10 Pop Up Camping Tips, Tricks, & Hacks You Won't Find Anywhere Else!

[@ItsPoppin]

Thanks for watching! What are your pop up camping tips and hacks? Cheers!

[@wookievr641]

Did you happen to see prior comment on past video for boiler drain valve install on water heater? I am working on getting it fitted on my heater during rebuild.

[@8196jlb]

Cool tips. I hadn't thought about an extension cord

[@roberttoews2775]

Ice is always a concern with cooling your coolers (and drinks!). Tired of trips off site to get bags of ice, we bought a portable ice maker. Love it!

[@amylalonde4937]

I bought small ice maker can't live without it

[@davenstorm7271]

How much do they cost?

[@roberttoews2775]

@@davenstorm7271 Generally $100-$200 depending on features and capacity. Sometimes they can be found on sale for less.

[@stevenrogers4832]

Thanks for sharing info. I use the spare fuse on the converter cover, learned that from a previous vid you had done. However, I had not thought to use the standard extension cord to pre cool the fridge instead of 30 Amp cord. Genius! You can teach an old dog new tricks, who knew. We tow with a pickup so we use waterproof chests for our linens/clothing, smaller models for our dry food, and camp kitchen supplies. Once on site, and set up we can open each tote to access smaller modules for taking inside. Yes, I know I am a Super Nurd, each chest is stenciled with contents. Stenciling is much easier, due to being a Geriatric Juvinile, to remember where everything is located. Also placement in the bed of the truck is the same each time, repetition becomes memory. We have learned through the years that we do not require a lot to make camp. However using a check list, we know what to bring for short term camping, or long term trips. Once home we popup our unit in the barn, to air and for cleaning. Remove all items from the chests for cleaning, side note: I have shelves in the barn for the chests & totes. We are ready for our next camp. As always, Bless you and yours, Bless our Popup Family. See you on the trail.

[@PARelicHunters]

We always carry several extension cords because we use space heaters during the colder months. Opening your propane bottle very slowly to keep the check valve from closing was a great tip. We also freeze several water bottles for the cooler, because I don't want to spend 400 dollars on a yeti.

[@donoimdono2702]

we use frozen water bottles in a large igloo cooler for all our cold food, and have a small compressor freezer to re-freeze the bottles while camping.

[@roberttoews2775]

I like the space heater idea as well. Why not use the park's electricity to heat your pop-up and save your propane. 😉

[@johnwolff9786]

Another great video very helpful. 😃 Loved the direct 110 connection to the fridge and the ice blocks in the fridge and coolers.

[@shawnwerley1397]

Thank you for teaching me. Were gonna be looking into our first pop up and a truck to haul it. I appreciate you guys and your vids

[@marikiemarie7622]

Great vidoe! I've always preferred pop ups but couldn't find a used one for sale until i was given a 2007 fleetwood williamsburg for free! I'm so excited about it and need all the help I can get.

[@Gen_X_Jenn]

Love all the tips! Especially the fridge tips. Indoor/Outdoor thermometer "add to cart".

[@debbiebarnett1332]

Another tip for cooling coolers, is the night before you plan on leaving, bring the coolers inside, turn open upside down over the floor vents (if you are using your home ac). The vents will cool the cooler down enough that will help keep things cool. You can also use PVP 3 or 4 inch pipes, glue an end cap on one ends, then fill 3/4 full with salt water and glue another cap on top. Stick in freezer, and use them in the cooler. They will last longer than frozen water gallons and do not take as much room. Video the videos and am looking for my first pop up camper (moving from tent to camper - age...lol). Your videos have been a huge help. Happy Camping!!

[@paulg9042]

Another useful tip when using coolers. Salt the ice. Salt will lower the temperature and extend the the time food is cold. If you go overboard, like I did, you could actually freeze a gallon of milk! Likewise, we have finally moved beyond a cooler and bought one of the cooler style refrigerators and plug into the shore power using an extension cord. No more having to put food in bags, protect from water, or risking the campground runs out of ice. So, now we have an outdoor and indoor refrigerator.

[@JackieWeni]

Plug in fridge directly to extension cord...! Fantastic tip! One less thing to have to put away when leaving (the big cord and adapter). Love your videos!

[@paulg9042]

Another great tip is to use ratchet straps to help add support to the popup awning. (credit goes to a video I saw on youtube). Did it this summer and the awning stayed perfectly still while attached to the side of the camper. Another tip is to get some string and tie up a heavy piece of PVC pipe under the rear bed and use that as a towel rack. Finally, I tie in the sink drain (left side camper) and shower drain (right side camper) with simple garden hose and a high flow y-splitter and then direct to grey water.

[@MattAdams777]

Love your channel! Big inspo for our family of 6 pup trip to Yellowstone this summer.

[@kennythurston8383]

Great tips. I'm new to pop up camping, and I need all the tips I can get. Thanks, and take care.

[@brucebauer8133]

On you fuse replacement tip: If you blew a fuse, don't replace it until you remove the cause of the fuse blowing, or the replacement will just pop also! Whatever you did to cause the fuse to blow in the first place, undo that before putting in the replacement fuse!

[@ItsPoppin]

Solid tip

[@killroyaudio]

Over the years I’ve replaced dozens of fuses that just burned out. Don’t go on a witch hunt until you know there’s a problem. A fuse costs ten cents. If you’ve changed nothing, it might be just the fuse. Replace the fuse, test the system, use your head, if there’s a problem address it. Buy a variety pack so you have plenty, cuz you’ll need them for something else in your life.

[@brodiesimpson6518]

For the tounge lock not going down you just need to go forwards and give it a little tug to take the pressure off of the locking mechanism, if it doesn’t latch it’s too far back! Just an FYI :)

[@elizabethsaww22wootenw9c6]

Dry ice is great for keeping things frozen for longer trips. A layer of dry ice with a thin layer of ice over it, place food items that you want to thaw last on the ice. Move up and over accordingly. We put dry ice mainly in half of out food cooler and use the rest to thaw as needed

[@slamboy66]

Prop open coolers/fridge when done to keep fresh. Bungee cords make great paper towel hangers.

[@keeks8817]

Love your videos!! Sad that it doesn’t look like you have made any recently

[@brantfordbandit]

Love your videos, we have a 2007 jayco 1007. Always stored indoors, like new. What kind of lift system do we have and is there any maintenance involved.

[@calebbearup4282]

When hauling a farm wagon and trying to get it to line on up the ball we always put tire chaulks down and pull forward onto those then lock it. But that's always needed on that scenario because of our specific hitch shortcomings. I like the idea of going back and forth too

[@julianfarley8961]

Wheel chocks, not chalks 😉

[@catalinacastano4562]

thanks for all your tips..... you r' been so helpful...

[@tonycifelli3113]

Thank you for all your wonderful tips and hacks! Very informative and helpful for sure. Tony C. Amherst, NY

[@brittanymcdonaldbarr1106]

Thank you!

[@donnyringeisen6024]

Great video. Question. My fridge no longer works off of electric(110). It works fine off of propane. I checked the fuses and they are all good. Thoughts?

[@bilal11]

Any tips on testing an AC without using the camper's power? Akin to how you showed you could precool your fridge by plugging directly to shore power? i recently got a 20 year old popup and were having problems with the AC. id like to test it on its own

[@redpine8665]

I've had to wrestle with the proane tank being locked out and if opening it slowly doesn't work, there is a small standard screw near the connector. Turning it counter clockwise (just a little) lets some propane and pressure off. Now try to open it slowly again, or open slightly even while you've got the screw slightly open. Of course, re-tighten it.

[@kristopherd.turner2730]

I am digging into my new to me 1987 jayco 1008SG and overall it is ok but needs some work, your vids are great any on replacing rotted wood panels and repairing large tears in canvas? TY BuildSTL in STL😊

[@rvick2010]

Enjoyed the video...Something caught my eye. Your fridge is the same model as mine. The one without a drain off the drip pan. How often do you guys have to empty that pan? We just picked up a preowned and while camping it seems like every 2 days or so we have to empty that pan out. Is that normal for you guys as well?

[@Itsme-jn8hl]

I need some help I love all ur videos but I have one question to ask. 2000 Dutchmen Dutchmen what would the weight limit be on the beds can you help me?

[@jimkeeling]

What brand is your electric refrig? Tired of propane frig really not working correctly.

[@ns3146]

Can you plug in your refrigerator when folded down in a garage? I have heard the 3way refrigerators build heat and was worried about fire hazard.

[@chrisalves2730]

He did suggest unplugging the plug in inside the vented door outside and plugging that directly into a shore outlet

[@javersowens2035]

Great info! I have a 2022 Rockwood Pop- Up. When closed up it's about 13 ft long The total weight is about 1800 lbs. I keep and use it at my private campsite in Michigan. I don't want to use my truck to move it around on the property. What trailor dolly would you recommend. The area is grassy but I keep it mowed and it has a slight slope down to the lake. Thanks

[@davemoulton2971]

If you have a riding mower or small tractor they would be perfect to move it around with. You can also get a power dolly.

[@georgesinopoli8943]

I have looked at a couple of your videos and they are well done and very explanatory. I do have a problem tho' that I need help with. Our 2009 Viking has an electric popup lift and after some switch problems I got a 12VDC on-off-on switch and I cannot get the motor to even budge. I disconnected the motor and ran it straight from battery and it works! Do you have any videos on the wiring of such"conveniences". Thanks,George

[@ItsPoppin]

No, sorry.

[@cynthiagray836]

Hi, I am looking for a short person hack for pushing out the frames on the canvas. I have a high wall camper and don’t have the leverage/upper body strength to push the frames out and hook them by myself. Actually, they’re not that easy for a taller man, either. Any ideas?

[@donnahardon7801]

We purchase a 2016 Rockwood freedom pop-up the AC unit was working fine drove a 2hr.drive home plugged it up and No AC working husband replaced fuse still no work ( any suggestions )?

[@donniehelmly4920]

I'm wondering why you don't use your awning on your camper?

[@deedeewebb361]

We recently purchased a 2007 StarCraft Centennial 3610 and cannot figure out how to set up the awning. Any tips?

[@ItsPoppin]

Is it a dometic trimline awning?

[@deedeewebb361]

@@ItsPoppin I believe it is whatever came with the camper.

[@roberttoews2775]

I'm not sure about yours, as we have a Jayco. But a couple things that help us is . . . - definitely way easier with two people than one (three is even better). One to hold the awning all the way unrolled while the other sets up the legs. - access to where it is stored is also way easier if the roof is at around half height. Then it is right in front of you. No reaching above your head. Do this at the same time your setting up or taking down. Once your already set-up, it's not so easy to change the roof height, especially when the door is installed, etc. Don't want to wreck anything. - if it looks like a lot of rain or when you leave the campsite for a while, I always like to lower the leg in one corner so it's tilted (the more the better) to help shed the rain. Be sure to tilt it in the direction that best dumps the water away from all your stuff. It's surprising how rain can collect and pool on an awning even when it already has some tilt. Enough weight and it's collapse time! The best solution if it's windy is always to roll it away if possible. I hope this is a little helpful. Take care.

[@Faultydevils98]

is that a jayco

[@AdventureswithP.C.Wabash6057]

Do you still do video?

[@Faultydevils98]

I'm only 10 and I can fully set up a popup camper.

[@divinetiming8422]

I'm a single Mom taking mine out for first time. Do I need a battery for my tail lights driving? I thought it plugs into the vehicle and if not what do I need to get I'm leaving Friday morning? I hope someone answers lol please.

[@firstsergeant9361]

sorry I read this too late, but I hope you figured it out. All you should have had to do was plug in the electric connector cord from your trailer into the receiving connector on the back of your vehicle. Most people have a little simple 4 prong one (4 wire connections) or a round prong connector. (7 wire connections). Your cars battery will do the trick

[@dkundargi]

Cut the plastic label off of your propane tanks. Water gets in between the label and the tank and rusts.

[@robbygraham03]

Just got a 2007 Niagara it’s got a crazy electrical system. I was told by the guy I bought it from that I need a piece of “magical cardboard that goes under the front of one of the beds. If it’s not there. I GET NO POWER. WTF ON TO FIND AN ELECTRICIAN.

[@joshtuffly5117]

Did you add extra outlets to your pop up? If so, did you do that yourself or did you pay an electrician to?

[@JoyceLacaprucia]

can you replace a pop up roof?

[@jackefarmer9098]

What's ur thoughts on full timing in a pop-up?

[@izmazix2148]

watch2end&comment

[@robertfreeman3389]

I'd subscribe, but I don't even know your name. You need to do that on all your videos, cause alot of us don't even know who you are.

[@generatormike]

You need the battery it also activates the brakes