Although popup campers come in many varieties, Aliner essentially created the A-frame design nearly fifty years ago. If you see one being towed, it doesn’t look like anything unusual; yet these distinctive campers are not your grandfather's popup!
Aliners, unlike canvas-sided tent campers, open up into an A-frame cabin with rigid sides that offer much better protection from wind, rain, and cold weather.
Aliners are for perfect for the outdoor enthusiast who’s grown tired of sleeping on the ground, wants more protection from the elements than a tent offers, but still wants to camp rather than tote their living room behind them. I spoke with Derrick Haydocy, who is part of the family that runs Haydocy Airstream & RV in Central Ohio; he confirmed, “Traditional campers looking for an alternative to old tent-style camping” are drawn to the Aliners, adding, “They’re looking for something that’s less work and easy going. And, something lightweight so they don't have to invest in a tow vehicle.”
Aliner is not shy about their convenience. The company’s motto is, “1 person, 2 hands, no tools and 30-second setup time.” In fact, they boast: “It takes less time to set up an Aliner than it takes to make microwave popcorn!” Their small size makes them easy to store and easy to tow with almost any vehicle. Minimalists and millennials seem drawn to the compact, efficient designs. Mr. Haydocy said, “The lightweight ones definitely turn heads – it’s something that they can tow with a crossover SUV or something like a Subaru Outback.”
Derrick also pointed out the allure of their economical price point, “The younger crowd doesn’t want to spend a lot of money. They can't go over-the-top with expenses.” He went on to mention the Scout 10 is very economical and can come in under $10,000.
Aliner Off Road Family Scout camper being exhibited at the 2020 Columbus RV and Boat Show (Photo: William Flood)
Aliner’s History
The innovative trailers go back to 1974 when Oregonder Ralph Tait started experimenting with a rigid-sided camper that emulated A-frame lodges popular in the era. They were immediately popular with friends and family and it wasn’t long before Tait’s two sons hatched the idea of forming a business around the uniquely-designed campers.
Today, the company, now located in Kecksburg, Pennsylvania is still known for being originative. “We’ve always done things a little differently, dating back to the company’s founder. It’s this innovative spirit that led to the first “A-frame” camper.” That spirit is manifest in everything from the building they chose for their factory (repurposing a one-time mineral spa and former local soda bottling plant) to the care and individual handcrafted attention they give when building their campers. It’s also manifest in their commitment to the environment through programs like their “reduce, reuse and recycle” program, which repurposes scrap metal and other reusable materials into items like custom brackets; and, how their employees can be found clearing hiking trails and even building footbridges.
If it sounds like an Aliner is calling you, you’ll find six lines with a total of 12 models in their lineup:
At the heart, are the Aliner Classic models that trace their lineage back to designs originating in 1984. Every other Aliner model is a variation of this original design. The basic Classic sits on a 15’ trailer offering 12’ of interior space, weighing in at just 1,590 pounds. The LXE model runs the same dimensions but adds a shower and cassette toilet, adding about 200 pounds.
The Ranger line is a more economical version of the Classic with fewer standard features. Rangers come in two models: the Ranger 10 with 10’ of interior room in a 1,225-pound package; and, the Ranger 12 boasting a bit more space (12’ of interior room) while adding only about 200 pounds of additional dry weight.
Even more economical is the Scout line, also available in 10’ and 12’ models. According to Aliner, “Scout models were made with traditional tent campers in mind” when they are, “Over the thrill of sleeping on the ground” and decide that a comfortable bed and roof over their head may be a preferable way to camp.
For those who really want to explore the backwoods, there’s the Titanium line, also available in 10’ and 12’ versions. Designed to handle rugged terrain, Titanium models feature 15” aluminum wheels, an off-road axle, and features like an outdoor shower for times when a bathhouse is not nearby.
At the other end of the spectrum is the Expedition series. With 18’ of interior room, it’s the most spacious in the Aliner family, although still weighing in at relatively light 1,850 pounds. Despite being a popup trailer, three of the available floor plans include a toilet.
For 2020, the Family series - variations on the Expedition and Scout models - offers optional features intended to make family camping comfortable. Among the upgrades is a standard toilet and slide-out kitchen on the Family Expedition, and available soft or hard dormers for extra room on the Family Scout.
Most Airliner models include standard equipment like outdoor showers and interior sinks along with niceties like skylights, electrical & exterior outlets, refrigerators, and microwaves. Upgrades include outdoor grills, air conditioning & heat pumps, and hot water heaters. Mr. Haydocy noted that certain features draw a lot of appeal saying, “Those outfitted with dormers get eyeballs because of their more open feel.”
Aliner owners will happily chime in about their experiences. One owner, speaking about his 2014 Expedition said, “We have camped on road and off, with and without hookups, and in temperatures from 100+ down to -14 degrees. It's perfect for what I wanted it for; it tows great, and goes almost anywhere, with quick and easy setup/teardown. It's great for a quick overnight stay or a 2-week long campout“. Another owner, echoing similar sentiments, said, “We've spent over 70 nights out in our camper and feel like it's our second home. We come from a background of tent camping. So, we were looking for something simple, easy to tow and set up, yet comfortable. This fits our camping style perfectly. Now we can get out of the wind and rain to cook and eat, enjoy a comfortable spot to read in the evening, and enjoy 360° views out all the windows instead of feeling cooped up.”
If you are nostalgic and yearn for a traditional popup tent camper, Aliner offers the well-appointed Somerset line. And, they also manufactures a line of impressive teardrops known as Ascape series that sleep 2 and offer solar power.