Pop up or ?

[Smalltravel]

Hello RVers- I’m having a hard time finding a used small pop up trailer with these specs-10 feet in length, max 1500 tow weight. I live in Northern California. I’m renting a Happier Camper this summer to try it out (too pricey for me to buy) but want to buy something for camping. I’m an older person and prefer not to pitch a tent. Pop ups are affordable but don’t seem available to rent. I don’t want to spend too much-maybe even a teardrop? Help me with narrowing my options please! Thank you!🙏🙂

[Capacitor]

What do you have for a tow vehicle?

[Mark_K5LXP]

I had a palomino colt popup for a while. 10ft, I think it was around 1200lbs. I drug it around with my 4 banger ranger pickup. Towing behind DW's SUV was effortless. Found it in Colorado, $1200. Did some minor updates, new tires and bearings and after a few years sold it for what I had in it.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

[Smalltravel]

Originally Posted by Capacitor

What do you have for a tow vehicle?

A Honda CRV- I think max tow weight is 1500 lbs. I know this limits me a lot.
I’m a newbie to trailers as you can probably tell ��.
Thank you!

[Smalltravel]

Originally Posted by Mark_K5LXP

I had a palomino colt popup for a while. 10ft, I think it was around 1200lbs. I drug it around with my 4 banger ranger pickup. Towing behind DW's SUV was effortless. Found it in Colorado, $1200. Did some minor updates, new tires and bearings and after a few years sold it for what I had in it.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

I see-well I am not going to be doing any fixing up work on it - zero knowledge in that area- so I’m thinking something smalll, light, simple, affordable and sturdy? Thanks!

[TimtheToolGy]

Originally Posted by Smalltravel

A Honda CRV- I think max tow weight is 1500 lbs. I know this limits me a lot.
I’m a newbie to trailers as you can probably tell ��.
Thank you!

The 1500 pounds likely means all additional weight including passengers, gear, hitch, ... plus loaded trailer (not empty weight) so trailer itself needs to be somewhat less than 1500.

Also look at the rated tongue weight for the CRV. This also includes all additional added (not towed) weight.

Weight distribution hitch likely is not allowed due to unibody construction so back of CRV will sag a lot when total weight rating is reached.

Good luck on your search!

[Smalltravel]

Yes, I’ll be sure to count those extra pounds! Thank you.

[Mark_K5LXP]

Originally Posted by Smalltravel

I see-well I am not going to be doing any fixing up work on it - zero knowledge in that area- so I’m thinking something smalll, light, simple, affordable and sturdy?

Pick any two. RV ownership and mechanical issues are synonymous. All RV's/campers need near constant maintenance and repair, and there are limited practical options to farm that work out. Especially on a trip, where a detour for a repair could put the kabash on your vacation. When you're talking "value" campers (used/low cost) then some amount of sweat equity is virtually inevitable. Just setting the expectation level that just because you might expect or even demand some degree of condition/quality/functionality it's not likely in the RV realm. Warm up to the idea that if this is a prerequisite to ownership, you will be disappointed.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

[Smalltravel]

Originally Posted by Mark_K5LXP

Pick any two. RV ownership and mechanical issues are synonymous. All RV's/campers need near constant maintenance and repair, and there are limited practical options to farm that work out. Especially on a trip, where a detour for a repair could put the kabash on your vacation. When you're talking "value" campers (used/low cost) then some amount of sweat equity is virtually inevitable. Just setting the expectation level that just because you might expect or even demand some degree of condition/quality/functionality it's not likely in the RV realm. Warm up to the idea that if this is a prerequisite to ownership, you will be disappointed.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

Hi Mark B,
I may have exaggerated some. I’ve some basic knowledge and actually am quite good at troubleshooting when it comes to general mechanical repairs.
My profession is far from the auto field. That is why I have such a narrowed search field in trailer searching-small, basic, simple.
Thanks for your input though. Good to keep in mind!

[Mark_K5LXP]

The good news is a small popup is a pretty simple camper to keep going. No automatic levelers, complicated electrics, engines or transmissions. Wheel bearings need attention, check the tires and keep up with the wear and tear, and concentrate on camping. The only thing that gets old after a while is setup and teardown - not difficult, but packing and unpacking everything and "popping" up and down takes time, and doesn't always happen when it's dry. I really liked the ease of towing and storage though, and we left ours packed and ready to go. Toss some vittles and dogs in the truck and we were off to the mountains.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

[Smalltravel]

Sounds real good to me!
Thanks Mark B.