If you are considering a new or used pop-up camper for you and your family, it’s important to understand the camper’s limits. This includes its weight limits.
The pull-out beds used on a pop-up camper are designed to hold a certain amount of weight. It is a serious safety concern to exceed the maximum weight limit of a pop-up camper bed.
This article will discuss how much weight a pop-up camper bed can hold along with other important information.
Weight Limits for Pop-up Camper Beds
Pop-up campers are towable trailers that can be collapsed for traveling. The pop-up areas usually extend from the front and back, providing more space.
One or both of these areas also often holds the bed. This provides ample space, but because the pop-out area hangs away from the main part of the trailer, a weight limit can sometimes be a concern.
Learning the weight limit for pop-up camper beds can help you camp more safely.
In general, pop-up camper beds can hold between 800 and 1,200 pounds. The exact weight limit will depend on the camper’s size, brand, and model. Smaller campers will, naturally, have a lower weight limit than larger campers.
You can find the exact weight limit of a pop-up camper bed in a few different ways. First, many camper models post the weight limit on a sticker or tag on or near the bed.
If the sticker has been removed, you should still be able to find the weight limit for the bed in the owner’s manual. Finally, if the information isn’t in the owner’s manual, you can contact the manufacturer.
Most camper manufacturers are happy to provide the bed’s weight limit.
You may also find the pop-up camper bed’s weight limit information by looking up the brand and model on the internet. Ensure that you only look at reliable sources, however.
Exceeding the Weight Limit
Exceeding the weight limit of a pop-up camper bed can be quite dangerous. Exceeding the weight limit can damage the frame over time, and you may not even realize the frame is becoming compromised.
If the frame weakens enough or the weight limit is exceeded by too much, the bed area can collapse, dropping you and the bed to the ground beneath.
Not only can this cause injuries, but it also causes serious damage to the camper that can be very difficult to repair.
In general, it’s best to never actually reach the weight limit of a pop-up camper bed. This is because other factors can also weaken the integrity of the bed area.
For example, inclement weather or high winds can cause the trailer or the bed area to move, which can put a strain on the bed.
A rambunctious child or pet jumping on the bed can also cause strain, and this can cause a collapse if the bed is at its weight capacity.
On average, a pop-up camper bed can hold between 800-1200 pounds.
Inspect the Trailer Frequently
One of the best ways to ensure that a collapse doesn’t happen and that the bed area can support its full weight limit is to inspect the trailer and bed frequently.
Always inspect the camper before and after a camping trip. Look for any weak areas, such as rust spots, bent supports, or damaged stabilizers.
If any parts look as if they’re not in top shape, have them replaced before camping again.
Consider Extra Support
If you’re camping in an area that sees frequent storms or if you want to add a bit of extra weight to the bed area, such as installing a larger mattress, there are a few ways you can increase the support and stability of the pop-up camper bed area.
It’s still important, however, not to exceed the weight limit.
Using a tire leveler instead of blocks can help to stop your camper from shifting or swaying, which helps to stabilize the bed area. You can also use an adjustable cargo bar to provide additional support from the ground.
When assembling the bed’s support, assemble the front support in a T shape and assemble the back support in an H shape. Use sturdy timber for supports.
Older Pop-Up Camper Models
It’s important to remember that newer pop-up campers tend to have higher weight limits than older models.
Older pop-up campers, such as those manufactured in the 1990s, may have weight limits as low as 700 pounds.
Older campers also tend to have more wear, so the bed may not be as sturdy as it once was.
If you have an older model, it’s very important that you find out the bed’s exact weight limit. Then, carefully inspect the trailer and bed area for any weak spots.
You may need to reinforce the bed to make it sturdier.