Tips For Buying A Used Pop-Up Camper

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Last Updated on October 14, 2024 by Paul Clayton

Tips For Buying A Used Pop-Up Camper

When buying a used pop-up camper, a lot could go wrong, even if you previously knew a thing or two about trailer attachments.

Key Takeaways:

• • Towing Capacity: Know your vehicle’s towing capacity before purchasing a pop-up camper to ensure safe towing.
  • Camper Features: Based on your camping needs and locations, prioritize essential features like sleeping arrangements, kitchen amenities, bathroom availability, and climate control.
  • Budget Considerations: Understand that prices vary by season, area, and the camper’s condition. Aim to buy during off-season times like fall or winter for better deals.
  • Inspection for Repairs: Always inspect used campers thoroughly for needed repairs, checking for damage that may incur additional costs.
  • Ease of Use: Ensure the camper is user-friendly and easy to set up, fold, and tow, especially if you camp frequently with family.
  • Weather Protection: Buy a camper with solid weather resistance to keep your family safe and comfortable.
  • Brand Recommendations: Popular camper brands like Coachmen Clipper and Forest River offer convenience, durability, and budget-friendly options.
  • Seller Questions: Ask vital questions about the camper’s usage history, condition, and maintenance to avoid future surprises.
  • Maintenance: Regular care, including proper storage, cleaning, and maintenance, is crucial for the longevity of your pop-up camper.
  • Customization: Don’t shy away from personalizing your camper to fit your needs and budget.

How do I know this? I have been in your shoes before and know how scary it can be to venture into the unfamiliar territories of used pop-up campers. This scenario is much worse if you have never owned a seasoned trailer attachment or used a pop-up camper.

I receive dozens of emails weekly asking for simple tips on buying second-hand pop-up campers. While I do my best to reply to most of the questions, it is evident that drafting a comprehensive guide will provide a lasting solution and also serve as a future reference for anyone interested in buying a used pop-up camper. Does this mean I am a self-sufficient expert on this topic?

Certainly not; however, I have gathered enough experience over the years from buying a few campers for my family and a few friends.

But before we discuss my top 21 tips for buying a used pop-up camper, there are a few checks you should make.

How Much Camper Weight Can Your Vehicle Tow?

Before you consider selecting a popup camper, you need to determine the capacity of your towing vehicle. It makes zero sense to buy a pop-up camper (a used one at that) that your vehicle cannot tow. If you are unsure where to look, your vehicle’s owner’s manual is an excellent place to start.

There is a good chance that you’d find your vehicle’s tow ratings clearly stated there. Do not make the mistake of relying on the word of friends or ‘self-acclaimed experts’. No one would know your vehicle’s capacity better than its manufacturer.

Once you determine how much camper weight your vehicle can handle, you can set out to find campers that are well below your vehicle’s tow rating. This will ensure that your vehicle still has enough in store to accommodate passengers and camping gear.

What Features Do You Want Your Camper To Have?

Once you have determined your vehicle’s towing capacity, the next step is to list the features you would love your camper to have. Would you need all the features included? Or are you more of an old-school camper?

Whatever the case, you must know precisely what you need in a pop-up camper. For starters, you can ask yourself these questions:

Are you going to be camping alone or as a family?

How many sleeping corners will you need? What are your kids’ preferences, and how old are they?

You likely want to keep this camper for a long time, so it is wise to ensure it meets your and your family’s standards.

What is the weather condition of your camping site?

If it is cold, you will undoubtedly need a furnace. This may not be an immediate need, but your future adventures may require one. I experienced this when I took my family on our first chilly trip.

We came back determined never to go on a camping trip with a camper that did not have a furnace.

Will you need a bathroom in the camper? 

Campground bathrooms are always available, but sometimes you need an alternative.

Will you be camping in warm areas?

If yes, you should consider buying a pop-up camper with an AC compartment. It wasn’t necessary for us as we mostly explored cold camping grounds.

Will you be cooking in your camper?

If you love home-cooked meals like my family, you should make sure that you buy a camper with a large kitchen area. If you intend to eat in your pop-up camper, you could also look for a large dining area. On the flip side, a removable stove and an outdoor gas hookup will be perfect if you wish to dine outside the camper.

Storage space is another factor you should take into consideration.

If you won’t be camping alone most of the time, pop-up campers are a good option. They’re designed to be compact and sleek, but they can also have space for you to organize your belongings properly.

A refrigerator will also not be out of place if your camper has one or a compartment.

Most kitchen spaces in pop-up campers will likely have a space for a refrigerator, but if the camper you are considering doesn’t have one, at least make sure it has a place where you can fit one in.

While these questions should cover most of your camping needs, you can add others you feel I omitted.

How Much Will A Used Pop-up Camp Cost?

Finally, you need to consider your budget before talking to a seller. It would be best if you were sure you had enough to buy the pop-up camper and carry out the necessary repairs afterward. However, the price of second-hand pop-ups is not usually fixed.

The price may vary depending on the season and area. The worst time to buy a pop-up camper is during the camping season. Prices will significantly increase during this season and may not come down until the season ends.

The fall and winter seasons are probably the best times to purchase a pop-up camper. You can search for camper prices through Local Guides and publications. Here, you can get a clear idea of the exact value of a prospective camper.

These Guides have helped me during negotiations in the past. While they won’t give you all the information you require, at least you’d get a basic idea of what you are getting yourself into. You can always do a raw search on the Internet. The results should give you basic ideas on what used pop-up campers in your area should cost.

Several retail websites should have a vast collection of pop-up campers for you to choose from. However, do not make the mistake of selecting the first camper that comes your way unless you come across a fantastic deal that you cannot ignore. Otherwise, make sure you look around a bit.

You can compare the camper’s amenities and conditions to the asking price. Your findings may lead you to change some items on your wish list.

Based on my past experiences, a small camper fortified with all the basics should cost $1500 or less. This price may change depending on the area and the size of the camper. Some campers may cost as low as $500 or a little above the $1500 mark.

Prices for secondhand pop-ups are not fixed, but these figures should give you an idea of your budget. Large pop-up campers with extensions such as a bathroom, sliders, and kitchens will earn several thousand dollars. Ultimately, you’ll probably be getting what you can pay for.

Having said all that, let’s get right to my 21 tips for buying used pop-up campers. For clarity, I’ll be splitting these tips into short headings. Let’s get started.

Things to Look Out For When Choosing a Used Camper

Repairs

The major issue you must deal with when buying a used camper is damage repairs. No matter how clean a second-hand pop-up camper looks, there will always be a part that requires repairs or remodeling. The first used pop-up camper we purchased didn’t need much fixing.

The roof just required some patching, and that was it. This helped us save a lot of money in the long run. So, the less repair you must make on the camper, the better. Make sure you carry out a thorough check of the pop-up camper before you proceed into any form of negotiation.

Ease of use and Convenience

Another thing to look out for is user-friendliness and convenience. This is very important, especially if you always go camping with family and friends. Buying a pop-up camper you can prepare and set up within minutes after arriving at the campground makes a lot of sense.

The ideal pop-up camper is also easy to tow away from the campsite once all your camping activities are over.

Weather Resistance

If your family is like mine, you’ll probably embark on many adventures, so protection is key. The weather can be unpredictable at times, and your pop-up camper should be able to protect you from rain (when you don’t want it) and the sun’s scorching heat.

Folding

You also want to buy a used pop-up camper that can be folded easily when it’s not in use. This shouldn’t be an issue since most pop-ups manufactured today are designed to fold up in a four-foot-tall box, making storage incredibly easy.

Best Pop-up Campers Brands

There are several pop-up camper brands on the market, and you must have some of the best brands in mind before setting out to buy a pop-up camper, whether used or brand new. This will help you filter your options and leave you with only the best. So, to continue our countdown, I will introduce you to some of my favorite pop-up camper brands.

Let’s begin with my favorite.

Coachmen Clipper

The Coachman Clipper is my favorite since it is designed primarily for the family. It has space for at least seven people to sleep in and enough room to store belongings you wish to take to the campground. This pop-up camper is about 60-70 feet long and is meant for camping trips with the entire family.

In addition to all of these, the Coachmen pop-up camper makes towing effortless thanks to its aerodynamic profiling. What’s more, it is fortified with state-of-the-art Glide-N-lock bedding technology. It has two hitch weight options: 73 lbs and 105 lbs, with external open lengths of 9 feet and 14.5 feet, respectively.

External closed length stands at 12-foot 11-inch and 12-foot 4-inch. These are the standard dimensions for Clipper Express.

As I said earlier, this is my personal favorite. However, if you are looking for something different, you may consider the brands below.

Rockwood Extreme Sports Package 232ESP

This tent camper from Livin-lite features a fiberglass exterior in different colors (a second-hand purchase may rob you of this privilege, though). It also has at least four distinct floor plans. While searching for a used pop-up camper, you can permanently settle for the floor plan of your choice.

This Quicksilver Tent Camper is one of the best because it allows you to make choices that suit your camping needs. It is budget-friendly, but it only has a sleeping capacity for six people, and in some cases, only three. When unloaded, the Quicksilver tent camper’s initial weight can drop as low as 110 lbs. Maximum weight with cargo onboard can extend up to 1140 lbs. Regardless of your model, all Quicksilver Tent Campers come with 12-inch tires.

V-Trec V3 – DSO

You will undoubtedly find this pop-up camper interesting if you love simple things. It is incredibly cheap and does not feature super fancy accessories. As you would expect, it comes with a simple floor plan and does its best to offer all the goodies you may want in a simple package.

This is the perfect pop-up camper for people who don’t have a considerable budget or want anything fancy. You shouldn’t expect too many luxury items or accessories in the Newport pop-up camper. Thanks to its simplicity, you can set it up easily within minutes after you arrive at the campground. Its vehicle weight (base) is 1150 lbs. The trailer (when closed) has a width of 6 feet 8 inches and a length of 12 feet 11 inches.

Forest River Hard side Pop-up Camper

This unique pop-up camper from Forest River has a solid exterior design that looks like your everyday travel trailer. It gives you the rare opportunity to experience what both worlds offer. It is undoubtedly one of the brands to look out for.

Externally, the camper is made of fiberglass vacuum and is effortless to set up. It also gives you great storage and towing advantages that other pop-up campers may not provide you. In addition, you will enjoy all the amenities that will probably be found only in travel trailers.

This Forest River Hard Side Pop-up Camper also offers eight-floor plans (you can include your preference in your search). It is budget-friendly and features a compact living section, wood-look linoleum, and a maple interior.

This camper is perfect for small family camping trips and adventures. It is so comfortable that you could easily forget that you are not in your living quarters. However, space becomes a significant challenge when you have to go camping with more family or friends.

Viking Legend 2485SST

This camping trailer from Jayco Jay stylishly combines luxury, comfort, and ruggedness. It is the perfect pop-up camper, except if you are searching for something significant (just like me). However, this camper makes camping a lot more fun and relaxing.

It can be folded and has a robust warranty, making it a reliable camper. The Jayco Jay Sport Camping Trailer features high-quality vinyl flooring (wall-to-wall) and an acrylic faucet and sink. The camper has a stainless steel stove that can be used indoors and outdoors.

Its cabinetry has a residential feel that makes you want to spend much time at your campsite. The camper also has a dinette with reversible cushions. This is luxury at its best, and you can add many more features to enhance your overall convenience.

Questions to Ask the Seller

Now that you are sure of what to look for when buying a pop-up camper for yourself or your family, here are some reasonable and equally vital questions that you could ask the potential seller of the used pop-up camper you wish to buy:

How often and under what weather conditions was the camper mainly used?

Answering this question will give you an idea of what to expect if you buy the unit. You will also know if the camper can survive in different weather conditions.

Was a regular maintenance routine observed? And what parts of the pop-up camper needed replacing in recent times?

How many people can sleep in the camper comfortably in your experience?

Sometimes, the manufacturer’s statistics and specifications may not apply in real life situations. So, it is best to get first-hand information about the pop-up camping unit from its previous users.

What’s the capacity of the water tank?

Knowing how much water the tank can take lets you plan your camping trips much better.

Can I see the camping unit raised so I can examine the exterior and interior before buying?

Most genuine sellers will grant you this privilege if they don’t walk away!

Does the camper have a standby battery, or do you have to set up an electricity hookup at the camp to power the unit?

Things To Take Note of Once You Own A Used Pop-up Camper

This is the last stage; you want to avoid getting carried away. You must take care of the new (not-so-new) camping unit. It may not be as expensive as an RV trailer, but it’s still an investment.

Keep The Camping Unit Organized 

No matter your pop-up camper’s size, space will always be a limited resource. So, keep everything organized at all times to create as much space as possible.

Store camper with care

When storing or folding your camper, you need to take extra care. For example, folding a moist camper can lead to much damage that will eventually cost you money to fix. Make sure the camping unit is completely dry before storing. This is even more important when storing the pop-up camper for a long time.

Observe A regular Maintenance Routine

Whether you buy a new or used camper, it is essential to maintain the unit. This is because pop-up campers, unlike RV trailers, are made of canvas that requires regular maintenance. You can start this routine by frequently checking for cracks and breakages. You can take things further by repairing holes and vacuum cleaning the camper. Then pay your mechanic a visit for routine camper maintenance occasionally.

Customize your pop-up camper

If you have a small budget and can only afford an old pop-up camper, you don’t have to leave things the way they are. Do your best to spice things up and make the camper more comfortable and luxurious.

Go on your first Camping trip with your new pop-up camper.

You’ll never know how good and dynamic your camper can be until you go camping. The experience will give you ideas on what to add to or remove from your camper.

Create a storage space for your camping unit

If you have never owned a pop-up camping unit, you should start looking for spaces in your home to fit it in. Your garage will most likely be the best place to store it when it is not in use.

Well, that concludes my 21 tips for buying used pop-up campers. Good luck, and enjoy your camping adventures.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, buying a used pop-up camper requires careful thought and consideration. First and foremost, understanding your specific needs is crucial. For instance, consider Pop-Up Campers with Bathrooms if you require sanitary facilities.

These types of popup trailers not only provide the convenience of a home-like environment but also enhance your camping experience.

Another essential step is evaluating the pop-up camper’s condition. Check for signs of wear and tear, water damage, and the condition of the tires. Inspecting the kitchen appliances, heating, and air conditioning units to ensure they are in proper working order is also crucial.

Additionally, verify the condition of the canvas or screens for any rips or tears.

Furthermore, don’t overlook the importance of a thorough test drive to evaluate the towing capacity and ensure that all lights and brakes function correctly. Lastly, always negotiate the price and consider getting a professional inspection before making the final purchase.

Therefore, with careful planning and these 21 tips, you can confidently purchase a used pop-up camper that suits your needs and provides a comfortable camping experience.

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