Pop-up campers are awesome for family camping trips, but they can always use a few upgrades to make them more comfortable and practical. And most of these pop-up camper hacks can be completed in a weekend.
You’ll be amazed at how much better your camping trips can be with the right modifications!
1. Paint The Cabinets And Replace The Hardware
Give your older camper a fresh look by painting the cabinets and replacing dated hardware. A light sanding, some primer, and white paint can brighten up the whole interior. While you have the cabinet doors off, switch out old handles and hinges for more modern options. This affordable update makes your camper feel brand new.
2. Install Shelves In Existing Storage Compartments
Storage space is gold in a pop-up camper! A simple wooden shelf inside your existing storage compartments can double your usable space.
Just measure your compartment, cut some thin wood strips for brackets, and add a wooden shelf. This small change makes a big difference in keeping your camping supplies organized.
3. Use PVC Pipe To Store Your Rug
Dirty camping rugs don’t need to take up valuable space inside your camper. Cut a piece of 6″ PVC pipe to the width of your camper and attach it to your bumper with pipe straps. Add caps to the ends with handles, and you’ve got perfect storage for a rolled-up outdoor rug that won’t dirty up your camper’s interior.
4. Get A Space Heater
Camping in cooler weather becomes much more enjoyable with a small space heater in your camper. Since most pop-up campers don’t have built-in heating systems, a portable space heater is a smart addition that doesn’t cost much.
Just make sure you follow all safety guidelines when using it.
5. Convert The Dinette Into A Bed Or Couch
Extra sleeping space is always useful in a compact camper. Consider turning one of your dinette areas into a small bed or couch by cutting a piece of plywood to size, making notches for any obstacles.
This creates a platform for a small mattress or cushions, making this hack perfect for families with young kids who need more sleeping options.
6. Invest In Mattress Protection
Ever had to pack up your camper in the rain? Keep cheap shower curtains on hand to cover your mattresses when you have to close up a wet camper. This simple trick prevents your mattresses from getting soaked and growing mildew, which means a much more pleasant camping experience next time.
7. Create A Stacking Drawer System
Plastic storage bins are great for organizing your camper, but they can slide around during travel.
Add some Velcro to the sides of stacking bins to keep them secured to each other. This easy fix helps your storage stay put on bumpy roads, preventing a mess when you arrive at your campsite.
8. Install A Grey Water Tank
Don’t want to dump your dirty sink water just anywhere? Attach a grey water tank to your camper’s bumper using the included hook and ratchet straps. This setup gives you a proper place to collect used water until you can empty it at an approved dump station, making your camping more environmentally friendly.
9. Get A Trailer Hitch Lock
Keep your camper safe from theft when it’s not attached to your vehicle. A simple bolt lock that passes through the trailer tongue prevents anyone from hooking up to your camper and driving away with it. This small security measure offers big peace of mind when you’re away from your campsite.
10. Create A Screened In Room
Want more living space without bugs? Adding a screen room that attaches to your awning creates a bug-free zone for relaxing or eating.
This extra “room” gives you protection from insects and weather while providing more privacy at your campsite. It’s like adding another room to your camper!
11. Add Some Storage To The Bumper
Most campers have unused space on the trailer frame or bumper that’s perfect for extra storage. Add a hitch-mounted storage basket to your trailer frame for bulky items like firewood or extra gear. This hack frees up valuable interior space for the things you need close at hand.
12. Upgrade Your Lights To LED
Swapping your camper’s original light bulbs for LEDs is a smart upgrade that saves battery power and reduces heat. LED bulbs use much less electricity than traditional bulbs, which means your battery lasts longer when you’re camping without hookups.
The reduced heat is also a plus during summer camping trips!
13. Try Ceiling Hooks For Additional Hanging Storage
The ceiling of your pop-up camper is untapped storage real estate! Install fold-flat hooks on the ceiling to hang organization baskets, shelves, or gear. This hack keeps items off counters and floors, making your limited space feel much bigger. Try hanging a wire shelf above the sink for a dish drying rack!
14. Install Level Indicators
Sleeping in an unlevel camper is no fun! To fix this, add bubble level strips to both the trailer tongue and the back of your camper to make leveling quick and easy. Check the back level when positioning your camper, then use the front level while adjusting the tongue jack. This simple addition ensures you’ll always have a level setup no matter where you park.
15. Add An Awning
An awning gives you shaded outdoor living space that makes your campsite feel more like home. If your pop-up doesn’t have one, adding a foldable canopy is a game-changer for comfort.
It provides protection from sun and light rain, creating a comfortable space to relax outside your camper.
16. Add A Reflective Roof Covering
Keep your camper comfortable in any season by adding reflective insulation to the roof. These special coverings help reflect heat away during hot summer days and trap warmth inside during cooler weather.
Most pop-up campers don’t have great built-in insulation, so this simple addition makes a big difference in temperature control. The reflective material is lightweight, easy to install, and gives you better protection from the elements without running your battery down with fans or heaters.
17. Prepare And Maintain Battery
Get the most from your camper’s battery by properly maintaining it. Before trips, make sure it’s fully charged, and set up your tow vehicle to charge the battery while driving. This ensures you’ll have power for lights and appliances when you reach your destination. Regular battery maintenance also extends its life, saving you money in the long run.
These simple hacks can take your pop-up camping experience to the next level without spending a fortune. Pick a few that address your biggest camping challenges and give them a try before your next adventure!