Does the weight of a pop-up trailer matter? Of course, it does. The importance of pop-up trailers varies. Some are lightweight, while others are heavy to carry. All of them have different weights. But, It’s important to know how much pop-up tent trailers weigh. Mostly pop-up trailers weigh between 1000 to 3000 pounds. Those that are lightweight can weigh below 1000 pounds as well. On the other hand, heavier trailers can weigh 3000 pounds and, in some cases, more than that.
In this blog, you’ll learn in-depth about how much pop-up tent trailers weigh and much more!
Different Pop-Up Campers & Their Dry Weight
Different pop-up campers have weights varying from a few hundred to thousands of pounds. That said, campers of other companies with dry weights are given in the table below. The dry weight, here, refers to a trailer without amenities. So, check out the table below for examples of the pop-up camper and their weight.
Pop Up Campers | Dry Weight (lbs) |
Forest River Rockwood Freedom Series | 1500 – 3000 |
Jayco Jay Sport Series | 1215 – 2890 |
Coachmen Clipper Camping Trailers | 1,845 – 2,685 |
Starcraft Comet Series | 1,815 – 2,820 |
Flagstaff Camping Trailers | 1,632 – 3,098 |
SylvanSport GO | 840 |
Aliner Ascape ST | 1350 |
Opus Air OP-15 | 2850 |
Taxa Cricket Camper | 1452 |
Coleman Pop up Camper | 2497 |
Happier Camper HC1 | 1100 |
The weights of the campers in the table above are a rough estimate and not a permanent figure. Verifying the camper’s weight before you tow it would be best. Until then, learn about the weight basics of the trailers.
Read More: Pop Up Campers vs Tents: Choosing the Best Camping Option
Terminologies Related to Campers’ Weight
You must learn about the following terms to understand how much pop-up tent trailers weigh. So, know them now to understand how much the trailers weigh.
- UVW
The UVW stands for Unloaded Vehicle Weight, also known as dry weight. The trailer is empty from the water tank and other amenities, and that’s when you use the term unloaded vehicle weight.
- CCC
The CCC stands for Cargo Carrying Capacity. It means the weight of a camper trailer that a towing vehicle can carry. There should be a balance between the two. Otherwise, you’ll face problems.
- GVWR
The GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio. It’s the combination of UVW and CCC. This term means that your camper should be loaded so that a towing vehicle can carry it. At the same time, the cargo-carrying capacity should be kept in mind to maintain the balance.
Factors Affecting Pop-Up Tent Trailer Weight
Pop-up campers are a great source of entertainment for those who want to enjoy camping without any hassle of pitching and setting up a large tent. That said, the weight of a pop-up trailer is a must to consider as it affects the towing capacity of a camp trailer. So, keep this factor in your mind. However, some things affect the weight of a trailer. Some of them are;
- Size: The size of a trailer plays a significant role in affecting its weight. Larger campers will be way heavier than smaller ones, and the number of construction materials will be in them compared to the lightweight campers. So, if you buy or rent a heavy trailer, you’ll have to use the towing vehicle according to its weight and size.
- Materials: Trailers are made of wood, aluminum, steel, and fiberglass. Not all of them have the same material. The smaller trailers are made of fiberglass or aluminum and weigh less than heavy steel or wood trailers. Also, check the type of material used will affect the weight of your camper.
- Features: When you get a trailer, it comes with a dry weight, meaning it’s empty. Later, its weight increases when amenities are added, such as a water tank, kitchen accessories, furniture, etc. Adding that extra weight of features to the dry weight will lead to an increase in the total weight of the trailer. So, adding components can affect a pop-up camper’s weighing quality.
- Other Accessories: Other necessary items such as storage boxes, awnings, iron stands, or bike racks can also cause an increase in the weight of a trailer.
- Water & Fuel Tanks: Most campers have an integrated fuel and water tank that can affect their weight. Once the fuel and water tanks are filled, the trailer’s weighing capacity can increase and jeopardize its weight.
- Cargo: It’s better to avoid carrying unnecessary items in the camper as it can affect its weight. Instead, keep the extra stuff in the towing vehicle, and upon reaching the camping site, shift the things from the towing vehicle to the trailer for use. If you don’t, you can affect the trailer’s weight.
All-in-all, many factors influence the weight of a camper. It’s better to consider these factors when buying a trailer to ensure maximum security and balance between it and a towing vehicle.
Tips for Reducing Pop-Up Tent Trailer Weight
Pop-up campers are a great source of enjoyment and can make your camping experience memorable. They come with built-in facilities and give a home-like feeling. In addition, they come from different brands in different sizes ranging from small to medium and large. They are easy to move to the camping site with the help of a towing vehicle.
However, weight is one major issue while moving a trailer to the vacation site. You need to find out if the towing vehicle can move the camper to the camping site safely or not. This is when you need to use your mind and think out of the box, just like we did by coming up with the following tips for you. These tips can make your camping experience easy and comfy!
- Use Lightweight Materials
If your trailer comes with heavy materials such as wooden furniture and other accessories, you can tweak them. You can replace wooden cabinets and cupboards with lightweight aluminum, plastic, or composite materials. On the other hand, if the bedding and curtains are of heavy materials, you can replace them with light materials. By doing so, the functionality and comfort of the pop-up camper won’t be affected, and at the same time, its weight will be reduced.
- Try to Go For A Smaller Trailer
Since trailers come in different sizes, they can weigh between 500 to 2000 and sometimes 3000 lbs. So, the heavier the trailer, the more it will weigh. Therefore, opting for a smaller camper is better to make your camping journey comfy and easy. However, if you go for a larger trailer, you’ll need help moving it to the campsite, and in return, the amenities inside it will increase its overall weight and fuel cost. On the other hand, a small trailer will have lesser importance with lower fuel costs.
- Remove Extras
Before moving your trailer to the camping site, it would be better to do an internal inspection. This will help you find unnecessary items in the trailer, such as extra kitchen supplies, clothes, furniture, bedding, etc. Once you’ve done the scrutiny and removed extras, the trailer’s weight will automatically reduce and make it easier for you to pack and unpack it. That said, always carry those things in the trailer you need, not the unnecessary items.
- Use Lightweight Appliances
One of the most effective ways to reduce the camper’s weight is upgrading to lightweight appliances. You can replace the heavy wood furniture with lighter one. In addition, you can use an electric stove instead of a heavy propane stove and replace heavy refrigerators with small and compact ones. Then comes the sleeping mattress; if it’s heavy, replace it with a lighter one, and the same goes for the washing machine. You can use a mini washing machine and a lightweight iron stand for pressing clothes. It’s as simple as it is!
- Weight Distribution
Another thing to keep in mind is the weight distribution of a trailer. Weigh everything in the trailer. Ensure that the weight of a trailer balances with the towing vehicle so that the trailer can shift quickly to the camping site. Moving the trailer will become problematic if it doesn’t balance with towing vehicles. So, before you hit the road, double-check the trailer’s weight, and keep the stuff at the center or in the front section of the trailer. This way, the heaviest items in the trailer will be placed over the axles, and the weight will distribute equally between the towing vehicle and the pop-up camper.
- Upgrade to Lightweight Tires
Now it’s time to reduce the camper’s weight from the outside by replacing heavy tires with lighter ones. The heavy-duty tires can make it hard for the towing vehicle to move a trailer. However, lightweight tires can significantly play a significant role in lessening the trailer’s weight and ensuring that it is safe to tow and easy to move.
Steps to Tow A Trailer Safely
Once you’re done with the weight check, it’s time to ensure your trailer is safe to tow. The trailer is an excellent way of maneuvering things from one place to another. People use it for many purposes, such as transporting goods or shifting cars. However, here, we’re talking about the use of a trailer in terms of camping and how to tow a trailer safely. So, follow the steps below.
- Get a Vehicle According to its Towing Capacity: Before choosing a towing vehicle, check its capacity and whether it can handle the weight of your trailer. You can ask the vehicle’s owner about its weight-bearing ability or read the manual thoroughly that comes with it. It will save you time, money, and energy. You should know how much pop-up tent trailers weigh before overloading them.
- Inspect the Hitch: After choosing the vehicle to tow, it’s time to hitch it with the pop-up camper. Once you hitch both vehicles, ensure they are compatible and connected correctly. Also, be vigilant about the trailer that hitches in the center with a vehicle. Ensure it’s securely attached to move the trailer to the camping site.
- Load the Pop-up Camper: Do not overload the camper; only add the necessary stuff. Tie the stems with a rope so that nothing gets damaged while towing away the trailer. Keep the heavy items at the front or in the middle of the trailer to distribute the weight evenly.
- Adjust the Mirrors: Another thing you need to do is adjust the mirrors. If you don’t, you can meet with an accident or worse. Fixing the mirrors will help you see what’s happening behind your vehicle. So, make sure to adjust the mirrors perfectly.
- Drive Safely: Riding a single vehicle on the road is more accessible than a vehicle that carries a trailer. You have to be careful while driving the towing vehicle. Because you’ll be holding a pop-up camper of the increased length and width, you’ll have to maintain distance from other vehicles on the road and reduce the speed. So, drive defensively.
- Brake & Accelerate Slowly and Gradually: Keep such a distance from other vehicles on the road that you can quickly slow down the vehicle while reaching a traffic light, and have plenty of room to brake. Similarly, when it’s time to accelerate, do it gradually so the vehicle’s engine doesn’t strain.
- Keep a Check on the Trailer: Take breaks frequently, stop at different locations, and check if the loaded item inside the trailer is secure and the hitch is attached correctly. Doing so will help you reach the camping site easily.
Following these steps will help you reach your vacation spot easily!
Are Pop-Up Campers Good For Camping?
You need a pop-up camper if you want a safe camping experience without interference from the outer elements, such as rain and strong wind. What makes them suitable for camping is the comfort it provides and the amenities it offers. A pop-up camper has a kitchen, water tank, sitting and sleeping area, and AC plus heater. So, with a pop-up trailer, you will enjoy the best days of your life.
You won’t feel homesick while camping, and it’s because it offers a home similar to comfort. In addition, no wild animal or any harmful thing will be able to enter the camper, making it a safe place for you to stay at. If you want to get a trailer for camping, don’t hesitate to go for it. If you can’t buy it, rent it out and have fun!
Read More: How Much Do Pop-Up Tents Cost? Budget-Friendly Options
Pros & Cons of Pop-up Trailers
Pop-up campers are one of the best things that ever happened to travelers. However, it comes with both pros and cons.
Pros
- It’s fully equipped with kitchen supplies, has a washroom, and fulfills water needs.
- It’s safer than tents.
- Offers an excellent camping experience.
- It protects you from the effects of harsh weather conditions.
- The campers are maneuverable.
- They can accommodate a group of people.
- You can rest comfortably on the mattress.
Cons
- They can be costly.
- Some campers are heavy in size and uneasy about moving from one place to another.
- They can increase the cost.
- You’ll need a towing vehicle to move them to the camping site, increasing the cost.
How Much Does A Pop-Up Trailer Cost?
There’s no one brand of pop-up campers. They come in a variety and different shapes and sizes. According to the brand they come from, including their size and shape, etc., their price is determined. The pop-up campers are more budget-friendly than other types of campers and RVs. That said, new campers can range from $11,000 to $26,000.On the other hand, used ones are less constant and are for $5,900 to 18,000. However, you can rent them out if you can’t buy them. It doesn’t vary on how much do pop-up
Conclusion
The pop-up trailers can range from small to large size. They weigh between 500 to 3000 lbs. The mini-size pop-up campers are easy to move, while the larger ones need effort. Also, it’s their weight that increases the price. In comparison with large campers, small ones are less costly and portable.
On the other hand, large ones are best for a 5 to 6 group of people. The weight of a trailer plays a significant role in towing it to the camping site. In short, understanding how much pop-up tent trailers weigh will help you enjoy the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the standard size of a pop-up trailer?
In terms of size, the length and width of a camping trailer can vary. When closed, the length and width are 7 feet or 7 feet and 6 inches, and the height is between 4 feet and 6 inches when closed. However, upon opening them, the size of a trailer doubles, and it looks enormous. On the other hand, the pop-up campers come in a variety of shapes, so their sizes will vary from each other.
- How much does a small pop-up camper weigh?
The small trailers are less heavy than the large ones. They have an average maximum weight of 2800 lbs and are about 22 feet long. Their dry weight is between 1200 to 3900 lbs. Also, their GVWR varies from 1900 to 4500 lbs.
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