I’ve stayed in all sorts of campers from modern overland setups to vintage travel trailers to 5th wheel behemoths with slide out sides. While they each have their conveniences and pitfalls I always find that the classic Pop Up Trailer (PUP) is the best choice between every other vehicle based camping option. The classic Pop up gives you a strong sense of foundation while providing a closer connection with the outdoors. I recently picked up my own and decided to dive into the history of these trailers.
First, I have to say thank you Joel Silvey at popupcamperhistory.com for providing so much information on the history of these small caravans. He’s really gone back and done the research, scanning and posting vintage ads and even more incredibly, original patents from some of the first pop up camper designs. The original patent drawing look somewhat like a covered wagon with only 2 wheels. This isn’t surprising though as pop up campers are just that, covered wagons. It’s a vessel with a canvas top pulled by some sort of power, whether it’s animal or machine. It’s designed to house people and their accompaniments during a long overland journey.
According to Joel, the first Pop Up Camper manufactured that resembles a modern design was the Campbell Folding Camping Trailer patented in 1916. But, it wasn’t mass produced for the public until later that year when famous names such as Shattuck and Prairie Schooner produced their own models for sale. Seven other companies emerged at that time and sold pop ups until 1917, when World War 1 started. Of course, everything had to be paused for the war effort at that time.
For decades a few companies tried their hand and keeping small trailer companies alive with no luck. It was a luxury and too expensive for most people. The great depression and WW2 would add to the difficulty of acquiring a camper for 99% of families at that time. Most people would just build them at home using articles out of magazines such as Popular Mechanics. Of course, after all of this a golden age would emerge for the PUP.
Starting in the mid fifties the American family was prosperous again and a camping boom began. During this time household names like Apache and EZ Camper would be established. These are some of my favorite designs, especially Apache’s foldable hard side. I love the look of these but sadly, they aren’t open enough to the outdoors.
Moving into the 60’s and 70’s and beyond designs just became more advanced and well thought out. But, the 4 slide, hard roof system would remain. Brands like Coleman and Jayco started making trailers at this time. I can’t say that the build quality was that great on most models. Looking at many of them and now having my own. But, they’re light, capable, can be stored pretty much anywhere, and they can sleep 2 small families. There is a strong sense of occasion using a pop up where camping in nature is prioritized. To me, anything else is a small apartment on wheels. A box blocking out what you were going out there for in the first place.
NOTE: I’ll be writing about my Coleman Columbia Pop Up restoration. Subscribe for updates.