Hand-Raising A Pop-Up Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Setting up a pop-up camper can be daunting for first-time campers, but it's a process that's easier than it seems. Here's a step-by-step guide to raising a pop-up camper by hand.

First, ensure your camper is parked on level ground to prevent instability and further damage during the setup process. Then, disconnect from your tow vehicle and stabilize your camper by lowering the stabilizer jacks on each corner, making sure they're snug against the ground.

Next, you'll want to raise the roof. Using the camper lift wrench or manual crank, carefully raise the camper roof to its full height. If the lift system is damaged, refer to the lift system repair guide before proceeding. Once the roof is raised, lock the support arms in place to ensure it stays secure.

Now it's time to pull out the beds and secure 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. Finally, lock the entry door into the frame and attach the tent fabric using the appropriate method, typically J-channel insertion or built-in Velcro.

Finding a level site

• Look for a site that is already level: This will save you time and effort in levelling your camper.
• Consider the slope of the ground: You can only adjust the level so much, so choose a site with a gentle slope if possible.
• Be mindful of trees: Avoid parking under low-hanging branches that could damage your camper when it's raised, or get in the way when you pull out the beds.
• Give yourself enough space: Make sure you have enough room to manoeuvre and set up your camper, especially if you have a slide-out.
• Check for obstacles: Look out for rocks, branches, or other obstacles that might get in the way or damage your camper.
• Use levelling tools: Invest in a good-quality levelling tool, such as a BAL Leveler, to help you find a level site and adjust your camper until it's level.
• Use levelling blocks: If your site is not perfectly level, you can use levelling blocks, pieces of wood, or other materials to adjust the height and level of your camper.
• Chock your wheels: Once you've found a level site, chock your wheels to prevent your camper from rolling or moving during your stay.

Taking the time to find a level site and properly level your pop-up camper will ensure a more comfortable and stable camping experience. It will also help prevent damage to your camper and its components, such as the door and fridge.

Disconnecting from your tow vehicle

Step 1: Positioning and Parking:

Start by positioning your camper in the desired spot on your campsite. It is important to note that you should not unhook your tow vehicle at this stage. When selecting the location, consider factors such as the slope of the ground, the proximity to trees, the fire pit, and the electrical hookup. You want to ensure there is enough clearance for your camper when it is fully extended and that you have easy access to the necessary amenities.

Step 2: Checking Level:

Check the side-to-side and front-to-back level of your camper. If it is already level, you can move on to the next step. If one side is lower than the other, you may need to adjust the position of your camper. You can use pieces of plywood or commercial levelling blocks to raise the lower side until your camper is level.

Step 3: Blocking the Wheels:

Once your camper is level, place small blocks of wood, wheel chocks, or other stabilising devices in front of and behind both wheels. This will prevent your camper from moving when you unhook the tow vehicle and during your stay.

Step 4: Lowering the Camper Tongue Jack:

Pull the retaining pin and swing down the camper tongue jack, which is located at the front end of the camper, near the propane tanks and battery. Ensure the tongue jack is retracted enough to swing down fully. If you are on soft ground, place a piece of wood under the jack wheel to prevent it from sinking.

Step 5: Disconnecting Utilities:

Before unhooking your tow vehicle, disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle and the camper. This will ensure you don't accidentally damage any electrical systems.

Step 6: Unhooking the Tow Vehicle:

Now, you can safely unhook the safety chains and raise the camper tongue off the tow vehicle hitch. Crank down on the tongue jack until the camper is fully separated from the tow hitch ball. Then, carefully move the tow vehicle away from the camper.

Step 7: Final Levelling Adjustments:

After unhooking the tow vehicle, re-check the level of your camper. Use the tongue jack to make any final adjustments to ensure your camper is level from front to back. Crank the handle clockwise to raise the tongue end or counter-clockwise to lower it.

By following these steps, you will be able to safely and effectively disconnect your pop-up camper from your tow vehicle, ensuring a stable and secure setup for your camping trip.

Raising the roof

Step 1: Park and Level Your Camper

Before raising the roof, find a suitable location for your camper and ensure it's parked on level ground. Use a large-scale level to check if your camper is aligned with the ground. If not, you can use plywood or commercial levelling blocks to adjust the height. This step is crucial to prevent instability and further damage to your camper.

Step 2: Stabilise the Camper

After levelling, stabilise your camper by lowering the stabilizer jacks on each corner. Make sure they're snug against the ground for added stability. This step ensures your camper remains steady while you raise the roof.

Step 3: Disconnect Locks and Roof Straps

Most pop-up campers have locks or latches that secure the roof in its lowered position. Disconnect these locks to release the roof. Some campers may also have straps or set pins holding the roof in place, so make sure to release those as well.

Step 4: Raise the Roof

Now, you can start raising the roof. Using the camper lift wrench, manual crank, or electric lifter system, carefully raise the roof to its full height. It's important to do this slowly and steadily to avoid damaging the mechanics. Continue cranking until the roof reaches its maximum height and won't turn anymore.

Step 5: Secure the Roof

Once the roof is fully raised, lock the support arms in place to secure it. This step ensures the roof stays up during your camping trip and prevents accidental lowering.

Step 6: Set Up Beds and Canvas (Optional)

At this point, your basic setup is complete, but you can continue with additional steps to make your camper more comfortable. Pull out the beds and secure the support braces under the frame. Attach the tent fabric around the door frame using velcro, snaps, or bungee attachments. Set up the sink and stove if you plan to use them.

Tips:

• Always refer to your user manual for specific instructions, as procedures may vary slightly between different models of pop-up campers.
• Remember to "UP-DOWN": raise the roof before lowering the stabilizers, and vice versa when packing up.
• If you're having trouble cranking the roof, ensure it's properly secured and in place. Do not force it; work with the momentum of the crank.
• Forgetting the crank is common. If you find yourself without it, you can use alternative tools like a socket with an extension and an iron bar, or even a cordless drill with the right adapters.

Setting up the beds

Firstly, grasp the handles on the outside end of one of the beds and firmly pull it out until you feel a solid stop. As you pull, pay attention to the position of the canvas and ensure it isn't catching on anything. If something doesn't feel right, stop pulling and check for any obstructions. It's important to pull with a firm, steady motion, but if the bed doesn't move, something might be wrong, so don't force it.

Next, check the canvas again, ensuring it isn't catching on anything. Inspect the inside of the camper to make sure the bed isn't obstructed. Once you've confirmed that the bed is clear, you can continue pulling it out.

After the bed is fully extended, pull out the free end of the bed support pole, which is located underneath the bed. Position this end onto the stud on the frame of the camper. Repeat this process with the second support pole to provide additional stability.

Now, lift up on the bed to fully latch both support poles into place. You'll feel the bed lift slightly and then settle solidly when you set it down. This indicates that the support poles are securely latched.

Repeat the entire process with the second bed, making sure to follow the same steps to ensure both beds are securely set up.

Once both beds are in place, you can make them up with bedding and pillows, creating a comfortable space for a restful night's sleep during your camping trip.

Connecting water, sewer, and electricity

When it comes to connecting water, sewer, and electricity to your pop-up camper, there are a few things to keep in mind. Let's go through each of these in detail to ensure a safe and proper setup.

Water System

Firstly, identify whether your pop-up camper has a water system. This can be done by looking underneath the trailer, where you may find one or two large boxes with pipes connecting to the trailer. These boxes represent freshwater and wastewater systems, which function independently. If you have the camper's manual, you can refer to it to determine the capacity and type of water system in your camper. Typically, pop-up campers have freshwater tanks ranging from 5 to 15 gallons, but newer models may have tanks up to 30 gallons.

If your camper has a connector for city water, you can bypass the holding tank or choose to fill it up and then disconnect the hose. To connect to city water, locate the freshwater inlet on the shore side or driver's side of the camper. This inlet has a female hose fitting, so you'll need a male fitting from a clean water hose. Ensure that the hose is designated for freshwater use only and is either white or blue in colour. Do not use a standard water hose as it may not be food-grade and can introduce bacteria.

It is recommended to use a water pressure regulator and a water filter when hooked up to city water to avoid potential damage to the plumbing pipes and to improve water taste and quality.

Wastewater System

The wastewater system typically consists of two different boxes: greywater and black water. Greywater tanks hold wastewater from activities such as doing dishes, brushing teeth, or showering, while black water tanks hold wastewater from the toilet. Always handle the black water tank with gloves, as this water is considered dirty and should never be consumed or mixed with freshwater.

Both tanks should have a plug or cap that can be opened and closed for easy emptying. Use a specialized hose to connect to an RV dump station, site sewer drain, or a portable wastewater tank.

Sewer Connection

When connecting to a campground sewer, it is important to consider the type of toilet in your camper. Standard RV toilets do not have a water trap (P-Trap), so direct connection to the campground sewer can result in sewer gas entering the camper. If your camper has a black water holding tank, do not leave the connection open, as it will drain liquids but leave solids behind, causing issues.

If your camper has a cassette-type toilet, you may be able to use an adapter to connect to the campground sewer. Always refer to your camper's manual or seek advice from experienced RV owners or professionals when dealing with sewer connections to ensure a safe and proper setup.

Electricity

Connecting your pop-up camper to electricity can be done through a power adapter. The power cord of your camper is typically 20 or 30 AMP, and you will need a trailer power adapter to connect to a standard 110 home outlet. This will allow you to power essential items but may not be sufficient to run an air conditioner.

If you plan to use power-intensive appliances, consider hiring an electrician to install a dedicated 30 AMP circuit to ensure a stable power supply. Additionally, always refer to your camper's manual for specific instructions and safety precautions when connecting to electricity.

Frequently asked questions