Tent campers are collapsible camping trailers that can be used in wooded areas, parks, and other designated camping areas. The typical tent camper, also known as a pop-up trailer, is lightweight, making it possible to tow the camper with any size vehicle. In addition to the metal foundation, the camper trailer has a canvas or nylon body that can be easily set up in a manner similar to that of a standard tent.
The tent camper is more compact than other types of campers, resembling a rectangular box on wheels. Most models have a divided lid with sections that can be swung apart from the middle of the top to reveal the canvas body and support system underneath. On the average adult male, the height of the tent camper when closed is no more than chest high. When the canvas tent is fully expanded and opened, it usually provides enough headroom for even a tall adult, as well as enough space for two to four sleeping bags.
The tent camper has a number of advantages. To begin with, the camper’s small and lightweight design makes it simple to tow the trailer with anything from a pickup truck to a small car. While the unit is heavy enough to keep the trailer on the road while traveling, the lack of additional bulk and weight reduces wind drag and gasoline mileage loss. The camper can be parked on any type of terrain and often requires nothing more than unfolding the body and snapping the underlying frame into place, making it much easier to set up than a traditional tent.
The fact that the tent camper’s body is mounted on wheels is an often overlooked benefit. Padding on the floor is included in some camper models, making the sleeping area more comfortable. Furthermore, because the body is raised off the ground, curious animals will have a harder time finding their way into the tent.
The basic tent camper can be upgraded with a variety of features. Some models have mesh windows built into the canvas body, allowing for plenty of natural light to enter the tent’s interior. Canvas flaps allow the windows to be closed in the rain or at night. If a lift is installed on the end of the metal foundation, the entrance to the tent is typically constructed in such a way that people in wheelchairs can easily move in and out of the camper. Many of the designs feature double seamed canvas sections that have been treated to withstand all types of weather.
The cost of a tent camper varies depending on the range of amenities associated with a particular make and model. Most camper dealers will also offer this simple camping solution, as well as handle the installation of the ball joint required to connect the camper to the vehicle’s rear bumper. While some models can be pricey, almost any tent camper will be less expensive than other types of campers.