Are hard sided pop up campers a better option than traditional soft sided campers? If you’re in the market for a new camper, you may be wondering if a hard sided pop up camper is right for you. While they offer some advantages, there are also some things to consider before making your purchase.
What is a hard sided pop up camper?
A hard sided pop up camper is a type of camper that has a hard shell instead of the traditional soft sided one. This makes them a bit more durable and weatherproof. They are often made out of fiberglass and/or steel.
They have been gaining in popularity in recent years as people have started to realize their benefits. Just like a soft-sided popup, there are different types of hard sided pop ups to choose from especially in the RV types.
You can find ones that are just a basic shell or ones that come with all the amenities of a regular camper. Or, if you are handy, you can even build your own.
Who makes a hard sided pop-up camper?
Generally, the major camper manufacturers all have at least one hard sided pop up in their lineup. But there are also a few smaller companies that specialize in them. Some of the more popular ones are:
1. Aliner
2. Black Series
3. Coachmen
5. Opus Campers
How much does a hard sided pop-up camper weigh?
This is one of the downsides to a hard sided pop-up camper – they tend to be a bit heavier than the soft-sided ones. This is because they need to be stronger in order to withstand the wind and weather.
Most of them weigh in at around 1,180 to 2,700 lbs. So, if you are considering purchasing one, you need to make sure your vehicle can handle the weight. One more thing to keep in mind is that they often require a special hitch or ball mount that is not as common as the ones used for soft-sided pop-ups. So, you may need to buy that separately.
Are hard sided pop up campers better than tent campers?
As with most things, there is no simple answer to this question. It all depends on your needs and what you are looking for. But in general, a hard sided pop up camper does have some advantages over the soft sided ones.
If you’re looking for an RV that you can use as a permanent home on wheels, hard sided pop up campers are not the best option. These pop-up RVs feel more like travel trailers than pop-up campers. But if you’re just looking for something to take with you on occasional camping trips, they are a great choice.
Even if you’re not looking for a permanent home on wheels, there are some other factors to consider. For example, how easy is it to set up and take down? Do you need a lot of storage space? Does it need to fit a queen bed, a hanging wardrobe or an interior shower? Is it easy to drive? Where does the spare tire go?
So, as with most things, the answer to the question of whether a hard sided pop up camper is better is, it depends on your needs. But if you’re looking for something that is versatile and easy to use, then a hard sided pop up camper is definitely worth considering.
What are the advantages of hard sided campers?
There are a few advantages that a hard sided pop up camper has over the soft sided ones:
Durable
Since they have a hard shell and usually a fiberglass roof, they are much more durable than the soft sided ones. This makes them a good choice for people who plan to use their camper often or in harsher climates.
Weatherproof
A hard sided pop up camper is also weatherproof. This means that you don’t have to worry about rain or snow getting inside and ruining your trip.
Easy to set up
The best part about them is that they are so easy to set up. You simply pop them open and they are ready to use in your traditional RV life just like the forest river RV. The canvas pop outs have been replaced by a hard shelled exterior for a more streamlined and solidified product.
Better insulation
Because of their hard tent walls, a hard sided pop up camper also has better insulation than the soft sided ones. This means that you can stay warm and cozy inside no matter what the weather is like outside, giving a good camping experience especially in the sleeping space. If you want to consider cooling your camper, you can look at air conditioning or fans, as there are plenty of options.
More storage space
When it comes to storage efficiency, unlike the soft ones which often have tight spaces, the hard sided pop up campers also have more storage space and more room than the soft sided ones, which can be a real plus if you are camping for an extended period of time, or you just prefer to have more room.
Variety of models
The major camper manufacturers are all starting to make hard sided pop up campers, so there is a good variety of models to choose from.
What are the disadvantages of a hard sided pop up camper?
Even though there are some definite advantages to using a hard sided camper, there are also a few disadvantages to consider.
Heavier
As mentioned earlier, this camper weighs heavier than the soft sided ones because of their hard walls and body. So if you are looking for a lightweight, then it’s not for you. This can be a problem if your vehicle can’t handle the extra weight, that may be the double bed, storage box, sofa bed, bunk beds, fresh water tank or if you have a top half.
Require special hitch
Another thing to keep in mind is that they often require a special hitch or ball mount that is not as common as the ones used for soft sided pop ups. So, you may need to buy that separately, in case you want to add a permanent bed or the canvas pop up outdoor shower.
Requires More Space
Another downside is that they require more space to set up than the soft sided ones if you have canvas walls in the canvas sides. This can be a problem if are camping in a tight spot and/or want to take all the essentials with you.
Less comfortable
Finally, some people find that they are not as comfortable as the soft sided pop ups. This is mostly due to the fact that they have less ventilation.
How much do they cost?
The cost of a hard sided pop up camper varies depending on the model that you choose. But in general, they are a bit more expensive than the soft sided ones. Because of this, you need to make sure that you really need all the advantages that they offer before you invest in one.
If you are buying a new one, expect to pay anywhere from $11,000 to $26,000. If you are looking for a used one, the prices will be cheaper, but still start at around $5,000 and you can expect to pay up to $18,000 if it is a newer model.
What are the best hard sided pop ups campers?
There are a few hard sided pop up campers that are definitely worth considering if you are in the market for one:
With two beds, a small kitchen, and plenty of storage, this is a great option for a small family.
2. Coachmen Clipper Express 12.0 TD MAX
For outdoor activities, this camper has a ton of features like a roof rack, air conditioning, and a power awning.
3. Forest River Rockwood A122S
If you want overall space, this is a great option with a large dinette, dry bath, and bunk beds.
4. Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite Series
For small families or couples, this camper is a great option. It is one of the best hard sided pop up campers.
The larger models in the hard sided pop up camper category, this one has a lot to offer like a full kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping capacity for six.
6. Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1800
With storage cabinets, large refrigerator, water heater and solar panel, this camper is perfect for the family that likes to cook their own meals while on the road.
Summary – Is a hard sided pop up camper better?
So, is a hard sided pop up camper better? Again, the answer depends on what you are looking for. But if you need something that is durable, weatherproof and easy to set up with more sleeping space, then a hard sided pop up camper is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind the disadvantages listed above before making your final decision.
Whatever you decide upon, just ensure you’ve got enough space for your needs, ample lighting, you have that spare tyre and the fire extinguisher! Make sure you know your vehicle weight, you’ve got the right trailer, you know the exterior width of your camper, plan your trip well and go make some happy camping memories!
