Now is a great time to buy a pop up camper. They have changed so drastically over the years, taking advantage of advancements in technology to deliver the sort of efficiency and comfort that will appeal to both amateurs and professional campers.
This is an important question that can affect the layout and attributes of your camper. This is what you should know:
Pop up camper weight tends to vary quite widely
A pop up campers weight tends to vary quite widely. Some hard-side weight of a pop up camper can be just 1,180 lbs. That figure can jump to 2,700 lbs in others, especially those models that are similar to an Aliner.
You also have tent-style pop up camper where its average weight falls somewhere between 1,300 lbs and 3,700 lbs.
Extreme sport-style models weight of a pop up fall within a similar range. Some are as light as 1,722, while others are as hefty as 3,777 lbs. As you can see, there are plenty of options to choose from.
It is a question of the need and your preference.
Pop up campers style can affect weight
The style of a pop up camper will affect its weight. This is why selecting the right weight is so difficult in some cases. Each style has its advantages and disadvantages.
Some campers have exterior storage units. Others have a rugged build with durable wheels that can contend with rough terrain.
You also have those styles with a hard exterior that provides additional protection. It isn’t enough to select a camper weight option that fits your purposes.
You must make sure to balance the benefits of your chosen weight option with the strengths and weaknesses of the style.
The key is to find a balance between the two, that is to say, you should locate a camper that pairs the best weight with the most appropriate style.
Keep an eye on the amenities
The best pop up camper can often be saturated too many features. However, while these amenities are guaranteed to enhance your comfort, you should also count on them to increase the weight.
Again, it is a question of finding balance.
Amenities include air conditioning, fire extinguishers, fans, stoves, refrigerators, spare tires, and mattresses, to mention but a few. They can also include shelves, generators, tables, chairs, and a canoe rack. All these items sound appealing.
They will bring a sense of order to your pop-up. But they are going to add to the weight of the pop up camper, which is why you have to determine whether or not you need them.
This is no different from a backpacker that chooses to leave certain items behind because they don’t want to make their backpack so heavy that it becomes impossible to carry.
The towing capacity is vital
Fight the urge to max out your vehicle tow. You need to leave some room for additional cargo. Give yourself space to add extra luggage or passengers if the situation arises.
Understanding The Weight Basics Of A Pop Up Camper
With a pop up camper, matters of weight are more complicated than you think. But you can begin to make sense of the issue by educating yourself on factors such as the following:
Unloaded Vehicle Weight
This is one of the more precise weight measurements to consider. The UVW is the weight of the entire pop-up travel trailer. It is inclusive of the LP propane tank (full), hitch, and axels.
Cargo Vehicle’s Carrying Capacity
The CCC is also straightforward. This measurement is concerned with the total weight a pop up camper is capable of carrying.
Gross Axel Weight
The GAW rating refers to the maximum weight the axels of the pop up camper can carry safely. That last part is essential. Many trailers can exceed their gross axle weight rating, but that wouldn’t make their condition safe. The GAWR includes the cargo the unit is carrying
Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio
To get the GVWR, you must add the vehicle’s maximum carrying capacity to the weight of the hitch. The carrying capacity includes the cargo and how many people.
Anyone that intends to purchase a pop-up trailer should consider and account for all these factors before making a choice.
These weight basics will affect the style of pop-up you choose, not to mention your vehicle’s ability to vehicle tow it.
Pairing your Pop Up Camper With The Right Vehicle
When looking or deciding on pop up campers. You cannot buy the perfect one merely by looking at its amenities. You must make sure to consider its weight and the impact it will have on your vehicle’s ability to tow it.
This assumes that you already have a vehicle that can pull the pop up camper.
If you intend to purchase a vehicle after securing the pop-up, you have a lot more flexibility.
If you already have a vehicle, then your choice of a pop up camper matters even more because the camper weight has to fit the limitations of your car.
It isn’t feasible to get a new vehicle to match the weight of the pop-up. You are better off getting a pop-up that is compatible with the vehicle you already have. A pop-up is useless if your vehicle cannot tow it safely. This is what you should know:
- To determine whether or not your vehicle can tow a particular pop up camper, you have to look at the vehicle’s tow rating usually through an owner’s manual. This will tell you everything you need to know about the vehicle’s overall weight bearing abilities.
- Don’t base your understanding of your vehicle’s tow rating on the words of a salesperson. A salesperson is concerned with selling their product. They will do everything they can to convince you that a particular vehicle is suitable for your needs, and that includes lying. Look at the manual. It will show you the tow rating. If you don’t have a manual, check the internet.
- Pairing the right vehicle with the right pop-up takes some work. You must look at the UVW and gvwr gross vehicle weight. The hitch weight refers to the weight the pop-up applies to the hitch.
As was noted above, the UVW (unloaded vehicle weight) is the weight of the pop up camper, including the axle, hitch weight, and full tank.
You also have the gross trailer weight to consider. Your vehicle must be strong enough to contend with the dry weight of the car and the weight of its contents.
Some people miss this. They think that their vehicles are sufficiently strong because they can carry the weight of the pop up camper.
They do not realize that the weight of the pop up camper will rise the moment you add people and luggage.
Are Trailer Brakes Necessary?
You don’t have to get trailer breaks. Plenty of pop up campers get by without them. But you are encouraged to add them if the option is available because they might come in handy down the line.
The common belief is that every camper that exceeds 3000 pounds should get trailer brakes.
They are not that difficult to acquire. You can just install a controller in the tow vehicle.
Visit any RV dealer in your vicinity to get this done. Some are more expensive than others. But travel trailer brakes are worth it.
Are Pop-ups Worth It?
Keep in mind that finding the right pop up camper is a challenge. But they are decent companions for anyone that wants to go camping.
The point of camping is to become acquainted with nature. However, camping is uncomfortable, which is why many people avoid it.
A pop-up allows you to camp in comfort. Some pop up campers are quite luxurious and spare no expense.
You can satisfy your adventurous spirit without abandoning the amenities to which you have grown accustomed.
Pop up campers come with freshwater tanks that you can use to shower and wash your dishes. Some pop up campers come with toilets. By utilizing a Tote-N-Store, you can recreate the tranquillity of the bathroom in your home.
Precautions that will Guarantee a fun Trip with your Pop-Up
Pop up campers have plenty of benefits, but keep in mind they can turn your trip into a nightmare if you fail to prepare. Keep the following in mind:
Checklist
Every camping trip needs a list. Write everything you need on a piece of paper. Refer to that checklist before you leave to ensure that you’ve packed all your essentials.
There is nothing more annoying than reaching your camping destination only to realize that you went some crucial piece of luggage back home.
Tire Pressure
Check the tires of your vehicle before you set off. You don’t want to discover a flat tire when you’re miles away from civilization.
Additionally, you should keep a spare on hand for emergencies. Tires up to 500 pounds can go flat for all sorts of reasons. Be prepared for the worst.
Gear
Check all your tools and accessories to ensure that they are functioning as required. That includes the lighting, propane tanks, and electrical cords.
You cannot afford to go camping with faulty gear. It will ruin your entire trip. This is why you are encouraged to test everything.
So How Much Does A Pop Up Camper Weigh Wrapping Up
We hope that this article now gives you a better understanding of regular camper average weight and how much does a pop up style camper weigh.
A pop-up is supposed to act as your home away from home. And it will play that role if you take the time to identify the average weight and how much does a pop up weight and your uses for the camper.
The right pop-up will enable you to enjoy the great outdoors as an individual or a group. It will also make camping a less stressful experience, especially for beginners.
