What's the BIG DEAL with Apache pop-ups anyways?

I may have asked the same question, had I not grown up camping in one. For me, the physical genius of the design and the mental feeling of Home meld cozily together in an Apache camper (see How this website came about). Apache went out of business in 1986, so they're not making any more of 'em. Every year they become harder to find, especially nice ones that haven't been abused!

Apache campers are an engineering marvel. For one thing, unlike all other pop-up campers that I know of, most Apaches are void of canvas - yet they fold up tight like you wouldn't believe. Seeing one go up or fold down is a treat to behold. I'm sure the canvas models are nice too, but the hard-sided ones are really amazing!

The exterior of an Apache is made up of aluminum, steel, and plastic (with wood floors). A long handle is slid into a pin on the back which is turned to crank the baby up and down. As the top moves up, the solid walls fold up with it. It's like slowly opening the covers of two facing books. Once up, the walls lock into grooves in the roof. The beds on the ends of the camper slide out and are supported by two poles on each end. An ingenious series of mechanisms allows each bed to become completely enclosed with solid sides and windows. The finishing touch is a few pieces of molded plastic that cover the outside tracks and seal off the seams.

Apache interiors vary greatly, but all afford similar functionality. Most Apaches are very roomy, even compared to newer campers. They usually sleep 4 to 8 adults rather comfortably. The table, which seats four adults when up, folds flat into a bed. There were so many options available for each different model and year, that you never know what will be inside each Apache you encounter. Ours has a 3-burner propane stove for cooking, a pilot-less propane furnace that cranks out heat, and a sink. The refrigerator is electric, and can be run off the car battery when towing. The freezer even makes nice ice cubes. Other options included air conditioning, electric lift, AM/FM/Cassette stereo, shag carpeting, range hood, shower, various awnings and screen rooms, and on and on. Every new year witnessed a new feature or improvement. 

But if you wanted just the basics, this was always available as well. From small canvas-sided models that could be pushed by hand into a camp spot, to huge solid-state models with all the comforts of home, Apache had something for everyone. 

Apache's were really built well. So well, in fact, that 40-some years later folks are still camping in them! This will certainly not be the case with a typical new brand "X" popup (which costs a lot of money...). Apache's were built to last! An Apache is also thoroughly restorable if it wasn't taken care of by a previous owner. And what other full-size popup camper is completely hard sided with no canvas whatsoever?! It really makes a big difference in comfort and security. There's nothing like being in the great outdoors with your family, while being safe and comfortable. Finally, there's something about the combination of all these elements and more that synergistically meld to create a really good Karma traveling home for you and your family.