Efficiently Opening Pop-Up Camper Sides: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pop-up campers are a blend of tent-camping and RVing, offering the benefits of lightweight towability, ease of storage, and accessibility to remote areas. While they are more affordable and easier to set up than hard-sided campers, pop-up campers have their limitations, such as lack of privacy, lesser amenities, and vulnerability to weather conditions. As a result, some people opt to convert their pop-up campers to hard-sided campers for added comfort and protection. This conversion process can be expensive and labour-intensive, requiring careful consideration of weight limitations, materials, and design complexities. It is important to assess whether the benefits of a hard-sided camper align with your camping needs and budget before embarking on this challenging project.

Hard-sided pop-up campers offer more protection, comfort and privacy than tents

Hard-sided pop-up campers offer a host of benefits over traditional tents, providing more protection, comfort, and privacy for campers.

Firstly, hard-sided pop-up campers offer superior protection from the elements. Their solid walls, often made of materials like fiberglass, aluminum, or composite panels, provide better insulation, temperature control, and protection from rain and wind. This makes them ideal for camping in all seasons and weather conditions.

In terms of comfort, hard-sided campers offer a range of amenities that tents typically lack. These can include a kitchenette, electric hookups, and even a bathroom with a shower and toilet. This added convenience can make a significant difference, especially when camping with family or friends. Additionally, hard-sided campers often have better temperature control, ensuring a more comfortable environment during hot summers or cold winters.

Privacy and security are also enhanced with hard-sided pop-up campers. Features such as door and window locks, strong wall panels, and steel chassis provide peace of mind when camping in remote locations. They offer better protection from unwanted visitors, whether they are curious animals or potential intruders.

Another advantage of hard-sided campers is their durability. The sturdy materials used in their construction make them more resistant to tears, water damage, and other common issues associated with canvas tents. This durability also contributes to their ability to retain their value over time.

Furthermore, hard-sided pop-up campers often require less assembly and disassembly time. Their innovative designs and compact footprints make setup and storage more straightforward compared to traditional tents, saving campers time and effort.

Overall, hard-sided pop-up campers offer a significant upgrade in protection, comfort, and privacy compared to tents. They provide a more enjoyable and secure camping experience, making them a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pop-up campers can be converted to hard-sided, but it's a big job

First, you need to assess the condition of your pop-up camper, especially its structural integrity. You'll also need to decide whether you want to retain the ability to collapse the camper or have permanent hard-top walls.

Another crucial factor is weight limitations. Pop-up camper bases are designed for a specific weight capacity, and adding heavy materials like walls and a roof will impact the axles and structural integrity of the trailer. You must determine your pop-up camper's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is the maximum weight the structure can safely hold when fully loaded. This includes not just the weight of the build but also the people and supplies inside. Surpassing the GVWR can compromise the structure's integrity and create hazardous towing conditions.

If you decide to proceed with the conversion, you'll need to build a frame for the walls and siding. Consider the materials carefully, as weight will be a significant factor. While wood is a common go-to, aluminium framing materials and other lightweight options can provide the necessary strength without adding as much weight. Plywood, for example, provides a sturdy base for insulation and exterior siding, but it is relatively heavy, so you may opt for a thinner product.

When it comes to insulation, spray foam insulation is the optimal choice for high insulating power, but it requires a higher level of skill to apply. Rigid foam insulation is another option with a high R-value, but it needs a fireproof barrier, which can add weight.

The conversion process is time-consuming and labour-intensive, and the cost savings compared to buying a new or second-hand camper may be negligible. Additionally, the folding feature of your pop-up camper will likely be voided, and you may need to modify the front and back of the box to accommodate the new design.

In summary, while it is possible to convert a pop-up camper to hard-sided, it is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and consideration of the factors mentioned above.

You can use a variety of materials for hard sides, such as wood, aluminium, sheet metal and fibreglass

When it comes to the materials for your pop-up camper's hard sides, you have several options to choose from. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. Here are some popular options:

Wood

Wood is a traditional choice for construction and can add a beautiful, natural look to your camper. It is sturdy and provides good insulation. However, wood is also heavy, which can affect your fuel efficiency when towing. Additionally, wood requires proper treatment to withstand the elements and needs regular maintenance to stay in good condition.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a lightweight alternative to wood, which can help you maintain your fuel efficiency. It is strong and durable, but it conducts heat, so it can heat up your camper's interior during the summer. Aluminium is also prone to dents and scratches, so it may not be ideal if you're concerned about the aesthetics of your camper.

Sheet Metal

Sheet metal, such as steel, can be a durable option for your camper's hard sides. It is strong and can provide good protection from the elements. However, sheet metal is also heavy, which can affect your camper's weight and fuel efficiency. Proper treatment is necessary to prevent rust and corrosion.

Fibreglass

Fibreglass is a lightweight and durable option for your camper's hard sides. It is strong and can withstand impacts without denting easily. Fibreglass also provides good insulation, helping to regulate the temperature inside your camper. However, fibreglass can be more expensive than other materials, and it may require professional installation.

Remember, when choosing materials for your pop-up camper's hard sides, consider factors such as weight, insulation, durability, and cost. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, so select the one that best suits your specific needs and preferences.

Hard-sided pop-up campers are heavier, so check your vehicle's towing capacity

If you're thinking of getting a hard-sided pop-up camper, it's important to consider the towing capacity of your vehicle. Hard-sided pop-up campers are heavier than their soft-sided counterparts, and as such, you'll need to make sure your vehicle is capable of towing the extra weight.

Before deciding on a hard-sided pop-up camper, it's crucial to know your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This rating indicates the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow. It includes the weight of the camper itself, as well as any cargo, passengers, and supplies you'll be bringing along. Exceeding the GVWR can compromise your vehicle's handling and safety, so it's essential to stay within this limit.

When considering the weight of a hard-sided pop-up camper, keep in mind that they typically weigh between 1,180 and 3,700 pounds. This weight range can vary depending on the model and features included. If you're looking at a used camper, be aware that adding amenities and upgrades can increase the weight.

Another factor to consider is the distribution of weight within the camper. Proper weight distribution is crucial for maintaining control and stability while towing. Aim to distribute the weight evenly, with heavier items placed towards the front of the camper. Additionally, ensure that your tow vehicle has the necessary towing features, such as a tow hitch, electrical connections, and braking systems compatible with the camper's weight.

It's also worth noting that towing a heavy camper can impact your fuel efficiency. The increased weight will likely lead to higher fuel consumption, so be prepared for potentially higher fuel costs during your trips.

When in doubt, it's always best to consult with a professional or a dealer to ensure that your vehicle can safely handle the weight of the hard-sided pop-up camper you're considering. They can provide guidance on weight limits, towing features, and any necessary upgrades or modifications to your vehicle.

Hard sides can be permanent or temporary

When considering adding hard sides to your pop-up camper, one of the first things you need to decide is whether you want your hard sides to be temporary or permanent. This decision will affect the rest of the build.

Constructing permanent hard sides is more straightforward. You can simply work off the current layout to create a simple framework and then attach the sides.

If you want temporary hard sides, you have two options. You can either create a design that allows the soft sides to remain intact when removing the hard sides, or you can incorporate foldable hard sides that can collapse when closing the pop-up. This option is more complex and will require careful planning.

It's important to note that converting a pop-up camper to a hard-sided camper can be a significant project. It may be labour-intensive and require a range of skills, from framing and insulation to plumbing and wiring. Additionally, you will need to consider the weight limitations of your camper's frame and the impact of added weight on your tow vehicle.

Frequently asked questions