out there to rent pop up campers! Some offer nightly and weekly rentals which is a great way to test out if you’ll like camping in a pop up camper or not.
Here are some local pop up camper rentals to check out:
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