If you’re looking for information about folding campers, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we’ll discuss the features and benefits of folding camper trailers as well as how they compare to other types of campers. We’ll also discuss brands to consider, what you can expect to pay for a folding camper and where to look for great deals. By the end of this article you will have a few guidelines to help you in your search for the best folding camper for you and your family.
Folding Campers
A folding camper trailer is simply any camper trailer that folds down for travel and storage and unfolds into its full size for use as a camper. The picture to the right shows the various stages of unfolding a camper and getting it set up for use. The middle third of the camper is the living space – with possibly a living area, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom – and the awnings on the sides provide a covered area for eating and being outdoors.
Folding campers are generally very similar to pop up campers in that both types of campers fold and raise as needed. The main difference is that pop up campers usually expand vertically more than horizontally and folding campers can expand in both ways.
Benefits of Folding Camper Trailers
There are many benefits to owning a folding camper. In this article, we’ll discuss the top three.
1) Saves money – Owning a folding camper will save you money over the purchase of an RV in both initial cost and fuel consumption. Folding campers are also a less expensive way to travel compared to airline tickets and hotel rooms.
2) Quick and easy travel – There’s nothing better than being able to plan a last minute camping trip with the family. Having a folding camper makes it easy to just pack up and go.
3) Comfortable – Folding campers are much more comfortable than tent camping. Many campers have hot running water, toilets, small kitchens – and they all have comfortable beds that beat sleeping on the ground any day.
Another option to a folding camper is to get a trailer tent instead. Trailer tents are very similar to folding campers, but they usually fold out to be much larger than a standard folding camper.
How Folding Campers Compare to Other Types of Campers
Folding Campers have a few advantages over RV’s and motor homes. They are smaller, are easy to tow, are lightweight so they are more fuel efficient, and they are substantially less expensive. Folding campers are a great compromise between tent camping and RV camping. They provide the comforts of home like hot water, bathroom, kitchen facilities and the ability to use your own sheets and blankets in a comfortable bed but everything folds down neatly and compactly for travel.
Features and Layout
Folding campers offer a wide variety of features depending on the brand and model you choose.
Basic models essentially are a trailer tent with sleeping platforms. Luxury models include hot running water, a small kitchen and oven, toilet facilities, carpeting, awnings and comfortable fixed beds.
The picture to the right shows the inside of a standard folding camper. As you can see, the space is very economically used, and things are definitely cozy. On the other hand, you do have a good bit more room than you would have in a tent.
Brands
Coleman folding campers are one of the top brands. Other brands to consider are Fleetwood, Keystone and Palomino. Each brand has their own unique take on the folding camper experience, so be sure to compare features and benefits to determine which brand best suits your needs.
Pricing
Just as the features on folding campers can vary greatly, so can prices. Most new folding campers start at about $10,000 and go up from there depending on the features you choose. Coleman folding campers are among the most popular and the Evolution 2 for example typically runs $16,000 for a new 2009 model.
Shopping for a used folding camper can save you a fair amount of money, but you want to make sure the camper has been well maintained. Also some warranties are not transferable so be sure to read the fine print if you’re purchasing a used folding camper.
How to Find a Great Deal on Folding Campers for Sale
There are a few ways to go about finding a great deal when you decide to look for a folding camper for sale. The first thing you should do is determine exactly which features you want in your folding camper. Then decide if you want to purchase new, or if you want to save some money by looking into used folding campers that are in excellent condition.
In order to decide which folding camper you like best, you might want to visit some local retailers and look at various brands and models. Get an idea for prices and quality and make a note of the features you think you will use most. Also note your favorite brands and their price ranges.
Then, return home and do some research online. Look for those models and brands both new and used to see what the best possible price is. If you plan on ordering online, consider how much it will cost to get the folding camper to your location. Vehicle shipping is not inexpensive, so make sure you research it before you determine if it is a better deal to order online or purchase locally.
Once you determine the best prices available for the brands you like, you’ll be in a much better position to spot a great deal, or negotiate on a folding camper you find at a retailer. Look for season end sales and clearance events. Craigslist can also be a good resource for finding used folding campers locally.
Conclusion
If you’re in search of a comfortable and convenient way to camp, consider folding campers. With a wide variety of features available at varying price ranges, you should be able to find something to fit your budget. By following some of the guidelines presented in this article you can be well on your way to finding the perfect folding camper that you and your family can enjoy year after year.