10 Pop Up Camping Tips, Tricks, & Hacks You Won't Find Anywhere Else!

This video details ten pop up camping tips, tricks, and hacks that you can use every time you go pop up camping! Just in case you don't want to watch the video, or in case you did and are just coming back to refresh your memory, here are our top ten:

1. Bring an extension cable to run multiple high amperage electrical devices at once without tripping a breaker;
2. Always open your propane tanks slowly and use your stove to bleed air out of the lines;
3. Bring an indoor/outdoor wireless thermometer to monitor your refrigerator and pop up camper's indoor temperature;
4. Utilize the tote-system to minimize the number of times you have to open and close your pop up camper;
5. Tape some extra fuses to the inside cover of your converter for quick access;
6. Rock your tow vehicle back and forth if your pop up camper's coupler lock doesn't want to engage;
7. Use a blade fuse on your 7-way connector to test the auxiliary lights on the exterior of your pop up;
8. Store an extra set of keys for all of the locks on your pop up;
9. Run a lower amperage extension cord directly to your three-way refrigerator to pre-cool it before trips;
and 10. Pre-cool your cooler and/or three-way refrigerator using ice-blocks to save money on ice or time cooling your refrigerator.

Tell us what you think!

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[ItsPoppin]

Thanks for watching! What are your pop up camping tips and hacks? Cheers!

[brucebauer]

On you fuse replacement tip: If you blew a fuse, don't replace it until you remove the cause of the fuse blowing, or the replacement will just pop also! Whatever you did to cause the fuse to blow in the first place, undo that before putting in the replacement fuse!

[paulg]

Another useful tip when using coolers. Salt the ice. Salt will lower the temperature and extend the the time food is cold. If you go overboard, like I did, you could actually freeze a gallon of milk! Likewise, we have finally moved beyond a cooler and bought one of the cooler style refrigerators and plug into the shore power using an extension cord. No more having to put food in bags, protect from water, or risking the campground runs out of ice. So, now we have an outdoor and indoor refrigerator.

[jlb]

Cool tips. I hadn't thought about an extension cord

[PARelicHunters]

We always carry several extension cords because we use space heaters during the colder months. Opening your propane bottle very slowly to keep the check valve from closing was a great tip. We also freeze several water bottles for the cooler, because I don't want to spend 400 dollars on a yeti.

[paulg]

Another great tip is to use ratchet straps to help add support to the popup awning. (credit goes to a video I saw on youtube). Did it this summer and the awning stayed perfectly still while attached to the side of the camper. Another tip is to get some string and tie up a heavy piece of PVC pipe under the rear bed and use that as a towel rack. Finally, I tie in the sink drain (left side camper) and shower drain (right side camper) with simple garden hose and a high flow y-splitter and then direct to grey water.

[brodiesimpson]

For the tounge lock not going down you just need to go forwards and give it a little tug to take the pressure off of the locking mechanism, if it doesn’t latch it’s too far back! Just an FYI :)

[stevenrogers]

Thanks for sharing info. I use the spare fuse on the converter cover, learned that from a previous vid you had done. However, I had not thought to use the standard extension cord to pre cool the fridge instead of 30 Amp cord. Genius! You can teach an old dog new tricks, who knew. We tow with a pickup so we use waterproof chests for our linens/clothing, smaller models for our dry food, and camp kitchen supplies. Once on site, and set up we can open each tote to access smaller modules for taking inside. Yes, I know I am a Super Nurd, each chest is stenciled with contents. Stenciling is much easier, due to being a Geriatric Juvinile, to remember where everything is located. Also placement in the bed of the truck is the same each time, repetition becomes memory. We have learned through the years that we do not require a lot to make camp. However using a check list, we know what to bring for short term camping, or long term trips. Once home we popup our unit in the barn, to air and for cleaning. Remove all items from the chests for cleaning, side note: I have shelves in the barn for the chests & totes. We are ready for our next camp. As always, Bless you and yours, Bless our Popup Family. See you on the trail.

[johnwolff]

Another great video very helpful. 😃 Loved the direct 110 connection to the fridge and the ice blocks in the fridge and coolers.

[Gen_X_Jenn]

Love all the tips! Especially the fridge tips. Indoor/Outdoor thermometer "add to cart".

[marikiemarie]

Great vidoe! I've always preferred pop ups but couldn't find a used one for sale until i was given a 2007 fleetwood williamsburg for free! I'm so excited about it and need all the help I can get.

[debbiebarnett]

Another tip for cooling coolers, is the night before you plan on leaving, bring the coolers inside, turn open upside down over the floor vents (if you are using your home ac). The vents will cool the cooler down enough that will help keep things cool. You can also use PVP 3 or 4 inch pipes, glue an end cap on one ends, then fill 3/4 full with salt water and glue another cap on top. Stick in freezer, and use them in the cooler. They will last longer than frozen water gallons and do not take as much room. Video the videos and am looking for my first pop up camper (moving from tent to camper - age...lol). Your videos have been a huge help. Happy Camping!!

[roberttoews]

Ice is always a concern with cooling your coolers (and drinks!). Tired of trips off site to get bags of ice, we bought a portable ice maker. Love it!

[elizabethsawwwootenwc]

Dry ice is great for keeping things frozen for longer trips. A layer of dry ice with a thin layer of ice over it, place food items that you want to thaw last on the ice. Move up and over accordingly. We put dry ice mainly in half of out food cooler and use the rest to thaw as needed

[JackieWeni]

Plug in fridge directly to extension cord...! Fantastic tip! One less thing to have to put away when leaving (the big cord and adapter). Love your videos!

[MattAdams]

Love your channel! Big inspo for our family of 6 pup trip to Yellowstone this summer.

[redpine]

I've had to wrestle with the proane tank being locked out and if opening it slowly doesn't work, there is a small standard screw near the connector. Turning it counter clockwise (just a little) lets some propane and pressure off. Now try to open it slowly again, or open slightly even while you've got the screw slightly open. Of course, re-tighten it.

[kennythurston]

Great tips. I'm new to pop up camping, and I need all the tips I can get. Thanks, and take care.

[calebbearup]

When hauling a farm wagon and trying to get it to line on up the ball we always put tire chaulks down and pull forward onto those then lock it. But that's always needed on that scenario because of our specific hitch shortcomings. I like the idea of going back and forth too

[tonycifelli]

Thank you for all your wonderful tips and hacks! Very informative and helpful for sure.
Tony C.
Amherst, NY