edit

Popup camper

A pop-up camper, also called a folding or tent trailer, is a type of towed Recreational Vehicle 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 beginning RVers and its small size contributes to easier towing than other types of RVs.

Contents

Features

Back side- view the image description page for annotations Rear slide-out bunk

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, canvas or a similar material and include clear vinyl windows with screens.

Basic popups usually include the following features: fold-down dinette, 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/electric absorption refrigerator, stove, rooftop air conditioner, propane furnace, water heater, electric water pump, exterior shower, skylight/roof vent, one or two propane tanks, electric or surge brakes, 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, and an oven.[1]

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 1,250 pounds (570 kg) to 3,800 pounds (1,700 kg) pounds empty. Models are generally classified by the length of their box, which ranges from 8 feet (2.4 m) to 16 feet (4.9 m) feet. When opened, the length is usually roughly double the box length. Most pop-ups are between 7 feet (2.1 m) and 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) in width and between 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 m) and 5 feet (1.5 m) in height when closed, but “high wall” models are up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. Published sleeping capacities range from 4 to 8 people.[2][3][4][5][6]

Setting up

A pop-up camper closed for travel

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 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, fifth wheel or motorhome.

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. Example: Coleman Avalon, Jayco 14HW[7]
Motorcycle campers
Lightweight pop-ups small enough to be pulled by a motorcycle. Example: Aspen Ambassador [8]
Toyhauler pop-ups
Include an open cargo deck for transporting ATVs, motorcycles, etc. Example: Jayco Baja 14F [9]
Off road pop-ups
Feature rugged construction and raised suspension for off road use. Example: Coleman Evolution Cobalt [10]
A-frame
small solid wall folding camper. Example: A-liner, Chalet [11][12]
Flip-out camper
Features a roof which flips over to become a bunk. Uses a tent roof instead of a hard roof. Example: Quicksilver[13]

Notable manufacturers

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.campingearth.com/popups/
  2. ^ http://www.jayco.com/php/products/camping.trailers/camping.trailers.php
  3. ^ http://www.colemantrailers.com/
  4. ^ http://www.starcraftrv.com/starcraft_folding_campers/index.html
  5. ^ http://www.vikingrv.com/products/?ModelID=11&Model=Folding%20Campers
  6. ^ http://www.palominorv.com/site/default.asp?page=foldingcampers
  7. ^ http://www.colemantrailers.com/thehighlanderseries
  8. ^ http://www.trailmasterinc.com/
  9. ^ http://www.jayco.com/php/products/camping.trailers/trailer.php?id=198
  10. ^ http://www.colemantrailers.com/theevolutionseries
  11. ^ http://www.chaletrv.com/
  12. ^ http://www.aliner.com
  13. ^ http://www.livinlite.com

External links

Categories: Recreational Vehicles

The above information uses material from Wikipedia and is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Some facts may not have been fully verified for accuracy. [Disclaimers]
This page was last archived by our server on Mon Nov 15 16:59:22 2010.
Displaying this page or its contents does not use any Wikimedia Foundation's resources.
The owners of this site proudly support the Wikimedia Foundation.