Adjusting Your Pop-Up Camper Top: A Step-By-Step Guide

Setting up a pop-up camper can be a daunting task, especially for first-time users. The process may vary depending on the type of pop-up camper you own. However, the basic idea behind the construction of these campers remains the same. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you set up your pop-up camper:

Parking and Levelling:

Firstly, find a suitable location for your camper and ensure that the ground is level. You can use a large-scale level to check if your camper is aligned with the ground. If not, you can use plywood or levelling blocks to adjust the height. Once you're satisfied with the placement, attach a stabiliser to the back of your camper and use the cranking mechanism to align it with the ground.

Placing Jacks:

After levelling, locate the jacks underneath your camper and place them under the support points. Ensure that you fully open the jacks and lock them into position. These jacks provide stability and safety during the setup process.

Opening the Camper:

Once the jacks are in place, you can start opening your camper. Begin by unhooking the latches that hold the top of the camper down. Then, insert the camper crank and turn it slowly in a clockwise motion. Work with the momentum of the crank, and do not force your camper to unfold.

Setting Up the Interior:

After the top of your camper is open and locked, you can set up the interior. Start by placing the door and beds. These components provide both comfort and support for your camper. Test the door to ensure it opens and closes smoothly, and make any necessary adjustments.

Final Touches:

Complete the setup by adding your personal touches, such as a canopy, tables, or other amenities. Don't forget to hook up your electricity and water supply, either at a campsite or by using your camper's built-in systems.

Adjusting the Roof:

If you encounter issues with the roof height, such as an uneven front-to-back alignment, you may need to adjust the pulley system. This adjustment is usually done at the back of the trailer, and it's recommended to do it with the roof down to release tension from the cables. Make small adjustments and check the door fit to ensure a proper setup.

Adjusting the roof height

Parking and Levelling:

• Find a level campsite: Choose a spot that is as level as possible to minimise adjustments later.
• Use levelling blocks: Place levelling blocks, such as plywood or commercial levelling blocks, under the wheels to level the camper side to side.
• Stabilise the camper: Place small blocks of wood or wheel chocks in front and behind the wheels to prevent the camper from moving.
• Detach from the tow vehicle: Disconnect the electrical connection, unhook the safety chains, and raise the camper tongue off the tow vehicle hitch.
• Final levelling: Check the level again and make any necessary adjustments using the tongue jack to ensure the camper is level front to back.
• Disconnect the roof: Most pop-up campers have straps or latches holding the roof in place. Disconnect these to prepare for adjusting the height.
• Use the crank handle: Insert the crank handle into the screw rod or roof crank spot and turn it clockwise to raise the roof.
• Adjust the pulleys: Under each corner of the roof, you'll find a pulley with three holes. These holes allow you to adjust the roof height. Remove the clip and pin, adjust the pulley to the desired height, and reinstall the pin and clip.
• Re-attach the roof: Once you've made the necessary adjustments, re-attach the roof straps or latches to secure it in place.
• Check the door: After adjusting the roof height, test the door to ensure it opens and closes smoothly. If there are still issues, you may need to make further adjustments.

Remember to always refer to your user manual for specific instructions as each pop-up camper model may have unique requirements. Taking the time to properly adjust your pop-up camper's roof height will ensure a comfortable and secure camping experience.

Levelling the camper

• Park your camper on level ground. Use a large-scale level to check if your camper is level. If not, adjust the camper's position until it is as level as possible.
• Attach a stabiliser to the back of your camper. Use the cranking mechanism to align your camper with the ground. Take your time with this step, as these mechanisms can be tricky.
• Place jacks under the support points of your camper. Depending on the size of your camper, you may find one to five jacks. Make sure to fully open the jacks and lock them into position.
• Check that your camper is level from side to side. If one side is low, move the camper forward or backward by about 1.5 feet. Place a piece of plywood where the wheel was, then move the camper back onto the plywood. Recheck the level and adjust as needed.
• Block the wheels of your camper. Place small blocks of wood, such as cut-up pieces of 2x4s, in front of and behind both wheels. This will prevent the camper from moving.
• Check the level of your camper from front to back. Use the tongue jack to raise or lower the tongue end of the camper until it is level.
• Adjust the height of your camper, if needed. For example, if your door does not shut properly, you may need to adjust the height at the back of the trailer.

Placing the jacks

Firstly, identify the support points of your trailer. The number of jacks can vary from one to five, depending on the size of your camper. The jacks are located underneath the camper and will lock into position. Open the jacks fully to ensure they are locked and in place. Remember, safety is a top priority during the setup process.

Next, you will need to level your camper. Use a large-scale level to ensure your camper is aligned correctly with the ground. If you don't have access to a large-scale level, you can also step back and view your trailer from a distance to spot any unevenness. Adjust the cranking mechanism slowly and steadily until your camper is perfectly level.

Once your camper is level, you can attach a stabilizer to the back. This will help keep your camper stable and prevent it from moving. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your particular model of camper.

After stabilising your camper, you can begin to open it up. Start by unhooking the latches that hold the top of your camper down. Once the latches are released, insert the camper crank and begin turning it slowly in a clockwise motion. Do not force your camper to unfold; work with the momentum of the crank. If you feel resistance, stop and check that the crank is secured correctly.

Finally, set up the interior of your camper. Start by placing the door and beds. These provide additional support for your camper and help keep it in place. Test that the beds are secure and don't budge, and ensure the door opens and closes smoothly. If you encounter any issues, such as a door that doesn't latch properly, you may need to adjust the levelling of your camper.

Unhooking the latches

The next step is to use the crank handle, extension bar, or electric lifter system to extend the roof. Begin by extending the roof halfway, checking that it is extending evenly, and then continue to extend it fully. It is important to note that the process of opening your pop-up camper may differ slightly depending on the make and model of your camper, so it is always a good idea to refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.

After the roof is fully extended, you can start to set up the interior of your camper. This includes pulling out the beds and securing the support braces under the frame. On an A-frame pop-up camper, this step is replaced by pushing the A-frame walls and dormers up and securing them. Once the beds are in place, make sure they are secure and do not budge.

The next step is to install the opposite corner safety supports, which are more common in Rockwood and Jayco pop-up campers. After the safety supports are in place, you can lock the entry door into the frame and attach the tent fabric around the door frame. Depending on the camper, this can be done using a J-channel insertion or built-in Velcro. Finally, secure the tent material to the bed ends using Velcro, snaps, or bungee attachments.

Cranking the roof

• Before cranking the roof, make sure your camper is levelled and stabilized. Use levelling blocks or plywood to level your camper side to side and front to back. You can also use a larger-scale level to ensure accuracy.
• Disconnect the roof from the camper's body. Most pop-up campers have straps or latches holding the roof in place. Release these to prepare for cranking.
• Use the crank handle provided with your camper. Insert the crank handle into the screw rod or the designated spot at the back of the camper.
• Start cranking the roof. Turn the crank handle clockwise to raise the roof. Keep cranking until it reaches its full height. Be gentle and work in slow, steady motions to avoid damaging the mechanism.
• If you encounter resistance while cranking, stop and ensure the mechanism is secure and correctly installed. Do not force the crank. Work with the momentum and only apply gentle force if needed.
• Once the roof is fully raised, secure it in place. Some campers may have safety locks or pins to hold the roof in position.
• Re-attach any support poles or canvas attachments to the roof, if applicable.
• Remember to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your pop-up camper, as procedures may vary slightly between different models.

Frequently asked questions