How to make camping in a pop up more enjoyable | 10 tips to improve your pop up camper

[@mimc1971]

These are more things to set up and tear down. Plus, one of the bonuses of having the stove inside is being able to not have to cook breakfast (or any meal) outside in the rain. The water filter is a good idea and the 90 degree elbow too, is a good idea though.

[@redpine8665]

These things would make more work, not less. The state parks in our area do not have a spigot for every campsite, so you wouldn't be able to run hoses off it. A refigerator is good because they can run on the camper's propane. Anyone who has found water logged burgers or cheese, etc, in a cooler knows the advantage of a fridge. The insulation for the windows on our fall trip isn't a bad idea. It has a heater, but it would probably save some propane and battery if it didn't have to come on so often.

[@jimmhb1986]

I had a pop up tent trailer that periodically got mold spots on the tip outs. This is nearly impossible to avoid because you are bound to leave any campsite with some organic material on the canvas. Because your trailer is closed for travel and storage that organic material will begin to breakdown and cause mold. Canvas is very difficult to clean because it can be damaged by almost any cleaner except soap and water. That’s where the hydrogen peroxide comes in. Simply open up your trailer on a warm day or even at the campsite before you set up the beds etc. Mist straight hydrogen peroxide onto the canvas wherever you see dark mold. Don’t rub the canvas because you want to keep that material strong. Let the hydrogen peroxide dry and reapply as necessary until all those little mold spots are gone. This will not damage the fabric and will remove all the mold before you have a really big problem. I did this for over a decade on my tent trailer and never had a hole or weak fabric as a result. Just really white clean canvas. I hope this helps someone. I searched for years to find a safe product that works without damaging that canvas. Great video. Oh. I also use it straight on white baseball hats that get sweat stained. Does a great job.

[@2KrazyKampers]

Great tips. Thank you

[@amyhenderson3647]

Thank you

[@psahadi]

Great tip. To add, I apply 303 fabric protector plus UV protector. Most of my fabric is from sunbrella material. I received this information from Sunbrella. I also use 303 on the pop up cover when I store it. Try to protect everything as much as possible.

[@donaldoyler2092]

We bought covers from Popup gizmos to cover the ends it also was reflective so it stayed cooler. We didn't even to have much mold problems with that. We also made gutters for the pull outs

[@thomasdietz8123]

@@donaldoyler2092 I'm debating on getting the Popup gizmos for my hybrid camper. Have you noticed a big difference in temperature control with using them? I live in Texas and the summers can get pretty hot.

[@jacquelinejensen5360]

Thank you for showing the tire leveler! That is a game changer.

[@jaderhuff81]

I’d go crazy packing up all that stuff

[@shawn576]

Good tip with the inline water filter. I remember camping as a kid, and the tapped water at the campground was awful. We easily forget that clean and drinkable water is actually a luxury in most parts of the world, including other parts of our own country.

[@GereDJ2]

I pretty much agree with everything you say and show. I also never use the sink, stove or heater, pretty useless. I cook outside rain or shine, and always have a plastic bowl of clean water on the outside table, not only for washing hands but for fire safety. I think I heated up some soup inside one time during a very windy rainstorm. I've been camping in my Coleman-Fleetwood popup for at least 12 years, maybe 2-3 times a year. If I didn't keep after the repairs continuously, it would quite literally fall apart. I just can't believe how colossally cheaply they are made. Using staples when a wood screw is needed, using tape and staples without any glue, cheap wiring, cheap paneling, cheap everything. I'm surprised they all just don't turn into heaps of rust and sawdust. And, the absolute failure in the availability of parts is pretty bad. I use a small catalytic heater which uses ZERO electricity and works better, and added memory foam pads over the very cheap stock pads. Notice I didn't call them mattresses? Stoves are always a pain in the roids. Keep in mind that Propane (LP) burns about 30% hotter than natural gas and will easily burn your food if not watched. I camp by myself many times and the stupid roll-up awning is always a challenge and waaay too much work for one person. I've had the wind rip it right out of the roof bead channel and blow it across the campground. Conclusion: Popup tent trailers, regardless of make or model are decidedly light duty, for good weather only. They are drafty, offer less privacy in tight campsites and noise, dirt, dust, smells and heat are always a problem. I recommend a hard-side, real travel trailer for there noise reduction and insulation and just all-around better quality and security. But, of course, there are arguments for all sorts of choices. PS: I always take a basic tool kit with several size vise grips and a good selection on spring-clips (like big clothes-pins) and use them for all sorts of things. I rarely drink camp water because of the chemicals, etc. I always have a decent selection of 1.5v batteries. Solar ice: I power a small Dometic ice maker via my solar panel. Having ice in the middle of nowhere is a blessing.

[@juliegiannola4097]

Interesting. We've not had any issues with our River Forrest pop up. Solidly built and heater and ac are awesome. Eventually, I'd like to get a class a only because it's a pack and go and much easier to set up. But with 7 little to bigger grand kids, our pop-up sleeps everyone comfortably

[@HerrP58]

I've watched this video several times, which for me is rare on KZbin. Usually it's one and done. That's a nod to your quality content and likeability. Keep it up!

[@Suntan38]

To all the ppl saying it's too much stuff to set-up and do. Yall must not be true pop-uppers. That's what we do. We add things and love to share with others

[@TheLootownpunx]

For me....it's either pop up that goes in my garage or a trailer I gotta keep at some storage place

[@JJLewis-so1iq]

Lot easier than tent camping

[@averageoutdoorsman9799]

Those people have never set up a campsite for family with two teenagers who "need" their own space.

[@CrossTrekking]

We've had a pop-up for 8 years. We've made many modifications, including some of the ones you've made. The camping itself has become more comfortable, but the setup and teardown time have become far more intensive and time consuming. Plus, there's so much more gear to maintain every year. I'm looking forward to selling the pop-up, and all the associated gear, and getting a small traditional trailer in the future.

[@redshed2020]

People camp in the way that works for them. You can't rule people in or out of being "true pop up people" based on how much extra stuff they do or don't bring.

[@elizabethsaww22wootenw9c6]

We use an impact gun for stabilizers and leveling jack. Saves a lot of time and work

[@pmwizard48]

When we were camping with our pop up camper, we bought a Coleman 3 burner stove and only cooked outside. Only cooked inside if it was raining. Used a milk house heater when fall camping. Those are two things we did when camping.

[@angiedixon3281]

My biggest tip is we moved the stove away from the camper completely. We had a stove that fit on the outside of the camper (similar to yours), but I didn't want grease to fly up onto the camper. We took a shoe bag holder and made it to fit onto the outside of our camper in that spot instead. That keeps the shoes outside of the camper, but off the ground so snakes would not crawl into them.

[@doctoreeeveal]

Dang this is smart.

[@Grammie0911]

I have a 2002 Utah. Haven’t started any of the restoration but WOW! I hope I can do half of what you’ve done.

[@elizabethpeterson1644]

When I was little kid with my parents and my sister used to camp in a pop up camper. We had very fun in it for a little bit over 3 years in it. I even did some tent camping in Girl Scouts. I had fun camping with my family and even good memories,too. We didn’t have a shower in it. Even helping setting up the camper,too.

[@nataliestone6122]

We just bought a pop up camper and it’s my weekend project. I was searching for videos and I totally forgot y’all had a camping channel!!! Wish I was at the keto Orlando summit with y’all!

[@Young937phoenix]

I just got a free pop up camper and it has no rot it’s just out dated and my neighbor just wanted it out her yard because they bought an RV. I completely gutted it and I’m putting in new vinyl flooring and painting cabinets but I also thought about the sink out to and buy something like you got for outside. No need to cook or have dishes inside a small space. Imma do all these hacks u just mentioned before next summer. I’m also adding a propane hot water heater and a pop up shower tent so we have showers and a toilet.

[@plattapuss5844]

I love cooking inside the pop up. Diesel heater along with the original, battery upgrade, solar panels. Love the propane refrigerator. Upgrade mattress, Cordless drill to lower the stabilizers and raise the pop up. Replace lights with led. I like the reflectx and bed end covers. Just got back from 4 months winter boondocking in Arizona.

[@doctoreeeveal]

Same. I love this video and their effort but I like making some coffee or some soup inside while it's cold and rainy.

[@uploadtime1780]

@@doctoreeeveal that's what I thought coffee and tea inside.

[@wendywilson1736]

We have a coffee maker and microwave in our pop up, at hubby's request. Didn't take much convincing of me, though! Most of our cooking is done outside, though.

[@idsullymichaels]

THIS!!! We had a camper for 11 years (before going to a bigger TT) and did all these but a few. Didn't do a dish station outside - if there were lots of dishes I had a large short bucket that served to wash, but we washed as we went. I cooked on the outside camp stove included with ours in a cast-iron skillet (Blackstone just seems too expensive when a good cast-iron skillet works fine). Don't agree with the fridge removal - we packed a 12v igloo cooler and used both. We just did a britta for drinking water. I do wish we'd have tried an ice maker. Had we not sold and moved up we would have (though I've heard some say they are limited).

[@KRT045]

I love my Dometic 3-way fridge in my popup!! Perfect for drinks and leftovers and allows less opening and closing of the cooler.

[@angiedixon3281]

I keep our tissues, garbage bags and zip lock bags inside it.

[@KRT045]

@@angiedixon3281 Whatever works

[@Northernlad_uk]

Ours works perfect. Keeps everything really cool.

[@scottkolaya2110]

Our 3-way also works great in our popup. If we have a cooler also, we cool the drinks down in the 3-way first and then put them in the cooler because although that Engle might be able to keep stuff that's already cold, for a long time, as soon as you put warm stuff in there, it still melts the ice. It's just a matter of physics.

[@frankbalazs8816]

I've had 2 pop ups!! got my little fridge at Lowes and worked great!! We have a huge Rockwood Camper and we love it!! but it's a lot to pull!! ABSOLUTELY love pop ups!!

[@randybeard6040]

I had a Older Popup Camper, a Swinger model where the Whole Kitchen would Swing Outside so that you could cook Smoky Foods without Smoking up inside area. I installed a rear Window unit Air Conditioner where Spare Tire was Hung, this Air Unit would Freeze you out and did not put any weight on Top like Newer Models do. I could do total set up in 10 mins. or less. Only problem if you had to leave in the Rain, when you got home and weather was Dry you had to lift unit back up and allow Canvas to Dry Out so no Mildew would Grow.

[@vanyajelezarova7374]

My husband is going to LOVE that tire leveling thing!!!

[@45eno]

Recommend the folding table as it packs down to 2ftx2ft. I originally ordered one similar to the one in the video and so glad I was able to cancel that order. My Lifetime brand folding fish table is freaking awesome and since it's stored more than it's used it is easily out of the way in the garage. And when in transport it fits easily next to the cooler in the back of the TV. All the parts store inside the table when folded down, such a well thought out table. The only downside for me is the sink has to be shallow to allow it to fold so small. Does the job and love mine. Even use it in the house for when working on PC's in the office. Tons of utility. Lifetime 280560 4 Foot Folding Fish Fillet Cleaning Table

[@NordicDan]

7:31 HA!! Can't deny she had perfect timing on that one....

[@emmafletesgrajeda9876]

the outside table was genius!

[@patriciaedoley9501]

We just bought our pop up and haven't used it yet. I can't wait! Thanks for the tips!

[@glutenfreejoe6099]

Awesome video, we have a lot in common, our Dad was a Scoutmaster so us boys and our sister grew up Camping in Boy Scouts and our Sister grew up Girl Scout Camping, our parents bought a 1972 Skamper pop up camper trailer and we traveled to many states and parks and campgrounds over the years with our pop up camper. Nice that you all have a roof air-conditioning that's one thing we didn't have and in the Summer months in the South Eastern states would have been great. Great ideas you all put together very impressed.

[@DiscosVideos]

Those stock fridges should keep everything cold. Issue with many of these is your propane regulator not being turned up enough. You can get a tester to see what your propane psi is.

[@teafairy31]

That hack number 1 is genius, especially as I was looking for a way to make it more comfortable for my kids. Thanks!

[@mr.mikeaz1]

Pool noodles make great gutters the same way and are good bumpers when traveling

[@mr.mikeaz1]

@@plainsight1249 that would have been great in the 60s and early 70s when I had aluminum canoes to lay the paddle on the gunnel but back then we didn’t even know what a pool noodle was 😂🤣

[@mr.mikeaz1]

@@plainsight1249 excellent the only thing I have now is a nine foot kayak but it’s a sit in and I u shape three in front to push my feet against 😉

[@ChiefSlacc]

We took the tiny sink out and replaced both countertops with the marine plastic starboard material. We dont have a slideout so counterspace is king. And I can finally get in there on the surfaces and sanitize without the cheap laminate chipping off bit by bit.

[@arikpeterson6260]

These are fantastic hacks. You can tell you guys really use your camper and are practical on where your money is spent. Brilliant!

[@sjTHEfirst]

I use to think the BAL was the greatest thing since sliced bread. But the larger the PopUp Camper, the problem is that it gets really difficult to use. I now use lynx levelers. After I few uses, you become a pro at leveling and you can do it as fast or faster then using a BAL.

[@psahadi]

I would have to agree. I have a small pop up Coleman cobalt. I try to keep as minimal as possible. After awhile, i find myself with to much stuff to pack. Most if not all my camping is off grid so minimal is best. So the lynx levelers fit nice and tight packing.

[@donaldoyler2092]

We also put 1x1 cut the length of the bar's with the roof up incase the cables broke the top will not fall down on us. We used a outside carpet to keep the sand from getting into the trailer. Took shoes off outside.

[@timothygough789]

Thank you both for your time, ingenuity, and foresight for new campers. You have great chemistry and would love to share a cup of coffee on the trails one day.

[@shinesprite4214]

Just bought our FIRST popup TODAY.. thanks for the tips!!!

[@diggascryptoawarenessdownu7246]

Thank you beautiful people! I love the positive vibe that flows out of you both! I am restoring a 1980 Millard pop top caravan.

[@jennordstrom8582]

Awesome video! We are looking for a pop-up camper and soooo excited to get camping! Great tips for newbies!

[@jaredrobertson1955]

I didn’t know my favorite keto couple does pop up camping 😮. So I’m very interested in buying a pop-up or hybrid. I’m trying to plan a huge vacation to Utah next year. Road trip from Louisiana

[@derekclark6446]

Hello I’m a camper van! Addictive as well you can have a good time make friends and enjoying what you see and fresh air as well !

[@BekahMarie11]

I haven't even gotten a pop up and this video was so helpful but so stressful! Ugh I hope I can make this work!

[@wesleykallen]

Looking at getting my first pop up trailer soon. Love this video.

[@candyalexander2196]

Love keto channel..keto is King..just bought a aliner popup Thanks for all the treasures of info...girl u look great

[@jonmccauley6490]

We've had our Coleman for 30yrs and never had bad smell issues from cooking inside. Maybe your cooking smelly foods. lol But, I do like to bbq a lot outside when there's a pit. Also, we do use the inside fridge for items we use often, like sodas/waters, condiments, eggs, etc. Our Coleman is pretty large, so maybe we don't have the storage issues some have and feel the need to ditch the fridge and stove. Anyways, what I'm getting at is that I don't agree with everything and that some solutions are necessary for all.

[@thomasforrester370]

I have a zero G water hose and love it

[@tonedeafmagonigle3513]

Im pitching a tent right now thanks to Rachel 😍

[@HarrySKeith]

Wow, great hacks folks, much appreciated! Happy camping!

[@ItsPoppin]

Thanks for the great tips, guys. We just discovered your channel. The tip for the blackstone adapter is new to us and the outside table fabrication is great.

[@margaretdestefano3462]

where did you purchase the Blackstone adapter from?

[@nojaimes1]

Great info. We use quick connections for all water including the 90. Also to raise the roof we use a combination of a Torque multiplier and a 18 or 20 drill. We also use the drill for the stabilization

[@karenlee2204]

Sry. When I go camping I 1) have a tent that sets up in the back of my truck 2) have 2 fold out tables for cooking and dishes 3) carry 3 water jugs for drinking and washing dishes 4) 3 large Rubbermaid containers 1 for my cooking and eating supplies 1 for my food 1 for all my misc stuff tarps straps lights roll up carpets bucket and bags for bathroom, I even carry a tarp for the out house etc Takes me about an hour to set up and break down. All of my camping is boon doc, but there is a couple times I do camp where there is bathrooms. That’s just how I roll!!!

[@bobbyogle]

You can use a pool noodle for the condensation also

[@mariethompson7229]

I'd love to see how you attached the outside sliding bracket to the pop up. I'm clueless and wouldn't want to damage our pop up. Great tips, thanks for sharing.

[@2KrazyKampers]

we looked underneath and screwed it into on the the wood frames that the aluminum is secured too

[@sjTHEfirst]

Best to put a wooden piece between the inner and outer walls and attached the J channel to that.

[@koalabear6722]

The reflection idea is good but I think everything else is just more work and stuff you have to hull. We use the Campground picnic table and washing station and our own camp stove We never cook or keep food in our popup

[@LibbyRal]

I like the extra/dedicated surface space the fish cleaning table gives.

[@thesykboy]

Not only did I save this video but I was damn near taking notes on all these! What amazing tips!!! One question - and advice on the perfect mattress? I have a Rockwood with 2 queens and a king but can’t say any are super comfortable. Love to hear some suggestions.

[@2KrazyKampers]

we got the mattress topper from Costco

[@hankremer6606]

You guys are on daily watch list now. Fun stuff!

[@Abe-Froman]

Thank you for all the links. Made my life a little easier.

[@ruthdeaton5709]

Thank you for sharing what works for you! Great ideas here 🌸

[@majamoore6209]

Great tips! Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@John-cw6yr]

Yeah we got your point exact same point on another video

[@carrieperry5450]

These were brilliant ideas! Glad I came across your channel.

[@fan3002]

Thank you for showing me that I'm not spending too much on hotel rooms!

[@psahadi]

Great video keep making more. There are so many options you can do to enjoy your camping trips.

[@jeffreybennett8893]

I want to thank you twofor these tips. Very helpful hacks indeed.

[@kriskris9330]

Came over from Matt’s RV Review channel. Looking forward to following you guys & more videos coming up. Great start so far 👍🏼

[@flgirl250]

Good info for a newbie, thanks folks

[@alisonshanahan9529]

Thank you for the tips, they are all very helpful, I especially like the drainpipes!

[@JohnnyRacerX]

Excellent hacks folks ! Well done 😁

[@rockyortiz6620]

You guys are Awesome!!!! Great tips and ideas!!!! Thank you and Happy Camping!!!!⛺️👍🏼😉👏🏼😃

[@marticorpany5148]

Great tips. Very informative and you two are awesome !!

[@aljones9114]

I love my zero g Flex hose. It has been great.

[@debbiecomerford-lalonde2699]

great tips, how wide was that 10 ft pipe? Need to add one to my palamino

[@2KrazyKampers]

3 inch

[@angelapate328]

I’m so excited for this channel. I already know I love y’all, so it makes it a no-brainer to follow you for camping, as well. 🥰💕💙

[@hikerjim8065]

Great video guys, both for the information and the video quality. I just sold my popup (going to the dark side of travel trailers). I do have one comment about the table connected to the camper. That works great, if you always camp at relatively flat campgrounds. We go to the Adirondacks in NY. Some of the sites required 6 - 8 inches of lift on one side, and 2 - 4 inches of digging in on the other. A side mounted table could be a foot +/- higher up. Very difficult to use. We opted for a folding table right outside the door. Worked great!! Aside from that, we had very similar "solutions" to your hacks. Keep on camping and stay safe.

[@Canadarago]

Before we bought an RV, we rented one to see if we liked it. Worst part of the rental was the smell that got into the AC system from previous renters grilling/frying inside the RV. We vowed to never grill anything inside ours. We have a small folding table and a Coleman Fold n Go grill with a griddle attachment. Uses tiny amounts of propane and folds up into a small bag. Also have an inexpensive butane one burner stove ($12 on sale) that we use for one pot meals and heating hot water outside. Keeps the camper cool and we put a cover over the stove burners inside and use that for food prep space.

[@christinem.hoefferle7801]

I'd like to see how to attached your DYI awning to the camper, PLEASE!!

[@lcloverviewman5755]

Very nice video, really informative. One question: when you put the reflective insulation over the bed windows, doesn't it get really dark inside. can you get any daylight inside the camper? I'd hate to miss the views of outdoors, and nature. Or, maybe you use it only at nighttime? Thanks for your response.

[@2KrazyKampers]

it does make it dark. But remember, we're in Florida so during the summer, that sun can heat up inside and make the temperature over 100 degrees

[@jillianmarkham1733]

Hey Guys! I'm not sure if you still have your pop up camper. I'm just wondering how you attached your DIY tarp awning to your camper. I'm about to begin this project butthe plans i have leave a gap between the trailer and the tarp it looks like you have a better way to attach it than I do!

[@2KrazyKampers]

We used buy for bungee cords

[@lynnhelms5297]

If you have moved doing dishes to outside the camper what is the elbow joint for? We just bought our first tent camper and love your recommendations!

[@samanthafederico8278]

Some great ideas! We lucked into an incredibly great deal on a stripped down pop-up, with a two year old replacement canvas (think electrified tent on wheels) four years ago. Since then, I have been looking at ways to improve set up time and ease. We are lacking a table to attach to the stove bracket on the side of the popup. I think your idea might do the trick!

[@rangerdoc1029]

These were all really useful.

[@elises2074]

Super helpful and lovely relaxed couple

[@RETOKSQUID]

Make sure you get the lead free connections for your water setup.

[@8196jlb]

Thanks for the tips!

[@kathymyers7279]

That gutter system is brilliant

[@davidwagner5338]

Love the fish table dish washing station. Great video, thanks for!

[@olegk455]

Nicely done. I checked out that tire leveler and sadly it’s not available on Canadian Amazon.

[@sticknskin]

you two are awesome, thanks for the tips!

[@antoinettemccray4895]

Thanks that's help out a lot

[@bretthumberstone8148]

I was wondering if you have the dimensions from the wall to the door of the fridge, I was thinking about taking it out and putting a 12v chest fridge on a slider in there.

[@teresamoon1422]

Thank you for the great ideas. We have a new toy hauler pop -up camper. We haven't taken it out yet but I am going to use some of your ideas.

[@andrewdegrazia8967]

I’m curious, why not just use a Brita pitcher for water filtration? I too like clean water and have a tabletop cube maker, but I think it might be simpler to just use the pitcher for drinking water and cubes.

[@2KrazyKampers]

It doesn’t clean the water nearly as well. Also long term. The Berkey is cheaper. Works out to be 2cents a gallon. It’s just a big purchase up front

[@selinahays5117]

Do you have a video for how you made your tarp awning? thank you

[@2KrazyKampers]

no

[@waltobringer2928]

I liked and subscribed and rang your bell. Thanks for giving realistic advice!

[@christinemartin4338]

I watched a few of your videos. I would like to make a table that attaches to our camper. Where do I find the brackets for that project?

[@TimHoSD]

Hi, where did you get the butcher block at? And the size? TIA

[@2KrazyKampers]

Home Depot. I cut it to the size i needed

[@garyb4929]

Great tip for the widows,

[@uploadtime1780]

Great video thanks!

[@colemahaney4208]

Me and my wife love our pop-up

[@Noniinthebush]

Hi from Australia. We are doing up our pop up. The problem we have, is sealing the bed area where the canvas goes under the bed base. Hard to explain but we have gaps there where anything can come in! 😱 our canvas where the bed canvas joins to the body section there’s always a gap even though it clips to the body . I can’t think of a solution to this problem. How is your canvas where it goes under the bed base ? Cheers

[@gerard2620]

Good tips ! I missed the link to the cooler that replaces the fridge....do you have it or did I miss it ?? Thanks again, new subscriber !!

[@2KrazyKampers]

Engle cooler: amzn.to/3dxaPa4. These are also really good and very efficient: amzn.to/3aD3rbB

[@letsbehonest4221]

1:49 might help if you put the reflective side facing out...lol..