The RV lifestyle is one of unmatched adventure, but it can be quite expensive as well. However, smaller, more affordable trailers, like pop-up campers, allow you to embrace RVing without breaking the bank.

Will a pop-up camper be right for you? Read on to discover the advantages and disadvantages of pop-up campers so that you can make an informed decision about your RV purchase.

TL;DR

Pop-up campers cost 50-70% less than traditional RVs and can be towed by most vehicles, which makes them ideal entry-level options. The tradeoffs: 15-30 minutes of manual setup, limited bathroom facilities, and poor insulation. It's great for weekend camping, not for frequent travelers.

What are Pop-up Campers?

Many trailers and campers are large vehicles that require a high towing capacity; the pop-up camper, on the other hand, is a lightweight alternative that can be towed with smaller vehicles.

These trailers, sometimes referred to as tent trailers or fold-out camper trailers, offer a decent amount of space when “popped out” and fold down to a small size. Standard campers include a kitchenette, a mattress, and a dinette.

When you aren’t actively using the pop-up camper, you can just collapse it and tow it wherever you wish. They typically can sleep 2-4 people, with fancier pop-ups having a bit more room.

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What Are the Advantages of Pop-Up Campers?

Now that we’ve established what a pop-up camper is, let’s take a look at the many advantages that come with them:

Cost

Arguably, the most important advantage of pop-up campers—and the reason most people buy them—is cost. RVs are expensive, and not everyone can or wants to spend so much money on one.

Pop-up campers are an affordable alternative to more traditional campers, costing far less without sacrificing much in terms of quality. For context, new pop-up camper models range from $6,000 to $34,975 (averaging $14,900), while used models drop to $2,000-$10,000, saving you 50-70% compared to traditional travel trailers, which often exceed $30,000.

Additionally, pop-up camper DIY repairs are generally more straightforward than those for RVs, and remodels can upgrade any rig.

Lightweight Towability

Pop-up campers are designed to collapse into a smaller form that’s easy to take on the road. This can be great if you don’t have a truck with a lot of towing capacity or just don’t feel comfortable hauling a giant trailer behind you.

Driving around the country becomes a lot easier and safer when you’re hauling a pop-up camper, and you can make your way into most campgrounds with ease. A lot of trailers might need you to upgrade your car or truck to tow them, but pop-ups can be towed by pretty much anything that has a hitch.

Safety First

Driving an RV is an acquired skill, and even when you’re good at it, it isn’t exactly the easiest or safest option for getting out on the road.

Trailers tend to be large vehicles that take a lot of power to tow, making driving slower and more difficult with such a giant weight dragging behind your tow vehicle. This can get really dangerous if your trailer loses control and acts independently of your car, potentially causing accidents and seriously injuring someone.

Pop-up campers significantly reduce these risks by being lightweight and compact. They don’t tend to sway back and forth or lose control completely like bigger trailers do. Of course, pop-ups aren’t completely without risk. It’s important always to follow best towing practices when pulling a pop-up.

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Garage Storage

Large campers often require storage at facilities that charge hundreds of dollars a month because they’re just too big to put anywhere else. Pop-up campers, on the other hand, are small enough to fit into many residential garages or just somewhere else on your property. This can save you a ton of money every year.

What are the Disadvantages of Pop-up Campers?

Pop-up campers have a lot going for them, but of course, there are some drawbacks you should know about, too. Here are the main disadvantages of pop-up campers:

Small Size

One advantage of a pop-up is its small size, but it’s also a major disadvantage for some. While a pop-up may be great for occasional weekend trips, frequent campers may desire a rig with a little more room. Though there are larger pop-up options, they can get pricey, negating the reason why many opt for the pop-up in the first place.

Larger Pop-Ups Can Be Too Heavy

Following up from the last point, the bigger you go with your pop-up camper, the heavier it gets. This directly affects another one of the pop-up’s main appeals, which is its low weight.

A larger, heavier pop-up won’t be as easy or as safe to tow as a lightweight one, bringing it more in line with a traditional camper. Furthermore, upgrading to larger pop-up models with additional amenities can increase the weight to 3,000-4,000 pounds.

Not everyone will be bothered by this, and your pop-up will probably still be lighter and easier to tow than a full-on large trailer, but it’s worth being aware of.

Little to no Bathroom Functionality

A lot of pop-up campers don’t come with a bathroom at all. You’re forced to relieve yourself in nature, using a bucket, at an RV campground, or other places you stop at.

For many of the pop-ups that do have a “bathroom”, all you get is a small toilet, which can be uncomfortable. Some people are more comfortable adapting to abnormal bathroom situations, while others need a steadier, traditional bathroom to feel at home. Showers are rare to find in pop-up campers, but some will provide you with an outdoor shower to use.

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Preparing the Pop-up is a Lot of Work

You can’t just pull up to your chosen site and start using your pop-up camper like you would a traditional trailer. Since they collapse into smaller units for transit and storage, they require some setup once you’re parked and ready to use them.

This is a major turn-off for a lot of people because it can be a headache having to do so much tedious work every time you want to park your camper in a new place or pack it back up. We advise watching some tutorials on how to set up your pop-up camper before buying to see if this is a process you’d be willing to routinely undertake.

Limited Weather Protection and Insulation

Canvas walls don't provide much barrier against temperature extremes. In winter, heat escapes quickly even with a furnace running, and in summer, air conditioning struggles to keep you cool.

Most pop-up owners limit their camping to spring through fall in moderate climates. If you want four-season camping capability, you'll need a hard-sided RV with proper insulation. Some campgrounds in bear country also prohibit pop-ups because the canvas provides minimal protection against wildlife.

Are Pop-Up Campers Right for Your Camping Style?

Pop-up campers work best for budget-conscious occasional campers with smaller tow vehicles who prioritize affordability and easy storage over amenities. While frequent travelers or families needing full bathrooms and minimal setup will likely outgrow them quickly.

However, you can always start with a pop-up and upgrade later. Many RVers use them as training wheels, learning the ropes before investing in larger rigs. The relatively gentle depreciation means you won't lose much money when you resell it.

Secure Your Pop-Up Investment

Whether you choose a basic model or a premium pop-up, you're investing in countless adventures ahead.

RVing means freedom, but it also means unexpected situations on the road. Canvas tears, storm damage, theft, and accidents don't care what type of pop-up camper you're towing.

That's why smart pop-up owners protect their investment and their peace of mind with comprehensive RV insurance.

Roamly specializes in affordable RV coverage that actually understands how you use your camper because the best adventures are the ones where you're covered.