Are you looking for an inexpensive way to enjoy a music festival, road trip or outdoor adventure? If you want the basic creature comforts without having to tow a large cumbersome trailer, a popup camper rental might be perfect for you. Popup camper rentals offer the most maneuverability of any RV category. They are lightweight and easy to tow. Most can be towed with any vehicle, all you need is a hitch.
What are Popup Campers?
Also called tent trailers or folding campers, a popup camper is a non-motorized, lightweight RV that collapses into a low profile trailer for travel. It folds out into a full height camper for use. In most layouts, the beds are found in the wings of the camper, with living space in the center. Some models also have slide-outs that give them more space and amenities. A few models offer hard sides, but the most common models offer hard sides to waist height, with a tent on top.
Advantages of a Popup Trailer Rental
Popup campers are a big improvement over tent camping. They offer a little privacy and a more comfortable bed and living space. You won’t usually find the luxury of a travel trailer or motorhome, but you’ll have the basics. And when it comes to ease of towing, popup campers are the best. Here are a few more things you’ll love when you rent a popup camper:
• Lightweight and easily towed by an average car. No truck needed
• Low profile gives you great visibility and maneuverability
• Expands to provide a large living space
• Plenty of sleeping space. Most models sleep 4-6 and some have room for 8 people
• Cheaper to rent and own than other RV types
Disadvantages of a Folding Camper Rental
There is a lot to love in a folding camper rental, but there are also some disadvantages. If you are used to the luxury of a larger RV, you might find popup trailer rentals to be a little lacking. They don’t have all the amenities of a full-size trailer or motorhome, although the high-end models come close. Here are a few things to watch out for:
• Very basic amenities. Most have basic kitchen and bath equipment, but it is usually packed into a smaller space. Most baths have indoor shower, but it may only have a shower curtain for privacy. Some models rely on outdoor showers
• They usually have smaller storage tanks than larger RVs, so you may not be equipped for a boondocking situation. Make sure you know your trailers capabilities when you make your plans
• Everything must be stored low, there is no overhead storage. Items that would normally reside on the countertop will have to travel in a lower cupboard or possibly in the aisle
• They take longer to set-up and take-down than the average RV, and it’s an easier job if you have two people.
• If your trip ends on a rainy day, you will end up putting the tent down wet. You will have to open it up again to dry out. At the very least, inform the owner when you return it, or the tent will become moldy and musty
• Assume nothing. If the listing doesn’t mention a toilet, shower, or kitchen, don’t assume it has one. If in doubt, ask. Some basic models may not have bathroom facilities. You can always use the campground facilities, but this is something to know before you rent
Popup Camper Rental Costs
Popup campers are the bargains in the RV market, and you’ll find plenty to choose from at excellent rates. Prices vary according to your location and which amenities the trailer offers, but, in general, they are the lowest cost RVs available.
In most areas, you can rent a popup camper for $45 a night and up. You’ll get an even better deal if you arrange a longer-term rental of a week or month. Read through the listing carefully so you know exactly what is included and whether there are any additional fees. A bargain is no bargain if you overlook the fact that it does not include a kitchen kit, and you need to buy a full set of kitchen ware on the first day of vacation. If it is not listed, ask.
Where to Find Popup Campers for Rent Near Me
You’ll find the most listings and the best rates in a popup camper rental by shopping online through a peer-to-peer RV rental website. These sites specialize in matching up prospective renters with RV owners. You’ll be able to find rentals available near your home, or near your vacation destination.
The owners of popup campers and other types of RVs list their camper on the website with all the information you need and several pictures of the vehicle. You can sort through listings by location, size, style or price to find the best deals on popup campers for rent. Each owner sets his own prices and rental terms.
Because the site lists RVs from individual owners as well as dealerships, there is some pricing competition that drives down prices and helps you get the best bargains. When you go to a dealership or a national RV rental company, you are their captive audience. They will offer different layouts of trailers, but there is no competition to keep the prices down. You are locked into their pricing structure, and you will likely pay more than a similar rental on a peer-to-peer website.
Where Can I Go with a Popup Camper Rental?
You can go most anywhere your heart desires. There are some restrictions, however. Some of the larger camping “resorts” do not take smaller trailers or popup campers, so call ahead for a reservation and ask if your popup camper rental is allowed.
As far as travel goes, popup camper rentals offer you more versatility than a larger RV. You won’t have to worry about height restrictions anywhere, and they are easy to drive most everywhere. You will probably feel much more confident driving a popup camper rental in the city or on a rural road than driving its larger counterpart.
Your popup camper rental is a good way to taste the RV lifestyle and enjoy all that a road trip has to offer. You’ll be flexible enough to go wherever you want and enjoy life along the way. Rent a popup camper and hit the trail to create memories for a lifetime.