Building A Lego Pop-Up Camper: Step-By-Step Guide

LEGO has been releasing sets with campers since the 1970s. The oldest set is the #623 LEGO White Car & Camper from 1970, which resembles a pop-up trailer. Since then, LEGO has released several other camper sets, including the #379 LEGO Car & Caravan from 1972, the #6388 LEGO Holiday Home with Campervan from 1989, and more modern options like the #7639 LEGO City Camper from 2009. While some of these sets have been retired, they can still be found on eBay or through other resellers. In addition to the official sets, LEGO enthusiasts have also created their own custom campers, such as the LEGO MOC Pop-Up Camper by benbuildslego, which offers free building instructions online.

Lego camper history

Lego has been releasing sets with campers since the 1970s. The oldest set is the #623 Lego White Car & Camper from 1970, which resembles a pop-up trailer. The #379 Lego Car & Caravan from 1972 is more realistic, with a red vehicle pulling a sizeable travel trailer. A van conversion was introduced in 1989 with the #6388 Lego Holiday Home with Campervan. The Lego Fabuland campers from the 1980s are also notable for their cute, small size, such as the #3635 Lego Fabuland Bonnie Bunny’s Camper from 1981.

There was then a gap of several years before the release of the #7639 Lego City Camper in 2009, which brought back the camping theme to Lego City and Friends. This was followed by the #3184 Lego Friends Adventure Camper in 2012 and the #60057 Lego City Camper Van in 2014. These sets feature well-shaped exteriors and detailed interiors.

In recent years, Lego has continued to release modern travel trailers and camper vans, including the #4435 Lego City Car & Caravan (2012), the #41034 Lego Friends Summer Caravan (2014), and the #60117 Lego City Van & Caravan (2016). These sets also include cars to pull the trailers and feature detailed interiors.

Lego has also released larger and more luxurious camper options, such as the #41106 Lego Friends Pop Star Tour Bus (2015), which resembles a glamorous bus conversion used by pop stars and sports teams. The #31052 Lego Creator Vacation Getaways, released in summer 2016, is another example of a detailed and realistic camper van with a full interior and exterior.

Lego camper design

• Size and Proportions: Decide on the scale of your Lego camper, whether you want it to be a smaller, more compact design or a larger, more spacious model. Consider the number of Lego pieces you have available and the level of detail you wish to achieve.
• Exterior Design: Start by building a sturdy base for your camper, which will serve as the foundation. Use Lego bricks to create the overall shape, considering the placement of windows, doors, and other exterior features. Choose a colour scheme that reflects the camping theme, such as earthy tones or vibrant colours associated with outdoor adventures.
• Interior Details: Design the interior layout to include essential camping features. This can include a kitchen area with a stove, sink, and storage compartments. Create a dining area with a table and seating. You can also add sleeping quarters, complete with beds and storage for camping gear.
• Pop-up Roof Mechanism: The key feature of a pop-up camper is its expandable roof. Design a mechanism that allows the roof to be raised and lowered smoothly. This can be achieved using Lego Technic pieces, hinges, and pins to create a stable yet movable structure. Ensure the roof can support the weight of additional Lego pieces or any lightweight fabrics you plan to use.
• Accessories and Customization: Enhance the design with Lego accessories such as camping gear, outdoor furniture, and miniature trees to create a camping scene. You can also add personal touches, such as a custom licence plate or unique colour schemes, to make your Lego camper stand out.
• Stability and Functionality: Ensure that your Lego camper is stable and can withstand gentle handling. Test the durability of the pop-up roof mechanism by raising and lowering it several times. Check that all removable parts, such as the sides and back, can be securely attached and detached without compromising the overall structure.

By following these design considerations, you can create a detailed and functional Lego pop-up camper that captures the essence of camping adventures.

Lego camper construction

Building a Lego pop-up camper is a fun and creative project, and with the right instructions, anyone can do it! Lego has been releasing camper sets as early as the 1970s, with the #623 Lego White Car & Camper, a simple set resembling a pop-up trailer. Over the years, Lego has released various camper-van sets with nice shaping, detailed interiors, and realistic features.

For those who want to build their own unique Lego pop-up camper, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, decide on the scale and size of your camper. Do you want it to be minifigure-sized or larger? This will determine the number of Lego pieces you'll need. You can find free building instructions online, like the ones provided by benbuildslego on Rebrickable, which offer a fun challenge with 194 parts.

When constructing your Lego camper, pay attention to the small details that make it realistic. For example, ensure that the camper has removable sides, allowing easy access to the kitchen and dining area, and a detachable top for an open-air experience. You can also add features like a car to pull your trailer or unique shapes and colours to make it stand out.

Additionally, consider the stability of your creation. Some Lego builders have encountered issues with pop-up roofs not staying up. This could be due to pins not gripping well, so it's important to ensure a tight fit for all connecting pieces.

Building a Lego pop-up camper is a rewarding project that combines creativity with engineering. With the right instructions and attention to detail, anyone can create their own unique and functional Lego camper. So, gather your Lego collection and get ready to embark on a fun construction journey!

Lego camper customisation

Choose Your Base

Start by selecting a suitable base for your pop-up camper. You can choose from a variety of Lego camper sets available, such as the #623 LEGO White Car & Camper from 1970, the #379 LEGO Car & Caravan from 1972, or the more modern #7639 LEGO City Camper set. These sets provide a great foundation for customisation.

Design and Details

Think about the design and details you want to incorporate into your Lego camper. Consider the size, shape, and colour scheme of your camper. You can make it as realistic or as whimsical as you like. Add personal touches such as windows, doors, and maybe even a pop-up roof! Lego Fabuland campers, like the #3635 LEGO Fabuland Bonnie Bunny’s Camper, offer a cute and unique shape to inspire your design.

Interior Features

Don't forget to plan the interior of your pop-up camper. Include features such as a kitchen and dining area, and sleeping quarters. Make it interactive by allowing access to these areas through removable sides or a swing-open back, as suggested by benbuildslego on Rebrickable. You can also add furniture and accessories to make the interior more cosy and inviting.

Technical Details

Pay attention to the technical details to ensure your pop-up camper functions smoothly. For example, if you're creating a pop-up roof, ensure the pins are gripping well to hold the roof in place, as suggested by a user on Reddit. Consider using Technic pins or finding alternative solutions if you encounter similar issues.

Customisation Ideas

• Create a luxurious tour bus conversion with glamorous features fit for pop stars or sports teams, such as the #41106 LEGO Friends Pop Star Tour Bus.
• Design a vintage camper with a retro colour scheme and details reminiscent of the silver bullet trailers from the 1970s.
• Incorporate nature into your design by adding outdoor accessories like a campfire, picnic table, or even a small Lego forest or lake.

Remember to have fun and let your creativity flow during the customisation process. With Lego, the possibilities are endless!

Lego camper troubleshooting

If you're having trouble with your Lego pop-up camper, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try. One common issue is a pop-up roof that won't stay up. This could be due to pins that are not gripping well enough. Try replacing the pins with tighter-fitting ones, or use a thin flathead screwdriver to lightly pry the slot on the pegs apart without breaking them. You can also try swapping out black pins with blue one-dot pieces, which may provide a better grip.

If you're having issues with the sides of your camper, try adding them one at a time to see if there is a specific piece that is causing the problem. It could be that a particular pin or peg is not aligned correctly or is damaged. Check for any signs of wear or looseness and replace the piece if necessary.

Another potential issue is with the camper's fabric. If the fabric is loose or sagging, try adjusting it to fit more tightly. You can also try using a different fabric that is more durable or has a tighter weave.

Additionally, if you're having trouble with the camper's kitchen and dining area, make sure you have easy access by being able to disconnect the top of the camper and swing open the backside. Check that all the pins and hinges are in good condition and are properly aligned.

Finally, if you're having issues with stability, try adding Lego weights to the bottom of the camper to increase its centre of gravity and improve its balance. You can also ensure that the camper is built on a flat, even surface to prevent tipping.

Frequently asked questions