Unfolding Adventure: Opening Your Pop-Up Camper

Setting up a pop-up camper can be a daunting task, especially for first-time campers. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a breeze! In this article, we will guide you through the process of opening and setting up your pop-up camper, covering everything from levelling to unlocking the entrance and even some tips for common issues. So, whether you're a seasoned camper or a novice, read on to learn how to open your pop-up camper with ease!

Level your camper

Leveling your camper is important to make your stay comfortable and ensure appliances like gas refrigerators function properly. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you level your pop-up camper:

Choose a Suitable Location:

Start by selecting a flat parking spot to position your camper. If there's a slight slope, ensure it's towards the front or back, not the sides, of the camper. Clear the area of any rocks, branches, or camping gear, and ensure everyone moves away from the camper during the leveling process.

Leveling from Side to Side:

Use a bubble level to measure the camper from side to side. Place the level in the doorway, on the floor, or on a countertop, and check if one side is lower than the other. If it's already level, you can skip to the next step.

If one side is low, you'll need to raise it using leveling blocks or pieces of wood. Place the blocks or wood in front of or behind the tires on the low side, creating a ramp for the camper to drive onto. Slowly drive the camper onto the blocks/wood, ensuring the wheels are firmly on them. Recheck the level and adjust as needed.

Once level, place wheel chocks under the tires to keep the camper still. Place the chocks behind the wheels if the ground slopes towards the rear.

Leveling from Front to Back:

Now, measure the camper's levelness from front to back using the bubble level. Place it in the doorway or on the floor, with the ends pointing towards the front and back of the camper. If one end is lower, you'll need to adjust it.

To level the camper from front to back, adjust the tongue jack, which is the front part that connects to your vehicle. You can raise or lower it by cranking or using a manual hand jack. Stack a few pieces of wood under the tongue jack to provide a resting spot and ensure the camper stays level.

Stabilizing the Camper:

Finally, use the stabilizing jacks on the four corners of the camper to prevent rocking and maintain stability. Place two or more pieces of wood under each stabilizer to ensure they don't move. These jacks are not meant for leveling but are crucial for stability.

Always refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on adjusting the tongue jack and stabilizing jacks.

Unhook the latches

Unhooking the latches is a crucial step in setting up your pop-up camper. Once you have found a suitable location and levelled your camper, you can begin the process of unhooking the latches.

Firstly, locate the latches on your camper. There should be one on each corner of the camper, holding the roof to the body. Once you have found them, pull down on the latch and then pull away the clip. This will release the roof from the body of the camper.

It is important to note that you should not force your camper to unfold. Work with the momentum of the crank and use slow, clockwise motions to avoid damaging the mechanics. If you encounter resistance, take a step back and ensure that the crank is secured and in place.

Unhooking the latches will allow you to begin raising the roof of your pop-up camper. After unhooking the latches, you can insert the camper crank and begin turning to raise the roof. Remember to work slowly and carefully to ensure a smooth and safe setup process.

Insert the crank

Inserting the crank is the next step after unhooking the latches that hold the top of your camper down. The crank is inserted into the roof crank spot at the back of the camper. Once the crank is in place, you can begin to crank up the camper roof. This is done in a clockwise motion until the roof is at its full height.

It is important to note that you should work with the momentum of the crank and not force your camper to unfold. If you are experiencing resistance, take a step back and ensure that the crank is secured and in place.

After cranking up the roof, the next step is to crank down the four camper supports to the ground. You will feel some resistance when they touch the ground, but there is no need to crank too tightly.

Set the door and beds

Setting up a pop-up camper for the first time can be intimidating, but it's important to follow the correct steps to avoid damage. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to set the door and beds of your pop-up camper:

Setting Up the Door:

• Unsnap the door from the ceiling of the camper. Carefully lower it into the door opening.
• Secure the door by turning the locking clips on the top left and right sides so that they engage with the slots.
• Attach the Velcro on the canvas to the outside of the door frame. This will help keep the door in place.

Setting Up the Beds:

• Grasp the handles on the outside end of one of the beds and pull it out firmly until you feel a solid stop. Ensure that the canvas isn't catching on anything as you pull.
• Check that the bed isn't catching on anything inside the camper. If something doesn't feel right, stop pulling and reassess.
• Pull out the bed support pole from underneath the bed and position it onto the stud on the camper's frame.
• Repeat this process for the second bed support pole.
• Lift up on the bed to fully latch both supports. You will feel the bed lift and then sit solidly in place.
• Pull out the second bed, following the same steps.
• Secure the canvas to the beds using the bungee cords provided.
• Insert the interior canvas support pole onto the canvas support frame at the end of the bed and lift.
• Push out on the pole while positioning the other end into the support clip.
• Repeat this process for the other bed.

By following these steps, you will have your pop-up camper door and beds set up securely and safely.

Attach the tent

Attaching the Tent

Now that the roof is fully open and locked in place, you can attach the tent. First, set the entry door in place, locking it into its frame. Then, attach the tent material around the door frame using the built-in Velcro or J-channel. Next, attach the tent to the bed ends using the Velcro attachments or snaps along the sides, as well as the bungee cords for extra strength.

If your camper has a slideout, you will need to attach the velcro on the canvas to the slideout to secure it. Then, hook the bungee cords on the bed canvas to the hooks underneath the beds to secure the canvas.

Finally, insert the end of the interior canvas support pole onto the canvas support frame at the end of the bed and lift. Push out on the pole while positioning the other end into the support clip. Repeat this process with the other bed.

Frequently asked questions