RVs allow you to bring a luxurious living space anywhere you travel. But sometimes these campers are a little too luxurious and they separate you from that good ol’ camping feeling! If you want to enjoy the convenience of an RV while still connecting with the great outdoors, you should look into lightweight pop-up campers!
Pop-up campers are quite popular because they combine the aesthetics of a tent with the functionality of an RV. You can enjoy an easy setup process, comfortable beds, and amenities like kitchens and bathrooms. Best of all, it’s all contained within a compact and easily collapsible frame.
Pop-up campers are great for families and adventurers who like to take seasonal trips. If you love camping but don’t care for the hassle of setting up a campsite,a pop-up camper could be the solution that you’ve been dreaming of. They’re also easy to tow and can usually travel over rough terrain without issue.
Lightweight Pop-Up Campers
There are several options for pop-up campers. Some are soft-sided, while others are hard-sided. Soft-sided models are more like tents and they don’t have quite as much insulation as their counterparts. But on the other hand, they can expand more and are usually lighter.
The options on this list all weigh less than 3,000 pounds and can be towed by a variety of vehicles. Our top five picks from 2023 are listed below (ordered from lightest to heaviest). Let’s take a look!
Chalet LTW
- Unladen Vehicle Weight: 990 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 138 lbs
- Exterior Length: 12′ 9″
First up, we’ve got one of the smallest and lightest options on the market. The LTW is fairly simple, but it contains all the necessities you need for a nice camping trip.
The rear of the vehicle contains a pair of long, padded benches with a dining table in the middle. At night, this space can convert into a single large bed. There are also overhead storage cabinets along both walls.
This pop-up camper also has space for a kitchenette, which includes a sink, dual-burner stovetop, mini fridge, and a separate countertop with storage underneath. If you’re looking for something that’s cozy and efficient, the Chalet LTW is a great option! Check it out here.
Turtleback Getaway Trailer
- Unladen Vehicle Weight: 1,160 lbs
- Hitch Weight: N/A
- Exterior Length: N/A
Next up, we have a much more rugged option. Turtleback trailers are extremely compact, but they’re pretty impressive once they fold out. This option is perfect for outdoorsy types because it’s more like a tent than an RV. You have the ability to build it up/out as much as you want, or just keep everything compact. It doubles as a gear hauler as well so you can use it to carry your necessary camping equipment.
Some noteworthy features of the Turtleback getaway trailer include its 11-pound propane tank, exterior rear kitchen, 21-gallon water tank, and its deep-cycle battery. It’s a perfect supplement to your campsite setup and you can also install a tent on top of the trailer for extra comfort.
Additional upgrades and expansion packages are available when you buy from Turtleback. Check out all the various options on their website.
Chalet XL
- Unladen Vehicle Weight: 1,995 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 370 lbs
- Exterior Length: 18′ 7″
Before we move on, we need to cover one more lightweight pop up camper from Chalet. This model is a hard-sided A-frame and it’s much bigger than the LTW. As a result, it has a ton of appealing features. For starters, the front of the floorplan includes a pair of 46-by-80-inch bunk beds! This vastly increases the sleeping capacity and makes this a good fit for families.
The rear of the vehicle has a U-shaped dinette that can convert into an additional full-size bed when needed. Storage and utilities are located underneath the dinette seats as well. The center of the floorplan contains a kitchenette along one wall and a wet bath on the other wall.
It’s an all-purpose design that includes all the necessities you could ask for during your next camping trip. Check out more details about the Chalet XL here.
Opus OP LITE
- Unladen Vehicle Weight: 2,380 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 209 lbs
- Exterior Length: 17′ 2″
Opus is one of the top manufacturers of lightweight pop-up campers and the OP LITE is a great showcase of what they can do. The entire living space can collapse into a compact little trailer, but it also unfolds into a spacious and comfortable tent.
This little RV is built for adventure and it can easily be towed behind a wide variety of vehicles. Each model is equipped with all-terrain tires, rock guards, underbody armor, and shock absorbers. You can easily travel off-road when you’re hauling an OP LITE behind you.
You also shouldn’t overlook the lifestyle amenities. Although it may look like a simple tent from the outside, these trailers contain comforts like LED lighting, a queen bed, a slide-out kitchen, optional collar panels, and even a stereo system with speakers. It’s the perfect adventure vehicle. Learn more about it at opuscamper.us
Forest River Flagstaff T21DMHW
- Unladen Vehicle Weight: 2,700 lbs
- Hitch Weight: 353 lbs
- Exterior Length: 21′ 2″
If you’re on the lookout for a pop-up camper, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of the offerings from Forest River. The Flagstaff lineup is popular among outdoor enthusiasts and the T21DMHW is particularly noteworthy. It’s an A-frame camper with high walls, plus it’s one of their largest offerings. If you’re looking for an option that comes with plenty of headroom, this is a great choice.
The rear of the vehicle contains a flip-up bed that measures 60-by-80 inches. Exterior storage space is located underneath the bed so you can store bulky items when you travel. The floorplan also includes a booth-style dinette, a kitchenette, a pair of separate countertops with a built-in microwave, and a wet bath.
Bathrooms are not always included in lightweight pop up campers, so the Flagstaff T21DMHW stands out from the competition with its lav. You can learn more about this model by visiting the product page on forestriverinc.com
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