In today’s modern world embracing the great outdoors has never been more enticing, with the promise of starlit nights, crackling campfires, and untouched wilderness.
If you’re tent camping though, you have to give up a lot of modern conveniences, such as electricity, running water, and a comfy place to sleep.
Fortunately, for today’s camp enthusiasts, there’s an alternative to tents that allows you to enjoy nature and the comforts of home at the same time, called the hard-side pop-up camper.
Not to be confused with the traditional tent-style or soft-side pop-up camper, which features thin canvas walls.
As hard-side pop-ups feature easy-to-set-up solid walls made from fiberglass or composite panels, which provide superior insulation and sound deadening among other benefits.
In today’s crowded RV marketplace though, it can be challenging to filter through what seems like endless models, to find the best of the best.
So to help narrow down your search, we’ve highlighted the best and most popular hard-side pop-up campers on the market today!
Popular Hard-Side Pop-Up Campers (Least to Most Expensive)
| Make/Model/Trim | Average Cost | Dry Weight | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Aliner Scout-Lite | $14,000 | 1,180 lbs | 13′ |
| 2. Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max | $17,000 | 2,225 lbs | 17′ 5″ |
| 3. Forest River Rockwood Hard Side A122S | $18,500 | 2,120 lbs | 18′ 8″ |
| 4. Aliner Ranger 12 | $20,000 | 1,450 lbs | 15′ |
| 5. Forest River Rockwood Hard Side A213HW | $22,500 | 2,670 lbs | 21′ 2″ |
| 6. Aliner Expedition | $29,000 | 1,850 lbs | 18′ |
| 7. TrailManor 2720QB | $38,000 | 2,960 lbs | 20′ |
1. Aliner Scout-Lite
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $14,000
- Dry Weight: 1,180 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3,000 Pounds
- Closed Length: 13 Feet
- Bathroom: N/A
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
One of the cheapest and lightest hard-side pop-up campers available today is the Aliner Scout-Lite, which has an average price of $14,000 and a dry weight of only 1,180 pounds.
Making it one of the lightest campers on the road today, and perfect for anyone with a less capable tow vehicle, such as a small SUV.
Aliner Scout-Lite Floorplan
Just because the Scout-Lite is one of the cheapest and lightest hard-side A-frame campers though, doesn’t mean it offers no comfort and convenience features.
As the Scout-Lite offers a substantial upgrade from tent camping and plenty of amenities.
Offering comfortable sleeping for three, a convertible dinette booth, an onboard battery with a solar port for off-grid power, LED lighting, a fantastic vent fan, and running water.
And thanks to the camper’s lightweight Azdel thermoplastic composite walls and ceiling panels, the Scout-Lite is a breeze to set up.
Taking one person just a few minutes to set up, as you can see in the above video.
For more information on the Aliner Scout-Lite, check out Aliner’s website by clicking here.
To see other lightweight pop-ups, check out our blog post “Top 10 Ultralight Pop-Up Campers Under 1500 Pounds“.
2. Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $17,000
- Dry Weight: 2,225 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3,259 Pounds
- Closed Length: 17 Feet 5 Inches
- Bathroom: N/A
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
While not a full hard-side pop-up camper, we thought the Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max deserved an honorable mention.
Because while the pop-up does have some soft side tent walls, it’s very minimal.
As most of the camper’s walls and roof are made using fixed hard panels, giving you plenty of insulation, and durability.
Which is why it’s one of the most favored pop-ups for cold-weather camping.
To see other pop-ups best suited for cold-weather camping, check out our blog post “The 8 Best Pop-Up Campers for Winter Camping“.
Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max Floorplan
In addition, the Clipper 12.0 TD Max also offers a very unique single hinge design, which makes it one of the easiest campers to set up.
And because of that single hinge design, the RV also offers full standing height at the rear, despite having a closed exterior height of only 7 feet 5 inches.
Which makes the camper much easier to tow and less susceptible to crosswinds.
Finally, this one-of-a-kind pop-up from Coachmen also offers several other unique features that you’ll only find on this model.
Including two entrances that make loading and unloading a breeze, and a gaucho couch, which provides comfortable seating during the day and an extra place to sleep at night.
To learn more about the Coachmen Clipper 12.0 TD Max and to see a 3D tour of the interior, check out Coachmen’s website by clicking here.
3. Forest River Rockwood Hard Side A122S
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $18,500
- Dry Weight: 2,120 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3,284 Pounds
- Closed Length: 18 Feet 8 Inches
- Bathroom: Porta-A-Potty/Outside Shower
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
One of the most popular hard-side A-frame campers on the market today is the Forest River Rockwood Hard Side A122S.
Thanks to the camper’s perfect compromise between size, weight, and features.
As the Rockwood Hard Side A122S has a length of under 20 feet and a weight of just over 2,000 pounds.
Making this lightweight pop-up super easy to manage and tow.
Forest River Rockwood Hard Side A122S Floorplan
Despite the camper’s smaller size and lighter weight though, the pop-up still manages to offer tons of features.
Including a four-person sleeping capacity, a large family-size convertible dinette booth, and a fully equipped kitchen with a sink, propane range, fridge, and even a microwave.
As well as lightweight fiberglass hard-side panels, a large front exterior storage trunk, a 10,000 BTU Cool Cat AC/Heat Pump, a roof vent fan, multiple skylights, and four stabilizer jacks with sand pads.
Plus, the A122S is the first pop-up on this list to offer at least basic bathroom accommodations.
As the camper offers a hot water package with an outside shower and a small portable Port-A-Potty.
Making the camper perfect for boondocking or off-grid camping, where bathroom facilities are often not available.
And to further add to the RV’s boondocking capability, the A122S also offers a standard 100-watt roof-mounted solar panel, dual 20-pound propane tanks, and an onboard battery box.
For more info on the Forest River Rockwood Hard Side A122S and to see a 3D interior tour, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
4. Aliner Ranger 12
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $20,000
- Dry Weight: 1,450 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3,000 Pounds
- Closed Length: 15 Feet
- Bathroom: Outside Shower
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
One of the best hard-side pop-up campers for boondocking in the backcountry is the Aliner Ranger 12.
As the Ranger 12 is loaded with off-grid and off-road features, including an 11-gallon freshwater tank, a water pump, dual propane tanks, and a solar port for charging up the onboard battery.
As well as a rigid tubular steel frame, 14-inch tires with aluminum rims, a diamond plate stone guard, 10-inch electric brakes, a full-size spare tire, and an optional off-road package.
Aliner Ranger 12 Floorplan
Even if you never plan on taking the Ranger 12 into the backcountry though, this pop-up from Aliner still makes a great choice for those looking for a beginner-friendly RV.
As this small lightweight A-frame pop-up has a length of only 15 feet and a dry weight of just 1,450 pounds.
Making the camper super easy to manage and tow.
For more information on the Aliner Ranger 12, check out Aliner’s website by clicking here.
5. Forest River Rockwood Hard Side A213HW
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $22,500
- Dry Weight: 2,670 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3,372 Pounds
- Closed Length: 21 Feet 2 Inches
- Bathroom: Cassette Toilet/Outside Shower
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
Part of Forest Rivers hard-side high wall series, the Rockwood Hard Side A213HW is one of the most popular full-size pop-ups available for many reasons.
One of the biggest reasons though is the camper’s high wall design.
As high wall pop-ups provide more interior space, thanks to their taller sidewalls, which translates into more headroom.
Making high wall pop-ups a great choice for taller RVers.
Plus, high wall pop-ups also allow for better and larger appliances, increased storage capacity, higher counters, and enhanced privacy.
Forest River Rockwood Hard Side A213HW Floorplan
Beyond the pop-up’s high wall design though, the Rockwood A213HW also offers numerous comfort and convenience features.
Including a comfortable three-person sleeping capacity with rear twin beds that convert into a king bed and a front convertible dinette booth.
As well as a full-featured interior kitchen with a sink, a three-burner propane cooktop, a 1.7 cubic foot 12V refrigerator, and a microwave.
And like the above Forest River pop-up, the Rockwood Hard Side A213HW also offers basic bathroom accommodations, with a hot water package, an outside shower, and a Port-A-Potty.
Additionally, its also worth mentioning that this is the first A-frame pop-up on this list to offer a standard pop-out dormer, which opens up the interior and provides a more spacious feel inside.
To learn more about the Forest River Rockwood Hard Side A213HW, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
6. Aliner Expedition
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $29,000
- Dry Weight: 1,850 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3,500 Pounds
- Closed Length: 18 Feet
- Bathroom: Cassette Toilet/Outside Shower
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
Another popular large hard-side pop-up is the Aliner Expedition.
Known for its distinctive A-frame design, the Expedition stands out from other A-frames, thanks to the pop-up’s blend of convenience, versatility, and comfort.
As the Expedition offers one of the best floorplans you’ll find in a hard-side pop-up camper.
Offered in two different versions, including the Sofa layout and the Mattress layout.
The most popular of the two is the Sofa layout, as it offers the most versatility and convenience.
Aliner Expedition Floorplan
Offering a rear convertible sofa that pulls out to make a full-size bed, a front convertible dinette booth that can sleep one comfortably, and a well-equipped kitchen.
In addition, the Expedition is one of the few Aliner campers that offers bathroom accommodations, as the pop-up has a fixed cassette toilet and an outdoor shower.
And if you’re worried about a lack of interior space, there’s no need to, as the Expedition not only utilizes a larger 15-foot box but also has two fold-out dormers.
Allowing the Aliner Expedition to offer one of the most spacious interiors for an A-frame camper.
To learn additional details about the Aliner Expedition, visit Aliner’s website by clicking on this link.
7. TrailManor 2720QB
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $38,000
- Dry Weight: 2,960 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4,610 Pounds
- Closed Length: 20 Feet
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
- Sleeping Capacity: 6
If you’re looking for the ultimate hard-side pop-up camper then you need to look no further than the TrailManor 2720QB.
As the TrailManor 2720QB is a one-of-a-kind hard-side travel trailer that offers the perfect blend of comfort, innovation, and efficiency for RVers seeking a unique pop-up camping experience.
Known for its ingenious folding hard-sided design, the 2720QB provides a compact profile during transport.
However, once parked, the trailer unfolds to reveal a spacious interior that combines modern amenities with thoughtful functionality.
TrailManor 2720QB Floorplan
Including a well-designed layout, which offers a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable dining area that converts into a sleeping space, and ample storage options.
Plus, the innovative fold-out design also provides extra sleeping quarters, making it suitable for larger families.
In fact, the TrailManor 2720QB is one of the few pop-ups that can sleep up to six at a time.
To see other pop-ups with six-person sleeping capacities, check out our blog post “6 Must-See Pop-Up Campers that Sleep 6 (With Pricing)“.
That’s not the only rare feature this large pop-up offers though.
As the 2720QB is also one of only a few pop-ups that offers a true three-piece dry bath, with a separate shower, toilet, and bathroom sink.
All this comfort and innovative folding design doesn’t come cheap though.
As the TrailManor 2720QB is one of the most expensive pop-up campers you can buy, with an average price of $38,000.
To learn more about the TrailManor 2720QB, check out TrailManor’s website by clicking here.
FAQs
A hard-sided pop-up is a type of pop-up camper designed to combine the benefits of a traditional tent-style pop-up and a travel trailer. By utilizing foldable solid walls made from fiberglass or composite panels.
While somewhat rare, hard-sided pop-up campers continue to be produced by several RV manufacturers, including Aliner, Forest River, and TrailManor.
Hard-side pop-up campers offer better insulation, more durability, greater weather resistance, better security, more privacy, and easier setup compared to traditional soft-side pop-ups.
Hard-side pop-up campers tend to weigh more, cost more, have higher tow profiles, and generally offer less interior space compared to traditional soft-side pop-ups.
Hard-side pop-up campers have a dry weight generally ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 pounds, and a gross vehicle weight rating generally ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 pounds.
Hard-Side Pop-Up Camper Wrap Up
The world of camping and RVing continues to evolve, and one of the best examples of this is the hard-side pop-up camper.
As the hard-side pop-up offers a seamless blend of modern convenience and functionality, while still keeping you connected to nature.
Making these RVs a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a comfortable cozy living space that they can set up in just a few minutes.
From minimalist lightweight options to full-size luxury models, it’s hard to go wrong with a hard-sided pop-up camper.
As these lesser-known pop-ups make camping more comfortable as well as enjoyable while still preserving the spirit of the great outdoors.
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