Forum Discussion

ruthiebaby88's avatar
ruthiebaby88
Explorer
Nov 21, 2014

Winter camping in a popup?

Has anyone tried this?

These campers are so much lighter & less expensive that it's tempting - but I still want liquid water.

I saw a 2011 Palomino Bronco for sale. The tanks are under the dinette bench so I thought perhaps the heater would keep them liquid.

It has something like a 10,000 BTU heater. Salesman thinks 5g propane would last 5 days? 3 different salesmen said they thought it would be plenty warm enough for weekend trips.

Anyone with experience in hardside vs. popup - under similar truck driving conditions what sort of difference in mpg did you realize?

Other pros/cons?
  • We have camped in 28 degrees with no problems at all,the heater in my 1603 works really nice. I do wish the fan was a little more quiet.
  • ruthiebaby88 wrote:


    It has something like a 10,000 BTU heater. Salesman thinks 5g propane would last 5 days? 3 different salesmen said they thought it would be plenty warm enough for weekend trips.


    lets see, salesmen wanting to make a sale. 'why yes, this will be toasty to 20 below."
    bumpy
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Google Search shows several Truck POPUP Campers in the mountain snow... This one article is kinda neat reading...
    Colorado Camping in TC Popup

    we have camped alot way into the winter months in our OFF-ROAD POPUP camper trailer... No problems at all keeping warm. Our Battery Bank is 255AHs Capacity and carry a 2KW Generator to recharge the batteries each day using the on-board trailer smart mode converter setup.

    The battery bank and INVERTER setup allows us to use a couple of electric blankets that is nice as well... Our Propane Furnace is actually too hot for us and hate the loud BRRRR noise coming from the blower. It is actually our last resort heat source with thermostat turned down real low to only come on if temp gets below 35 degrees or so...

    We only have one fresh water tank to deal with so can drain it and use the blow-out method for the small foot print water system. Can go right back to using fresh water tank again the next day by just adding water..

    Don't think you will have any problems keeping warm with the Truck POPUP camper.

    Roy Ken