Pop-up camper trailers (or pop-up campers, sometimes abbreviated as "pups", or tent trailers) are so named because the top pops up off the bottom structure. The walls are made of canvas or other material with screens sewn in for ventilation. When closed up they are only a few feet tall.
PRO
- least expensive retail RV
- lightweight, can be towed by a wide range of vehicles
- very low profile while towing in the "down" configuration, minimal effect on MPG
- abundant on the used market as people upgrade to larger RVs
CON
- canvas and net sides do not stand up to heavy weather well
- will mold if closed up wet
- minimal amenities
- soft-sided camper may be more prone to damage, and may not be allowed in regions with high bear populations.
In some regions, this type of camper is referred to as a fold-down trailer.
