How Much Does A Pop Up Camper Weigh?

Last Updated on March 28, 2022 by Ted Mosby

If you are planning to purchase a pop-up camper, you might be wondering about what will be its weight so that you can determine whether your vehicle can tow it or not. This entirely depends on what type of pop-up camper you are willing to purchase.

When buying a pop-up camper, you will have the choice to choose from a vast range of these campers since they are available in different sizes and amenities.

The majority of Pop up campers weigh from 600 lbs to 4,500 lbs. It depends on a lot of other factors such as Type, Model, Size, and Features. The average weight of a pop up camper is 2,000 lbs.

It is critical to know how much your pop-up camper weighs before you go camping.

For those who love spending most of their time on roads but don’t have the budget to buy an RV or don’t want to tow a travel trailer, pop-up campers are great solutions.

These pop-up campers are not only lightweight and easy to tow but also affordable. Since they are small and collapsible, it means you can tow them with almost any vehicle with ease.

Pop Up Campers Weight

Jayco Jay Sport	1,895 lbs
Coachmen Clipper Sport	2,396 lbs
Forest River Flagstaff	2,700 lbs
Sylvansport Go	840 lbs
Aliner Family Expedition	2,000 lbs
Forest River Rockwood	3,721 lbs
Air Opus 4-Sleeper Camper	2,870 lbs
Turtleback Adventure Trail	1,300 lbs
Aliner Somerset	2,760 lbs

Types of Pop up Campers by their Weight Class

When we talk about pop up campers, there are three types: Small/Mini, Medium, and Large. You should go for the size that is suitable for your vehicle’s towing capacity, cost, and the number of people you want to fit in.

The higher the pop-up camper size goes, the higher their price, tow weight, and sleeping capacity goes.

1. Small Pop Up Campers

Small pop-up campers are generally under 1,000 lbs, which means they can be towed by small vehicles as well. In these small pop-up campers, two people can sleep and offers some storage space as well.

Some pop-up trailers can be towed by even by a bike.

2. Medium Size Pop up Campers

Medium size pop-up campers usually weigh between 1,000 to 2,000 lbs. These camper trailers are small and compact but still offer sleeping space for two people and a kitchen area.

These small campers are an excellent solution for couples and small families.

3. Large Pop Up Campers

Large pop up campers are heavy and offer more sleeping and living space. These types of pop up campers are great for families looking for more storage space.

However, since they are heavy, you will need a big vehicle to tow them safely. These campers generally weigh over 2,000 lbs.

Pop Up Camper Weight Terminologies

If you are going to purchase a pop up camper, you should know how much everything is going to weigh.

There are multiple terms and weights, and in order to safely tow your pop up camper, it is a must to know what each weight listing means.

Some of these are given below.

1. Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW)

UVW is the weight of the pop-up camper when it arrives at the manufacturer with a full fuel tank. It is the lightest pop-up camper before you load it with your gear.

2. Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)

This weight term is the amount of water, gear, and other stuff you can pack. If you are starting with an empty pop-up camper at the UVW, weigh everything before it goes to the camper.

Even if your pop-up camper is not empty, weighing everything will keep it within its carrying capacity.

3. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)

This is the highest weight that your pop-up camper can safely carry. This weight includes water, gear, as well as the weight of your pop-up camper body. If you surpass this rating, your camper might cause the camper to fail under the load.

4. Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio (GVWR)

This weight category determines how much your vehicle can carry, and it includes the hitch weight and vehicle carrying capacity. For vehicle carrying capacity, it includes pets, passengers, gear stored in the vehicle.

The GVWR is not only about vehicle tows but also what is inside the vehicle as well. The most important thing that you must have to consider is to make sure you save yourself weight in the vehicle.

Consider your Current Vehicle Towing Capacity Before Purchasing a Pop Up Camper

This is another important thing that you must have to consider before purchasing a pop-up camper. I highly recommend checking your vehicle towing rating by yourself and do not depend on the salesperson you are purchasing your pop-up camper from.

To do that, you should check the owner’s manual or use the VIN to speak to a local car dealer. Moreover, you can also check it online.

Take a look at your vehicle tow rating to figure out what you can carry in CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) after figuring out the hitch and UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight).

For those who don’t know what the hitch weight is, it is the weight that sits on the hitch of the vehicle from the camper. It is a good practice not to surpass the hitch weight from 9-15% of the GTW, meaning the hitch weight, cargo, and UVW in the pop-up camper.

Talking about towing vehicles, the majority of car dealers do not inform you about the towing capacity of a vehicle. For example, if your towing vehicle is capable of towing up to 3,500 lbs., and your pop-up camper has an unloaded weight of 2,325 lbs., and a hitch weight of 243 lbs., it means you only have 932 lbs for cargo.

Keep in mind that the towing capacity of a vehicle also includes both what’s in your camper and what’s in your vehicle.

Are Trailer Brakes Necessary?

Remember that experienced travelers recommend that any camper that weighs over 3,000 lbs should have trailer brakes. In my case, I highly recommend that any pop up camper that weighs over 1,500 lbs, Should include trailer brakes for safety.

If you have a pop up camper that doesn’t have a brake controller, you can simply install a controller in your tow vehicle. An RV dealer, mechanic, or facility can easily do this for you. Take note that the weight of basic features in a pop up camper, when shipped from a manufacturer, is included in the UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight).

These basic features include awning, air conditioner, mattress pads, water heater, lights and fans, outside grill, fire extinguisher, refrigerator, propane tank, spare tire, shades, curtains, etc. optional stuff that you might add as cargo include extra shelving, electric cords, water hose, bicycles and rack, chairs and outdoor folding table, cooler, etc.

Advantages of Having a Pop Up Camper

Pop up campers have various benefits. The reason why they are popular among the majority of travelers is their lightweight and small size that is easy to tow with any vehicle. Moreover, they are also available at affordable prices. For people who cannot afford to own an RV, these pop up campers are a great solution.

Furthermore, another great benefit of having a pop-up camper instead of an RV is you will get better gas mileage while towing it. Since your pop up camper is on a trailer, you can leave them behind at campsites. This means you will be free to take off in your vehicle after setting up a camp.

Since you can leave your camper behind, it allows you to save your campsite, and start exploring nature without any worries. The majority of national parks have steep and winding roads, which means being able to ditch the camper and weight is ideal.

Once you take everything down, your pop up camper will become compact and smaller. By collapsing it down to a compact size, you will get a much better gas mileage while on the road. Since a pop-up camper is a low profile, it means it is more aerodynamic than an RV or a travel trailer. Collapsing down your pop-up is not only about getting a better gas mileage, but also storing your camper as well.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Pop Up Camper

If you are planning to buy a pop-up camper, you should ask a few questions before making a purchase. Here is what you should ask;

• How much does it weigh and what is your vehicle towing capacity?
• How many people can it hold for sleeping?
• Does it have a kitchen setup, and what is its type?
• Does it have a shower or toilet?
• Can you quickly set it up?
• Can you take it with you on off roads?

Pop Up Camper Must Have Accessories

Although the majority of modern pop up campers come equipped with almost everything that you need, there are two things that you should pay attention to. These are leveling blocks and stabilizer jacks.

Stabilizer Jacks: keep tipping your pop-up side to side as you walk around the interior. You should know that all the pop-up campers come with two stabilizers built into the frame. However, small pop-up campers don’t have front stabilizers. In this regard, you should buy a jack stand to stabilize the front of your pop-up camper. They shouldn’t be used for leveling the camper.

This is my recommendation for the best stabilizer jack for your camper: BAL Scissor Jacks Stabilizing System (Buy from Amazon)

Wheel chocks or Levelling blocks: These are designed to level the trailer quickly. They are placed under or next to the wheels of the pop-up camper to keep it flat and avoid it from rolling away. Check our guide on How to Level Your Trailer for more in-depth information. 

This is my recommendation for the Best Leveling Blocks: Camco Fasten XL Leveling Blocks (Buy from Amazon)

Best Pop Up Campers under 3,000 lbs

Here is a list of some of the most popular and best pop-up campers that you should consider while purchasing one. All of these pop-up campers can easily be towed with almost any vehicle since all of them weigh under 3,000 lbs.

So, let’s take a look!

1. Sylvan Sport GO

The very first pop-up camper that is an excellent pick for anyone who loves traveling is Sylvan Sport GO. It is not only for camping purposes since it has three modes. You can use it as a camper, gear hauler, or utility trailer. While using it as a camper, it is a tent setup.

Its camping mode can be compared to a rugged camping experience since it doesn’t have amenities and features such as cabinetry or a kitchen.

However, it can hold up to four persons. The standing interior height of it is 6.5, and it also has a center table with seating. The thing that makes it a great pick is when it is in transport mode, you will be free to haul anything you want, such as kayaks, mountain bikes, canoes, and other heavy equipment.

The total weight of the camper is just 840 lbs., which means it is the lightest pop-up camper that you should consider if you have a small vehicle.

Key Features

• Dinette table.
• Utility trailer.
• Gear hauler.
• Sleeping space for up to four persons
• Camper mode.
• Lightweight.

2. Livin’ Lite Quicksilver 8.0

Another best pop-up camper is Livin’ Lite Quicksilver, which comes with some amazing features missing in Sylvan Spot GO. These features include cabinets, sink in-built to the interior, and countertops.

This camper can comfortably sleep up to four adults. Moreover, it is also equipped with fans and lighting to provide you with extra comfort.

The dry weight of this camper is just 994 lbs., which means you don’t need to have a big vehicle to tow it. Coming to the outside of the camper, it has pre-wired for solar and a 30 Ampere converter battery box.

Moreover, you can also make it more personalized by choosing from its optional packages and can add a furnace, stovetop, air conditioner, and awning.

Key Features

• Aluminum cabinets.
• Vent fan
• Pre-wired solar panels
• Hand pump with a sink
• Detachable table
• Lightweight

3. Coachman Clipper Sport

If you want to get a feel of RV experience but don’t have a budget to buy an RV, look no further than this pop-up camper. Upon setting it up, it will feel like you are in a small RV. To make it more durable and the perfect pick for hard weather conditions, it has a hard roof.

It also features multiple cabinets and countertops and a sleeping area that can comfortably sleep, four adults.

You will also see a dinette table, a sink with a hand pump, and a stovetop. To make it more comfortable for you, it has 23 gallons of freshwater below and 16 gallons above the floor.

Key Features

• Sleeping space for four adults.
• Hardtop design.
• Dinette and cabinets.
• A sink and water pump.
• Exterior and interior lighting.
• Propane grill.

4. Turtleback Trailer

If you have a large family of up to six members and want to go camping, you should check out this pop-up camper. It can easily hold up to six people and features basic amenities, such as a stove, dinette, sink, interior lighting, and a 21-gallon water tank.

It comes with a single deep battery and a charger to keep running all the electronics. You will also see a propane tank onboard. The thing that I like about this one is its large sunroom that stretches from the entrance.

Key Features

• Sleeping space for up to six people.
• Interior and exterior lighting.
• Sunroom.
• Stovetop.
• A sink with a water pump.
• A water tank.

5. Opus Pop-up Camper

Opus is the largest and the most luxurious pop-up camper on this list. The thing that makes this pop-up camper stand out is that it is an inflatable RV. The setup consists of opening up the camper, flipping the switch, and enabling the air pump to set it up for you.

Since it is a considerably sizeable pop-up camper compared to others included in this list, it offers a lot of storage space, a dinette, and sleeping space for up to four adults.

While on the outside, compartments give space to a four-burner range, a portable refrigerator, and a slide-out sink. If you often travel to places that are off roads, you should look at this pop-up camper since it is built for off roads and has the ability of extra shock-absorbing, and high clearance that allows you to drive it on any kind of terrain.

Key Features

• Sleeping space for four adults.
• Four-burner range and a slide-out sink.
• Portable refrigerator.
• Roof-mounted cargo rack (optional).
• Microwave oven, water-heated shower (optional).

FAQ

Conclusion

So that is all about pop-up camper weight. I have discussed everything in detail about why you should consider having a pop-up trailer and what are the things that you must consider before purchasing one.

I sincerely hope this post will help you, and you will be able to get a pop-up camper that will be a perfect fit for you.