Did you know that there are pop-up campers with slide-outs? We aren’t talking about the beds that pull out at the front and rear of the camper. Instead, there are pop-up campers with slide-outs on the camp and road side that add space inside.
In this discussion, we’ll show you some of the best pop-up campers with slide-outs that have essentially reinvented the RV camper experience. So push those memories of your 1980s pop-up camper experiences aside, and rediscover what today’s pop-up campers with slide-outs can offer your family for a camping trip.
What Are Slide-Outs?
A slide-out refers to the portion of an RV that extends outward once the camper is parked. Campers must stay under a certain width to be driven down the road. Slide-outs are a great way to open up that narrow floorplan once parked.
Whether you have a pop-up camper with a slide-out or a bigger RV with multiple slides, you’re sure to appreciate the extra square footage this feature provides.
Can a Pop-Up Camper Have Slide-Outs?
Slide-outs in pop-up campers function in largely the same way as in any other type of RV. The only real difference is that in hard-side campers, slide-outs typically open with the push of a button. But, in pop-ups, most slide-outs work like drawers that someone must manually pull out.
A bump-out is another feature that’s exclusive to pop-up campers. While both are desirable, a bump-out expands just the canvas top portion of the pop-up.
A slide-out, on the other hand, expands the floor, the walls, and the canvas overhead. Typically a bump-out provides more headroom above a sink area. Alternately, a pop-up’s slide-out normally houses the dinette.
Check out our video below to see some awesome Pop Up Campers!
8 Best Pop-up Campers with Slideouts
1. Rockwood Tent 2514F: Pop-Up Camper With An L-Shaped Gaucho Sofa
- Open Length: 23.9 ft.
- Closed Length: 19.0 ft.
- UVW: 2,673 lbs.
- GVWR: 3,295 lbs.
- CCC: 622 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 295 lbs.
- Bathroom: Porta Potty
- Sleep: 4-7
The Rockwood Tent 2514F has many extra features that set it apart, even from other pop-up campers with slide-outs.
First, this floorplan is exceptionally spacious. Not only is there a slide-out that houses the dinette, but there is also a bump-out over the galley. The distinctive, L-shaped gaucho sofa also adds a seating area, without taking up as much room as a traditional sofa.
Additional top-of-the-line pop-up features include a one-piece solid door and a privacy curtain for around the porta-potty. With the outdoors package, you even get heated mattresses, a water filtration system, and a power roof lift.
If you’re looking for a unique and luxurious pop-up camper with tons of space, look no further than the Rockwood Tent 2514F.
2. Flagstaff Tent 228D: Pop-Up Camper With a Slideout Dinette for 4
- Open Length: 23.11 ft.
- Closed Length: 16.10 ft.
- UVW: 2,458 lbs.
- GVWR: 3,263 lbs.
- CCC: 805 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 263 lbs.
- Bathroom: Optional Wet Bath
- Sleep: 4-8
The Flagstaff Tent 228D can accommodate a crowd. The large dinette opposite the extra-long gaucho sofa bed provides enough seating for everyone. At night, these two features convert to sleep 4 additional people, for a total sleeping capacity of 8.
The optional wet bath is another desirable feature when you’re camping with the entire family. This is especially true if your family includes young children who may not be able to make it to the public restrooms.
The Flagstaff 228D is a pop-up camper with a slide-out that’s perfect for families.
3. Coachmen V-Trec V3: Pop-Up Camper With Insulated Beds
- Open Length: 23.5 ft.
- Closed Length: 21.8 ft.
- UVW: 3,217 lbs.
- GVWR: 4,427 lbs.
- CCC: 1,210 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 427 lbs.
- Bathroom: Optional Wet Bath
- Sleep: 4-7
Adventure seekers will gravitate to the Coachmen V-Trec V3 in part because of its unsurpassed capacity to store gear. The cargo deck makes bringing along off-road toys a breeze. You can also opt for a bike rack and/or the stor-N-more under-bunk storage.
Speaking of bunks, the beds are insulated on the V-Trec V3. The V3 even has enough interior room for two additional storage cabinets as well as a wet bath.
With all of this storage, diamond-plated exterior, and optional solar panels, this pop-up with a slide-out is sure to be a favorite of boondockers and adventurists alike.
4. Viking Legend 2485SST: Pop-Up Camper With a Wet Bath
- Open Length: 23.5 ft.
- Closed Length: 19.0 ft.
- UVW: 2,840 lbs.
- GVWR: 3,296 lbs.
- CCC: 456 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 296 lbs.
- Bathroom: Wet Bath
- Sleep: 4-7
The best wet bath in any of the pop-up campers with slide-outs that we reviewed is found in the Viking Legend 2485SST. In addition to the full shower pan and curtain, this bathroom features a fold-up privacy panel. You’ll love the extra seclusion this feature provides, as it makes this wet bath feel more residential.
The Legend sports other residential-like features too. You’ll love the seamless countertops and upgraded linoleum flooring. The dark ash cabinetry also adds a high-end feel to the interior of this camper.
The Viking Legend 2485SST truly is a beautiful and well-equipped home away from home.
5. Coachmen Clipper Classic 1285SST Pop-Up Camper With a King Bed
- Open Length: 23.5 ft.
- Closed Length: 19.0 ft.
- UVW: 2,840 lbs.
- GVWR: 3,296 lbs.
- CCC: 456
- Tongue Weight: 296 lbs.
- Bathroom: Wet Bath
- Sleep: 4-7
If you’re looking for a pop-up camper with a slide-out that’s lightweight enough to be towed behind most vehicles, the Coachmen Clipper Classic 1285SST is a great choice. At under 3,300 pounds, you have several options in tow vehicles. Anything from a Subaru Outback XT or a Chrysler Pacifica to larger vehicles can tow this rig.
With this camper’s low GVWR, you may not have to purchase a new tow vehicle. Moreover, lightweight pop-ups like the Clipper are exceptionally easy to store as they fit in most garages and many sheds. You’ll save money on a tow vehicle, gas mileage, and storage fees.
The lightweight Coachmen Clipper Classic with its spacious slide-out has a lot to offer.
6. Flagstaff 228SE Sports Enthusiast Package: Pop-Up Camper With a Gaucho Bed
- Open Length: 23.11 ft.
- Closed Length: 18.7 ft.
- UVW: 2,868 lbs.
- GVWR: 3,875 lbs.
- CCC: 1,007 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 375 lbs.
- Bathroom: Optional Wet Bath
- Sleep: 4-7
The Flagstaff 228SE Sports Enthusiast Package has one of the best kitchens of any pop-up camper with a slide-out. The large dinette in the slide provides an extra meal prep counter as well as a spacious place to enjoy that meal.
The gas/electric refrigerator is easy to pack, and there’s plenty of pantry space as well. Once you retrieve all your ingredients, dinners are efficiently prepared on the three-burner gas cooktop.
If cooking outside is more your style, you’ll love the outdoor griddle too. The Sports Enthusiast Package comes standard with dual propane tanks, so you won’t have to worry about any of these appliances running out of fuel.
The Flagstaff 228SE is a pop-up camper with more kitchen amenities than most.
7. Rockwood 232ESP Extreme Sports Package: Pop-Up Camper With A Toy Hauler Tray
- Open Length: 26.5 ft.
- Closed Length: 21.6 ft.
- UVW: 2,952 lbs.
- GVWR: 3,794
- CCC: 842 lbs.
- Tongue Weight: 294 lbs.
- Bathroom: Wet Bath
- Sleep: 4-6
The Rockwood Extreme Sports Package 232ESP boasts a unique expandable front deck rated for 650 pounds. The capacity to haul a couple of dirt bikes, a four-wheeler, or even a golf cart makes this pop-up a true toy hauler.
Once you park this camper, the front deck can double as an outdoor hangout spot. Simply offload your toys, and expand the decking to form a porch.
If you opt for this pop-up camper with a slide-out, you’re sure to appreciate the capabilities of this exceptional front deck.
8. Rockwood Roo 233S: Hybrid Camper That Sleeps 10
- Open Length: 29.6
- Closed Length: 24.10 ft.
- UVW: 5,111 lbs.
- GVWR: 6,652 lbs.
- CCC: 1,541 lbs.
- Tongue Weight:
- Bathroom: Full Dry Bath
- Sleep: 6-10
The Rockwood Roo 233S sleeps a whopping ten people on a floor plan with a full bath. It should be noted that this standout camper with a slide-out is actually a hybrid travel trailer. Still, it made our list, because of its low GVWR and pop-up-like features.
Unlike traditional pop-ups, the Roo has three tent beds rather than the traditional two. This, combined with the flip-up sofa and massive U-shaped dinette bed, increases this RV’s sleeping capacity to ten.
What’s more, all three tent beds are relatively private. The bathroom walls help cordon off the two rear beds. The other tent bed is located in the front and, therefore, separate from the other two tent beds.
The perfect combination of a tent trailer and a hard side, the Rockwood Roo is a great lightweight camper that can sleep a crowd.
Pros and Cons of a Pop-up Camper with Slide-outs
As with any camper that has a slide, pop-up campers with slide-outs have more moving parts and, therefore, the potential for additional maintenance. Slide-outs also make any camper heavier. In a pop-up, the additional canvas seams found in the slide-out also present more of a risk for leaks.
But despite these drawbacks, pop-up campers with slide-outs have the benefit of extra space. When the slide is pulled out, the usable floor space in the pop-up camper is nearly doubled! This can be a great choice for RV beginners who desire the space of a larger travel trailer, without the more significant price tag.
Is a Pop-up Camper with Slide-outs Easy to Set Up?
Pop-up campers with slide-outs are very easy to set up. Simply unlock the slide using the external latches, and pull it out just like any drawer. There are usually even handles to make this whole process easier. With drawer-like slides and power, roof lifts, modern-day pop-ups are ready to camp in a jiffy.
Our very first camper was a Coleman Utah, which has a large slide-out dinette and a manual roof. I was able to efficiently set that camper up, by myself, in under fifteen minutes. Of course, leveling the camper solo requires a little more time. Still, do not be intimidated by the setup process; even pop-up campers with slide-outs are very easy to operate.
What Is the Smallest Camper with a Slideout?
The Flagstaff Tent 228D is the shortest, and the lightest pop-up camper with a slide-out on our list. This camper has a closed length of just over 16 ft, which is nearly three feet less than most other campers we presented.
Not only that, but the Flagstaff Tent’s GVWR is only 3,263 pounds. This lightweight camper is especially easy to tow. While you may find pop-up campers that are smaller than the Flagstaff Tent, you’d be hard-pressed to find any that boast the extra square footage of a slide-out.
Are Pop-up Campers Reliable?
You might be wondering about the reliability of a pop-up camper. Fear not, pop-up campers, when maintained properly, are very dependable.
The sturdy canvas sides are perfectly capable of keeping wind and rain out. (Of course, if a seek shelter weather advisory is issued, you’ll need to evacuate to the campground’s storm shelter. Even hard-side campers can’t withstand the likes of a tornado.)
You’ll be surprised just how warm and cozy you can stay inside your pop-up camper, even with a thunderstorm raging outside. You might even enjoy the sound of raindrops on the canvas even more than you did tent camping. In a pop-up, you don’t have to worry about waking up in a puddle.
Check out our video below, all about the best popup campers for beginners!
Is It Worth Buying a Pop-up Camper With Slideouts?
Just like any camper feature, there are pros and cons to a slide-out. Slides, by nature, have more moving parts. This could mean more maintenance and repairs down the road. Additionally, a slide-out adds weight to the camper, which you must consider when choosing an adequate tow vehicle.
However, we all know that the drivable size of a camper is limited by the width of a highway lane. The additional living space provided by a camper slide-out can open up any floor plan tremendously. A slide-out provides a lot of bang for your buck in a pop-up where liveable space is at a premium.
Despite the heavier weight and potential added repair costs, the increase in square footage makes a slide-out in a pop-up camper worth considering.
Related Reading:
– Why Do RV Slides Have Carpet?
– 8 Best Travel Trailers Without Slideouts
About the Author:
Laura Tyrell is a part-time RVer and full-time mom of three. Long-time campers and RVers before children, Laura, and her husband have fallen even more in love with the RV lifestyle since becoming parents to a child with food allergies.
Having her own kitchen on wheels makes her RV trips amazing. Laura is passionate about finding ways to make traveling with young children fun, easy, and attainable.
