The Ride: Meet the Opus OP4 Inflatable Pop-Up
This rugged towable brings inflated expectations
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Opus Campers
Pop-up campers have been a staple of the RV industry for decades, often serving as an entry point for first-time buyers and families on a budget. But California-based Opus Camper sees the humble pop-up in a different light, utilizing innovative design and clever engineering to build rugged and lightweight models designed to go practically anywhere. These aren’t your daddy’s pop-up, that much is certain.
The company has several models in its catalog, but the Opus OP4 is its most capable. The trailer rides on a galvanized steel chassis with a custom powder-coated aluminum frame, giving it outstanding durability while keeping weight to a minimum. An independent trailing arm suspension, single-coil dual shock absorbers and all-terrain tires ensure excellent performance on- and off-road.
Photo Credit: Opus Campers
One of the OP4’s signature features is its “air tent” design. The rig uses a built-in air compressor to inflate nine individual “air beams,” which in turn pop the top and expand the living space, revealing eight-foot ceilings and 10 windows. The whole process is quick and easy, and doesn’t require owners to turn a crank, as with most traditional pop-ups.
“The air tent is something that is much more common in Europe and Australia, and we wanted to bring it stateside,” Opus managing director Paul Liner tells us. “It helps keep weight to a minimum, and once you’re at the campsite, you just open the OP4’s two lids, close some valves and hit a button. The whole thing automatically expands in about two or three minutes.”
The OP4’s other signature feature is its outdoor kitchen, which effortlessly slides out from the side of the trailer at mealtime. It’s equipped with a four-burner gas stove, a sink with running hot water and a meal-prep station with a built-in dish rack. When you’re ready to hit the road, the entire mechanism quickly and easily slides back into place for transport. A 12V slide-out mini-fridge is located nearby, keeping food fresh and drinks cold.
Photo Credit: Opus Campers
When fully deployed, the OP4 comfortably sleeps six, with two double beds and a surprisingly large and comfortable lounge area converting to a third sleeping space. The trailer also comes with a 40-gallon freshwater tank and dual lithium house batteries to power the integrated air pump, water heater, LED lighting and fridge. Optional add-ons include solar panels, an HVAC system and even a home theater complete with projector and screen.
“Our add-on canopy is a really popular upgrade,” Liner says. “It inflates and deflates with the camper, and covers the exterior kitchen and refrigerator, adding more outdoor living space.”
Pricing for the OP4 starts at a little under $35,000, making it an affordable option for overlanding and off-grid exploration. And like a traditional pop-up, it easily parks in a garage when not in use.
Dimensions
| GVWR: 4,200 lbs. | Hitch Weight: 400 lbs. | Overall Length: 17′ | Exterior Height: 5′ 4″ (closed), 9′ (popped up) |
Illustration by Dee Duncan
1. Air tent automatically deploys in two minutes
2. Slide-out kitchen with stove, sink and counter space (Opposite side)
3. Dual-zone 12V fridge (Opposite side)
4. 40-gallon freshwater tank
5. Cruisemaster DO35 articulating hitch
6. Two gallon Jerry can holders
7. Durable powder-coated aluminum frame
8. Private outdoor bathroom with toilet and shower
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. And avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
