If you’ve read our Buyer’s Guide, you understand the importance of vehicle towing capacity and camper weight. But what can you do to shave pounds and tow lighter and safer? Here are some practical tips for shedding pounds, or in some cases redistributing the weight for easier and safer towing.
If your camper doesn’t come standard with a powered roof vent, I highly recommend purchasing it as an option or installing later as an add-on.
A roof fan really helps air the camper out, including cooling it down after having sat out in the baking sun all day or drying out humidity collection. The power consumption is relatively low compared to the benefit offered.
I specifically avoided getting a power winch because, if the electrical power fails, you’re left with about 45 minutes of cranking compared to the non-powered version which only takes about a minute to raise.
A separate outside grill is a must have in my opinion versus a single grill that can be rotated inside and out. I greatly prefer having a grill inside to warm up water for tea or coffee, which I can keep clean, while letting the outdoor grill get messy and greasy. I can then store the outdoor grill in my tow vehicle at night when camping in bear country.
My dealer was instrumental in helping me understand this concept. Specifically how the size, placement, and shape of various dinettes impact my use and comfort.
Many people won’t go camping without a shower and toilet inside the camper. Here are the pros and cons of including a bathroom inside your popup camper.
Pay careful attention to your popup camper’s GVWR versus dry weight to understand how much cargo can be carried inside the camper. Continue reading “Camper Weight (and Tongue Weight Distribution)”
That “Maximum Towing Capacity” number found inside your owners manual or quoted from a camper dealer comes with quite a few assumptions and caveats. This post describes these sometimes complex subjects with easy to understand examples to keep your family safe while towing.
You’re at the wrong website if you’re looking for air conditioning.
I don’t go camping where it’s that hot, and I don’t consider a 20 amp electrical hookup or gas powered generator to be camping.
Sorry.
