Pop-up campers and trailers have seen a recent surge in popularity, thanks to their easier maneuverability and all-terrain performance.
If you’re also planning to get a pop-up camper, there are a few things you ought to consider. Apart from the options list, you must consider towing and managing your camper and that stimulates a very important question! How much do pop-up campers weigh?
Although there are different types of pop-up campers available on the market, typically classified by size and accessories, the average pop-up camper weight is usually around 2,000 lbs.
Let’s take a detailed look at pop-up campers’ weightage, some important considerations, and how you can safely tow a pop-up camper.
Average Pop-Up Camper Weight
Though you could get a camper as light as 700 lbs, the Type A flagship campers could weigh up to 5,000 lbs too. Nonetheless, the average weight of pop-up campers is around 2,000 lbs and these could be easily towed with an SUV or a truck.
The weight of the camper depends on many things but if you only want an outdoor adventure and do not fancy top-notch amenities, a simple pop-up camper with a sleeping area is good enough for you.
What Defines a Pop-Up Camper’s Weight?
Just like other vehicles, the weight of a pop-up camper is defined by a few things, namely;
Size
Needless to mention that the larger the size of a camper, the more it is going to weigh. Larger campers have more parts and even have 2 axles to support the frame, this adds to the weight of the trailer.
Amenities and Accessories
Smaller campers are usually just boxes of metal on wheels that can carry 2-4 people and don’t offer any luxury. Resultantly, they weigh considerably less than full-size pop-up campers.
Flagship campers boast luxury amenities and features like a kitchen, double beds, refrigerator, and washroom.
Materials
Aluminum and magnesium are much lighter than stainless steel. So if a camper is manufactured using the former, it is going to weigh less than steel. Additionally, carbon and plastic accessories are also lighter than wood, which can help shed some weight off the camper.
Some Important Camper Weight Ratings
As an off-roader and prospective camper owner, you must know some crucial camper weight ratings for your own safety and better planning.
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)
It defines the bare weight of the camper, without the accessories and passengers.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
This is the maximum weight that the axles of the camper can support.
Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio (GVWR)
This is the weight that a camper can support, including passengers, accessories, and fluids (holding tanks).
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)
This is the maximum weight that a camper could carry. It includes luggage, water, and other equipment.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The weight that the hitch bears when the camper is towed by the vehicle. It should ideally be 10-15% of the camper’s weight.
How Much Do Pop-Up Campers Weigh?
There are different types of pop-up campers available, depending on the size and features. Let’s take a look at the weightage of these campers;
Weight of Small Pop-Up Campers
Small pop-up campers are great for mobility and make maneuvering easier on all kinds of terrains. If you don’t want a 5-star luxury experience and just looking to explore those beautiful landscapes with your friends, these might just be the perfect fit for the occasion.
Smaller pop-up campers can weigh as less as 700 lbs and do not offer extravagant amenities, like a kitchen, fridge, or washroom. But that makes towing and rescue a lot easier than a huge RV or motorhome and is ideal for Overlanding.
Weight of Mid-Size Pop-Up Campers
Mid-size campers offer the best of both worlds, i.e., reliable towing and mobility, with considerable comfort and luxury. These are slightly bigger in size than the entry-level pop-up campers but do offer a small kitchen, fridge, and excess storage areas.
You also get bigger batteries and water storage with these campers, making your outdoor life easier. Mid-size campers can weigh up to 2,200 lbs but that won’t stop your truck or SUV from pulling it effortlessly.
Wight of Large Pop-up Campers
These are flagship campers that are nothing less than suites on wheels. You get everything that you could imagine, ranging from a toilet, huge water reserve, pantry, fridge, and entertainment.
But all of this luxury comes at a price and that is the weightage of the camper. These large-sized pop-up campers can weigh up to 5,000 lbs and require huge trucks, like Ford F-150 or RAM 1500 for hauling them safely.
Pop-up Campers Towing Safety Tips
Features, weight, and size aside, the real concern is hauling the camper on road and on the off-road trails. To make sure that your journeys are safe and to avoid any unforeseen event, follow these camper towing safety tips wisely:
- Wight distribution
By loading the camper according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and evenly distributing the weight, you can significantly improve traction and stability while towing. Unequal weight distribution can lead to your car or camper swaying left or right, or even driving off the path.
- Towing aspects
Always follow towing guidelines and concentrate the weight near the hitch. Make sure that both tires have equal air pressure and that brakes and safety lights are working properly.
- Driving carefully
This includes everything related to driving a towed camper, beginning with adjusting the mirrors, driving position, and engaging the stability control. It is also advisable to drive in low gear and avoid overspeeding, especially in the rainy season.
- Not overloading
This is also very crucial, as stuffing your camper with unnecessary items can add a lot of weight and make towing difficult. It can also affect the stability of the vehicle and drastically reduce your gas mileage.
Verdict
Adventurous camping is a terrific way to have a good time with your friends and loved ones. Moreover, you can interact with nature with your pop-up camper, which is one of the smartest ways of Overlanding. Pop-up campers offer a wonderful option for your family to enjoy the outdoors while still having access to those small comforts.
These campers don’t strain your car to carry heavy loads; instead, it handles the road perfectly well. Pop-up campers are simple to store, and you can use any type of garage you have to accommodate one.
While there are different types of campers, these can weigh anywhere from 700 lbs up to 5,000 lbs.
No matter which pop-up camper you choose, it is important that you follow all the safety guidelines and ensures a joyous and safe trip.
Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by travel. I inherited this passion from my parents. Since my college years and to this day, I have had a passion for traveling in a motorhome. I am here to share my experiences with you.
