Pop-up Campers? (Rome, weight, driving, items)

[juggler]

We've been camping with a popup for 3 years now, exploring the beautiful state of Oregon. Ours is 22 feet long when popped up, but I easily store it in the garage, with room to spare. It's nice not to have to worry about paying for storage or having a house with a storage pad.

The other thing I really like about them is the effect on fuel economy; unlike the 40 foot hardside behemoths, popups have a much smaller impact on your gas mileage.

Another advantage to popups over the hardsides: it's easier to hear the sounds of nature when you are camping; the tent walls make me feel like I am "roughing it" at least a little bit. Not so with the hardsides. And if the "sounds of nature" include late night music and laughing from your inebriated neighbors, well, I've got ear plugs for that.

YMMV.

[80skeys]

Definitely can be towed by a small car. Pop up tents are pretty cool and a neat alternative to sleeping on the grand. Haven't priced one recently but you could probably get a good used one for maybe $1,000

[malamute]

Originally Posted by tripod

Was wondering what one of those smaller sized pop-up campers that can be towed by a small car (hopefully)) would cost USED and in general how are they? I'm a complete newb to any type of camping but have developed a love of the outdoors since traveling the country 5 yrs ago and was making plans to buy a tent but started thinking about these smal pop-ups as perhaps a nice cheap alternative to sleeping on the ground. What can anyone tell me about them and how are they for someone on a budget like me, thanks.

I bought mine new for $4500 a few years ago and I got the 8 foot one without a shower or refrigerator.

You can buy them for $2000 or so used and they could still be in decent condition. I prefer them over tent camping but I still sometimes use a tent, and I would prefer them over bigger trailers or RV's that you can't park close to a stream or off the road.

I decided to go with a pop up after camping near Santa Fe and being flooded out of my tent and traveling across country and having to quickly pack up sleeping bags and a wet tent in pouring rain. They take about 5 minutes to put up or down and you don't have to remove sleeping bags or supplies so they're very convenient and easy.

[tripod]

What is the smallest pop-up or tow camper available? It would most likely only be myself or perhaps 1 other person so small is good. In fact if I had a large SUV or a pick-up truck with a cap I wouldn't even be asking about tow-alongs.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by tripod

What is the smallest pop-up or tow camper available? It would most likely only be myself or perhaps 1 other person so small is good. In fact if I had a large SUV or a pick-up truck with a cap I wouldn't even be asking about tow-alongs.

The teardrop campers are about the smallest you'd see with a car.

Teardrop Campers - A Complete Guide To Teardrop Trailers | CampingEarth.com

But I've seen campers for motorcycles also that sleep just one.

Lite Tent Camper - Pull this lightweight tent camper/trailer behind a motorcycle or car.

[Robhu]

Pop up campers are great for towing with smaller vehicles.
My first one only cost $500.00. It had a broken cable that raised one corner. I replaced it myself. Used it for almost 3 years.
The next one cost $4000.00. Almost new. Now I have an old Covered Wagon trailer. I actualy liked the pop ups better. So much easier to tow and see behind.
If you look around you might find someone who decided they don't like camping and will sell for a good price. Just make sure the canvas is good and all screens and zippers are in good shape.
In the autumn time of year is usualy when you find the best deals. Maybe for $1000.00 or less if someone wants a quick sale.
I'm seriously considering selling the trailer and getting another pop up.

[bob swanson]

Does anyone know of a pop-up that has only one bed? For a couple it seems to be a waste of space. I'm at a crossroad concerning getting a pop-up (of which seems more available) or a smaller RV. Since I drive an Outback it would be convenient right now to have something I can tow with it. Thanks.

[Camper1]

Originally Posted by bob swanson

Does anyone know of a pop-up that has only one bed? For a couple it seems to be a waste of space. I'm at a crossroad concerning getting a pop-up (of which seems more available) or a smaller RV. Since I drive an Outback it would be convenient right now to have something I can tow with it. Thanks.

I know this is no help but I have seen a pop up camper with only one bed at a state park. At the time I thought it was silly not to go ahead and have the extra space.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by bob swanson

Does anyone know of a pop-up that has only one bed? For a couple it seems to be a waste of space. I'm at a crossroad concerning getting a pop-up (of which seems more available) or a smaller RV. Since I drive an Outback it would be convenient right now to have something I can tow with it. Thanks.

They have little one-bed and real easy to pop up campers:

Welcome to Columbia Northwest, manufacturer of the original Aliner pop up camper. Copyright Columbia Northwest 2008.

Making products for people who like the outdoors. Copyright Columbia Northwest 2008.

[Jeromeville]

We have a Columbia A-Liner. These are hard-bodied popups that can be put up and taken down in 5 minutes or less (and that's including the jacking). All you have to do to take down, is clear your counter space, reach up and detach the stays and fold right down. You never have to worry about drying off canvas. They are a little more expensive than traditional tent popup campers but they have all the same amenities, plus a heck of a lot more headroom. They are quite sturdy although in extremely high winds you should be careful (we're talking 50+ mph).

After 3 or 4 seasons of use, we are extremely happy with it. The only downside? (if you can even call it a downside) You will attract stares at almost any campground, and curious people who will have lots of questions.

Here is a video of the setup process:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqi7wOAxp4c