A pop-up camper is a type of towed

recreational vehicle A recreational vehicle, often abbreviated as RV, is a motor vehicle or trailer that includes living quarters designed for accommodation. Types of RVs include motorhomes, campervans, coaches, caravans (also known as travel trailers and campe ...

that can be collapsed for easy storage and transport. When set up, this type of trailer provides a large amount of interior space when compared to its size when collapsed. Its relatively affordable price makes it a popular choice for some RVers and its small size contributes to easier towing than many other types of RVs.

Features

A conventional pop-up consists of a trailer frame, a box, a hard roof, pull-out bunks and "soft" walls. The walls are made of

vinyl Vinyl may refer to: Chemistry * Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a particular vinyl polymer * Vinyl cation, a type of carbocation * Vinyl group, a broad class of organic molecules in chemistry * Vinyl polymer, a group of polymers derived from vinyl ...

, canvas, or a similar material, and include windows with screens. Basic popups usually include the following features: fold-down dinette (table top and bench seating combination), on-board fresh water tank, sink, 12-volt DC power system (including an AC to DC converter and a deep cycle battery), interior DC lighting, two sleeping bunks and storage cabinets. Many pop-ups also include a gas or electric

absorption refrigerator An absorption refrigerator is a refrigerator that uses a heat source (e.g., solar energy, a fossil-fueled flame, waste heat from factories, or district heating systems) to provide the energy needed to drive the cooling process. The system uses tw ...

, stove, rooftop

air conditioner Air conditioning, often abbreviated as A/C or AC, is the process of removing heat from an enclosed space to achieve a more comfortable interior environment (sometimes referred to as 'comfort cooling') and in some cases also strictly controlling ...

, propane furnace, water heater, electric water pump, exterior shower, skylight or roof vent, one or two propane tanks, electric or surge

brakes A brake is a mechanical device that inhibits motion by absorbing energy from a moving system. It is used for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, wheel, axle, or to prevent its motion, most often accomplished by means of friction. Backgroun ...

, large storage trunk at the front of the box, and an awning. Some premium models also include a shower, toilet, wastewater tanks, slide-out section (to increase interior space),

microwave Microwave is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from about one meter to one millimeter corresponding to frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHz respectively. Different sources define different frequency ra ...

, and an oven. Since space is at a premium in popup campers, it is common for a single structure to serve multiple purposes. Generally, the dinette, which can seat four people for a meal, can be converted into a bed to provide additional sleeping space. Likewise, the couch, if present, can usually be folded down into a bed. Often, the inside table (part of the dinette) and the gas stove can be taken outside and attached to the side of the camper.

Dimensions

Modern pop-ups range in weight from approximately to pounds empty or full. Models are generally classified by the length of their box, which ranges from to . When opened, the length is roughly double the box length. Most pop-ups are between and in width and between and in height when closed, but "high wall" models are tall. Published sleeping capacities range from 4 to 8 people.Palomino RV – Manufacturer of Quaility RVs since 1968

Setting up

To open a pop-up, the trailer must be chocked, disconnected from the tow vehicle, and leveled. The roof must first be raised using a

winch A winch is a mechanical device that is used to pull in (wind up) or let out (wind out) or otherwise adjust the tension of a rope or wire rope (also called "cable" or "wire cable"). In its simplest form, it consists of a spool (or drum) attach ...

that extends telescoping poles on each corner of the box. Next, bunks at the front and the back of the trailer are pulled out by hand. Then, the tent material (which is fastened to the box and to the roof) is unfurled, pulled over the ends of the bunks, and attached. Interior support poles for the bunk and the entry door are then installed. Depending on the configuration and included equipment, several additional set up steps may be required. These steps include hooking up to utilities (electricity, water, sewer), reassembling the dinette, unfolding the sink, turning on systems (water pump, water heater, etc.), making beds and unpacking belongings. Setup time for a pop-up camper is typically longer than that for a

travel trailer A caravan, travel trailer, camper, tourer or camper trailer is a trailer towed behind a road vehicle to provide a place to sleep which is more comfortable and protected than a tent (although there are fold-down trailer tents). It provides th ...

, fifth wheel or

motorhome A motorhome (or motor coach) is a type of self-propelled recreational vehicle (RV) which offers mobile living accommodation. Features Motorhomes usually have sleeping spaces for two to eight people. Each sleeping space is either fixed or conv ...

Types of pop-ups

In addition to the traditional pop-up campers described above, there are a number of special types of pop-ups on the market: ; High wall pop-ups : Feature a taller box which allows for residential-height countertops and more storage space. ;

Motorcycle A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike (if three-wheeled)) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle Steering, steered by a Motorcycle handlebar, handlebar. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: Long-distance ...

campers : Lightweight pop-ups small enough to be pulled by a motorcycle. ; Toyhauler pop-ups : Include an open cargo deck for transporting

ATVs ATV may refer to: Broadcasting * Amateur television *Analog television Television stations and companies * Ràdio i Televisió d'Andorra * ATV (Armenia) * ATV (Aruba), NBC affiliate * ATV (Australian TV station), Melbourne * ATV (Austria) * A ...

, motorcycles, etc. ; Off-road pop-ups: Feature rugged construction and raised suspension for off road use. ; A-frame : small solid wall folding camper. ; Flip-out camper : Features a roof which flips over to become a bunk. Uses a tent roof instead of a hard roof. ; Inflatable trailer: Sets up quickly by blowing compressed air into side walls and roof

Gallery

File:Tent trailer.jpg, Modern tent trailer File:ModelT1925b.jpg, Travel trailer Model T 1925 b File:Hard Shell Pop up.jpg, Hi Lo trailers are hard shell pop ups. File:Sportberger Hausdabei.jpg, German Flip-out tent trailer from 1935 File:Alpenkreuzer1.jpg, European tent trailer from 1976 File:Hoebijbeltransport.jpg, Pop-up camper from 1980s or 1990s File:Vouwwagen-CC.jpg, Modern tent trailer File:Vouwwagen.jpg, Pop-up camper from 1990s File:Camptourist CT6-2 zugeklappt.jpg, Camptourist CT6-2 folded File:Camptourist CT6-2 Aufbau.jpg, Camptourist CT6-2 being unfolded File:Camptourist CT6-2 aufgebaut 1.JPG, Camptourist CT6-2 unfolded

References

Notes Sources

External links

PopUpPortal - The Definitive Source for PopUp and Hybrid Camper Owners

Great Lakes Pop Up Club

PopupCamperHistory Website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Popup Camper Caravans and travel trailers