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Travel Trailers vs. Pop-Up Campers

Sep. 23 2020 Comparison By Cedar City RV

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Selecting the right towable RV for your camping needs can be a challenge, given all the options available on the marketplace. Given how expensive campers are and how much commitment they require, the type of camper you buy shouldn’t be a snap decision. You’ll want to think carefully about your needs, desires and budget, then make your choice.

Two of the most popular options are pop-up campers and travel trailers. Each style has its own benefits and drawbacks. Need to know more? Cedar City RV is your Tennessee RV dealer, with two locations in Lebanon. We’ve drawn up this comparison between pop-up campers and travel trailers to help you make the right purchasing decision on your next RV.

Travel Trailers

The term “travel trailer” encompasses a wide variety of different types of towable RV styles. The basic style is a bumper-pull hitch trailer with hard sides. The interior has amenities like a bathroom and a kitchen and there are generally multiple sleeping berths, along with storage space. Travel trailers can be very small and compact or extremely long with slide-outs to expand upon the interior space.

Benefits

  • Space: Travel trailers are roomy and more comparable to a standard small home in terms of size and features offered, so you can pack a lot of gear and bring several people along with you.
  • Amenities: A full kitchen and bathroom along with a private master bedroom and entertainment options come standard on nearly every travel trailer you come across.
  • Variety: There are many different types and sizes of travel trailers, with plenty of different floor plans to choose from.
  • Security: A travel trailer’s hard sides and locking doors and windows keep you and your family safe and secure, protected from weather and theft. Many travel trailers even have climate-control options to keep you comfortable, no matter what the weather is like outside.

Drawbacks

  • Cost: Travel trailers can get quite expensive, especially if you add a lot of features, although looking into used models can save you money.
  • Maintenance: It’s going to require more upkeep to maintain your travel trailer, as there are more moving parts and systems that can malfunction.
  • Storage: Owning a travel trailer will require you to think about storage options and you may have to store it away from your home due to its size.
  • Driving: Towing a travel trailer will be more challenging because of its high profile, so you’re more vulnerable to trailer sway on the highway.

Pop-Up Campers

Pop-up campers evolved as the more rugged type of camper, with a compact profile that is lighter in weight than other types of towables. During transit, a pop-up camper is folded down into a rectangular base. Once the camper is parked and unhitched at its destination, the roof and sides can be raised up to create a living compartment.

Benefits

  • Affordable: Of all the different types of towables on the market, pop-up campers are probably the least expensive option.
  • Towable: Pop-up campers are extremely easy to tow due to their low profile and lighter weight.
  • Maneuverable: You can park pop-up campers almost anywhere and they’re designed to go off-road if needed.
  • Breezy: If you enjoy the smell of fresh air, then the openness of a pop-up camper will keep you close to nature.
  • Simple: Pop-up campers don’t have a lot of the bells and whistles of bigger trailers, so they’re often lower in maintenance needs.
  • Compact: It’s easy to find space to store your pop-up camper when it’s not in use, as its profile is very short and it will fit into many garages and sheds.

Drawbacks

  • Space: Pop-up campers don’t generally have a great deal of storage or living space inside.
  • Weather: The openness of pop-up campers leaves you more exposed to cold, heat and weather than traditional hard-sided trailers.
  • Set-up: Setting up a pop-up camper takes some effort and time, which means you can’t park it at your campsite and be done with it. You’ll need to put the camper together and install various components to make it functional, which can take a few hours.
  • Security: Pop-up campers are fairly open and not extremely secure, which leaves you more vulnerable to animals and theft.

Which One Is Right For Me?

The towable RV that’s right for you will depend upon a few factors: budget, comfort, space needs and desires. Think carefully about your choice before you decide.

If you enjoy tent camping and simply want to upgrade to a bed that’s off the ground with a few convenient amenities, then a pop-up camper is an affordable and convenient option that can fit into almost any budget. Pop-up campers are best for solo travel or couples who want to experience the great outdoors as much as possible without the need for more rigid shelter.

If you prefer the feeling of a more traditional residence and have need for more storage space, climate control and security, then a travel trailer is the way to go. Travel trailers are best for families both large and small or large groups of travelers, and they are the best option if you have children and campers with special needs.

Need to check out some models to make your ultimate decision? Browse our website to see the vast array of new and used pop-up campers and travel trailers at our two dealerships in Lebanon, TN. We even provide financing options to help you fund your purchase. Cedar City RV is proud to be your outdoor adventure store, serving the cities of Smithville and Murfreesboro, TN.