Can pop ups go on auto train?

[tinkeryarn]

I'm considering bringing my pop up camper to fort wilderness. Has anyone put their pop up on the auto train?

 

[Running_Bell]

just curious.... why don't you want to pull it?

 

[bama_ed]

I'm considering bringing my pop up camper to fort wilderness. Has anyone put their pop up on the auto train?

tinkeryarn,

I've been around this board for a couple years and pay attention to popup topics since I have one and I have NEVER heard this question asked before.

You had me intrigued so I went and looked at the Amtrak/Autotrain website. It says cars can have SMALL trailers (those that pull SeaDoo's were listed as an example). You might have to call Amtrak (number listed in the website) to ask.

Your popup is lower than a vehicle which is good. Some are as long as a vehicle (mine is as long as my Suburban). So it would fit but what would they do - charge you double?

So you might need to call Amtrak but I'd be curious to know what you find out. Taking the train would sure beat driving all that way.

Bama Ed

 

[tinkeryarn]

Hi everyone! Thank you for the advice. I called Amtrak to verify the size and width. It turns out our pop up is too wide. 7 feet is the maximum width for towing. Our fleetwood Sea pine is 8 feet wide.
We've taken the autotrain a few times. We love having our car and ability to bring food and strollers ect. We love camping, and thought it was time to check out Fort wilderness! We thought it would be great to not have to tow the whole way from Northeast.
Thanks for the help!
I'm new to the boards- been a lurker for awhile. There is so much information here!

 

[tinkeryarn]

I forgot to mention, they quoted if it had fit- it would be the price of 2nd vehicle.

 

[Running_Bell]

What an awesome idea... I would have never thought of that. Our family loves going on train trips... you get the best of both worlds here. 7 feet is the maximum width? We don't have a pop up but use a trailer when transporting tent camping equipment or race bikes. I learn something all the time from this board.

 

[Pooh2]

I had wondered about this too but figured they would charge for 2 vehicles, making the cost a bit much for us. Thanks for posting that question and answer!

 

[bama_ed]

I learned alot in this thread.

If 7 feet is the max width (84 inches), do you think they would let me squeeze on if my pop up is actually 85 inches? Do you think they would actually pull out a measuring tape and check me?

Bama Ed

 

[chartle]

I learned alot in this thread.

If 7 feet is the max width (84 inches), do you think they would let me squeeze on if my pop up is actually 85 inches? Do you think they would actually pull out a measuring tape and check me?

Bama Ed

If they didn't I'm sure the sides of the car carrier would let you know as your pop up scratched along as it was pulled from train car to train car, twice or worse got stuck.

BTW, when I first read the OP I was sure no way.