How Much Does a Used Pop Up Camper Cost? Answered

Pop-up campers are one of the cheapest types of RVs you can buy, with new ones costing as little as $10,000 for a compact basic model.

However, if you need a larger more well-equipped pop-up camper, new ones can easily cost $15,000 or more, with some of the more expensive ones topping out at around $30,000.

Which can often be cost-prohibitive for those working with a smaller budget or just getting into RVing.  

Because of this, many RVers choose to buy a used pop-up camper instead of a new one, in order to save some money.

But just how much money can you save buying a used pop-up camper and how much does a used pop-up camper cost?

Used pop-up campers can cost a little as $2,000 for older models, but most used pop-up campers built within the last 10 years will cost between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on its age, size, and features.  

If you’re looking for more specific examples of how much a used pop-up camper costs though, make sure to keep reading.

As we provide 12 specific examples of used pop-up campers below, pulled directly from rvtrader.com, which is one of the largest online sites for buying and selling recreational vehicles.

To give you a better idea of what a used pop-up camper will cost based on its make, model, year, and size.    

Cost of a Used Pop-Up Camper (From Least to Most Expensive)

Make/Model	Year	Length	List Price
1. Jayco Dove 8 FD	1988	19′ 8″	$1,995
2. Fleetwood Coleman Cedar	1994	17′	$2,500
3. Starcraft M-1701	2007	17′ 1″	$4,900
4. Forest River Rockwood Freedom 1640LTD	2011	17′	$6,250
5. Forest River Viking Epic 10CWS	2014	14′ 2″	$7,900
6. Aliner Classic FDRS	2011	15′	$7,995
7. Jayco Jay Series Sport 12SC	2014	21′ 6″	$9,998
8. Forest River Rockwood Freedom 1940LTD	2020	20′	$10,799
9. Coachmen Clipper 806XLS	2021	17′ 11″	$12,500
10. Somerset Grand Tour Niagara	2013	26′ 10″	$12,786
11. Forest River Flagstaff HW 19QB	2017	18′ 11″	$13,900
12. Forest River Rockwood M-296HW	2014	27′ 9″	$14,995

1. 1988 Jayco Dove 8 FD

Quick Specs

• List Price:  $1,995
• Open Length: 19 Feet 8 Inches
• Dry Weight:  1,490 Pounds
• Bathroom:  None
• Sleeping Capacity:  6

This 1988 Jayco Dove 8 FD is a prime example of just how cheap a used pop-up camper can be if you’re willing to buy a really old one.

As this 1988 Jayco Dove 8 FD is priced at just under $2,000.

And this isn’t just a one-off anomaly.

Because if you’re willing to buy a used pop-up camper, older than 20 years, you can find numerous cheap options.

As used pop-up campers older than 20 years will usually cost anywhere from $1,500 on the low end to $5,000 on the high end, depending on its age, condition, and size. 

Before you buy any used pop-up camper though, especially one 20 years old or more, you need to do a thorough inspection of the camper before buying it.

(Which we will discuss later in this article under the heading “How to Inspect a Used Pop-Up Camper“.)  

Because no matter how cheap a pop-up camper is, it’s not a good deal, if it’s in poor condition.  

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2. 1994 Fleetwood Coleman Cedar

Quick Specs

• List Price:  $2,500
• Open Length: 17 Feet
• Dry Weight:  995 Pounds
• Bathroom:  None
• Sleeping Capacity:  6

Another great example of a super cheap used pop-up camper is this 1994 Fleetwood Coleman Cedar, which has a list price of just $2,500.

Making this older pop-up camper from Fleetwood super budget-friendly no matter how small of a budget you’re working with.

And while older pop-up campers like this won’t have all the bells and whistles that a new pop-up camper will have like USB charging ports, power lifts, and air conditioning.

They will have all the basics you need for a weekend getaway, including sleeping space, a large dinette booth for hanging out and eating, and a small kitchenette with a propane cooktop and a small kitchen sink for meal prep. 

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3. 2007 Starcraft M-1701

Quick Specs

• List Price:  $4,900
• Open Length: 17 Feet 1 Inch
• Dry Weight:  1,459 Pounds
• Bathroom:  None
• Sleeping Capacity:  5

While Starcraft might not be as well known as some other RV brands such as Jayco, Coachmen, or Forest River; Starcraft has been turning out quality towable RVs for decades out of their plant in Topeka, Indiana, which is right in the heart of Amish country.  

And while ownership of the Starcraft brand has gone through several hands first to Jayco in 1991 and then to Thor Industries in 2016, one thing that has remained constant is their quality and attention to detail.

As you can still find numerous Starcraft pop-up campers on the road today that are a decade old or older, still going down the road, such as this 2007 Starcraft M-1701, which has a list price of just under $5,000.   

One major drawback of older pop-up campers more than 10 years old though is that tend to be pretty dated on the inside.  

However, with a little elbow grease and a few DIY skills, you can easily turn a worn-out and dated RV, into a fresh and updated one, like the lady in this YouTube video did.

Who transformed her dated and worn-out Starcraft pop-up camper into a completely updated and remodeled one for less than a few hundred bucks.  

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4. 2011 Forest River Rockwood Freedom 1640LTD

Quick Specs

• List Price:  $6,250
• Open Length: 17 Feet
• Dry Weight:  1,347 Pounds
• Bathroom:  None
• Sleeping Capacity:  5

The Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD is one of the most popular pop-up campers of all time.

And while new ones typically cost as much as $10,000 you can often find pretty good deals on used ones, like this Rockwood Freedom 1640LTD, that’s priced just over $6,000.

Which means buying a used Forest River Rockwood 1640LTD, can save you as much as 40% compared to what a new one costs. 

2011 Forest River Rockwood Freedom Promotional and Setup Video

But just whats makes the Rockwood Freedom 1640LTD so popular?

Well for starters this small pop-up camper is on the lighter side when it comes to pop-up camper weights, with a dry weight of only 1,347 pounds.

Allowing a wide variety of small and mid-size SUVs to tow the camper, including Subaru Outbacks, Honda Passports, and Toyota 4Runners to name just a few.

But beyond its lightweight design, this pop-up camper is also popular because it provides a nice balance between cost and features.  

As this little camper has everything you would need for a family of 4 to enjoy a weekend camping trip, while still keeping the price affordable and budget-friendly.  

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5. 2014 Forest River Viking Epic 10CWS

Quick Specs

• List Price:  $7,900
• Open Length: 14 Feet 2 Inches
• Dry Weight:  1,685 Pounds
• Bathroom:  None
• Sleeping Capacity:  7

When you’re shopping for a used pop-up camper, you will undoubtedly run across a lot of used Forest River pop-ups, and that’s for good reason.

As Forest River is one of the leading manufacturers of pop-up campers, producing a wide variety of pop-ups under a variety of brands, models, and series.

And one of those series is the Forest River Viking.

Now produced under the Coachmen brand name, the new Viking pop-up campers are offered in 8 different floorplans across 4 different lineups including the Express, the LS, the Epic, and the Legend.

However, these new Forest River Vikings can easily cost $15,000 or more.

So, if you’re looking to save some money, you might want to consider an older Forest River Viking pop-up camper, like the 2014 Forest River Viking Epic pictured above, that’s listed for $7,900, or less than half of what a new Viking pop-up camper costs.

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6. 2011 Aliner Classic FDRS

Quick Specs

• List Price:  $7,995
• Open Length: 15 Feet
• Dry Weight:  1,515 Pounds
• Bathroom:  Optional Toilet
• Sleeping Capacity:  2

When most people think of pop-up campers they typically think of the classic tent-style pop-ups, that have canvas walls and two fold-out bunks on either end of the camper.

However, there is another really popular type of pop-up camper on the market today, which is the hard-sided or A-frame pop-up camper.  

Which offers several unique benefits over more traditional tent-style pop-ups, including better insulation for winter camping as well as better sound deadening capability for campgrounds.

And there is no RV brand known better for their hard-sided A-frame pop-ups than Aliner, which is produced by Columbia Northwest Inc.

As they make a full line of hard-sided pop-ups in all different sizes, floorplans, and sleeping capacities.

One of the major drawbacks of Aliner campers though is their cost, as they can easily cost well over $20,000 for a new one, often making them out of reach for RV buyers shopping on a budget.  

Which makes used Aliners all the more attractive.

As used Aliner campers can cost less than half of what a new one costs, like this 2011 Aliner Classic FDRS pictured above, which has a list price of just under $8,000.

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7. 2014 Jayco Jay Series Sport 12SC

Quick Specs

• List Price:  $9,998
• Open Length: 21 Feet 6 Inches
• Dry Weight:  1,825 Pounds
• Bathroom:  None
• Sleeping Capacity:  7

While Jayco stopped producing pop-ups in 2019, there are still tons of used Jayco pop-ups on the market today, available in a variety of sizes, models, and configurations.  

But one of their more popular pop-ups, that’s been a favorite of RVers for years is their Jayco Jay Series Sport, thanks to its quality construction and multiple upgrades.  

As the Jayco Jay Series Sport offers a powerlift system that makes raising and lowering the one-piece fiberglass roof a breeze, DuraTek water repellent tent material that’s mold and mildew resistant as well as super durable and breathable, and a five-piece tent system that allows you to replace individual sections of the tent.

In addition, the Jayco Jay Series Sport pop-up has tinted windows making it cooler and more private on the inside, a one-piece spring-loaded entry door, a large freshwater holding tank, and powder coated frame that helps to keep the frame from rusting.  

All of which helps to protect your investment and ensure that this quality-made pop-up camper will provide years of enjoyment.

Regardless of whether you buy a used 2010 Jay Series Sport, which was the first year they were produced, or a used 2019 Jay Series Sport, which was the last year they were produced.

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8. 2020 Forest River Rockwood Freedom 1940LTD

Quick Specs

• List Price:  $10,799
• Open Length: 20 Feet
• Dry Weight:  1,608 Pounds
• Bathroom:  None
• Sleeping Capacity:  6

Similar to the Forest River Rockwood Freedom 1640LTD from above, this Rockwood Freedom 1940LTD is the big brother to the Rockwood Freedom 1640LTD.

As the box on the 1940 LTD pop-up, is two feet longer at 14 feet and the overall length is 3 feet longer at 20 feet.

Which allows for a more roomy and open interior as well as a more spacious floorplan that offers more counter space and more storage space compared to the 1640LTD.

And just like the Rockwood Freedom 1640LTD, the Rockwood Freedom 1940LDT, offers tons of comfort features that allow you to camp in style without breaking the bank.

As most used Rockwood Freedom 1940LTDs built within the last 5 years go for around $10,000 or less.  

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9. 2021 Coachmen Clipper 806XLS

Quick Specs

• List Price:  $12,500
• Open Length: 17 Feet 11 Inches
• Dry Weight:  1,642 Pounds
• Bathroom:  None
• Sleeping Capacity:  6

When most people imagine a used pop-up camper, they usually picture a pop-up that’s at least a few years old if not older.  

However, this used 2021 Coachmen Clipper is a prime example of just how new you can find used RVs and pop-ups.

As it’s not uncommon to find used pop-ups for sale that are less than a year old that might have only been used a couple of times.

Which happens for a variety of reasons but the most common are that the previous owner wants to sell the RV to buy a different type to better fit their needs, they didn’t like RVing, or they’ve had a change in their financial situation and can no longer afford the RV.  

But regardless of their reason for selling this can be a great buying opportunity for you, as it allows you to buy a barely “used” pop-up camper for thousands of dollars less than what they just paid for it new.

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10. 2013 Somerset Grand Tour Niagara

Quick Specs

• List Price:  $12,786
• Open Length: 26 Feet 10 Inches
• Weight:  3,020 Pounds
• Bathroom:  Toilet
• Sleeping Capacity:  6

Columbia Northwest Inc. who makes the Aliner from above doesn’t just make the Aliner, as they also used to make a tent-style pop-up as well, called the Somerset.

Which is renowned for its premium build quality and superior construction techniques.

Sadly though Columbia Northwest Inc. chose to suspend their Somerset tent-style pop-up campers in 2021.

There are, however, still plenty of used Somerset pop-up campers on the market though, which range in price from about $8,000 to as much as $17,000 depending on its age, condition, and model.  

And if you’re curious what makes the Somerset pop-up campers so great and sets them apart from the competition, just take a look at some of the common upgraded features and amenities found on Somerset campers.

Which include roof-mounted air conditioners, one-piece aluminum roofs, diamond plate aluminum front panel rock guards, large exterior front storage lockers, slide-outs, and even built-in RV toilets. 

So if you’re looking for a luxurious and well-equipped pop-up camper on a budget, you might want to consider a used Somerset pop-up.  

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11. 2017 Forest River Flagstaff High Wall 19QB

Quick Specs

• List Price:  $13,900
• Open Length: 18 Feet 11 Inches
• Dry Weight:  2,312 Pounds
• Bathroom:  None
• Sleeping Capacity:  4

While Aliner is without a doubt the leader in hard-sided A-frame pop-ups, they are by no means the only RV manufacturers that make a hard-sided pop-up.

As Forest River makes several different A-frame pop-ups campers across several of their brands including Rockwood, Flagstaff, and Coachmen.

Like this used 2017 Forest River Flagstaff HW 19QB that offers numerous comfort features and upgrades including high wall construction, a large front storage locker, multiple skylights with shades, a four-person convertible dinette booth, and a full kitchenette with a built-in microwave.  

And if you’re curious how an A-frame hard-sided pop-up camper is set up, check out the above YouTube video that provides a full video walkthrough of the entire process, which only takes about 2 minutes!

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12. 2014 Forest River Rockwood M-296HW

Quick Specs

• List Price:  $14,995
• Open Length: 27 Feet 9 Inches
• Dry Weight:  3,135 Pounds
• Bathroom:  Wet Bath
• Sleeping Capacity:  6

If you think you have to sacrifice comfort and amenities when you choose a pop-up camper, think again.  

As the Forest River Rockwood M-296HW is a great example of what the top-end of the pop-up camper RV market has to offer.

As this premium high-end used pop-up camper from Forest River has pretty much every luxury and comfort feature you can find on an RV.

2014 Forest River Rockwood M-296HW Video Walkthrough

Including such premium features as a roof-mounted air conditioner, a large u-shaped dinette booth built on a slide-out, high-fixed sidewall construction, a fully equipped kitchenette, and even a wet bath with a combined shower and toilet.

Which is a real rarity on a pop-up camper.  

So while there are simple and basic pop-ups that aren’t much more than a glorified tent.

There are also very luxurious and high-end pop-ups as well.

Which allows you to choose a used pop-up camper based on your particular needs and the type of camping you like to do.  

Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Pop-Up Camper

There are both pros and cons to buying a used pop-up camper.

So before you buy one, it’s important to go over both the pros and cons, in order to make an informed buying decision.

Because while a used pop-up camper does have several unique advantages over a new one, there are also some disadvantages as well.

Pros of Buying a Used Pop-up Camper

• Cost Savings – The biggest advantage of buying a used pop-up is the cost savings, as you can usually save thousands of dollars buying a used pop-up as opposed to a new one.
• Avoid Large Depreciation – RVs just like cars are depreciating assets and the bulk of this depreciation usually happens in the first few years.  So buying a used pop-up a few years old allows you to avoid most of this heavy early depreciation.
• Lower Insurance Costs – Because used pop-up campers cost less than new ones, this also means they will cost less to insure.
• Bugs Worked Out – Most new RVs have bugs and fixes that need to be addressed in the first few years of ownership.  So buying one a few years old helps to avoid a lot of headaches and hassles.
• Extra Accessories Often Included – While new pop-up campers usually come with very few accessories if any, used ones often have several accessories left by the previous owner, such as covers, water hoses, leveling blocks, etc… which can be a real value add.

Cons of Buying a Used Pop-Up Camper

• Potential Lack of Financing – While new RVs and pop-ups can always be financed, not all used RV and pop-ups can be.  As most lenders will not loan on an RV older than 10 years.  
• Unknown History – Even though an RV inspection will go a long way to ensure you’re buying a quality well cared for pop-up, you usually will not know the history or how well the pop-up was cared for throughout its life when buying used. 
• Lack of Choice – When you buy a new pop-up, you’re able to choose from a wide selection of makes and models, in order to find the perfect pop-up for your particular needs and wants.  However, when you buy a used pop-up, you often have much fewer options, which often requires you to make more compromises.
• Dated Interiors – While the exterior of pop-up campers tends to fair pretty well over time, as most have very neutral color schemes and design elements, the interior of older pop-up campers can quickly become dated on the inside.  

How to Inspect a Used Pop-Up Camper

While you might think you can give a pop-up camper just a quick once over before buying one, due to their more simple design.

This would be a big mistake.

As there are many things that must be inspected before buying a used pop-up camper, that will help you avoid buying a lemon and keep you from having to make costly repairs down the road.

10 Things You Must Inspect Before Buying a Used Pop-Up Camper

When inspecting a used pop-up camper there are 10 things you need to inspect before buying one, which includes the roof, the lift or winch system, the canvas or tent material, the ceiling, the floor, the air conditioner and heating system, the plumbing, the appliances, the wheels, axles, and bearings, and the frame.

Which I will go over briefly below.  

1. Roof

Water and water damage is the number one enemy of any RV and this includes pop-up campers. 

And the number one place most susceptible to water penetration and damage is the roof. 

So before buying any pop-up camper, you want to thoroughly inspect the roof to ensure that it’s in overall good condition.

Ensuring that there are no broken or missing trim pieces, that all seams are fully caulked with no gaps, and that there is no hail damage or large dents in the roof.  

2. Lift or Winch System

Whether the pop-up camper has a manual or power lift system, you want to fully inspect the system, inspecting all cables, cranks, and exposed gears, to see if they’re in good condition with no obvious signs of damage.

You also want to fully raise and lower the top a couple of times to ensure the top raises and lowers smoothly without any issues.  

3. Canvas or Tent Material

Make sure to thoroughly inspect the canvas or tent material to ensure it’s in good condition, paying special attention to joints and seams, as these are often the first places to have issues.

Making sure the tent material is free from rips, holes, tears, stains, dry rotting, mold, and mildew. 

4. Interior Ceiling

Once you’re inside the camper you want to inspect the interior ceiling both visually and physically, by first looking for any visible staining on the ceiling and then by pressing on the ceiling to see if there are any soft spots in the ceiling.

Which are both indicators that the roof is leaking and that the camper has water intrusion issues and potential water damage issues.  

5. Interior Flooring

The next thing you want to inspect is the flooring, by making sure there are no soft spots on the floor or signs of damage beyond normal wear and tear.

As this could be an indicator that there is a frame or a rotting subfloor issue.  

And when you’re checking the condition of the floor, don’t forget to check inside the cabinets as well as most of the floor in a pop-up camper will be covered by cabinets.  

6. Air Conditioner and Heating System

Not all pop-up campers have ACs but you’re inspecting one that does, you want to make sure that it comes on and is blowing cold air.  Because replacing an RV air conditioner will usually cost between $1,000 and $2,000.

Also, while not all pop-up campers have ACs, almost all have some sort of propane heating system.

So once you’ve checked that the AC is working, you also want to make sure that the heat is working as well.  

7. Plumbing

Most pop-up campers do not have an overly elaborate or complex plumbing system. 

As pop-ups usually just have a single kitchen sink and a small freshwater and gray water holding tank, unless you get into more high-end pop-ups, which can have toilets and even a wet bath.

But regardless of what type of plumbing system the pop-up has, you want to check it thoroughly making sure there are no leaks or issues with the pipes, connectors, or fittings.  

8. Appliances

Appliances in a pop-up camper are usually pretty limited and simple, as pop-ups usually only have a small mini-fridge, a two or three-burner propane stove, and perhaps a small microwave.

However, you still want to inspect and make sure they’re all in good working order before you buy the pop-up.

9. Wheels, Axle, and Bearings

In order to safely pull a pop-up camper behind your tow vehicle, the wheels, axle, and bearings of the pop-up need to be in good working order and condition.

So before buying any pop-up camper, you want to inspect the date code and tread on the tires to make sure they don’t need to be replaced, the axle which you should visually inspect to ensure there are no cracks or issues, and the bearings which you can check by making sure the bearings are cool and not hot to the touch after pulling the camper for a while.

10. Frame

The last thing you want to inspect before buying a pop-up camper is the frame of the camper.

By checking to make sure the frame is not bent and that there are no major rust issues.  

Sources

Used Pop-Up Camper Pricing & Photos – rvtrader.com