Folding Hybrid Camper Beds: Easy Pop-Up Gizmo Tricks

Popup Gizmos are tent end covers for your canvas that help to keep your camper cool and protected. They are placed over the top of the bunk ends, reflecting sunlight to lower interior temperatures during the summer and preventing heat loss and condensation in the winter. They also help to protect your bunk end tops from the elements, such as UV rays, bird droppings, and tree sap. There are a few different ways to install Popup Gizmos, including using velcro, clamps, or bungee cords. Some people choose to leave them on their camper at all times, while others prefer to install them for each trip.

Using velcro to attach the gizmos to the camper

Popup Gizmos are bunk end covers designed for pop-up/folding tent campers and hybrid campers. They are placed over the top of the bunk ends to reflect sunlight and lower interior temperatures during the summer, and prevent heat loss and condensation in the winter. They also help protect the bunk end tops from the elements.

Popup Gizmos can be attached to the camper using velcro. This is a popular method as it is less likely to deform the bunk end seals on the top section compared to spring clips. It also prevents the gutter from channelling away water in a rainstorm.

To attach the velcro, you will need industrial adhesive strength hook-side velcro (2 inches wide, split into 1-inch widths) and sew-on loop-side velcro (3/4 inch width). Cut the hook-side velcro into three 16-inch pieces and attach them to the bunk end, one at each end and one in the centre. Then, sew the loop-side velcro onto the adjoining locations on the black strap that normally gets attached at the gutter. Be sure to pull on the black strap/velcro and not the material when removing the gizmo to avoid tearing.

It is also possible to purchase Popup Gizmos with velcro already attached. However, keep in mind that attaching velcro may void the warranty of the product. Additionally, some campers may not have enough room to allow you to leave the Popup Gizmos attached with velcro. Therefore, it is important to measure and plan before attaching the velcro.

Another option for attaching Popup Gizmos is to use clamps or clips. The original Popup Gizmos come with four boxes of clamps, which are easy to attach to the canvas and hold in place well. However, some users have reported that the clamps can be difficult to keep in place, especially in high winds, and may deform the bunk end seals.

Using clamps to attach the gizmos to the camper

Clamps are a great way to attach gizmos to your hybrid camper, and they come in a variety of types, from hand clamps to pony spring clamps. You can also use bungee cords, but clamps are a more secure option.

To start, you'll need to decide where to place the clamps. One method is to attach the top edge of the gizmo to the camper's flashing or rail with clamps. This can be done using the aluminium drip moulding around the top of the door opening. You'll want to use strong clamps that can handle the weight and wind pressure, such as pony spring clamps, and space them evenly for the best support. It's recommended to use six clamps per end, with four on the top drip moulding and one or two more about six inches down the edge to prevent the gizmo from riding up.

Another option is to use the small clamps that come with the gizmos. However, these are generally not as durable and may not hold the gizmo securely, especially in high winds. If you go this route, be sure to have a backup plan or some extra support.

When clamping, be careful not to damage the fabric of your camper. One way to avoid this is to clamp the gizmo to the seam where the top canvas is attached to the side canvas, as this provides a more secure hold and reduces the risk of damage.

In addition to clamps, you may also want to consider using bungee cords or other ties to secure the gizmos. These can be connected to the bottom of the camper sides, or to the bunk door latches.

Finally, keep in mind that you may need a ladder to reach the top of the canvas, especially if your camper is tall. A small, lightweight ladder should do the trick, and you can easily store it in your truck or camper when not in use.

Using PUGS Ears to attach the gizmos to the camper

PUGS Ears are an accessory designed to help attach PUGS (custom-sized solar bunkend covers) to a hybrid camper. They are particularly useful if there is not enough room in your trailer to leave your PUGS attached with velcro.

To use PUGS Ears to attach your gizmos to your camper, you will first need to purchase the PUGS Ears from the PopupGizmos website. Once you have your PUGS Ears, you can follow these steps:

• Set up a ladder next to your camper. You will need to be able to reach the top of the canvas to install the PUGS Ears.
• Place the PUGS Ears over the top of the bunkends, ensuring that they are securely attached.
• Use the clips that come with the PUGS Ears (10 per cover) to attach the PUGS to your camper.
• For the front bunkend, lower the bunk door and stand on a rug on top of it.
• Clip four clips to the gutter on the inboard side of the camper.
• Put up the canvas brace and shepard's pole.
• Attach three clips down each side and clip the two bungees together under the door.
• For the rear bunkend, use a ladder to reach the top and attach the PUGS Ears in the same manner as the front.

When breaking camp, it is recommended to remove the PUGS and clips to prevent any damage to the screening.

Pros and cons of the Super High Wind version

The Super High Wind (SHW) version of the Popup Gizmo is a tent end cover for your canvas that protects your camper from UV rays, tree sap, and extra heat. The SHW version is more expensive than the basic covers, retailing at $150, and is harder to attach to the camper. However, it is well-made and the attached bungees are long enough to reach all the way under the bunk ends. The SHW version also comes with clips to attach to the aluminium bunk edge frame/drip edge, which can be difficult to access. The material is tarp-like and has reinforced sleeves where the bungee cords are installed.

One downside of the SHW version is that it is challenging to attach to the camper, especially for those with limited mobility. It may require a ladder to reach the top of the canvas to install the clamps. Additionally, the clamps can be blown off by strong winds if they are not properly secured. Attaching velcro is an option, but it voids the warranty of the product.

The SHW version is ideal for those who camp in areas with high winds and want to keep their camper cool and protected. It is well-made and effective, but it requires some effort to install and may not be suitable for those who struggle with ladders or climbing.

How to fold and store the gizmos

Popup Gizmos are bunkend covers designed for pop-up and hybrid campers. They are placed over the canvas ends of a pop-up or hybrid camper to help keep the RV cool in the sun. They also protect the camper from UV rays, tree sap, and rain.

To fold and store the gizmos, follow these steps:

• Begin by measuring the top of your bunk ends.
• Cut and/or sew the solar blankets together to create the right size. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can use foil-backed tape or duct tape to piece them together.
• Add grommets to secure cords.
• Optional: add Velcro to secure the cover to your camper. You can attach the Velcro to the camper at the fold so that you can simply attach the gizmos without using a ladder.
• To install, raise the roof a few inches and put the cover in place before raising it the rest of the way.
• Secure the cover with clips and cords. You can use the included squeeze clamps, or for the Super High Wind version, you can use the attached bungee straps.
• To store, simply remove the gizmos and fold them up. They are designed to fold up flat, no bigger than a folded twin-size bed sheet.

Frequently asked questions