Photo: Joey Zhou on Unsplash
A pop-up camper (also called a tent trailer or folding camping trailer) is a small towable that folds down to a low box for the road and opens out into a bed-and-kitchen camp once you arrive. It suits families and couples who want to sleep close to the outdoors without towing a full-size caravan or travel trailer. In North America, hire typically costs about $60 to $130 a night.
| Typical length | About 15 to 23 ft (4.6 to 7 m), according to Go RVing |
|---|---|
| Typical weight | Roughly 1,000 to 3,000 lb (450 to 1,350 kg) empty; small A-frame models can be lighter still |
| Sleeps | Usually 4 to 8 in canvas-sided models; 2 to 4 in A-frames |
| Tow vehicle needed | Many SUVs, minivans and mid-size pickups; always check the vehicle's own towing rating |
| Typical hire price | About $60 to $130 a night in the US; many listings sit between $50 and $100 |
| Best for | Families on a budget, first-time towers, campers who like the tent feel but want a proper bed |
What a pop-up camper is, and the two main styles
The classic pop-up has a hard base and roof that lift apart, with canvas or fabric walls between them. Beds slide out from each end, usually with a mattress on a fixed frame, and many have a dinette, a sink, a stove and a small fridge or cool box. Larger ones add a toilet or a shower, though not all do. Because they collapse fully, they can't be lived in while folded.
The second style is the A-frame, sometimes called a hard-side pop-up. Instead of canvas, it has solid walls that fold up into a wedge or A shape. Makers such as Aliner build this type. Solid walls give you better insulation and more tolerance of wind, and the setup is quicker, but A-frames usually sleep fewer people and cost more to hire than a canvas pop-up of similar size.
You may also see "expandable" trailers in listings. These have fabric ends that extend, but they never fold fully flat, so you can step inside while they are closed. They are a separate category from a true pop-up.
Setting up and taking down
Expect to spend 15 to 30 minutes opening a canvas pop-up the first time, and less once you know the order. In most cases you level the trailer, chock the wheels, crank or lift the roof, pull out the bed ends, and fit any support poles. A-frames are quicker, because the walls simply hinge up.
Taking it down is the part first-timers underestimate. Fabric needs to be dry, or at least dried out as soon as you can, or it can grow mildew in storage. Ask the owner how they want it dried and stored afterwards. Most owners will walk you through the setup at handover, and many will let you open it once before you leave. If the listing offers delivery and setup, you may not have to do any of it yourself.
Weight and what can tow one
Pop-ups sit at the light end of towable campers. According to Go RVing, they appeal to buyers looking for "a lighter weight RV that allows for towing behind many typical family vehicles", and they are listed at roughly 15 to 23 ft in length. Most weigh less than 3,000 lb empty, and some A-frames are far lighter; Aliner's smallest model, the Alite, is listed at about 672 lb dry. Remember that the loaded weight, with water, gas, bedding and luggage, is what counts.
What to check before you book:
- Towing capacity. The camper's loaded weight must sit comfortably below the maximum your vehicle can tow, which is set by the manufacturer, not by the hitch.
- Hitch and wiring. You need a hitch of the right class and size and a working trailer lighting connector. Confirm whether the owner supplies the ball mount or expects you to bring it.
- Brakes. Smaller pop-ups often have no brakes, while heavier ones may have electric brakes that need a brake controller in the tow vehicle. The threshold varies by US state and Canadian province, so check where you will be driving.
- Licence. In the US, a standard driving licence is usually enough for a rental trailer, but rules vary by state. In the UK, since 16 December 2021, a car (category B) licence lets you tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM), as long as your car's own limits allow it. See our licence guide.
If you tow in the UK, the speed limit with a trailer is 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways, and you must stay out of the outside lane on motorways with three or more lanes. The speed limits are on GOV.UK, and the lane rule is Highway Code rule 265. Pop-ups are far more common in North America and Australia than in the UK, so UK renters will find fewer listings, and trailer tents are the nearest local equivalent.
Weather and comfort
A canvas pop-up is a middle ground between a tent and a trailer. It keeps you off the ground and away from damp grass, but the fabric is only a thin barrier. In warm, dry weather it is airy and pleasant. In cold or wet conditions it can be noisy, draughty and slow to dry. Check whether the listing includes a heater and what power it needs.
Wind is the main risk. A strong gust can lift fabric and strain the poles, and the roof is not meant to stay open in a storm. If a gale is forecast, close it up or move. A-frames cope better because of their solid walls.
Check, too, whether the booked camper has a toilet, a hot water supply and a fridge, as these differ widely. Campsites with power and water are listed in our RV parks guide.
What it costs to hire one
Pop-ups and teardrops are among the least expensive towables to hire, at around $60 to $130 a night. Marketplace price guides put pop-up trailers at about $50 to $100 a night, with many listed under $100. Prices rise in summer and around holidays, and fall for longer stays.
On top of the nightly rate, owners may charge a prep fee, a security deposit, and extra fees for delivery or setup. Delivery and setup for a local trip is commonly about $150 to $300, and more further afield. Insurance and payment protection are included with every booking. Roadside assistance is optional. For the wider picture, read how much it costs to rent an RV.
Is a pop-up camper right for you?
Pros
- Light enough for many everyday SUVs and minivans.
- Among the lowest nightly hire prices for any towable.
- Sleeps a family, with beds at each end.
- Fabric sides give a camping feel, with good airflow in summer.
Cons
- Setup and takedown take time and a bit of practice.
- Canvas offers little insulation or noise reduction, so cold nights are less comfortable.
- Less storage and fewer built-in amenities than a travel trailer.
- Wet fabric has to be dried before long storage.
If you want more space or a bathroom, look at a travel trailer. If you want the lightest possible tow and a quick setup, a teardrop camper may be a better fit. If you would rather carry the camper on a pickup, see truck campers. Our camper trailer overview compares all the towable types side by side.
How hire works
- Search. Use our search to find pop-ups near your pick-up point and dates.
- Check the listing. Look at the delivery option, whether the hitch and ball mount are included, the towing requirements, what kit comes with it, and the insurance terms.
- Book through our partner Outdoorsy. Listings come from private owners and local hire businesses. We are not the rental company.
- Collect or have it delivered. The owner should show you how to open, close and level it before you set off.
Prefer to drive rather than tow? Compare Class B and Class C motorhomes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tow a pop-up camper with my car?
Often yes, if the car has a factory-rated towing capacity above the camper's loaded weight and a fitted tow bar or hitch. Many small cars are not rated to tow, so check the owner's manual before booking. Small A-frames and the lightest pop-ups suit more vehicles.
How many people does a pop-up camper sleep?
Canvas models commonly sleep 4 to 8, with a bed at each end and a converting dinette. A-frames more often sleep 2 to 4. Check the listing for the actual bed sizes, as some are better for children than adults.
Do pop-up campers have a toilet and shower?
Some larger models do, but many do not. A lot of owners expect you to use campsite facilities. The listing will say what is on board.
Can I use one in the rain or cold?
Yes, with care. Fabric walls cope with normal rain, but they are less comfortable in a cold snap, and a wet camper must be dried before long storage. A heater and a thick sleeping bag make a big difference. A hard-sided A-frame is more weather-tolerant.
Do I need special insurance?
Insurance and payment protection come with every booking made through our partner Outdoorsy. Check the listing for details, and see our insurance guide. Roadside assistance is optional.
Are pop-up campers available in the UK?
There are fewer than in North America and Australia. UK renters may find trailer tents or small caravans listed instead, and some Outdoorsy listings in the US, Canada and Australia are worth considering if you are travelling there. See our US, Canada and Australia guides.
Find one for your dates: search trailers and campers near you.