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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jacquelinejensen5360]

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

[@jaderhuff81]

I’d go crazy packing up all that stuff

[@herrp8765]

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!

[@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 😉

[@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

[@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.

[@eutimiochavez415]

Never cook indoors

[@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).

[@jennordstrom8582]

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

[@Miguel_and_The_Microbes]

too complicated. re-think your vibe

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@NordicDan]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@cherylmalcolm3386]

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.

[@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?

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

#1 hack live in Louisiana stay home in your humble abode and fix 💩 as it breaks. You can drag a canoe to water and yeh . I'll be in the water paddle to the lake down a half mile bayou where there's a city sanctioned camping area. Yes I'm not kidding I can just act like my house is a camp.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@elizabethsaww22wootenw9c6]

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

[@christinem.hoefferle7801]

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

[@kriskris9330]

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

[@Ted_Ames]

Good tips IF no electrical hookups. I only use electrical. Throw the damn gas grill away, buy an elctric skillet move the table outside and enjoy. Also the cooler inside is ridiculous. If your fridge isnt working, well, y'all maybe shouldnt be camping. Btw we just got our popup and with no knowledge we set up in 30 minutes easily. Two working together is imperative.

[@carrieperry5450]

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

[@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!

[@letsbehonest4221]

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

[@wesleykallen]

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

[@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.

[@debbiecomerford-lalonde2699]

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

[@2KrazyKampers]

3 inch

[@bobbyogle]

You can use a pool noodle for the condensation also

[@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

[@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

[@candyalexander2196]

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

[@asiangirlinthewild]

Thanks for interested video 😉 I like it and will support you

[@arikpeterson6260]

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

[@ittyb0o]

These are only good ideas if you have no concerns of weight (most of these add to the cargo weight, and several are so unnecessary) and only if you are camping for more than 5 days otherwise it's way too much work

[@rockyortiz6620]

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

[@marticorpany5148]

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

[@mikecagle984]

Just clicked on this to say I did not watch it and wont. When the word"hack" is used instead of helpful hints or tricks, I will not watch! What is a "hack" anyway???

[@dabradguy]

Serious talk. Most of this shit just adds a ton of time to set up and break down.

[@pamelakluczynski9052]

I like the cooling ideas but how would you get all that off, facing a down pour, and u absolutely have to break camp in a hurry. 😳

[@olegk455]

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

[@alisonshanahan9529]

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

[@patriciaedoley9501]

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

[@shinesprite4214]

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

[@redshed2020]

I would never ditch my fridge. It works great on propane and i don't have to find ice when boondocking.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@scottkolaya2110]

Great video, I was hoping to see something new, but that's OK. I think the Bal leveler is OK but I think the Anderson Leveler ( we call it a banana leveler) is better, easier to use, and smaller to store. Just back your camper in place, stick the leveler behind the low tire, and backup till it's level. It's even faster if someone is there to monitor the level and tell you when to stop. It takes me about literaly 6 seconds to level now with something I don't need to maintain, grease the screw, etc. We sold our BAL leveler after getting this. I'm also not that impressed with the BAL leveler pushing up on the tire as unevenly as it does. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGWtgolnaruteMU

[@fryloc359]

We had Anderson levelers that sounded similar to those. I wanted to keep at least one when we sold our TT, but I left them in as a package deal.

[@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.

[@CroakerOutdoors]

Great hacks. Just curious how long it would take you guys to set up. Been a tent camper for a long time and can set up fast..heard these take a long time. Gizmos are a pain to set up on my folks jayco hybrid.

[@2KrazyKampers]

It took about 30 minutes when we did everything

[@Canadarago]

We have a hybrid and have the high wind pop up gizmos (PUGS) as well. Two things we use with the PUGS: 1. PUG Ears from Sunfast Products - they supply a tool that lets you clip the pugs above the tip out without having to climb up, 2. A couple of small carabiners from the dollar store that we attach to the PUG bungee cords All we have to do is clip the PUG cord to the ears, than grab the carabiners and clip them together. Takes about a minute for each side.

[@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!

[@waltobringer2928]

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

[@DNYS8N]

First - awesomeness; any thoughts on using a portable floor ac?

[@Hekkler72]

I'd put some rubber on the back of those shelf brackets to protect the camper body.

[@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. 🥰💕💙

[@RETOKSQUID]

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

[@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

[@mykecallahan4141]

Balls!

[@thetruthserum2816]

...A/C condensate line into fresh water tank.

[@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

[@pavman1000]

alexapure works much better to purify your water.

[@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!

[@Abe-Froman]

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

[@thomasforrester370]

I have a zero G water hose and love it

[@zdd22fixes47]

Helium was used in this production :)

[@bethaniepender9339]

Why I don't camp. Way to much work. Lol ❤

[@GeoscienceImaging]

got a link for that outdoor sink?

[@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!!!

[@davidkeller5664]

The "RV Shelf Bracket": how exactly is that mounted? I bought this and don't know how to hook it up. One on the camper, another on the butcher block. Huh?

[@2KrazyKampers]

We screwed into the side and put a piece of wood on the other side

[@davidkeller5664]

@@2KrazyKampers Got it. Thanks!

[@Beachnut1531]

In regards to the Bal Leveller. Do you only need one. Just not sure. Great tips and channel.

[@2KrazyKampers]

you only use one

[@emmafletesgrajeda9876]

the outside table was genius!

[@kimmead3683]

That's a lot of crap to haul and store.

[@chumleysteven5717]

These ideas take way too long. Depending on where and when you are camping most of these ideas are unnecessary in my opinion. Cook on the picnic table or the fire pit. Camping in North Georgia I never felt like we needed the insulation even in July. Maybe be in Florida I would or maybe I had a great AC unit. I try to cook and wash dishes outside no matter what kind of camper I am using. I have never felt the need for the leveler you suggested, but it might be handy on some camp sites. I would add a grease fitting for your wheel hubs. Thanks for the suggestions.

[@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

[@JeoGaming819]

Dude you look like a badass bald Jeff Bridges, almost until you spoke.. then you start to sound just like a hippy in the camp yard😄 anyway, great info guys!👍

[@karynballmannwilson1721]

How'd you make your awning? :)

[@sticknskin]

you two are awesome, thanks for the tips!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@ccpumpkin5426]

Did you guys sell this camper!!?? Why? Its so cute!😍

[@2KrazyKampers]

we did sell it. We have a video coming out about why but the short story is we wanted something that's easy to set up up and take down so we can go away for quick trips. We also want to be able to travel the country and stay at free places and many don't allow pop ups

[@teafairy31]

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

[@davidgodley521]

Lowes has two sizes of reflectives.

[@JC-ch7lr]

Seemed like a lot of extra stuff to take along....I'm trying to simplify my pop up experience.

São detalhes que normalmente é necessário, mas ninguém lembra 🙄🙄, super gratos pelas dicas

[@yourgooglemeister6745]

You need a second camper to carry all the crap you bought to make the first camper more livable. Although I agree on moving all cooking outside. Took out the existing unit and replaced with a fitted cutting board. I can imagine anyone has ever cooked with gas inside a camper?????

[@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 !

[@Fineherbgrower]

What a woman ❤

[@DannaShaffer]

Love the gutter idea! What’s the diameter of the pipe you used?

[@2KrazyKampers]

3 inch

[@orlandovega8259]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Excelente 🎥 video Hoy mismo voy a poner en practica varios de ellos.....in mi camper GRACIAS. MUCHAS GRACIAS..👍