You may get lots of head turns with an A-frame pop-up camper, and for good reasons. They’re cute, trendy, and efficient. So what is an A-frame camper anyways? In this article, we give you all the details and identify seven of the best models on the market today. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What Is an A-Frame Camper?
An A-frame camper compares to a traditional pop-up camper. However, the roof forms into an “A” shape when cranked up. The shape provides more living space and headroom for the compact trailer, particularly in the center point.
The campers are typically lightweight with durable materials. Due to these factors, they tow easily behind SUVs or small trucks (perhaps even a Toyota Tacoma), potentially alleviating the need to upgrade your tow vehicle. The interior designs vary but have similar features to other pop-up campers or small travel trailers.
Are A-Frame Pop-Up Campers Any Good?
These compact A-frame pop-up campers have a lot of good qualities. Their lightweight construction makes them a great option for a wide range of tow vehicles. In addition, you can easily pull them and fit them into almost any campsite, even off-grid options.
The construction and floor plans of A-frame campers vary across manufacturers. But in all, they use space efficiently and practically for short camping trips. Most have hard-walled sides and roofs, and some even have dormers off the roof that pop up for additional headroom.
7 of the Best A-Frame Campers in 2021
Let’s take a look at seven of the best A-frame campers on the market in 2021.
1. Aliner Expedition
The 18-ft Aliner Expedition has a dry weight of 1,850 lbs. Its sturdy construction provides taller, stable, hard-walled beds on the front and back. Stabilizer jacks come standard, and it has a furnace.
As far as floor plans go, you can choose from a queen bed and dinette that converts into a bed. Or a sofa bed and dinette that also converts into a bed. Both versions have a small kitchen, an outside shower, and a swivel cassette toilet.
➡ Never heard of a cassette toilet? They’re common in small campers. Learn more here: Cassette Toilets Explained: What They Are and How They Work
2. Aliner LXE
The Aliner LXE is similar to the Aliner Expedition A-frame camper. It only has one hard-walled dormer out the front, which provides extra headroom in the kitchen and bathroom. It has a wet bath with a shower and cassette toilet. In the rear, you’ll find a sofa bed and some well-placed storage.
The 15-ft long LXE has a dry weight of 1,795 lbs. Standard features include a furnace, which many pop-up campers don’t have. It also has a Fantastic Fan. Plus, you have the option of adding an extreme off-road package.
3. Rockwood A214HW
Forest River’s Rockwood A214HW is a 21 ft 2 inch long A-frame camper with a dry weight of 2,700 lbs. It has hard-sided walls and a dormer in the front.
The camper features a flip-up bed and dinette that converts into additional sleeping space. Additionally, it has a small kitchenette and a wet bath with a shower and toilet. On the exterior, you’ll find convenient front storage that goes all the way through. It also features an outdoor griddle.
4. Flagstaff T21TBHW
The 21 ft 2 inch-long Forest River Flagstaff T21TBHW has a dry weight of 2,670 lbs. It has hard-walled sides with one dormer in the front and an exterior width of 84 inches.
This A-frame camper has front storage that you can access from both sides of the exterior and storage in the rear trunk area. The interior has two twin beds that can convert into a king-size bed. Additionally, it has a kitchenette, a toilet, and a dinette that converts into a bed.
5. Chalet XL A-Frame Camper
The 18 ft 7 inch-long Chalet XL A-Frame Camper has a dry weight of 1,995 lbs. It has a front dormer with 46 by 80-inch bunk beds. And the A-frame provides 8 ft of headspace.
The camper has a kitchen with ample room and residential height countertops. It also has a large dinette in the rear that converts into a bed. You’ll find storage under the dinette. In addition, the Chalet XL has an optional wet bath with a shower and toilet. The exterior has a porta-potty access door.
6. Bolwell Air A-Frame Pop-Up Camper
The innovative Bolwell Air has large windows on all sides, and it’s 18 ft 3 inches long. Made and sold in Australia, it’s a great lightweight camper for exploring the Land Down Under.
The Bolwell Air comes in two-floor plans, one with a double bed and one with two single beds. Each has two seats with a swivel table and a stove, sink, and microwave.
7. Aliner Ranger 12
The 15-ft Aliner Ranger 12 has a dry weight of 1,450 lbs. It has one soft front dormer. The dinette sits under the dormer and converts into a 46 by 76-inch bed. It has storage under both benches of the dinette.
It includes a sofa bed in the rear. The kitchenette has a sink, stove, and refrigerator. You’ll also find an outside shower on this A-frame camper. While this Aliner doesn’t have a furnace, it does have a Fantastic Fan.
See for Yourself
These compact A-frame pop-up campers offer quality features. Hard-walled campers provide the most comfortable options with furnaces and durable construction. If you’re near a dealer with A-frame campers, do some walk-throughs to see for yourself.
Would you prefer a traditional pop-up camper instead of an A-frame? Explore the 7 Best Small Pop-Up Campers for Convenient Camping.
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Jennifer Stagg
Sunday 22nd of August 2021
I have a Flagstaff A frame camper that is just the right size for my daughter and me (and sometimes 3 small dogs, too!). I pull it easily with a Dodge Grand Caravan minivan! A couple of nice features on the Flagstaff and Rockwood line of A frames are a power roof lift that will raise the roof panels with the touch of a button and a heat pump that provides both air conditioning and heating from the same unit. You also get a lot of folks stopping by to ask questions! We really enjoy our A frame camper! ?
Mortons on the Move
Sunday 22nd of August 2021
Thanks for your comment! That's awesome that its an electric lift!
Robert Bayliss
Friday 20th of August 2021
Good coverage of a great style of camper. In addition to tow-ability and headroom, A-Frame campers eliminate the biggest problem with pop-up campers: No canvas to replace or get wet! Even dormers can be hard-sided!
Mortons on the Move
Saturday 21st of August 2021
Good point! Thanks for sharing!