jmtandem wrote:
Hard-Sides
-Warmer/cooler
-Heavier (generally)
-More 'top heavy', more sway issues, roll issues, etc.
-Less versatile
-Cheaper used than pop-ups
Pop-Ups
-Better Gas mileage
-Lighter
-Get colder/hotter quicker
-Can be obtained with all the 'comforts' of a hard-side
-Are harder to find and are more expensive used than hard-sides
I have owned both, an Alaskan for ten years and two hard sides since around the mid '80s. Both have their place. If you do a lot of 4x4 off road driving the pop up will likely work better. Otherwise, the limitations of the pop up need to be taken into consideration as to basic amenities like showers, larger refers, more storage, etc. typically found in the hard side campers. Both can be very expensive and both can be quite heavy, sometimes surprisingly heavy for pop ups. If you are into expedition overland off road stuff the pop up would definitely be my choice. Otherwise I would look at a hard side. One thing I found with my Alaskan was the depreciation after ten years was only $500; of course, the new ones kept getting more and more expensive that kept the price of a good used unit from much depreciation. I have not enjoyed that kind of limited depreciation on my two hardsides. I carried a small boat on the roof rack of my Alaskan. Extreme care would have been needed if I carried the boat on my hard side campers as to height. If you are into parking garages neither will work. If you want to tow something and can live without slides and lots of amenities the pop up might be the better option. I found drivability with the pop up to be easier than either hard side. My second hard side was just under eleven feet and basically required a dually. Most pop ups can be easily carried on a single rear wheel one ton or maybe a gas engine heavy duty three quarter ton.
x2. Fully agree with your comments. I might add that after having a WHITE KNUCKLE blowout at interstate speeds on the left rear of our f-250 the hard side had to go or buy a DRW truck. Bottom line that is why we now have a DRW truck and a popup.That is just my personal safety margin.
