Pop-up camper accessories: Buying strategy and useful tips
Decision to buy the pop-up camper trailer is the first step in the right direction (vacations in nature).
But then the major question arises right away – what kind of pop-up
camper accessories would you like to have with you during your camper’s
adventure.
These
days there is abundance of models of tent campers (as they are also
called) available in various sizes, floor-plans and with very large
choice of features ranging from “Spartan” level through “standard”
(basic) to luxurious.
The bottom line is – long
list of accessories to choose from offers huge flexibility to a buyer,
but quite often it also creates a real headache!
We will try here to help you to make right decisions.
When
buying the new model of the pop-up camper trailer usually we face the
well known situation – our pocket is “not deep enough”. It may force us
to initially give up on some options from our list of wishes. It is not
much different story when buying the used model - we have to take it “as
it is”. For some lucky buyers it may be an opportunity to get fully
loaded folding camper for fraction of real price, but for many, it may
also result in ending up with a “sub-equipped” pop-up camper compared to
our needs.
This is when pop-up camper accessories are coming on
the first plan. Fortunately these days there is plethora of online shops
to choose from allowing also comparing prices and delivery service.
But before we discuss the most popular accessories for pop-up campers let’s talk a bit about buying strategy.
Dealers
usually offer original manufacturers accessories; however the best
opportunity to purchase them is when buying the new camper. As a buyer
of the camper you have huge negotiating power. On top of that, most
accessories can be installed by dealer (if they need installation by the
qualified staff). However coming back to the dealer to buy pop-up
camper accessories after you already “left the parking lot” may be
(too) expensive!
For important accessories and in
general parts that determine your safety usually it is suggested to use
original manufacturer’s ones. It is not only the matter of warranty of
the whole camper but also certainty that accessories are specially
designed for that job and they will perfectly fit into the place. This
may be more costly solution but it offers the peace of mind.
Third-party
accessories and parts usually offer the lowest cost solution. This is
“bonanza” especially for all those handy guys that can “do-it-yourself
without being discouraged by the fact that sometimes you have to do some
extra effort to make it work.
Used accessories
may be also interesting, but usually you have to be either desperate to
find the right part (for example for old campers having “historical
value”) or be on very tight budget. Nevertheless – in some cases turning
to the market of used accessories may be also a good solution, so do
not discard this option.
Having said all that let’s
discuss few most popular accessories for pop-up camper trailers. While
many accessories can significantly improve the quality of your camping
adventure, some are just gadgets that serve rather manufacturers’ and
sellers’ interests than buyer. As usually, before pulling the trigger,
you should control “emotions”……
Pop Up Camper Accessories: An instructional video for setting up a folding(pop-up) camper.
Pop-up camper accessories: Useful tips
List of useful pop-up camper accessories:
Outdoor stove – and the main reason is that cooking outside the
trailer greatly eliminates odors form your next to the kitchen living
and sleeping area. It also helps to keep camper clean.
AC unit – for obvious reasons
Heater – important when you plan to extend your camping season. Practical
note – it may be wiser to look for a reversible AC unit that can do
both functions – cooling (AC) and heating (Heat Pump). Keep in mind that
every extra item in your pop-up camper (in this case heater) “eats”
your living space. From that point of view a roof mounted reversible AC
unit is a real winner. But there is little limitation to this solution –
if you like rustic camping with no access to electricity, then the gas
burning heater is the only solution….
Outdoor
Shower – if you plan using campgrounds then it does not make much sense
to buy an outdoor shower +water heater. It is rather a waste of money
and space. However for lovers of an unspoiled nature and rustic
environment it may be a wise choice.
Screen room –
seems to be a good choice espcifically when you expect to travel to
mosquitoes and/or black flies infected areas. In such cases the screen
room is not a luxury but the “must” if you want to avoid “horrifying”
evenings….
Bikes rack – it is a nice addition
offered by many stores, but before you pull the plug let’s do some
brainstorm session. For just two -to- three bikes the bike rack attached
to your car (trunk mounted or on the roof) is probably a better
solution. It is more cost effective solution giving you flexibility of
taking bikes with you on any other occasion when not hauling the
trailer. And even during your camper’s adventure sometimes you may want
to leave your pop-up camper trailer on the campground and explore area
by car taking bikes with you. However the trailer’s bikes rack may be
the only solution for bigger family taking more bikes for camping
vacations.
Generator – it may be the
“must-to-have” option for those venturing on unbeaten paths, a bit
farther from what we call civilization. The main problem I have with
generators is that they are noisy, clearly disturbing “peace &
tranquility” offered by nature you were looking for in the first place…
Good option to consider may be solar panel as it will do the job
“silently” without even being noticed…. So think twice before making
decision!
TV – well these days many of us
cannot even think of enjoying `time without TV. But hey, a “seasoned
nature lover” (as the owner of pop-up camper you better be one of them)
you may consider to rather reject this “pollution” and listen to the
nature. You will be amazed discovering that Mother Nature is a great
performer; that silence actually may sound like the best symphonic
orchestra…..Think this way – living in the city (or any area affected by
the light pollution) you can only read about the Milky Way in the
books. But far from big agglomerations, surrounded by nature you can
actually see it and feel the deepness of the sky. Similarly you may also
discover the sound of nature…. That is why TV may be the last pop-up
camper accessory you really need with you.
Carbon
Monoxide Detector – presence of this device in your pop-the up camper
does not need any recommendation. As this is the safety issue, select
the unit from trustworthy manufacturer.
Electric
lift system – probably good idea for all those tired of cranking it up
manually. This is the pop-up camper accessory especially useful for
those that are mostly “on the way” and each evening have to set-up the
tent trailer.
Water purification system – it may
be a good idea provided that your filter also removes all “stuff” that
may accumulate in your water tank (you have to clean the water tank
during “winterization process” and remember to change the water filter
each season. Better (or healthier) alternative may be to keep buying big
bottles of drinking natural spring water in the nearby store.
Leveling
devices – do not count that campgrounds offer the perfectly flat
surface. Market offers many devices from simple pads to jacks that can
help you to “stabilize” your camper
Camper cover –
you may consider it for the long periods of time when your lovely
folded pop-up camper trailer waits on your driveway for the next camping
season.
Well, choosing pop-up camper accessories for
your comfort is not an easy task. To avoid gadgets and make the best
“bangs for bucks” do some “thinking” before you make your final
decision.
Aliner’s Ascape Grand ST offers features typically not seen in small, travel trailers, lightweight, towable by popular SUVs, offers functionality and comfort
Rove-Lite 14FL Travel Trailer is one of the best designs in its class, truly ultra-lite, spacious, well-equipped, and affordable, can be towed by most SUVs,