Enhancing Your Pop-Up Camper: Smart, Budget-Friendly Improvements

Pop-up campers are a great, cost-effective option for camping trips, but they can be a little cramped. There are several ways to improve your pop-up camper experience, from increasing space and improving insulation to making the most of your outdoor setup.

Firstly, consider your storage options. Using storage containers and collapsible items can help to maximise your space, while suction hooks and hanging baskets can help you make the most of your walls. You can also install shelves, but make sure to choose slim profiles that won't make your space feel cramped.

If you're setting up your camper for the first time, it's important to find level ground and make sure your camper is stabilised. You can use a larger-scale level to check this, and then attach a stabiliser to the back of your trailer. You should also place jacks under the support points of your trailer to lock it into position.

When it comes to your outdoor setup, an awning can give you valuable extra space to relax and do your setup, especially if you're camping with kids. You can also add a screen room to your awning to keep insects out and protect against the weather.

For cooking, you might want to invest in an outdoor stove or grill, and a small microwave can be a great way to quickly heat up meals.

Finally, if you're looking to improve the insulation of your camper, you can add pop-up gizmos to keep it cool in summer and preserve heat in winter.

Use a high-quality cooler instead of a refrigerator

A pop-up camper is a great, economical choice for camping, and there are several ways to improve your experience. One of the most important things to consider is how to best utilise the limited space available. A great way to do this is by using a high-quality cooler instead of a refrigerator.

Pop-up campers are compact and easy to transport, but they can feel cramped. A refrigerator can take up a lot of valuable space, so opting for a high-quality cooler is a smart choice. Coolers are portable and can be easily stored away when not in use, freeing up space in your camper. They are also a more economical option, as they don't require electricity to function. This is especially useful if you plan on camping off-grid or in areas without electrical hookups.

When choosing a cooler, look for one that is well-insulated and has a good sealing lid to ensure your food and drinks stay cold for as long as possible. You may also want to consider getting a cooler with a plug for easy drainage, as well as handles for easy transport. It is also a good idea to get a cooler with a durable exterior that can withstand the wear and tear of camping trips.

In addition to saving space, using a cooler instead of a refrigerator can also help reduce your power consumption. This is beneficial if you are camping off-grid or are relying on solar power, as it will help conserve your battery power for other essential appliances.

Another advantage of using a cooler is the flexibility it offers. You can easily move it around to suit your needs, whether you're relaxing inside your camper or spending time outdoors. It can also double as extra seating or a side table when closed.

By choosing a high-quality cooler over a refrigerator, you'll not only save space in your pop-up camper but also gain flexibility and reduce your power consumption. This simple switch can significantly improve your camping experience and make your pop-up camper feel more spacious and comfortable.

Install hanging shelves

Hanging shelves are a great way to increase storage space in your pop-up camper. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install them:

Step 1: Determine the Hanging Height

Decide how low you want the shelf to hang. This will depend on what you plan to store on the shelf and how much space you need above and below it. Mark the desired height on each corner of the ceiling with a pencil.

Step 2: Cut the Ribbons

Cut four pieces of ribbon, each double the length of your desired hanging height. For example, if you want the shelf to hang down 18 inches, cut four pieces of ribbon that are 36 inches long. Fold and sew a loop at one end of each ribbon, then attach a book ring to the loop.

Step 3: Attach the Ribbons to the Ceiling

Attach the other end of each ribbon to the loops on the ceiling. You can use the existing loops or install new ones if needed. Make sure the ribbons are securely attached and can bear the weight of the items you plan to store on the shelf.

Step 4: Prepare the Shelf

If you don't already have a wire shelf, you can purchase one or make your own using wire mesh. Cut the wire shelf to the desired size, making sure it is not wider than the distance between the ribbons. You can cover the edges of the shelf with plastic tubing or fabric to protect your hands and the items you store.

Step 5: Hang the Shelf

Open a book ring on each ribbon and place it through the corresponding loop on the wire shelf. Close the book rings securely, making sure the shelf is level. Adjust the height of the shelf by sliding the book rings along the ribbons.

Step 6: Test and Adjust

Place items on the shelf to test its stability and adjust the height as needed. Make sure the shelf can bear the weight of the items and that there is enough clearance above and below it. Once you are satisfied with the placement, your hanging shelf is ready to use!

Hanging shelves are a great way to maximize storage space in your pop-up camper. You can use them to store snacks, kitchen items, clothing, or any other essentials. By following these steps, you can easily install hanging shelves and improve the functionality of your pop-up camper.

Use collapsible items

One of the best ways to save space in your pop-up camper is to use collapsible items. When space is limited, the last thing you want is to buy bulky items such as kitchen utensils and tools. Opt for items with a collapsible design instead. For example, replace your bulky dish drying rack or bucket with a collapsible or foldable one. When not in use, you can simply fold these items up and put them away, minimising the clutter on your counter and floor.

You can also switch up your pet's bowls with collapsible dishes to save space. If you have a bicycle, consider getting a foldable one so you can easily carry it with your bike rack. The same goes for any other outdoor items you want to bring; look for something that can fold and is lightweight.

Another way to save space is to use crates that can be folded when not in use. These can be used to store food, small items that are needed often, and even as a trash collector.

To save space in your bathroom, use caddies to store toiletries. Choose waterproof ones that can be hung on the wall to reduce clutter on your sink.

Get creative with garbage disposal

Garbage can pile up quickly when you're using your camper, so it's important to be prepared. A smart way to access garbage bags quickly and easily is to use a paper towel holder. You can turn an extra paper towel holder into a garbage bag dispenser by sliding the holder through the roll of garbage bags. You can then rip off a bag just as you would a paper towel. You could also use collapsible trash bins that fold down while you're travelling.

If you're looking for more permanent solutions, you could try repurposing your old camper. For example, you could turn it into a mobile BBQ kitchen, an ice shanty, or a utility trailer. You could also donate your camper to a technical college or fire department, which sometimes use vehicles for training purposes. Alternatively, you could sell your camper to a scrap yard, although you shouldn't expect to make much money from this.

Use crates for storage

Using crates for storage is a great way to keep your pop-up camper organised and make the most of the limited space. You can use crates that can be folded away when not in use, and they can be set up outside the camper to save even more space.

One option is to use plastic milk crates, which are super handy for storing stuff in the pop-up camper and for packing stuff for the trip. They're easy to bring into the house, fill up with supplies, and then put into the camper. If you have a '97 Palomino Colt, the milk crates fit inside the camper when it is closed up: they slide right under the beds.

You can also use milk crates as a dirty dish caddy. Pile your dirty dishes into it and take them to the campground's dishwashing station. Once the dishes are washed, rinse out the milk crate and put the clean dishes back inside to return to the campsite. The holes in the crate allow airflow, so the milk crate essentially becomes a dish drying rack too.

Another option is to use foldable crates. We use 2-3 such crates. One for keeping food items, one for other small items that are needed often, and the last one as a trash collector. The crates can be of great help in keeping things properly organised. Also, since they fold, they're not utilising extra space.

Frequently asked questions