“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta. One of the best ways people explore the world is on the road. If you like to travel while driving, then you need to find the perfect companion or place to stay — a pop-up camper or a travel trailer.
While both get you to where you are going and are very similar, many people have a hard time choosing between the two. In this guide, we give you a full breakdown (with points) of which traveling vehicle works best.
Security
Both pop-up campers and travel trailers will have some security. For example, there may be locks on windows and doors. However, pop-up campers are not always secure, especially if you own a mesh or fabric camper. Travel trailers have more solid walls and ceilings.
Cost
For either a pop-up camper or a travel trailer, you will be dropping some serious cash. New pop up campers range from $10,000 to $20,000 while new travel trailers range from $11,000 to $35,000.
Insurance
Just like any other motorized vehicle, you want to have insurance. Pop-up camper insurance plans range from $75 to $400 per year, while travel trailers are $250 to $500 per year.
Insulation
As you may have guessed, a pop-up camper will not have as much insulation as a travel trailer. The mesh sides and roof neatly fold into the camper, giving it extra “insulation”. However, a travel trailer will have insulation built into the walls. This is why many people feel comfortable living in these trailers full-time.
Also Read: Motorhome vs 5th Wheel
Space
Since you are on the road, you will not have tons of space inside your camper or trailer. Pop-up campers are more compact, especially since they can fold up, while travel trailers have more room.
Amenities
Since travel trailers are more spacious, they typically have more amenities like beds, kitchen, table, TV, toilet, shower, cabinet space, etc. Whereas, a pop-up camper will have two beds, a kitchenette, and a small table.
Towing
With both of these options, you need a vehicle to tote it around from spot to spot.
Also Read: How To Increase Towing Capacity?
Weight
Pop-up campers are lighter than travel trailers. They weigh about 600 to 4,500 pounds, where a small car can pull them. A travel trailer ranges from 1,000 to 9,000 pounds.
Boondocking
Boondocking is where you camp off the grid — no RV camps, no water, no electricity, etc. Both options work for boondocking. A pop-up camper may be easier to fit in specific places and does not require you to try to set up the electricity. You can use a travel trailer, but you will not be able to enjoy the amenities.
Packing
If you like to move fast past, then the easiest option for packing is a travel trailer. It is essentially ready to go at all times.
Privacy
Since a pop-up camper has more mesh walls and ceilings, it is not necessary for the most private camping arrangement. Travel trailers have closed off walls, giving the user more privacy.
Set-Up Ease
Setting up your campsite is a must for any traveler. Travel trailers are easier to set up. They already come built as-is. Pop-up campers need minimum set up and stability to make sure it stays in place.
Durability
You can have both a pop-up camper and travel trailer for many years if you take care of them. However, a travel trailer will withstand a storm better than a pop-up camper.
Maintenance
Both options have their pros and cons for maintenance. Collectively, there are fewer things to worry about with a pop-up camper.
Storage
Since you are on the road, having enough storage space to hold all your belongings is a must. Pop-up campers do not have much room and fold in, so they will not have as many storage options as a travel trailer.
Other
While those are the main features to look out for, there are a few more to discuss.
Camping Experience
If you enjoy being outdoors or one with nature, a pop-up camper may be more your style. For people that prefer more refinement or amenities, then choose a travel trailer.
Family-Friendly
Many families travel together, even with their small children. Pop-up campers sleep up to about six people, while many travel trailers can sleep up to ten.
Pet-Friendly
Bringing along your pets is a must if you plan on traveling for long periods. So you may wonder which one is more pet-friendly. Both can house animals; however, animals can rip or shed soft fabrics from pop-up campers.
With this breakdown, you should have a better understanding of the difference between a pop-up camper and a travel trailer. Our list added 12 points for a travel trailer. It is a more comfortable and safer way of traveling. If you like this type of content, subscribe to our blog today.