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Looking for a camper that won’t break the bank or your tow vehicle? A-frame campers are a great option. If you want a hard-sided camper with more room than a teardrop, that’s as easy to store as a pop-up, look no further.
What is an A-Frame Camper?
An A-Frame camper is a unique camper design with an A-shaped roof. A-frame campers are similar to pop-ups because they pack down for travel. But, these campers are typically hard-sided, unlike a typical pop-up.
Most A-frame campers have interior features like a sleeping area, a bit of storage, and small kitchen space. The kitchen space can have a cooktop, sink, and even a refrigerator. Larger models of A-Frame campers may have multiple seating areas, and some even come with a small bathroom or wet bath.
Additionally, these small RVs are powered just like many RVs or travel trailers – with a 30amp plug. Alternatively, you can camp off-grid using the house batteries as power. But, if you choose to do that, you’ll need solar or a generator to recharge your batteries.
Pro Tip: If A-frame campers don’t seem to be your thing, you might want to check out 7 Pop Up Campers You Have To See.
How Much Does an A-Frame Camper Weigh?
A-Frame campers are lightweight campers. These small campers can weigh anywhere from 1,800lbs to 3,800lbs. Most of these campers are on the lighter end of the range.
How Big Are A-Frame Trailers?
Most A-Frame RVs are under 20 ft in length and they are no wider than your tow vehicle. These campers are compact when folded down, making them easy to store in a garage or under a carport.
How Many People Can Sleep In An A-Frame?
Smaller A-Frame campers are built to sleep only 2 people. Some larger A-Frame campers come with more sleeping options, able to sleep 4 people or more comfortably.
How Much Do A-Frame Campers Cost?
A new A-frame camper can cost anywhere from $10k-$30k or more, depending on features. However, you can find used A-frame campers and older models for much less, sometimes even less than $5k.
Pros And Cons Of A-Frame Campers
An A-frame camper is a great choice for a lightweight camper that doesn’t take much room to store. They are roomier than teardrop campers and more insulated and secure than pop-up campers.
A-Frame Camper Pros
A big pro for A-frame pop-up campers is that they are lightweight and easy to tow. They offer lots of interior headroom, so even those taller campers can be comfortable.
A-frame campers are the perfect getaway camper for couples and small families. They are typically affordable, so you can easily upgrade your camping options on a budget. Lastly, when you’re not using your A-frame pop-up, they are easy to store.
A-Frame Camper Cons
Small A-frame campers mean that you are limited in your storage space. You should only bring what you need, as there isn’t much room for additional accessories.
They aren’t ideal for windy areas or severe storms, so you need to be sure you’re camping in ideal weather conditions. You can get some additional hardware supplies to tie down your small A-frame camper. However, your camping experience might not be all that enjoyable if you’re stuck inside in bad weather.
Lastly, they aren’t great for larger families. If you’re camping with more than four people, you’ll find interior space limited.
The Best A-Frame Campers
When it comes to picking the best a-frame camper, we’ve got you covered. Scroll through the list below to read about the different a-frame camper brands and pick your favorite.
1. Aliner Classic
The Classic has a sofa bed or permanent bed option. The dinette also converts to a bed so you can sleep four comfortably. This model has an 11-gallon freshwater tank, 3-way refrigerator, marine-grade flooring, dual propane tanks, high wind lift assist, and much more.
2. Aliner Expedition
The Aliner Expedition offers almost double the living space than the other Aliner models. This floorplan is the largest offered by Aliner as it has two hard-sided pop-ups. Even though this a-frame camper is on the larger side, it only weighs 1850 lbs.
Some of the standard features offered with the Expedition include a swivel cassette toilet, 35 amp converter, two skylights, 14″ tires, tubular steel frame, Fantastic vent fan, and much more!
3. Aliner LXE
Length: 15′
Weight: 1795 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 3000 lbs
The Aliner LXE has a standard front dormer and a built-in shower and cassette toilet. This unit has a 3000 lb axle and four stabilizer jacks, two skylights with night shades, two exterior baggage doors, a full-size spare tire, and much more!
4. Forest River Rockwood A-112S
Length: 19′ 2″
Weight: 2120 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 3280 lbs
The Rockwood A-112S is the smallest A-Frame camper offered by Forest River. With a bed, dinette, and kitchenette, this is a perfect weekend unit. It offers a large storage area in the front, which is a great feature for campers who like to bring additional RV accessories.
This model also features an outdoor shower, an outdoor griddle, solar prep from the dealership, electric brakes, 35 amp converter, a Diamond Plate front, a Port-A-Potty, and much more!
5. Forest River Rockwood A213HW
Length: 21′ 2″
Weight: 2670 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 3370 lbs
The Rockwood premier A-frame camper lineup is a show stopper! More specifically, the Rockwood A213HW floorplan is perfect for couples. It comes with two twin beds and an insert that transforms it into a king bed. Who says you can’t have space in a pop-up?
The standard features on this unit include a power roof lift, 12V refrigerator, drawers with full extension glides, a fiberglass laminated roof, front storage, a toilet, a large dormer window, and much more!
6. Forest River Flagstaff T12RBST
7. Chalet XL 1935
Length: 18′ 7″
Weight: 1995 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 3500 lbs
The Chalet brand of A-frame campers offers a lightweight, classic, and XL version. These campers are perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. Chalet specializes in A-frame campers. Because of this, the workmanship is top-notch.
The Chalet XL 1935 floorplan is one of their most popular, and for good reason. This unit offers residential-height countertops and plenty of windows and skylights to brighten the interior. It comes with a one-year structural warranty and Chalet’s patented electronic power lift system. This model even has an optional wet bath, if you’d like a toilet and shower included!
8. Chalet XL 1920
Length: 18′ 7″
Weight: 1995 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 3500 lbs
This A-frame camper allows for the whole family to join with the addition of bunk beds. You can still expect the standard features offered by Chalet, which include residential height countertops, LED lighting, and their patented Electronic Roof Lift System. If you’re a family ready for a weekend adventure, the Chalet XL 1920 will do the trick!
9. Chalet A-Frame Camper LTW
Length: 12′ 9″
Weight: 990 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 2000 lbs
If you’re looking for a light A-frame camper, look no further. This small a-frame camper comes in at 990 pounds!
Don’t let the small size of the Chalet LTW fool you. This camper still comes with a slew of amenities.
Some of those amenties include LED lighting, a two-burner cooktop, rear bike rack receiver, duel propane tanks, outdoor speakers, front cargo box, and more.
There is an optional Trail Boss Package, which includes 4” raised suspension, 14” wheels with off-road tires, heavy-duty jacks, and dual steps.
10. Coachmen Viking Legend V12RBST
While you can only find the Viking Legend V12RBST floorplan used, it still makes the list. This is a great option for those handier campers who would want to do a full remodel. You can buy the camper used for a great price, and put the extra savings towards adding your own personal touches.
The bones of this A-frame camper are a great starting point. This floorplan offers a flip-up bed, booth dinette, removable exterior storage, a two-burner range, skylights with night shades, a microwave, and more!
Not Your Grandma’s A-Frame Camper
You might think of old-school campers when you picture A-frame trailers, but not those on our list! These are the 10 best A-frame campers on the market. Whether you’re looking for a couples getaway or a weekend with the family, these A-frame campers have got you covered.
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