How To Set Up A Pop-Up Camper

Every experienced camper remembers when he set up his pop-up camper for the very first time.

It can be an intimidating experience, especially when you are not sure how the setup of a pop-up camper works.

In this practical guide, we’ll take you through all the steps that you need to follow for a fast pop-up camper setup.

How To Set Up A Pop-Up Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Setting up a pop-up camper may seem challenging at first but it gets easier over time. Here are all the essential steps to get you started with setting up your folding camper.

Find A Level Location

First, you will need to find a suitable location that’s as level as possible. While you will need to level your camper a little bit, it’s important that the ground you stand on is even.

You should also consider a location that’s close to an electrical hookup or fire pit. This being said, there should still be enough safety distance between your camper and any fire pit.

Level Your Camper

Some folding campers have automated stabilizer jacks that you can extend. They easily ensure that your camper is level and stable on the ground.

For any campers that don’t have stabilizers, you will need to place some plywood under the wheels to make the camper level.

Simply get some 1.5 feet long plywood pieces and places them underneath the wheel by going backward and then driving onto the wood.

This can be difficult to judge for beginners, so you may want to have someone else to direct you.

Once you checked everything with a side level, you can place small wood blocks in front and behind the wheels to ensure your camper stays in place.

Unplug Your Camper From The Towing Vehicle

Once your folding camper is in place, you are ready to detach the towing vehicle from the camper.

This varies depending on your pop-up camper and your vehicle.

Most commonly, you will need to pull out the retaining pin and move down the camper tongue jack.

Next, you need to remove the electrical connection from your towing truck or car to the camper.

Make sure to unhook any safety chain and then you can simply raise the camper tongue away from your vehicle hitch.

Set Up Your Camper’s Electrical Supply

After you disconnected the camper from your tow vehicle, you can start setting up your folding camper.

If you have food in your fridge, then getting your electrical supply going is the first thing you should do.

The first thing you need to do is get out your camper’s electrical supply cord and hook it up to the site’s electrical hookup.

If you are on a campsite, then there may be specific instructions on how you need to plug your electricity supply into their hookup.

Set Up Your Folding Camper Roof

Now it is time to get your camper roof up. Get your roof crank and insert it into the screw rod end of your camper.

Some campers only have one location where you need to crank up the roof, while others need to work several.

Make sure that you unlatch the roof latches around your camper before you start cranking.

Then, crank up the roof to its full height. The crank shouldn’t move anymore if the roof is fully extended.

If you store anything inside your camper, now is the time to get it all out as the next step is setting up your bed.

Set Up Your Camper Bed

It is time to set up your sleeping area in your camper. Take the handles on the outside of the camper and pull it out until it stops.

Make sure that the fabric doesn’t catch on anything. It’s also worth checking the inside of the camper as it’s easy to tear the fabric by just pulling out the bed.

Once you pulled out the bed, you can set up the two bed support poles that go underneath your camper bed.

You may need to lift your bed up to get the poles properly in. Just make sure that everything is fully secured and the poles sit solid.

After you finished one bed, you just repeat the same process on the other side of the camper.

Set Up The Camper’s Propane Supply

Your folding camper should have a gas hookup where you can connect a propane tank. They are usually stored at the front of your camper.

Set Up Your Camper’s Water Heater

Lastly, you need to get your water heater and the pilot light going. Go to the hot water access panel on the outside of your folding camper

This should have the gas knob to light the pilot light. Hold this down and then place a flame near the pilot tube.

With older folding campers, it’s a good idea to watch the flame for a minute until you are sure that the pilot light stays on.

How Long Does It Take To Set Up A Pop-Up Camper?

It can take 30 minutes to set up a standard pop-up camper. This being said, camper newbies might take a little longer, while experienced campers can set up their camper in 20 minutes.

The time it takes to set up a pop-up camper also depends on the type of camper you have and your individual setup.

If you have a small camper, then you can expect the setup to be much faster than with a bigger pop-up camper.

Are Pop-Up Campers Easy To Set Up?

Yes, pop-up campers are relatively easy to set up. These portable and lightweight trailers are easy to move around and quick to set up.

However, it might take a little bit of experience and routine in setting up your camper. The more often you go through the setup, the easier and faster it will be in the future.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a folding camper may seem difficult but it’s relatively easy once you get going. Just follow our step-by-step instructions and you can enjoy your camping trip in no time.