The Advantages of Hard Sided Pop Up Campers

Pop up campers are excellent lightweight, budget-friendly RVs that are among the easiest to store in the offseason. The pros and cons of a pop up camper usually relate to their canvas sides—lightweight yet less insulated, affordable yet they require additional cleaning. That’s where hard-sided pop up campers shine, offering the best of both worlds: the convenience of a pop up and the durability of a travel trailer.

Pop up campers with hard sides blend the benefits of a pop up camper with the advantages of a travel trailer. Here’s more about this RV type and why so many choose a hard-sided pop-up camper as their first RV.

Key Takeaways

• Hard-sided pop-up campers offer durability and low maintenance compared to traditional canvas-sided models, and they provide better insulation, security, and protection from wildlife.
• They are lightweight, easy to tow, and simple to store, making them ideal for a wide range of vehicles and convenient offseason storage in garages or driveways.
• Popular manufacturers like Aliner, Rockwood, and Chalet offer a variety of hard-sided pop-up campers with features such as full kitchenettes, superior insulation, and off-road capabilities.

What Is a Hard Side Pop Up Camper?

Traditional pop-up campers feature canvas walls, similar to a tent. While this design is functional, canvas requires ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement, which can be costly.

With a hardtop pop up camper, there’s no canvas to worry about. While you’ll still need to maintain the camper’s walls, they are far more durable and require less frequent attention. Plus, you’ll never need to replace fabric sides.

With a pop up that has hard sides, you don’t have to worry about canvas. While you still have to ensure the walls stay in good condition, they require far less maintenance. Also, you’ll likely never have to replace sides.

Benefits of Small Hard Sided Campers

Let’s explore the advantages of these hard side tent campers compared to their soft-sided counterparts.

Better Insulation

Regulating temperature in a canvas-sided pop up can be challenging. Thin fabric doesn’t provide much insulation, meaning heat escapes easily in cold weather, and cool air struggles to stay in during the summer. The canvas walls don’t make it easy to maintain a consistent interior temperature, even if your camper has a furnace and air conditioner. 

Regardless of the specific heating and cooling appliances your RV has, pop ups with hard sides make temperature regulation much easier. 

Need to stay cool on hot trips? Shop portable fans and air conditioners below.

More Privacy and Security

While all pop up campers offer basic visual privacy, a pop up with hard sides gives you more privacy from prying eyes and additional auditory privacy. If there’s a noisy person in the neighboring campsite, a hard side camper will muffle their noises better than a traditional pop up.

From a security standpoint, you’re also better off with a hard sided pop up camper. A hard sided pop up better protects your things from would-be thieves, but they also provide more of a buffer from wildlife. Depending on where you’re camping, you may need to be aware of squirrels, raccoons, bears, or even bobcats and mountain lions. A pop up with hard sides will keep you and your things safer than a traditional pop up camper.

More Stable Towing

Hard-sided pop-up campers offer an excellent balance between comfort and towability, making them a top choice for travelers who want lightweight convenience without sacrificing durability. Unlike traditional travel trailers, these campers are smaller and more aerodynamic, reducing wind resistance and improving fuel efficiency. Their lightweight construction allows them to be towed by a wider range of vehicles, including many SUVs, crossovers, and some sedans.

Another major advantage is stability. Hard-sided pop-ups have a lower center of gravity compared to taller travel trailers, which reduces sway while driving. This provides a smoother towing experience, especially in windy conditions or on curvy roads. Additionally, their compact folded design enhances visibility, making it easier to maneuver and park.

Despite their smaller footprint, these campers expand into comfortable living and sleeping spaces at the campsite. A hard-sided pop-up is an ideal solution for those who want the convenience of a pop-up camper with the added benefits of security, insulation, and easy towing.

Easier to Store

The compact size of hard-sided pop up campers makes them incredibly easy to store during the offseason. Unlike larger travel trailers or fifth wheels, they can be stored in a standard garage, driveway, or backyard, eliminating the need for expensive off-site storage. Their low-profile design reduces exposure to harsh weather conditions and minimizes the risk of wind damage compared to taller RVs.

Less Maintenance

As mentioned, hard-sided construction requires less maintenance than traditional canvas pop-ups. No fabric means no risk of mold, mildew, or UV damage, common issues with soft-sided campers. Many small hard sided campers also have durable, weather-resistant exteriors that provide added protection during winter storage.

To extend your camper’s lifespan, it’s a good idea to use an RV cover, clean and dry the interior before storage, and periodically check seals and tires. With minimal upkeep and flexible storage options, hard-sided pop-up campers are a hassle-free choice for seasonal campers.

Who Makes a Hard Sided Pop Up Trailer? 

Here are several manufacturers of the best hard sided pop up campers:

Aliner Hard-Sided Pop Up Campers

Aliner is among the most recognizable names in hard-sided pop-up campers, pioneering the lightweight A-frame design. Known for quick setup, lightweight construction, and superior insulation, Aliner campers are perfect for small SUVs and compact towing. The Aliner Classic, Expedition, and Scout offer a range of features, from off-road capability to full kitchenettes and dormer expansions. 

Rockwood Hard Sided Pop Up Campers

Rockwood, a division of Forest River, offers a premium selection of hard-sided pop up campers designed for durability and convenience. The Rockwood Hard Side Series combines the lightweight, easy-to-tow benefits of a pop up with the sturdy construction of a travel trailer. The A214HW and A213HW feature spacious interiors, solid insulation, and amenities such as a kitchenette, furnace, and optional wet bath. 

Chalet Hard-Sided Pop Up Campers

Chalet is a respected manufacturer of high-quality A-frame hard-sided pop up campers known for their durability, easy setup, and spacious designs. The Chalet XL Series offers some of the largest A-frame campers, featuring optional dormer windows for extra headroom and space. The Chalet XL 1930 and XL 1935 come equipped with premium insulation, full kitchenettes, and efficient heating/cooling systems, making them suitable for all-season camping.

Hard-side pop up campers are great hybrid campers that suit the needs of RVers who want something small yet substantial. If you’re ready to take a closer look at different hard side pop ups and other micro campers, explore the following resources:

• How To Set Up A Pop Up Trailer
• Top Rated Pop Up Campers
• Have You Considered A Micro Camper?

If you’ve owned or currently own a hard side pop up, what’s been your experience? Let us know in the comments below.