Pop Up Campers - Camping Style’s Transformation

Motorhome explorers are known worldwide for their adventurous spirit but the fact of the matter is, it can be hard to get to some remote places in standard motorhomes. That doesn’t mean these hard to reach destinations are totally out of bounds though. There’s a solution that’s growing in popularity amongst avid explorers the world over: pop up campers. Boasting the toughness, mobility and versatility of a 4WD alongside the sleeping and storage space of a campervan, these hybrid-style vehicles give you the chance to discover all new vistas in comfort. Is a pop up camper considered an RV? It depends on your definition, but pop-tops can undoubtedly enhance your travel freedom even more than a standard RV. We take a look at 8 different pop-top camper models and compare their pros and cons, making it easy for adventurous holidaymakers to find a model that’s just right for them.

 

Apollo X-Terrain

 

 

While Mercedes-Benz is most well known for its lavishly appointed sedans, the luxury auto manufacturer also has a hand in many kinds of motorhome builds. The Apollo X-Terrain is a far cry from you standard motorhome, but Mercedes’ famous precision and class is more than evident here. While this might look like just a 4WD with a tent sitting on top, the X-Terrain has far more going for it than meets the eye.

Those setting on an adventure in the Apollo X-Terrain have access to a good handful of helpful amenities which you’d expect from a traditional campervan. A fridge/freezer, gas stove and water tank sets you up nicely for making meals on the road, a solar shower ensures you can have that clean feeling at the end of the day, and with a radio, CD player, and AUX and USB ports, you never have to be short of great road trip tunes.

 

 

It’s important to note that this particular pop top camper is available in Australia only, but that can hardly be called a restriction when there are so many places in this country ideal for 4WD camper exploration. Whether you’re making the legendarily wild journey from Darwin to Broome, visiting the spectacular Pilbara or making the most of Kakadu National Park, the Apollo X-Terrain can show you a side of Australia you may never have the chance to see otherwise.

 

 

Specifications:

• Seats: 4

• Sleeps: 4

• Bed size: 1.5m x 2.2m

• Made from: Nylon, aluminium

 

Leentu Campers

 

 

When it comes to sleek, streamlined pop top camper solutions, it doesn’t get much better than Leentu Campers. Perfect for those looking to cut down on weight for maximum mobility and fuel efficiency, these are among the lightest pop top camper rigs around, with some of them weighing in at less than 45 kgs. They’re also designed for maximum aerodynamics while on the road, just one more way you can save fuel and enjoy better handling. 

The other major benefit of Leentu Campers is their flexibility. Transform your bed into a couch for daytime comfort, or pack it all down for the next stage of your journey to ensure minimal wind resistance. Modern technological features aren’t neglected either. LED lighting is included as standard, as are charge ports and a fan for ventilation. It’s even set up for solar, with the lighter carbon fibre model coming pre-supplied with an actual 60-watt panel. 

 

 

It’s worth mentioning that Leentu Campers are only compatible with Toyota Tacoma models from 2005 onward (this is projected to change in the near future) but if you have access to one of these vehicles the Leentu is undoubtedly a frontrunner in the best pop up campers stakes. Extremely lightweight and simple to pack down, Leentu Campers are a tempting choice for those who like to travel light.

Specifications:

• Seats: 4

• Sleeps: 2

• Made from: Fiberglass/Carbon fibre, canvas

 

OVRLND Pop Top

 

 

While the slimline Leentu requires a particular vehicle model to fit its minimal design, the OVRLND Pop Top is custom-designed for every order, capable of adapting to pretty much any kind of truck. Head room isn’t going to be a problem, with a clearance of 6’5” throughout the truck bed area. Another OVRLND design choice which gives travellers more space is the vertical walls, differing from most other pop tops which curve in to match the cab. 

You won’t be skimping on sleeping room with this option - a full queen sized sleeping space is standard, so you can enjoy homestyle comforts even when you’re deep in the wilderness. Manufactured from aluminium, the OVRLND exchanges next-gen materials for generous space and a significantly lower price point than carbon fibre models like Leentu Campers.

 

 

The luxury with an OVRLND Pop Top lies in the available space rather than loads of gadgets and shiny features, offering an excellent option for those who don’t need a super fancy experience. A large part of the appeal with this model also lies in the fact that it is custom designed to fit your vehicle, removing a big barrier to entry for many people looking into pop up campers for the first time.

Specifications:

• Seats: 4

• Sleeps: 2

• Bed size: 1.5m x 2m

• Made from: Aluminium

 

Toyota Hilux 4x4 - Group X

 

 

Iceland is one of the most naturally spectacular places on Earth, with glaciers, volcanos, waterfalls and geysers all clustered together on one relatively small island. This is a country just begging to be explored, and booking a pop top motorhome rental gives you all the freedom you need to get the most out of this glorious place. 

The Group X pop top camper available from Europcar in Iceland is attached to a Toyota Hilux 4 wheel drive model, giving you excellent traction on the road no matter what time of year you choose to visit this northerly nation. Iceland’s famous Ring Road can be a little challenging to navigate during the winter, but the Group X will help you keep a good grip on your vehicle handling even when conditions get a bit icy.

Specifications:

• Seats: 4

• Sleeps: 4

• Bed size: 1.2m x 1.9m (Cab over) 1.1m x 1.9m (Dinette)

• Made from: Fibreglass, steel

 

Vagabond Outdoors The Drifter

 

 

Vagabond Outdoors have been in the pop top game for over a decade, so it should come as no surprise that they know what they’re doing when it comes to crafting pop up truck campers. The Drifter is one of their latest innovations, combining toughness and comfort in one functionally elegant design. The classic wedge-shaped design smartly utilises the narrower end of the space for a three-inch thick high density mattress, making the most of the reduced headroom. The bed can also be retracted to the wall for maximum living space. 

One thing that sets The Drifter apart from the crowd is a drop-down cab window. This means that if the truck it’s attached to has an opening rear window which is big enough to climb through, you can make your way from the pop top to the cab without ever having to go outside.

 

 

Complete with handy touches like concealed lift struts, waterproof covered mattress and an interior light with switch, The Drifter from Vagabond Outdoors proves that you don’t need to get fancy to create an excellent pop top tent solution.

Specifications:

• Seats: 4

• Sleeps: 2

• Bed size: 1.2m x 2m

• Made from: Aluminium, stainless steel, polyester

 

AT Overland Equipment Summit

 

 

Coming from a company which has been helping adventurers to discover the great outdoors for years, the Summit is a truly versatile solution for avid explorers. You won’t be short on headroom with a 6 to 8 foot clearance, and sorting out your sleeping space is super simple thanks to the ability to leave your bedding in place when the roof is closed. 

One very handy feature of the Summit, not included in AT Overland’s well-loved Habitat model, is the fact that it can support more than 40kg of gear on the roof while the top is popped. This can make your life a whole lot easier as it limits the amount of things you have to take off the top when you stop to rest.

 

 

Like the tried-and-tested Habitat, the Summit is constructed from a lightweight combination of honeycomb composite and aluminium, lending the design excellent insulation, strength and versatility. While this particular model is one of AT Overland Equipment’s newer offerings, the Summit is a pop top with a rock solid heritage behind it. 

Specifications:

• Seats: 4

• Sleeps: 2

• Bed size: 1.2m x 2m

• Made from: Aluminium, honeycomb composite, canvas

 

Go Fast Campers (GFC) Platform

 

 

Hunting for an ultra-robust pop top camper than can handle pretty much anything? You can’t do much better than the GFC Platform models. Coming in sizes to fit both mid size (Platform) and full size (Platform XL) trucks, this design is based on similar principles to racing car roll cages. All camper components are created by GFC themselves, ensuring excellent quality control and allowing the company to adapt and evolve their pop top truck campers as they receive feedback from customers and innovate on their own designs.

Another handy perk of the Platform is GFC’s Trans-Form-A-Floor feature. This allows you to reconfigure the interior to suit your particular needs, whether you’re looking for max floor space, a solo bunk set up, or two person travel. Concerned about height? According to GFC, the entire assembly (packed down, of course) will put you less than 20 centimetres above the standard roof height for most trucks. Not only does this facilitate airflow, saving you fuel, it also makes it a whole lot easier to park or drive your vehicle in places where headroom is limited.

Specifications:

• Seats: 2

• Sleeps: 2

• Bed size: 1.5m x 1.9m (Platform) 1.5m x 2m (Platform XL)

• Made from: Aluminium, honeycomb composite, steel

 

Snap! Outfitters Treehouse

 

 

The Treehouse from Snap! Outfitters gives explorers the chance to go well offroad without ever feeling cramped. Pop up campers like this one weren’t created until very recently but with the birth of this roomy model, finding a little bit of luxury on the road is well within your grasp. With up to 8 ½ feet of headroom, there’s no need to stoop, and all bedding can stay in place while the Treehouse is closed for the road. There’s even a built-in three step ladder to take you from truck bed to sleeping quarters in seconds. 

Thanks to the raised nature of the sleeping space, the Treehouse allows for much more storage space - taking all the gear you need for an amazing holiday full of fun and activities has never been easier. Snap! Outfitters custom builds these models, so once you’ve provided the details of your vehicle they’ll create your very own pop top camper in about 8 weeks.

 

 

With an emphasis on ease of access and economic use of space, Snap! Outfitters have created a solution for adventurers who don’t want to stint on the gear and equipment they bring along, or compromise on quality of life. 

Specifications:

• Seats: 4

• Sleeps: 2

• Bed size: 1.2m x 2m

• Made from: Aluminium

 

While many of these models are purchase-only options from U.S. manufacturers, the culture of exploring with small pop up campers has spread much further than that. For example in Australia, aside from the previously mentioned Apollo X-Terrain, you can easily rent a Trailfinder Camper from Apollo or a Safari Landcruiser 4WD from Britz. In New Zealand, the land of majestic mountains, adventure activities and hobbit holes, you can book an Apollo Vivid Camper to rent. And for those concerned with the question “Can I drive a motorhome with a car licence?” the answer is certainly yes, but it’s even easier with pop-top campers as they’re essentially just standard vehicles with an attachment.

These versatile campers could see you delving deeper than ever before into the world’s wild places, discovering new spectacular vistas and adventures you might never find otherwise. Even if you aren’t planning to buy roof top tent outright, talk to the team at Motorhome Republic and we’ll help find the best camper solution for you no matter where you’re planning to travel. Why not secure a motorhome hire Launceston in Tasmania or start a campervan adventure in Brisbane? Or browse amazing Australia motorhome hire deals for other locations, we are sure to guide you.