Tiny Box with BIG Appeal! 2025 Rockwood 164MT Popup Fold Down Tent Camper

[@laattardo]

I grew up camping in a pop up in a family of 5. My parents would rent a camping plot for the whole summer... close enough to the house to go home every few days and take care of our chickens and rabbits, gather up more food and ice (sooo mich ice), and to get showers. We used a 5 gallon bucket for a toilet at night. Those were the best memories of my absolutely craptastic childhood ❤❤❤❤

[@Ricky-y8u]

Nothing like a nice little pop-up camper. Way better than a tent but still simple and easy to use.

[@chaoticgood3935]

I own the 2020 "off-road" version of this pop up, the 1640 ESP (extended sports package) and with a few tweaks and upgrades it has been fantastic. I do miss the convenience of my 19' GeoPro that I sold after a year, but the towing and ability to store the pop up in my garage make this so much better. I have camped with it in winter with night temps in the high 20's and the furnace had the inside boiling. The heat does dissipate fast once it's off though! In Texas 100 degree summers the AC struggles in the day so I use the fan and windows, but it gets very cool at night. Anyone considering 4-8 camping trips per year with a family of four or less should really consider a pop up over a (generally) much more expensive travel trailer. They are a little more work, but not bad at all. After owning this for four years, my setup time for the pop-up alone is about 20-30 minutes.

[@sherriweber7105]

Thank you Josh for showing this pop up camper. I camped in one years with my older sister and her family. We used the camp bathroom. They had a shower and toilet Pinters but never used it. Too small. This one is almost online it. Thank you Josh! It’s nice.

[@patthornton1212]

We have a 1976 venture 10.5 ft pop up love it had more walking space where we could pass each other the newer ones 1980s-90s had such narrow (hall way) too tight for us. Many years of fun with 3 boys growing up. Glad you showed the new ones.

[@pennylynch4471]

Pop-ups will always hold that special spot in my heart. We were tent campers growing up, except for 1 trip. We call it the circle trip. I think it was about a month long...my mom drew the line at tent camping for that long, so they rented a pop-up. This was 60s, early 70s. Many walks to the shower houses in the middle of the night with flashlights, looking for raccoons in the trash bins. I remember my dad setting it up at night in a downpour, cranking it up, setting the legs in the mud. We watched from the car. Fun times! This is a nice one. It feels open. The only thing I didn't like was the way the cabinet for a toilet opened. It opens towards the wall, it needs top open towards the interior. I don't want to fight a door if I need that thing now! Also- it's an outdoor only LP grill, so if you didn't want to cook in the rain you'd have to get an induction burner or similar, right? It would be nice if that was included, or at least offered at a discount.

[@chadcampbell5301]

Thanks Josh for doing a pop up, proud 1940ltd owner here and me and my son love it.

[@cullinan18]

We started our RV past time 12 years ago with a pop up. I still love watching videos about them. They are amazingly engineered Tetrus campers.

[@suzannecranford6819]

This is great for weekend trips, and you don't have to have a huge truck to tow it. It's very nice and has everything you need to be comfortable. Thanks for the tour.

[@jkyle01]

I LOVE a pop-up...for myself. I LOVE sleeping in what feels like outside, but safely inside and protected. These have come a long way. This little model has all the best components for comfort in a tiny package They didn't leave anything out! I love the upgraded construction of the box. I still have my 8 foot pop-up from 2000. The tenting on it is still intact (vinyl coated canvas) kept that way by applying protectant several times a year. I usually let my friend use the pop-up, as I have recently upgraded to my Jayco 22rb. Still, I miss that feeling of sleeping outside despite my new, Jayco 'digs.' I hope they never stop making these. They are perfect for a lot of people, if only as a rung on their life's 'camper ladder.'

[@WeekendNonwarriors]

I love seeing the pop ups. I'd like to see more, and an occasional motorhome, too.

[@jaysil432]

love pop ups. when my kids get older, I may shrink down to one. They def give you that, Im still tent camping, feeling. Only thing I really need/want is an enclosed bathroom. I remember some of the older rockwoods had them. Not sure if they still do that.

[@tombouman4485]

Many of my best camping memories and good times were in a "pop-up" camper. And so easy to pull, lots of benefits here.

[@kimh2330]

Oh .. we raised our girls camping in a pop-up. We had a small one to start and it had roof air conditioner.

[@FredBiesinger]

Love that you're reviewing this type of tt I would love to see you do a review of the smallest OTG I really don't need something even this big And I'm too old for tent camping Can't get my old butt off the ground anymore lol Keep up the fantastic work Nerd

[@dancamps42]

I like the direction they are going. I wondered with all the consolidation in the industry, if pop-ups would continue to be manufactured.

[@jeffnreno5080]

We bought the 1940 last year and love it. It doesn't have the water heater or AC but does what we need it to do.

[@will_in_texas]

Lots of great upgrades.

[@spencerrodgers]

I recently bought a 2025 Rockwood 19OTG and I love it so much and it’s bare bones and basic and I can tow it behind my van

[@Redfour5]

Grew up pop up camping in the 60's/70's. I Got the Flagstaff 176 LTD version back in 2004 and went 13 years in it pulled by a Subaru Forester. I did have airco and had an electric brake axle off a 12 box put on ALL for 5700 bucks NEW in 2004 (2005 model). It would go anywhere. So people look at both Flagstaff and Rockwoods for identical variants. Back then, Flagstaff's tended to run a bit cheaper than Rockwoods, don't know why but took advantage. Price is critical on this and I see you can get one for as little as 12K new in some places. This is a drop from the high teens they had gotten to over the last few years. And, when you consider the little teardrops you have to crawl around in with no amenities nothing but bed now days at that price and up to 20K , the old pop up may be back in play as a viable first camper for families... A slight bit of a pain putting them up but not much once you get it down as a process. And more vehicles now days can pull these. My wife's Cherokee with the V6 Tow Package could do it all day long... I loved the 176 and towed it with a Subaru but then again back then, the tongue was only 150 dry. I sold it for 3500 bucks 13 years after buying as I went to the darkside of travel trailers. So, 2200 bucks for 13 years camping. That was a deal. I do believe the couch approach is a big improvement as is a bit of hot water and the airco and heating cooling set up. But one thing the Forest River pop ups have always had is the heated mattresses. I put a couple of inches of memory foam under and plug in the mattress and you sleep like rock. I still miss that in my TT's over the last five years. Oh, and that little storage right by the door? A thetford portapotti fits perfect in there. They are easy to clean good to go. Get one... Along with a small Rhino 15 Gallon portable gray water tank and you are set it appears... You can do both for around 175 and good deals... The Rhino will go on the back of the camper. Virtually no maintenance either on these is a big advantage. I did my bearings every year, tires lasted forever, and a bit of matching Rustoleum spray on the rusted frame spots ever couple of years and I was good to go. I miss that low maintenance vs a travel trailer... AND, it fit in my garage as I could snug it back into the corner sideways AND I could still get my Subaru in also...with a big open area big enough for an OTV or a smart for two... or my saws Win Win... The griddle stove goes in or out stores easy I always found. And unlike those "cute" little expensive teardrop campers, you actually have a living space people can stand up in. There is a lot to be said positively for pop ups. flip the axle gain some inches put the relatively cheap shocks on and it will literally go anywhere you would want to go... AND, now that prices appear to be reasonable once again, I see a comeback for pop ups as "affordable" camping. And don't worry about the soft sides, they don't wear out if you take care of them and that takes very little maintenance.

[@caroledn]

Hey I love that you did a pop up!!! Fun. Next you should showcase one of those A frames. We had one prior to our Salem FSX.....amazing little pop up/rv mix up of sorts

[@williammeiklejohn2850]

You ARE doing a good job. Great info and videos.

[@JulieLynn1997]

Very nice starter camper.

[@travisp32]

I’m not even in the market for an RV but I watch your reviews all the time. Sometimes I see an upgrade I’d like to do with my Outdoors RV. Plus it keeps me up to date on everything out there. I am a pretty big fan I guess. PROPANUS… HA!! That’s a good one. Made me laugh out loud and my wife just stared at me with that look of. “Really, you’re an idiot”. That’s funny too. Keep it up Josh. The videos are great. Come to Idaho sometime.

[@edwardpfrommer5046]

I watch his videos for the latest in hairstyles 😂😂🤓

[@travisp32]

@@edwardpfrommer5046 haha. Mine is the same. DNA is a bummer sometimes.

[@valleygrl1]

Thanks Josh!

[@ozjumpermann1610]

This is a great compromise for those of us who like tent camping, but have had the experience of getting flooded out in the middle of the night.

[@Cambigue_OH]

Thanks for show a popup! I owned 4 before moving to "the darkside". This is a nice rig. It would be better with a small propane stove inside.

[@Treeplanter73]

Prior to my jayco travel trailer, we had a jayco 806 and a 1207, great memories when our kids were little.

[@GoldenK9Campers]

Hey Josh.. thanks for the review on the popup. Appreciated. Cool that there moving to more of a fiberglass / composite construction. Is Forest River doing that for all of them?

[@kristenjones4445]

I really like the wrap around lounger

[@ymbmom]

Thank you for showing different styles of RVs and my husband wanted me to tell you he appreciates that you don’t try to sell us anything ❤

[@Patricksmancave]

Like the video! Can you do some more hybrids. Love the open bed idea but love the side walls as well….

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I would if I could. There’s a few made more. I really get the chance to encounter them.

[@jrcriner6542]

My first camper was an 83 palomino pop up that was so small the front bed was a double and the back bed was a single. They touched when closed lol. Had a 5 gallon jug under the cabinet and hand pump. Had a top lid built in cooler. One light and no ac

[@gailbrackeen]

I like pop ups. Had one and wish I still did. Just doesn't work well with my dogs.

[@stevez340]

Love the L lounge in place of an outdated dinette💥and if the little fridge is a 12V or two way, then👍👍👍but if it is 120V, then this cute little camper isn't that much different than a tent and a cooler for off grid camping😢

[@killerdustbunnies]

i really like it when you cover the smaller/lighter weight units, no matter the type. My vehicle has a max tow rating of 4000lbs, so the bigger units just make me sad. I'll probably never be able to afford a truck that can haul the big stuff...😒

[@richwalter3107]

More like this please... just bigger units Like the newer standard jacks. How big are the tires ?+

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I don’t recall the tire size offhand. 13 inch feels correct but I could be wrong.

[@12345diehappy]

Grew up pop-up camping a couple times a year. Even took it to Alaska for 5 weeks in 1988. Now my wife and kids would never tolerate it. In truth, I'm not sure I'd tolerate it unless there was at least a composting toilet and a real fridge/freezer.

[@barrywagner8452]

Nice I still like my 1640LTD tho

[@shermanmaddoxrcpc774]

Does this unit have one of the small refrigerators installed. We have one on our old 176ed. It’s a three way works great for cold storage. We use also a college dorm type refrig usually just buy ice to keep drinks cold.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Yes. Everything you’re seeing is basically how it comes from the factory.

[@Norwottuck413]

I love the idea of a popup but I want a hard side version of it

[@RabbiJesus]

Great for a hunting RV or a family that doesn’t like the hassle of a tent.

[@Abc-kf4qx]

Brilliant! Love seeing the pop ups, thanks Josh! Only ask for this is a place for a cassette toilet. Cheers!

[@stevenbathurst7027]

its ok but they can but in a slide out kitchen, a portable potty, a simple shower with a pan built in. they can make a external shower by replacing one of the pop outs and create a internal external shower, porta potty type of situation and turn it into a couples camper as an option.if they can put it in to a camper van they can do it to a tent camper. its got potential. there getting better.

[@chriscalvin5083]

Good video Josh

[@Crazy-s8s]

Really cool package. Like the new ac setup and location. Couple more solar panels on the top to beef up that system. Just curious if a may ask please, what are each bed slide weight rated for and do you know the actual dimensions of that particular model? Thanks again Uncle Josh and i appreciate your efforts and work on here. Take care and see ya next video.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I don’t recall their pop-up bed ratings, but I feel like it was something around 800 pounds? Again, I’m thinking that not knowing it. Our local teams could verify for you. Generally speaking as long as two people can fit onto that bed they’re going to be OK. Certainly they’re not made for dropping the atomic elbow from the top rope or anything like that

[@toddj1365]

Josh, that Geopro outside of this tent camper. What is it? I ask because it looks like it has tandem axel's. Does it? Thanks

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

20fks It does And video coming soon

[@Lisa_P73]

I wish they made them hard sided and everything folded up or down. My Dad had one of those my I was a kid.

[@slamboy66]

Does the spare tire have a upper mount? Don't know if I would trust that little bumper on rough paved/dirt roads.🤔

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

They have no alternative locations for the spare tire from the factory, but aftermarket solutions may exist

[@thcrw7391]

that's nice, but i was shocked at the price for something that wasn't at least a 12 foot box, and fully loaded with a toilet/shower combo

[@MatthewIrvine]

What!?! No pantry?!? LOL, I kid, I'm a kidder... Cute little rig! Surprised they were able to cram so much into a teeny tiny space. I bet road mode really sucks... 🤓

[@anthonylapira2532]

I would be concerned about the front hitch strength it looks kinda small and may bend. The wheels seem to be towards the rear and if you drive on a bumpy road too fast they may bend. This happened on the a frame campers. Otherwise it looks nice.

[@MattAK]

The engineering behind a popup is interesting, but heaven forbid if you have to DIY repair an old Coleman lift system on one of these. We fixed my sister's on their old popup after it broke and it was......fun. No RV repair place would touch it, and we found out why.

[@Nonsense-hg6mo]

Had a 2015 Flagstaff 625d. I dont see anything updated in these new models at all. All they seem to actually change on these is the color scheme. Popups are super neglected by these manufacturers.

[@gmgrammer9851]

is that the actual location of the battery box? looks flimsy

[@sitchad]

Now let me say right off the bat, I would never camp in one of those but with that being said for people moving up from a tent this is an excellent choice. Way more comfortable than a tent, easy to tow, not super expensive and give you a much more comfortable camping experience. As a plus if you want to get out in the middle of nowhere, this might be the one.

[@Gapines23]

Sadly they aren’t much cheaper and often more than similar sized TTs

[@justindavis1546]

Manufactures need to step up the hard side a-frame production.

[@markschumacher2788]

I dont know why more manufacturers do not make pop ups anymore. There is definitely a market for it but they are becoming harder and harder to find. Everyone looks to the teardrop. I like the pop up for my money

[@didibolter9362]

What is the customer to do for a bathroom?

[@suzannecranford6819]

It has a space where you can keep a portable toilet.

[@didibolter9362]

@@suzannecranford6819 Thank you

[@robfl07]

I don’t understand why it has a hot water heater with no outside shower connections…. Did I miss something during the review?

[@rvail136]

Josh, with inflation biting deep into the purchasing power of many of us. I'd love if you could cover both the 2023 Forest River Flagstaff Sports Enthusiast 23SCSE Toy Hauler Folding Camper as well as the 28.

[@JAKML]

Propanus! 😂

[@TheRangerman00]

Can you use your mother in law as a wheel calk

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

That’s actually recommended

[@dinospumoni8860]

Ditch the propane, plumbing, and sink.