9 Best A-Frame Campers

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Updated April 10, 2024

We have met quite a few A-frame popup camper owners, and one thing is for sure. They love their campers! So, we decided to rate and review the 9 Best A-Frame Campers.

Whether you are a young family looking for an adventure or a retiree looking to travel, RVing in one of the best A-frame campers can be exciting and fulfilling.

If you do your research and look around, you will find that there are only a few options for finding new A-Frame campers. But if you expand your search, you can also find some great used A-frame campers for less money!

This article reviews some of the best A-Frame campers on the market today. Most are new, and some are used.

What are A Frame Campers?

An A-frame camper is also classified as a hard-sided popup camper, and they are sometimes known as fold-down campers. These campers differ from other types of trailers because they are made from hard walls, not canvas. These hard walls fold in on themselves, creating a compact structure that is easy to tow. 

A-frame campers are popular because they have a compact design that is easy to tow and store. The hard walls also keep you insulated from the weather. So, if there is rain, snow, or wind, you will be safe from the elements. 

Additionally, A-frame campers have versatile floor plans. This was not always the case, but in recent years, there has been much progress in improving the available floor plans for A-frame campers. 

Finally, A-frame campers are easier to set up than you might think. Their design makes them easier to set up than classic popup campers. This is largely because they have walls that are assisted by gas strut lifts. 

The 9 Best A-Frame Campers

Now that you know what an A-frame camper is, you might be interested in purchasing one. Unfortunately, you might be having some trouble figuring out your best options.

Fortunately, we have compiled a list of some of the best A-frame campers on the market, which should help you assemble a short list of options. 

1. AntiShanty AS-1

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Interior is somewhat modular, with a lot of customization options

⛔ A multi-configurable travel trailer may not appeal to everyone

• Length: 14′ 5″
• UVW: 2,700 lbs
• GVWR: 3,500 lbs
• CCC: 800 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 110 lbs
• Sleep: 2

AntiShanty AS-1 A-frame campers are multi-faceted and extremely useful for do-it-all, off-the-beaten-path RVers. It’s designed for off-road use as an overlapping trailer, but it also operates as a toy hauler. You can remove everything from the inside and convert it into a trailer for hauling around one of your four-wheelers.

Due to the AS-1’s multi-hybrid nature, your camping lifestyle is entirely dependent upon what you bring along for the ride. For instance, it lacks a bathroom, but that’s nothing an add-on external shower or a cartridge toilet can’t remedy.

Fully assembled, with all of the interior furniture, it’s a well-built A-frame camper that’s also lightweight enough for easy towing.

2. Aliner Expedition 40th Anniversary Edition

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Surprisingly spacious interior that also includes a spark-ignition water heater

⛔ Storage options are a little limited

• Length: 15′
• UVW: 2,000 lbs
• GVWR: 3,000 lbs
• CCC: 1,000 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 210 lbs
• Sleep: 4

Aliner is probably one of the most prolific names in A-frame campers. This variation, the Expedition 40th-anniversary Edition, also includes an additional pop-up section along the sloping side of the A. It also includes dual-queen beds for extra sleeping comfort. Unfortunately, that saps some of the storage options but it’s easily preferable for those who connect comfort with bed size.

This A-liner has a 185-watt solar panel and a Victron charge controller for boondocking purposes. The green fiberglass walls are aesthetically pleasing, containing Azdel interior walls and overheads. If you want to take things off-road for a day, the included 15″ off-road tires will get you there.

3. Aliner Ranger Scout

Our Pros and Cons

✅ This lightweight option is towable with mid-size cars, vans, and SUVs

⛔ Mattress is rather thin and may need to be replaced for increased comfort

• Length: 15′
• UVW: 1,395 lbs
• GVWR: 3,000 lbs
• CCC: 1,605 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 130 lbs
• Sleep: 4

The A-liner Scout is one of the more basic designs in A-liner’s series of A-frame campers. Fortunately, basic equals simplicity. The Scout is one of the quickest and easiest A-frames to set up, thanks to its light weight and ease of tow with a smaller vehicle.

Unlike many A-frame options on the market, this one comes with an A/C unit, which you often have to purchase separately or as an add-on option. Like most of the campers in the A-Liner brand, the Scout features large windows for scenic viewing, especially on a night full of stars. While it’s not the end all be all of camping finesse and luxury, it’s still an exceptional A-frame.

4. Chalet XL 1930 

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Includes an electric roof lift and enough interior space to accommodate up to four people

⛔ Wet bath packages are optional, not standard

• Length: 18′ 7″
• UVW: 1,995 lbs
• GVWR: 3,500 lbs
• CCC: 1,505 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 370 lbs
• Sleep: 4

“Chalet” is not a brand name that immediately comes to mind when considering A-frame campers for your next adventure. However, this one should definitely be on your radar. The Chalet XL is the biggest of the bunch, in case the name didn’t give it away, at over 18′ in length. It’s also an A-frame that comes closest to a more traditional travel trailer in terms of amenities and features.

The XL offers three floorplans—the 1930, 1935, and 1920. The 1930, in particular, offers enough space to sleep up to four people, thanks to the convertible dinette. If you’re looking for the variation that’s best for kids, the 1920 offers bunk beds across from the primary bed.

5. Chalet Alpine

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Includes a rear bike receiver and space for a dual-propane tank setup

⛔ Off-road package is separate

• Length: 15′ 6″
• UVW: 1,585
• GVWR: 3,000 lbs
• CCC: 1,415 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 163 lbs
• Sleep: 4

The second Chalet on our list of A-frame campers, the Chalet Alpine features a more off-the-beaten-path design. It’s the obvious choice for the avid outdoors folks, with a rear bike rack, dual-propane tanks, a trail boss package, and a lightweight design.

For those who love to mountain bike, this is the perfect choice for a weekend on the side of a mountain. Simply park it, pop the bikes off the rack, and head out into the great unknown. Just make sure you come back. When you do return, the Alpine includes a dual dinette for a possibly romantic dinner for two.

6. Rockwood High Wall A214HW

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Front storage is excellent, along with the insert to convert into a king bed sleeper

⛔ Toilet is right next to the dinette, which is definitely an odd place for it

• Length: 21.2′
• UVW: 2,700 lbs
• GVWR: 3,353 lbs
• CCC: 653 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 353 lbs
• Sleep: 3

The Rockwood High Wall models are simply Rockwood’s naming category for A-frame campers. The walls are indeed high, however, as they are in all of the A-frames on this list. This floorplan also offers several excellent features, especially for the adventure-minded.

These include a three-burner stove, solar prep built into the frame, a diamond plate front, quad-stabilizer jacks, an outside grill setup, and a hot water package with an exterior spray port.

The 40-amp solar panel is optional, however. The interior is a basic, comfortable arrangement, with a full bed, counter space, a small dinette, and a wet bath.

7. Rockwood A122S

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Highly maneuverable and an excellent choice for campground camping

⛔ Boondocking is difficult since the power system is very difficult to upgrade

• Length: 19.2′
• UVW: 2,120 lbs
• GVWR: 3,284 lbs
• CCC: 1,164 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 284 lbs
• Sleep: 4

We’re not done with Rockwood yet, with the A122S A-frame campers making the list as well. The Rockwood A122S is another prime example of the easy towability these A-frames maintain. If you’re worried about hauling one of these around and parking it, don’t be.

Like most A-frames, it lacks many of the amenities and features found in more traditional travel trailers, but it offers enough for a fun weekend on the river, at the beach, or at your local campground.

Things get really fun if you add a generator, larger solar panels, and lithium batteries. The affordability allows for a little bit of extravagance when it comes to add-ons.

8. Flagstaff T21TBHW

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Includes a three-burner gas stove and an XL refrigerator

⛔ The second camper on our list with a toilet right next to the dinette

• Length: 21.2′
• UVW: 2,670 lbs
• GVWR: 3,372 lbs
• CCC: 702 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 372 lbs
• Sleep: 3

It’s rare to find A-frame campers with a king bed option, but the Flagstaff T21TBHW is the exception to the rule. It doesn’t really come with a king bed per se but features a slide-in insert that combines two twins into a large king. Either way, a sleeping space for couples that like to spread out is perfect.

The built-in solar prep along the A-frame roof allows for some interesting interior and exterior customization options, especially if you add some lithium and premium solar panels. This model also has a surprising amount of counter space, with glass-top lids over the sink and stove.

9. Flagstaff 12RBST

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Massive upfront storage area that’s accessed on the exterior

⛔ Flip-up bed has a thin, generally uncomfortable mattress

• Length: 18′ 4″
• UVW: 2,120 lbs
• GVWR: 3,284 lbs
• CCC: 1,164 lbs
• Tongue Weight: 284 lbs
• Sleep: 2

Flagstaff manufactures more than just a single floorplan in its A-frame campers lineup. The Flagstaff 12RBST is another variation that offers its own set of unique features. In this case, the dinette is extensive, with a smaller, flip-up bed that offers more interior living space when it’s up and out of the way.

The exterior storage is sizeable for this model, and you also get an attached exterior griddle for campground cookouts. The interior also includes a microwave, a three-burner stove top, and a corner sink.

The biggest feature is the massive EZ Reach Storage trunk on the outside. With over half a ton of CCC, this A-frame can haul a lot of extra gear.

Why Should You Get an A-Frame Camper?

Before you start searching for one of the best A-frame campers on the market, you should understand why you are getting one in the first place. The first two reasons are that these trailers are lightweight and compact.

Being lightweight makes them easier to maneuver, and they can be towed by almost any vehicle. Since they are compact, you can bring these campers almost anywhere you can drive a car. You should not have any issues navigating through narrow streets and off-road areas. 

Additionally, A-frame campers are easy to set up, especially compared to larger RVs. You can usually set up an A-frame camper in a few minutes. All you need to do is open the roof, lift it up, and lock it in place. Then you just need to do the same with the other two walls, and you will be good to go.

Setting up an A-frame camper is much easier than setting up a tent, and larger RVs require more maintenance. So, your camping experience will be easiest with an A-frame camper. 

Finally, A-frame campers have hard walls that offer great protection to the inhabitants. Hard walls are better than fabric or mesh walls because they keep out moisture.

So, hard walls will protect you from rain, snow, and wind if the weather takes a turn for the worse, or you plan on traveling during the winter. They are also very well insulated, so you will stay warm no matter the weather. 

Final Words About A Frame Campers

After reading, we hope you have all the information you need to prepare for your first trip in an A-frame camper. We know there is a lot of information to absorb, but it should all be helpful as you try to pick out the best A-frame camper for you.

We wish we could tell you which product was definitely the best one, but since everyone has different needs we cannot. However, we can say with confidence that all 9 A-frame campers listed above are high quality and received positive reviews from consumers.

So, no matter your needs and interests, you should be able to find a great option above. All you need to do is a little bit of research, and you will be on the road with your new A-frame camper in no time. 

What got you interested in A-frame campers in the first place? Are you interested in any of the A-frame campers listed above? Where will you go first after purchasing an A-frame camper? Let us know in the comments!

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Related Reading:

– 7 Best Pop Up Campers with Bathrooms
– Everything You Need to Know About Popup Camper Rentals
– Top 10 Things to Know Before Buying a Pop Up Camper
– How Much Does a Pop Up Camper Weigh and Can You Haul It?

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