Every family wants to go camping at some point, whether it’s going to the local park or taking a cross-country road trip. The most important thing about camping is that you’re comfortable, and most people are looking at pop-up campers to meet those needs. But what is a pop-up camper? What makes it different from other kinds of campers? Here’s everything you need to know before you invest in one so that you’re making the right choice the first time.

Important Features: The Lift System

Before going to a pop-up camper dealer, you should do some research into what features are available so that you know what you should be looking for. Pop-up campers come in different shapes, firstly, though they all pretty much work the same. But one of the most important features is the lift system. This is the method of unfurling your camper and packaging it again when you get home. These are internal systems that help lift the skeleton of the camper. Some have a manual crank while others have electrical systems. Even if you do have an electrical system, it’s still important that you know how to operate the manual crank as a backup.

Important Features: Pull-out Beds

Most pop-up campers typically have one bed but some may have two. It can be a pull-out bed from either end of the camper, either over the hitch or the back bumper. The size of the bed is based on the overall width of the camper. However, depending on the kind of camper you have, it can be renovated to fit more sleeping space.

Important Features: Kitchen And Dinette

Pop-up campers typically have small kitchen areas for you to prepare your meals, usually with a small propane stove, mini-fridge, and a sink. This is because most people using campers tend to do most of the food prep and cooking outdoors. But it can be a great option during rainy days when you can’t cook outside.

The interior dining space is usually small as well, for the same reasons mentioned above. Some come with a small table with bench seating when you don’t want to eat outside.

Important Features: Front Storage

Pop-up campers have some great storage areas underneath the front bed where you can keep your beach chairs, cleaning supplies, and other tools and accessories that you want to keep out of the way. There is usually an external door as well so that you can grab whatever you want when you need it.

Bathrooms Optional

One of the biggest options for pop-up campers is a bathroom, and it could make or break your vacation. Having a bathroom in your camper could make all the difference in the world, but that makes a camper a lot more expensive. They are also a lot more stressful with sewer hook-ups and tanks to get your shower going.

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the last few weeks of your summer, consider getting a pop-up camper. You won’t regret it, but be sure that you’re buying or renting from a reputable dealer.