Popup Travel Trailers
A pop up trailer is a lightweight unit with sides that collapse for towing and storage. The pop-up, sometimes referred to as a folding camping trailer, combines the experience of open-air tent camping with the sleeping comforts, basic conveniences and weather protection found in other RVs. These campers can be canvas sided or be hard sided and although most people think of the old standard Coleman camper when a pop up is mentioned, some models now can be over 30 feet in length., sleep as many as 8 people and come with slide outs.
Because these trailers fold down for towing, there are fast becoming popular among people who are interested in saving fuel as they tow their RV down the road. Often these units are lower in height that the car, truck or SUV that is towing it, therefore the wind resistance issue is minimized with a pop up trailer. Some of these campers weigh less than 500 lbs so an economy vehicle can tow these without much problem.
There are new models of pop up campers now can be deployed in the rain without any worry of getting water inside as the unit is raised from the inside of the unit. The older problem of raising a pop up camper in the rain, extending the slide outs with the canvas sides and getting soaked in the process is a thing of the past with the new models.
Because some pop ups have smaller tires that are tucked underneath the unit, you need to be more aware of axles, wheel bearings, wheels and tire conditions as you tow these. Stopping occasionally and checking the wheels, hubs and tires as soon as you stop will allow yo to better monitor the condition of the running gear as you travel. Keep in mind that smaller tires turn at higher speeds so you may want to slow down a bit while towing these types of trailers.
Some pop ups are large and heavy enough to warrant the need for equalizer hitches with weight bars. Consult your owners manual for proper hookup information. Braking systems are included on some of these units as well. All of these features make your towing experience safer and easier.
Many communities ban residential parking of large RVs, unless they are garaged. Unlike travel trailers, many folding camping trailers can be garaged. Being able to store your RV in your garage will likely save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year in storage fees, maintenance costs, insurance premiums, and future resale value.