By: David H.
Submitted: 2009-09-03 11:57:27 | Word Count: 567
Pop ups provide extra comfort to campers.
Pop up campers are also known as folding campers or tent campers. They are also referred as the beginner’s camper.
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This year, some manufacturers used extruded aluminum as dominant material for the pop up camper. Plastics and steels are integrated to create a lighter weight unit. Weight ranges from approximately 1,500 to 4,000 pounds.
There are two variations in pop up camper walls to date: collapsible and solid.
Collapsible canvas
This is known as the soft sided canvas. It is weighs lighter than the solid ones and often made of fiberglass.
Solid trailer
It is heavier and more expensive with its insulated hard walls. However it is easier t o set up and more spacious. It is also known as hybrid pop up campers.
Pop Up Campers Benefits
• Price is budget friendly for the service/product. New units range from $5,000 to $10,000. Rental fee is from $300 to $500 per week.
• It brings campers closer to nature, while offering safer temporary homes outdoors.
• It is not a fully enclosed recreational vehicle.
• It comes in different models.
• It is easy to set up with the use of crank or switch.
• It accommodates larger sleeping space. Partitions gives privacy.
• It is portable and easy to maneuver.
• It is easy to store in the garage or backyard.
History of Pop Up Campers
In 1954, Clyde Grambsch, developed pop up camper used for family trips. This model is now displayed in the RV/MH Heritage Foundation Museum. Early models were simple shells that fold open to provide a sleeping space. They were known as off the ground large tents. Later on with the advancement of technology and modern materials, weight was significantly reduced to include other amenities inside. Pop up means two large wings can be unfolded to transform the unit to a sleeping mat..
The Best Manufacturers of Pop Ups
Coleman/Fleetwood
It is the world’s largest recreational vehicle producer. Fleetwood acquired Coleman in 1989 because the latter used to produce the best selling trailers. Today the 2008 models include the Highlander, Americana, Destiny and Evolution pop up campers.
Highlander is the standard model with solid wall bathroom, galley, commode, and sunbrella. Americana offers swing head galley, door stepper, waist level crank and roof rails. Destiny includes bathroom, indoor/outdoor cooking and great floor plans. Evolution has a front deck, floor plans and a shower.
Starcraft
This company started manufacturing recreational vehicle industry in 1964. The units range from 16 to 26 feet. Models include the Starcraft, Centennial, RT Series and Starstream.
Starcraft include king size beds, oven, microwave, slide out dinette, hard walled toilet and shower. Centennial include dining area slideout, residential height counters, stationary sink, shower and toilet. RT series is made for rough road traveling with its larger tires. It includes extended front cargo area, folding hard wall shower and water holding tank. Starstream include cooking range, toilet, laminated countertops, roof vent, microwave and double kitchen sink.
Jayco, the owner, is also the creator of the most liveable RVs.
Forest River(Rockwood)
This manufacturer offers 4 options to choose from: Premier, Freedom, LTD Models and High wall series. Premier includes thermostat mattresses, air furnace, extra room feature, refrigerator and overhead kitchen pantry. Freedom offers the same as accessories plus a power lift system, toilet and shower option. LTD models include thermostat control for the entire unit and an outside gas grill. High wall series has a spring room and awning.
