7 Amazing Lightweight Pop-Up Campers

Lightweight Pop-Up Campers Guide

Campers are the perfect solution for being able to go on adventures, traveling for more extended periods of time with the complete freedom of being able to stop where you want, as you live within the means of transport. But classic minivan campers are not the only option around.

It is becoming increasingly popular to use small pop-up campers, which are lightweight enough to be towed by a vehicle. They’re super simple and quite minimalistic, but they are comfortable, durable, and extremely practical.

They’re great for those that want to be able to drive their vehicle as normal, but then stop for the night and have something more permanent and comfortable than a simple tent. All while living a life of adventure. However, there are many different types of pop-up campers, so choosing one can be quite challenging!

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list with 7 amazing lightweight pop-up camper options, all of them the best of the best!

7 Amazing Lightweight Pop-Up Campers

Here are our 7 top favorite pop-up campers, lightweight enough to be pulled by crossovers, SUVs, and even a large Sedan! Basically, they’re the best options in pop-up campers that can be towed by relatively small vehicles, for practicality.

Jayco Jay Sport Pop-Up Camping Trailer

Jayco jay sport camping trailer

First up, we have the Jayco Jay Sport Pop-Up Camping Trailer, which has an excellent reputation, not only for the brand but for the customer experience of this particular model.

  • Some basic information about this pop-up camper:
  • It has a dry weight of 1875lbs
  • It has a payload capacity of 875lbs
  • It has a GVWR of 2750lbs
  • It has a hitch weight of 225lbs
  • It has a freshwater tank capacity of 28.2 gallons
  • It sleeps up to 8 people

The interior of this pop-up camper might not look like much at first, but it is actually pretty spacious. It is described as being perfect for a middle-sized family, to sleep in it with full comfort.

The kitchen that it includes comes with an efficient two-burner propane stove. It also has a single basin sink, supported by 28 gallons of freshwater that can be kept in storage. Plenty to keep you going in day-to-day travel! There is also a 6-gallon hot water heater, able to supply directly to the sink, perfect for washing hands, doing dishes, and more.

The downsides of this pop-up camper are that it doesn’t have a bathroom or toilet, which can be pretty inconvenient when out on the road, in the middle of nowhere. There is also no air conditioner in the standard package, despite there being a propane heater for warmth, which seems like a bit of a flaw.

All in all, the Jayco Jay Sport pop-up camper is ideal for families that will be traveling and staying at full-service campgrounds. It is spacious and comfortable for multiple people to sleep at the same time, but lacks some of the essentials for everyday life, which is why you would need support from a full-service campground.

Coachmen Clipper Sport 860QS

Coachmen clipper lightweight popup

Second, on our list, we have the Coachmen Clipper Sport 860QS, known especially for being incredibly versatile, with the brand itself being well renowned and highly praised.

  • Some basic information about this pop-up camper:
  • It has a dry weight of 1577lbs
  • It has a payload capacity of 1365lbs
  • It has a GVWR of 2942lbs
  • It has a hitch weight of 230lbs
  • It has a fresh water tank capacity of 16 gallons
  • It can sleep up to 3 people
  • It has a heater of 20,00 BTUs

One of the reasons why this pop-up camper is known to be so versatile is that it is available in up to 15 different floor plans, which allows you to choose the option that suits both your personal needs and preferences at the same time.

Also, speaking of the floorplan, it is worth noting that the Coachmen Clipper has one of the lightest pop-up tent trailers of all models, which means that it can be towed by mid-sized SUVs and vehicles that you would normally be unable to use with a pop-up camper, making it all the more accessible to people with smaller vehicles!

As it only sleeps up to 3 people, it is considered to be a little on the smaller side in regards to the space. However, it is perfect for solo traveling or for a couple, along with all of the necessary gear and equipment. Plus, the smaller size is what allows it to be so extra lightweight, practical, and convenient, all while offering plenty of comforts.

Forest River Flagstaff 205 Folding Pop-Up Camper

Forest river flagstaff 205

Next up we have the Forest River Flagstaff 205 Folding Pop-Up Camper, which is one of the most successful and popular models that we have included on this list, and for good reason.

  • Before we get into more details, here is some basic information on this pop-up camper:
  • It has a dry weight of 1997lbs
  • It has a payload capacity of 1233lbs
  • It has a hitch weight of 230lbs
  • It has a fresh water tank capacity of 26 gallons
  • It can sleep up to around 6 people
  • It has a heater of 20,00 BTUs
  • It has prewiring set up for an air conditioner

The Forest River Flagstaff is actually available in a wide range of different floor plans, and you can also choose between getting it as a pop-up, or as a hard-sided camper, so it caters to different needs and preferences. One of its top-selling points as well is that it can include and incorporate many optional features and accessories, so that customers can complement it to create a unique product that reflects exactly what they want, adapting the camper to different occasions and uses.

One of the best things about this pop-up camper is that it offers plenty of sleeping space to accommodate a medium-sized family in comfort, while being pretty lightweight and compact, so much so that it can be towed by a mid-size SUV vehicle. (However, although it states that it can sleep 6 people, customers have critiqued that 5 is a more realistic limit!)

The tank of fresh water, which can hold up to 26 gallons, is enough to go on the road and off-grid, and the heater is incredibly efficient, allowing the camper to be used during colder weather without complaint. And although it doesn’t have an air conditioner, it does come with prewiring, which gives you the option to install one yourself with ease, so we can’t complain that much about it!

All in all, it is a fantastic option for a middle-sized group to go traveling off-grid, without the need to have full support from a camping ground.

Livin’ Lite Quicksilver 8.0

Livin’ Lite Quicksilver 8.0

The Livin’ Lite Quicksilver 8.0 is another excellent pop-up camper option that we highly recommend for those that want something compact and practical, that then expands to full comfort.

  • Some of the basic information that you need to know about this pop-up camper is as follows:
  • It has a dry weight of 994 lbs (a lot lighter than the average pop-up camper!)
  • It has a payload capacity of 1096lbs
  • It has a hitch weight of 124lbs
  • It can sleep up to 6 people
  • It has an air conditioner of 8,000 BTUs

One of the biggest selling points of the Livin’ Live Quicksilver 8.0 is that it is incredibly light, especially compared to the average for pop-up campers. This means that it can be easily towed by sedans, mid-size SUVs, and even small SUVs! So it instantly becomes appealing to those with smaller vehicles and for those looking for something small, compact, and manageable.

But don’t let this fool you. This pop-up camper is expandable, and once it is properly set up, it has two extra flip-out beds and a dining/kitchen area. In total, it can sleep around 6 people, although customers have pointed out that they’d set the limit at 5.

Another noticeable feature that this pop-up camper comes with is the air conditioner, which is installed as part of the standard package. This is a big rarity, as not even big and fancy pop-up campers tend to come with air conditioning! And all in all, the Livin’ Lite Quicksilver 8.0 is a perfect option for mid-sized families that are looking to go on an adventure, off-grid, with their regular everyday vehicle.

Opus Off-Road Air Pop-Up Camper

Opus off-road

If you want a pop-up camper that is full of space and possibilities, and extra comfort, then we recommend that you take a look at the Opus Off-Road Air Pop-Up Camper. Compared to other options, it’s pretty heavy, and a bit on the border of being actually lightweight. However, it can still be towed by mid-size SUVs, which is why we have included it in our list.

  • Some basic information about this pop-up camper that you need to know:
  • It has a dry weight of 2870lbs
  • It has a hitch weight of 220lbs
  • It has a freshwater tank capacity of 40 gallons
  • It can sleep up to around 6 people
  • It features a slide-out kitchen and a fridge

Again, as you can see, it’s pretty heavy compared to other pop-up campers, but can be perfectly towed by a mid-sized car, making it an ideal option! Also, the extra weight is due to the vast amount of space that this pop-up camper features, meaning it truly does pop out, providing you with excellent floor space, and plenty of accessories.

It can sleep 6 people more than comfortably, and it also maximizes the space by having a kitchen that slides out, along with a refrigerator. There are pop-out double beds, a convertible dining, and kitchen area, a lounging area, and if you really wanted, you could adapt it so that more people were able to sleep in it!

The 40 gallons of fresh water is a massive plus, as it is more than enough to last you while off-grid for days at a time. And basically, this pop-up camper is ideal for families or groups of friends to travel off-grid and off-road, without having to worry about stopping at fully-serviced camping grounds, for days at a time!

A-Liner Expedition A-Frame Camper

A-Liner Expedition A-Frame Pop-up camper exterior

The A-Liner Expedition A-Frame Camper always catches the eye of its customers, because it has a very unique design and appearance that sets it apart from the rest. Rather than looking like the traditional pop-up camper, it has a compact A-frame, and one of the advantages that this provides it with is extra hardiness to withstand bad weather conditions!

  • But here is some basic information on this pop-up camper, before we proceed:
  • It has a dry weight of 1800lbs
  • It has a hitch weight of 240lbs
  • It has a freshwater tank capacity of 11 gallons
  • It can sleep up to 4 people
  • It features a cassette toilet
  • It has a 5,000 BTU air conditioner
  • It has a 16,000 BTU Propane Furnace

The unique design of the A-Liner Expedition A-Frame Camper is excellent for optimizing space, with it being compact and easily towed by a mid-sized SUV with towing capabilities. It is within the lightweight category, and yet it comes with plenty of high-level features worthy of bigger options, making this a comfortable choice for those that like to travel and adventure in style.

One of the main selling points of this pop-up camper is the cassette toilet that it comes with, along with the air conditioner and the propane furnace, turning it into a fully-equipped option. It also comes with a sofa that converts into a bed, a dining and kitchen area, and plenty of space for the people in it, and the accompanying equipment and luggage.

Also, it is worth noting that with the A-Liner Expedition A-Frame Camper you can brave harsher weather. Although the heating isn’t as strong, it holds in the warmth a lot better than other pop-up camper options, and the design also helps protect from the weather conditions better than the traditional design.

Rockwood Tent 1640LTD Pop-Up Camper

Rockwood tent pop up camper

Last but not least on our list of amazing lightweight pop-up campers, we have the Rockwood Tent 1640LTD Pop-Up Camper. And one of the reasons why this one is so popular amongst its customers is that it is incredibly high-quality and comfortable for how lightweight it is!

  • Some of the basic information that you need to know about this pop-up camper is as follows:
  • It has a dry weight of 1465lbs
  • It has a hitch weight of 162lbs
  • It has a fresh water tank capacity of 10 gallons
  • It can sleep up to around 6 people
  • It features pre-wiring for an air conditioner
  • It has a 20,000 BTU propane furnace

The Rockwood Tent pop-up camper is truly the definition of optimization, as it manages to pack full comfort and quality into a lightweight design that can be easily towed by mid-sized SUVs, making it accessible to those with smaller vehicles. It also does so without sacrificing the amount of space available, as it can sleep 6 people comfortably, and still have room for the equipment and gear!

The 10 gallons of fresh water are ideal for when off-grid, and there is also a 6-gallon hot water heater that connects to the kitchen sink, for whatever you might need it for. Customers have also noted that they don’t have to worry about whether the tanks of water are full or not when driving because the pop-up camper is so lightweight that it really doesn’t matter if it has extra weight added to it!

All in all, it is perfect for mid-sized families that want to travel in full comfort and style, while prioritizing the ease of transport and the lightweight set-up, which allows for convenience and practicality!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are new to pop-up campers, you might have some questions that you need to be answered, before you make a decision and choose an option. So here are some of the most commonly-asked questions on the matter, answered for you:

Can you tow a pop-up camper safely with a mid-sized SUV?

The best thing about lightweight pop-up campers is that they are small and light enough to be towed by mid-sized SUVs safely. In fact, some of the lighter ones can even be towed by a small SUV (as long as it is compact enough and has the right towing capabilities!)

However, always check the weight specifications and the towing capabilities of your vehicle, in order to be completely safe!

Can you tow a pop-up camper with a car?

As a general rule, regular cars are not strong enough or properly equipped to tow a pop-up camper. However, some of the smaller or more lightweight pop-up campers can be towed by regular cars, as long as you double-check that they have the right towing capabilities, and you stick to the weight limits.

Basically, it depends, and you should always check with the specifications of your car, and the pop-up camper in question.

How much does a lightweight pop-up camper cost to buy?

This completely depends on the type and model of the lightweight pop-up camper in question. However, as a general rule, a lightweight pop-up camper will cost between $10,000 to $20,000.

Does towing a lightweight pop-up camper affect MPG?

Yes, it will affect less or more depending on the pop-up camper in question, but it does indeed affect. It also depends on the tow vehicle. But as a general rule, you will lose between 5 to 7 miles per gallon, when you are towing a pop-up camper of around 1500 pounds.

Do small pop-up campers feature toilets?

While big pop-up campers often feature toilets and many other commodities and features, lightweight and small pop-up campers have to make do with the space and are a lot more minimal, with not many of them featuring a toilet.

Nevertheless, there are some lightweight pop-up campers that will feature a cassette toilet, usually with around 5-gallons of black water capacity. But this is usually a luxury within a small pop-up camper!

Do small pop-up campers feature heating and air conditioning?

Air conditioning and heating are not a given in pop-up campers, especially not in small and lightweight pop-up camper options. However, most of them will include heating within the standard package, or at the very least will have pre-wiring available for it.

Air conditioning, on the other hand, is more of a rarity, and quite a luxury in small pop-up campers. If anything, you will find pre-wiring, and only a handful of the best options will come with it already installed as part of the standard package.

Are lightweight pop-up campers worth it?

Lightweight pop-up campers are smaller and often don’t include as many features or commodities as their bigger counterparts. However, one of the main advantages of smaller pop-up campers is that they are a lot more practical and convenient, and can be towed by smaller vehicles, meaning they are accessible to more people, and on more occasions!

Final thoughts

Lightweight pop-up campers are a practical and convenient solution for traveling and living on the go, from campsite to campsite or off the grid, while being able to tow it with a medium-sized vehicle.

They are smaller, but they optimize the space to prioritize convenience and comfort so that you get the best experience possible! Plus, lightweight pop-up campers can be used in all sorts of versatile situations and occasions, whether it’s a weekend getaway, a month-long journey, a stay at a full-service campground, or an adventure off-grid.

Of course, it is important that you choose the right model for your needs and preferences, so we hope that our list of 7 amazing lightweight pop-up campers was of some use!

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