what do you need for a pop up camper

25 Essential things to buy for a pop up camper ( must haves )

• 1. Pop up lift system Do yourself a favor and get this lift system for your pop up camper. ...
• 2. Generator Second tip is to get a portable generator. ...
• 3. A small heater A pop up camper can be tough to camp in during winter time. ...
• 4. Leveling blocks ...
• 5. Fold-able table and chairs ...
• 6. Hitch dolly ...
• 7. Dehumidifier ...
• 8. Brake controller ...

Full Answer

What do I need to buy for my pop-up camper?

Accessories For Your Pop-Up Trailer BathroomComposting Toilet.Portable Camping Toilet.Outdoor Shower.Cassette Toilet.Quick-Dry Bath Towels.

What is needed for first time campers?

These are important items for your camping essentials checklist:Tent (and footprint, stakes)Sleeping bags.Sleeping pads.Camping pillow.Headlamps or flashlights (and extra batteries)Camp chairs.Camp table (if no picnic table)Lantern (and mantles and fuel/batteries if needed)

Do pop up campers need electricity?

Heaters and AC can be nice, but they do add a lot of cost to a pop up camper. You should also know that they are only useable in campsites that offer electricity, which many don't. Note On Electricity: Many RVer's bring along a generator when they stay at campsites that do not provide electricity.

What are disadvantages of a pop-up camper?

Cons of a popup camperToo much set up and break down: For some, setting up and breaking down takes up too much precious vacation time. That was the case for us. ... More breaking down: Speaking of those moving parts—they sometimes break!

Do you save money with a camper?

The answer to this question is yes and no. Saving with a recreational vehicle or camper really depends on your budget, maintenance, and planning. While some families save tons on vacations, others can end up spending more.

What should you not bring camping?

7 Things You Honestly Should NOT Bring CampingExcessive Electronics. Most people go camping to escape and unplug. ... Perfumes or Potent Smells. Anything with a strong smell can be dangerous to bring camping. ... Glass or Other Breakable Items. ... Valuables. ... Too Many Clothes. ... Fashion Accessories. ... Wrong Types of Food.

Can I plug my pop up camper into my house?

Is it Possible To Plug an RV Into a House Electrical System? While it's not recommended to plug RV into house power for extended trips, it is possible for a short amount of time. However, to do so, most RVs will require at least a 30/50 amp and a 15/20 amp electrical outlet.

Do pop up campers stay warm?

Unfortunately, one of the biggest downsides of purchasing a popup camper is that they do not hold heat particularly well. To be able to fold up and shrink when you are traveling, the campers need to be made out of flexible and thin material. As a result, they are not as insulated as RVs and trailers typically are.

Are popup campers good in winter?

Pop-up campers are the perfect vessel for all of your winter traveling needs. The intimate and cozy space provides the best source of installation to keep you warm even on the coldest of nights.

How long do popup campers last?

How long does a pop-up camper last? A pop-up camper can last as many as fifteen years if you look after it. But, of course, the actual time frame depends on how often you use it and maintain it.

Do pop-up campers stay cool in summer?

Most pop-up campers consist of soft material, making keeping the air cool quite challenging when in a sweltering place. Warm air easily gets through the fabric of the camper, making it challenging to maintain a cool temperature inside.

How do pop-up campers do in the rain?

Inside the pop up camper it does get moist. Its just a step above a tent, but does seal out all the water from the rain. We have a mini dehumidifier in which we will run. Our air conditioner also acts as a dehumidifier which helps with humid weather.

What to do when you first get a camper?

RVing for the first time? 8 tips for newbies I wish I'd known during my first tripDon't get poop on yourself. ... Remember your toolkit. ... Pack sufficient cookware. ... Use leveling blocks. ... Get into your campground before dark. ... Download camping apps. ... Use RV toilet essentials. ... Wake up early, watch the sunrise, take a nap.

What to know before moving into a camper?

You'll need to get the right insurance.You'll Have to Store or Discard Most of Your Possessions. ... You Must Choose an RV That Meets Your Needs. ... You'll Probably Want to Set Up a Home Base. ... RV Living Is Not Ideal for Families With Children. ... Living With Pets in an RV Is Difficult. ... A Mail-Forwarding Service Is Usually Necessary.More items...•

What should a first time RV owner know?

RV Advice. 10 Tips for First-Timers from Experienced RV Veterans. ... Know how much you can tow. Pam Whyte's family of four has been RV camping for a decade. ... Don't arrive in the dark. ... Consider your lifestyle. ... Make friends first. ... Remember to pick up your chocks. ... Slow down and enjoy the journey. ... Invest in good tires.More items...

What are the pop-up campers?

A pop-up camper is a collapsible recreational vehicle that can be folded for easy storage and transport. When they are set up, they provide a big amount of interior space as compared to their size when collapsed.

What is the back half of a teardrop camper?

They are the smallest of the four and are easier to tow. Teardrop campers which were once considered primitive have gained popularity again. The front part of the teardrop camper is used for sleeping, whereas the back half is made as a galley and storage area. They can be fitted with air conditioning and refrigerator.

Why is it so easy to move a camper?

Maneuvering the camper on the road is also relatively easy because the camper folds down and doesn’t block your rear vision when driving. 3. Full protection from the elements. Pop-up campers give you the feeling of tent camping while being fully protected from the elements.

How does a pop up camper work?

Most pop-up campers use the lifting mechanism to unfold the camper, whereas others require more manual work. The lifting mechanism works with a series of pulleys and winches. The main idea behind this special mechanism is that you should be able to unfold and lift your camper with very little resistance on your part.

How long is a teardrop camper?

Most of the teardrop campers are around 5 to 7 feet in breadth and not more than 12 feet in length. So, if you want low-cost travel, then look no further! The teardrop may be perfect for you.

How to set up a camper?

When you are setting up your camper you need to make sure that the terrain is ready to support your camper. Ensure that the camper is level to the ground and then remove the camper from your vehicle’s hitch. Now attach a stabilizer to the back of your trailer. Use the cranking mechanism to align your camper with the ground.

What to do if you don't want a pop up tent?

If you don’t want the pop-up to rock around, you have to set up the stabilizers, You have to pull out the bed, support them, set up the kitchen, etc. 3. The tent requires special care. The awnings need special care especially if they get wet. They have to be dried and aired completely before retracting.

What size air conditioner for your pop-up camper?

Before you purchase an A/C for your pop up, it’s important that you find out what amount of BTUs you need to cool your camper. BTU stands for British Thermal Units.

Do you want an A/C or a heater combo?

This is where you need to decide whether just an A/C will suit your needs. If you only make camping trips in the warmer seasons then only AC can do the job.

Will you be able to do the installation by yourself?

If you have a budget to work to and don’t want to spend too much money, then bear in mind that while some A/C units can easily be installed by a DIY-er, there are others that need to be installed by a professional. This will inflate the cost of adding an A/C to your pop up camper.

How much do you want to pay?

When you are shopping for an A/C for your pop up that suits your needs, the main thing you should do is look at the BTUs. The cost of A/Cs usually rises the higher the BTU, so shop depending on your budgte and fair BTUs. Look at the different brands available, their BTUs and choose the one that is the most suitable for your pop up as well as your needs.

How to keep a pop up camper cool?

But, there are lots of other things that you can do to keep RV cool even without an air conditioner. 1. Park your pop-up camper in the shade if possible. 2. To keep the air circulating inside, use a fan as well as your A/C. 3.

How to determine BTUs for a pop up camper?

The simplest way to determine the correct amount of BTUs for your pop up, is to multiply the square foots of your camper by 40. Bear in mind though, that your pop up is not insulated, so it is best for you to buy a unit with a sufficient amount of BTUs so that the A/C is strong enough to cool the air inside your camper.

Why are rooftop units so quiet?

1. They have sufficient power to cool the air efficiently inside pop ups, even on the hottest summer days. 2. Compared to portable and window units, the newer models of rooftop units are quieter, making them a lot more comfortable when you are sleeping. 3.

What are the different types of pop up campers?

Basically, we have six main types of pop-up campers in the RV industry: tent-trailers, high wall campers, A-frames, teardrop campers, high low campers, and popups for motorcycles. Here is a quick rundown of each:

How Much Do Pop Up Campers Cost?

The option for affordability is one of the main draws of pop up campers. They tend to be much cheaper than their travel trailer or fifth wheel relatives. This becomes especially true when you go down the pre-owned avenue.

How much lower should a pop up camper be than the maximum tow weight?

Give yourself some wiggle room for trailer payload. You should buy a pop up camper that when fully loaded is still 10 to 20 percent lower than the maximum tow weight your vehicle can haul so you don’t overload the engine. The buffer zone for tow weight has another purpose, too.

What is a high wall camper?

High Wall Campers are the same as tent trailers with the two exceptions they have higher walls and a hard top. Keep in mind, this model will be heavier than the first option for towing. This camper is also known as a high wall or hard-sided pop up camper.

Why buy a used pop up camper?

On the flip side, buying a used pop up camper helps you save money on your cozy camping space. It also opens you up to a world of floorplan options. Should you choose to go the used route, there are some things worth knowing:

What is a teardrop camper?

Teardrop pop up campers are popular because typically they are the smallest in size and are therefore easier to tow with most vehicles. Reminiscent of its name, the teardrop camper is small and extremely towable. It usually comes with room for two and a little kitchen in the back.

How to be a pop up sales leader?

By educating yourself on the basics, you’ll be the leader of any pop up sale. Brief yourself on the advantages as well as the disadvantages that come with pop up life. Know the different types of campers as well as the details on buying new versus used. Know your weight and budget limitations, and go for the features you love.

How to get a title for a pop up camper?

Applying for a certificate of title for your pop up camper is almost the same as getting a title for any regular vehicle. You just present the necessary legal documents and paperwork to the DMV office near you.

Why is insurance important for a pop up camper?

We all know that insurance is essential as it protects you in the event of theft or accident. First off, a pop up camper, or a foldable camping trailer, is a type of recreational vehicle that is collapsible when not in use. You can lower down the roof to the main body of the trailer and attach it to a towing vehicle.

How do I get a title for a camper trailer?

Although we don’t recommend ever buying a vehicle without a title , here’s what you can do when you already bought a pop up camper without a title.

How to get a camper VIN?

This can be downloaded from your local DMV’s website or you can get one from their office. Fill in the required information such as the vehicle type, VIN, your camper’s specifications such as weight and dimensions, as well as you personal identification details.

Where to find VIN number on pop up camper?

Look for your popup camper’s VIN number at the trailer tongue or frame of the rail that leads to the hitch. It can also be located on some metal portion of the frame.

Can you get a license plate on a pop up camper?

You will not be able to have it registered to obtain a license plate, and in most cases, you also won’t be able to have your popup camper insured without it. Some would even say that it might be illegal for you to use your pop up camper if you don’t have proof that you own it.

Can RVs be stolen?

RVs are easy targets for thieves and robbers. Beware and be vigilant when buying from non-dealers. If you come across a seller who seems shady and can’t give you the proper details regarding the camper, might as well don’t push through with the transaction as it could be stolen or illegally acquired.

What are the requirements for a pop up camper?

To make sure your pop-up camper is safe and legal, you will also need to make sure your trailer has the proper light requirements. These lighting requirements include brake lights, turn signals, and a white light to highlight the license plate of your trailer.

What lights do you need to have on a pop up camper?

These lighting requirements include brake lights, turn signals, and a white light to highlight the license plate of your trailer. If you are camping in a muddy area, you may need to wipe off your pop-up camper’s license plate before driving anywhere.

What is a Pop-Up Camper?

Pop-up campers are trailers that fold down and collapse for easier towing. They have collapsible roofs and/or sides. This makes them easier to tow and more fuel-efficient.

Why is it easier to back up a camper?

It is easier to back up with a pop-up camper, because they are not as tall as other camper trailers. You can still have adequate views out of your rearview mirror. When pop-up campers are collapsed or folded down, they experience less wind resistance.

How often do you need to reregister a trailer?

Be sure to keep track of how long your registration is valid. You will need to re-register with the DMV every few years to ensure that your trailer is still legal.

What to do if you lost your trailer title?

If you have lost the title to your trailer, hope is not lost, there are applications in most states to help you get a replacement title. You may need to get VIN verification if your trailer was purchased i n a different state from the one in which you currently reside.

What is a soft side camper?

Others offer soft sides, more like the sides on a tent. The soft-sided campers are lighter, but less protective against extreme weather than the hard-sided options. Pop-up campers offer a more comfortable sleeping arrangement than a tent. Some also have cooking areas or even toilets.