I'm a little hesitant to mention this but I own a rockwood 276hw and the build quality is quite bad. Unfortunately roof chalking is a constant problem and I believe I am slowly losing the war on water intruding in the seams. It's a real shame because I absolutely love the camper otherwise.
As an old retired AIr Force guy we don't do anything without a checklist. Here is mine. I hope it might help someone. Also, to check lug nuts, paint a small line half on the lug and half on the wheel immediately after torqueing lugs . If the lug loosens the lines will no longer line up. The small bottles of paint used for model airplanes works great. Easy to check on the road without a torque wrench. Great video, done or seen just about everything you mentioned. I know I would forget something without using the checklist. Thanks for making the video. Towing Checklist Ball trailer hitch pin installed (on truck) Two chains connected Brake safety wire connected Elastic tie down installed (Holds chains off ground) Electric connected Trailer ball coupler down and pinned (on trailer) Lights tested Camper step stored up Pop-up hold downs (4) secured Tire pressure checked Lug nuts checked Propane tanks secured Pop-up crank handle in camper Stabilizers in up position Stabilizer drill socket in camper Drill and cord in camper (used to lower stabilizers) Wheel Stored Trailer jack all the way up Oven and stove stored Porta-John stored Water tank filled Bedding stored Tool Bag stored Cooler in truck Jump Bag in truck Clothes bag in truck Umbrellas in trailer
Set-up Checklist Level right to left with blocks Chalk pop-up Un-Zip Canopy Disconnect trailer to truck electric Disconnect chains Disconnect brake safety wire Install wheel and raise hitch Move truck Level front to back Lower stabilizers Move stove propane tank from storage Raise pop-up Install safety bars Pull out slide-outs Install slide-out tent support poles Flip sink Install door Velcro Pop-up bars in place Velcro all door and slide-out fasteners Hook up water and drain Hook up electric Lower canopy Install mosquito netting on poles
As lame as it sounds, it can be worthwhile to do a dry run setting up and fiddling around in your yard. Just take your time learning the basic stuff before you get out there. Murphy law dictates it's gonna rain and your gonna rush the first time out there.
Thanks a million for your tips. We have just bought the tiniest camper in the world! One slide out bed. One tip the previous owner gave us was not to get distracted with people coming over for a friendly chat while setting up or packing down. He said that was key to success, he also gave us advise on how to discourage same people from doing so. Politely, of course. 😜
We bought our used 2008 Fleetwood Sedona July 2020. I had never owned or used one, so I read and watch whatever I could to know how to not instantly ruin it. I found your channel and it was chock full of good info, so I appreciate that for sure. So far I have not ruined anything (yet ;-) ). What is funny is that I think sometimes people at the campground think I am crazy because I am very methodical about when I open and close the camper. I even go as far as to wipe down the vinal on the bunk ends and the awning as I close it up. Both to ensure that any leaves, debris, bird poo, sap, or dampness have been removed, its not hard and doesn't take much extra time. I have a handful of holes in the floor because I removed the freshwater tank, plumbing, stove, gas lines, and yes removed the fridge too. They all worked but wanted the extra room. But doing so created several holes in the floors that I have either temporarily covered with gorilla Dtape or corrugated plastic board. I am hoping that will be enough to keep the mice out. I have also put Irish Spring soap in it and got large buckets of DampRid for the winter storage. I will have a vented popup cover this week and once I have it parked, tires on wood blocks, covered and lastly titled to avoid pooling of water and snow on it. I am hoping that it will be safe over the winter months as my family really enjoyed our first times using "Pete".. "Pete the Pop-up". Again, I enjoy your channel. Regards, John in SW Missouri.
Most helpful advice and instructions on how to maintain and operate our 2003 Coleman popup which we bought last fall and took down through the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains. Insulation under the matresses' and in the windows was something I hadn't realized would be so helpful in conserving propane ( different video) .Thanks for all your info. keep up the good deeds!
This is great information! I’m brand new to pop up camping and have learned some extremely important tips. Thanks for sparing us some potential terrible experiences. Happy Camping!
We came back from the lake to find our awning gone. I about had a heart attack. Wind blew it on top of the roof. We were fortunate, nothing bent, broke or tore. We learned a lesson with that one...much more careful now. Just found you...thanks for the videos. So helpful!! We are actually camping right now in Arkansas...love our pop up! We have a 2007 StarCraft 2107.
From my own experience on our Jayco!! Check the stabiliser leg retaining pin engages after winding in and lifting up. Dust from an unsealed road prevented the pin from sprining into place and the leg dropped after setting off 😢
I purchased a 1997 Viking Pop Up(2309). Small hole in roof left go, a really long time. Ruined the roof (I built a new roof structure) and ruined a third of the floor. It got replaced. Last person who used it, put it away wet, and did not open it to dry. Mould Armour spray helped with the extensive mold. Mice ruined the original curtains. The new replacements just came today. I am about a month from being finished. Lots of improvements, like a flush toilet and internal black and grey tanks. We're looking forward to going out for the first time this fall. Thanks for your videos, I've learned a lot from you. Thanks.
Excellent advice, my 10 year old wants to help with the setup process and this will help him understand the reasoning behind why we take our time and double check everything.
We just got our first pop up it’s a ‘94 Explorer. Your vids are super helpful! Could you do a video on DIY tire/wheel/axel maintenance? Ie how to grease the bearings, how to spot if the axel bow is correct etc?
I got one, from experience. Never roll up the pop-up before making sure the camper is level. I made that mistake the first time and it could have been a disaster! The supports could have bent if I left it up any longer. It was up for 2 1/2 days, without the door in place, before I noticed the top was leaning.
Just bought my first pop up today! My boyfriend and I plan to start renovating. So happy I found your channel, as we don't have anyone else to teach us this stuff. Can't wait to watch the rest of your videos!
Great information for new owners. My wife and son set up one of previous pop ups at home one day without me being there and failed to make sure one latch completely released and ended up breaking the lift cable. Triple check the latches.
Excellent video - we grew up camping with a new 1972 Skamper Pop Up - I remember helping folks with maintenance tasks and remember all the caulking our Dad did including the front amber & back red light housing our Dad even got a guy to weld a custom made bike rack to the back bumper & we moved the spare tire bracket to the front plus added a 2nd propane bottle to the front Ours had a manual water pump & Dad installed a electric pump, we would take the porta potty to / from our 1973 Grady White Chesapeake 21 foot cuddy cabin Out Skamper had a really good heater plus 3 burner stove with an oven & the Domestic Fridge ran on propane & electric - we didn't have roof air conditioner can't even remember if they were an option back then We went to many State and National Parks and Commercial campgrounds across the USA in our Pop Up Skamper, Mom & Dad raised us to always take care of your vehicles boats & campers & they will last a long time We had the 1972 Skamper Pop for over 20 years until folks upgraded when they retired to a 22 foot hard sided Amish Built RV Trailer since they wanted their own full restroom since as we all know not all campgrounds have the cleanest showers haha
Our 1972 Skamper was a single axle & very roomy - slept 7 plus had an awesome pop up dinette which was great for rainy cold nights where we would play cards remember card games were fun games haha I remember our Parent's friends had a similar Pop Up Skamper with Dual Axels which I think slept 8 possibly a 1970 or 71
Good video. I’m new to this, just purchased a new Rockwood HW 277 on Monday.and as with most things you don’t you don’t know what you don’t know. So videos like your’s help us new guys to the world of pop up campers. Tom
Great video. One more way to damage your Popup is to cook greasy items inside without something behind burners to keep hot splatting grease off those plastic windows…
Excellent suggestions. Yes, our contribution, don't chance old tires. They will blow out, even if tread looks good. Thanks for contributing your ideas to us.
Thank you for a very frank and honest video! It is so easy to make a mistake, but by sharing what you have, you have saved some of us (maybe!) from doing the same. Keep on sharing!
Your videos have been so useful. The hubby and I are using our 2016 pop up for the first time this weekend. I wouldn't of been so organized and prepared if it not for you and your wife. Much appreciated and keep up the good work!
great video. Unfortunately I pinched a vinyl window last summer. i tore a section of it. unfortunately i am now looking at having to replace the canvas and vinyl. i am not too upset about it as over time the canvas and vinyl will shrink over time and mine is pretty old. one other thing to mention is making sure the door is secured properly I have broken the latches on my twice by not paying attention. I am getting ready to renovate mine this spring.
I had a scary incident with my 3 1/2 yo as embarrassing as it is, it’s worth sharing to help others avoid the same. I just raised roof and pulled out slides with the canvas raised and end support in place. My little one was anxious to be camper and and as I was arranging cushions and such she jumped up on the slide out. I knew supports were in place and for the second gave no concern. The next second she was gone. Fell about three feet to the cement in my driveway because I had not secured canvas underneath the pullouts yet which left them loose and showed no resistance to her little person when she rolled up against it. A very scary incident that resulted in a ER visit and a couple stitches. She is alright but could have been a lot worse. This just happened a week ago and if I ever do a video for this format, I will do one on this incident alone. Be careful, accidents can happen but may also be avoided.
I felt like this was very helpful. I was offered an amazing deal on a pop up and could not pass it up. And I know nothing about this. I have been camping a few times in my life so this is completely new to me. So I have found ur videos very helpful. Thanks.
Great tips, some I knew some I didn't. Also, I installed the LED lights under my awning that I saw on one of your previous videos and it looks awesome! Love the channel, thanks for what you do to help other pop-up owners!
I have towed stuff for years. I can tell you, however, the last time I rented a pop-up from someone, I didn't check to make sure the hitch was fastened to the ball properly, and nearly 100 miles later and as I was about to return the camper, it fell off the hitch and totally trashed the front tounge jack assembly. Felt pretty dumb, and costed me over $500 to fix for the guy.
Out looking to buy my 1st pop up. Just retired and looking forward to some long weekends. I like your channel and your presentation on matters are very well explained. I'm gonna look over all your videos before I buy. Hopefully I write down what I need to know first.
Thanks for yall the helpful tips, my wife and I are fetting out first pop up soon. I am kinda nervous about the whole thing. I will use these tips to make sure we have a great camping season!
I second the failure to secure the bunk end stabilizer jacks. Quick story when we purchased our 1983 Skamer popup camper. The lady I bought it from had it all setup in her yard when I went to look at it. Well almost all setup, she forgot to setup the stabilizer jacks on the bunk end. Anyway when I started looking at the inside we both were on the one bunkend and before you knew it we were on top of each other. From the outside it musta looked like the Titanic capsizing. Luckily the bunkends didn't break or bend and I still thought it was in really good shape.
Thank you for the video, me and my wife just purchased our first pop up camper as we are brand new to the camping world! We just got back from our first weekend trip and it was a great time! Our camper is a 2003 Coleman Sedona in pretty good condition but I've already began to go through it and fix various issues. This video will help me be more thorough!
Great video!!! Every new popup should come with this excellent and comprehensive list of what not to do in a popup. It's a little upsetting to see all this knowledge freely given that took me years to acquire. 😠
We were laying on the back king bed off our 1999 Dutchmen, and it was supported, but the whole back end of broke somewhere and is tilted back slightly. The roof can barely close now because the back end issue. I can't see where it's broken or how to fix it, but it's tilted and has quite the air gap between the king and side twin bed
well done. When I winterize mine I just run the pump with the hose in a jug of antifreeze till the anti freeze comes out of the sink and the shower head..
@@ItsPoppin First thing is . I drain the hot water tank first then turn the bypass switch so the antifreeze doesnt go into the hot water tank. I have a hose clamp that connects to the far end of the pump inlet line from the holding tank. I disconnect that and put the one end in the jug of antifreeze. So now the pump is drawing from the gallon of antifreeze not the holding tank. I run the hot and the cold at the sink with the pump on as well as the shower till the pink comes out. And if anyone is reading this. DO NOT USE CAR ANTIFREEZE it is toxic. RV antifreeze isnt toxic. Some people have a hose with the screw cap on it to just connect it right to the pump. I do it this way Same results but I dont need the extra hose . Its a pleasure watching your videos so thank you for them.
One way to know not to overcrank is do it very slow you might even want to count how many cranks it normally takes and also do it to where the door is able to fit just as it's able to fit then you know it's cranked up enough but you got to go really slow
Good tips man. I'm starting year 2 with my Popup and have already experienced a few things. I blew out a tire ( Probably exceeding the speed rating), blew a fuse From the wife plugging in too much stuff., forgot to unlatch the side locks before opening the roof ( Fortunately nothing broke because I did feel some tension and realised it), had multiple fights trying to get the thing parked and hitched! 🤣🤣🤣 But we do enjoy camping and the pop up. We love the openness and breeze that a popup brings. You don't get the same experience with a closed camper! That being said, we have also NOT been in a storm in it either 🤣🤣. Ib would highly recommend a Bear Creek Canvas as ours came with one and it is outstanding in the rain and comes with window options and looks great! Far superior to the original canvas.
Thank you for the chuckles and the recommendation for tarp! We are just getting started learning everything by the seat of our pants, lol! Hubby is MUCH better than I at parking our 2005 Jayco model 1206 pop up. This channel has had the best info we’ve found! Happy Trails!
Thanks for this. Just bought at '21 rockwood 1640. Few things I already knew but I got a lot of tips about other stuff. Going to continue watching your videos for more info!
Thanks for the video, I have been pop up camping for years and just watched this video and I can’t believe I did it ...but tried to open the trailer with the latch still closed OMG I wanted to cry, it looked much worse that it was but still not a easy fix and it ruined our weekend... the first thing I said was I just watched this video and who would do that....ya me😭😭😭
I am trying to fix it myself, the spring tube broke off so I have buddy that’s a welder and once he welds it back for me on Thursday I will know for sure, but I’m confident everything will be ok
I have been scouring the internet looking for help because I did this yesterday! I got a few cranks in before noticing three of the latches were still in place and now my crank won’t go back down. I am at a loss on what to do and want to cry because I haven’t figured out what to do to fix it. I even tried to unscrew the top portion of the latch and of course the screws are stripped so I really am feeling Screwed!
what could go wrong with over tightening down your stabilizer jacks? I put my stabilizer jacks down just to the ground and stoppped when they made contact. I find when im getting in and out of my tent trailer it shakes a lot horizontally when stepping in and out. How do I solve this? Thanks for all your amazing videos guys :)
I'm having excessive heat one brake. I've replaced the brakes and inspected the bearing and repact. Still having heat problems. Do I need to replace the drums?
hi, we just got a 2019 Rockwood 1640 ESP, I noticed that when you are breaking down camp, you unzip the 4 sides by the roof rail? Is that just something you do? or Should I start doing it? I also like the way you fold it in nicely instead of just shoving it all under the roof. We didn't get much on instructions and advise when we got our camper. we're heading on our first trip soon. Love your channel!!!
I'll add 1 thing, for those who have FULL length doors. If you forget to remove the door during takedown, you almost certainly WILL do some damage! I'm speaking from experience here. I think the only 1 I've had happen on your list, so far, is the trailer slipped off the hitch. The jack on our trailer is designed for a much taller vehicle and I misjudged that it was close enough to the hitch. I was off and I paid for it. Luckily I was able to get it up with no damage to the trailer, but it was scary.
I bought my first one 4 years ago just an older cheap one to get started. I left one bag of potatoes I didn’t know about in a cabinet. Mice went in and ripped everything up. Remember to take out all your food can’t be said enough times.
I just got a starcraft spacemaster that the person just spent a significant amount to renew it and they left it sitting for a couple of years and mice got in and did alot of damage. I got it for dirt cheap so Im going to redo the inside and replace all the cabinets with hardwood ones that I will build also I will make all new cushions and replace mattresses.
If you're retorquing your lug nuts you should actually loosen them slightly. Retorquing a nut or bolt repeatedly will put more stress on the bolt than intended.
Ok, personal experience mistake here. If you don’t have the ability to keep your camper in a garage and you’re keeping it covered with a tarp? Don’t allow any of the straps or tarp to touch the ground. My pop up sat for about four months. When I got it out to prep for a trip and found a massive carpenter ant nest inside the camper. The nest looked like a huge wad of of wet tobacco. It left a massive stain on one side of the camper. Anything left touching the ground is a ladder for critters to get in your camper!!
Just bought a jayco sport 12 sc 2018 just watched your winterize video helped me greatly, thanks. New to this part of camping. Keep making new videos thanks alot.
How do you all suggest looking for used pop ups? I’ve noticed there are a lot of independent advertising sites. Any more efficient places to go to look for good deals?
I just bought a 1991 Coleman pop up camper. There are a couple pin holes that had developed on the front of the roof. Do you think a professionally installed white bed liner coating would protect the roof from further pin holes, or cracking?
Great video however I will add one more thing Luberating your pop up cables and maintain them It you did mention it i missed it Also I would love to know how to keep what i call Tree aunts out They are the big black aunts Years ago i had a pop up camper and i live in the country and one day i opened it up and dang there were hundreds of them and they destroyed my canvas I just bough one and I'm so afraid it will happen again Yes i still live in the country thanks for the video
First year owning had my side boards replaced due to water damage. First trip out we camped on Lake Erie. Winds picked up quickly and my awning was blown up onto the roof. Hubby stood on a cooler just to reach it to get it down. Next trip a few week later we parked under an oak tree. Acorns fell all weekend on our roof. Came home parked our pup uncovered for the long Michigan winter. In the spring I attempted to raise the roof and it was too heavy. It was soaked, the replaced side boards were dripping wet. Took it back to the rv repair shop that did the sideboards. They recaulked the roof, no charge, but told us it was in bad shape due to its age. They showed us cuts and dents in the aluminium that caused more water damage. Those cuts came from the awning blowing up onto the roof and the legs sticking into it. The dents came from all the acorns falling on it. What we did was coat the entire roof with some type of roof adhesive and bought a cover for it. We now know to check for overhead branches and lower our awning before it gets too windy. I really enjoy your videos.
Have a question that it seems no one on the entire internet has asked yet. I bought a high wall camper last year and it’s awesome. But I’m 5’2” and am not tall enough or strong enough to get the shepherds hooks in place. They are extremely hard to push and secure on the bracket. Any ideas?
One other thing, is don't forget to lock the camper door when leaving. The very rough and pitted roads jarred the door open and we lost the crank handle. Put the crank handle in the TV . Easy to reach.
Thanks for the information. When I popped up my camper, I found a rip in my back wall. I can't figure out what caused it? Do you have any idea what could be causing the back wall to be damaged? No equipment was stored in this.
Simple enough question but I can't find an answer anywhere. Can I use my popup with just one bed extended? Hubby and I don't need both and it's more area to heat or cool. So will camping with one side extended cause the frame to bend or be impossible to level? Thanks
Great video! We've got a 2010 Town & Country with a max towing capacity of 3600 lbs. Do you think we'd be ok to pull a popup camper that is 2400 lbs with gear, two adults, and two kids?
So……..what do you do when you make the first mistake you mentioned and rip off the roof rail in one corner? Oh and then what do you do if you find rotting wood that needs to be replaced? If you’re not handy, do you have to bite it and take it to your Jayco repair place? Amazing no one talks about it much online or in groups. Pleas Help my 2012 Jayco Jay Sport! We managed to camp only when sunny last year but probably not going to run into that luck this year.
Actually, worse. LOL My mom and I took our maiden voyage and a couple hours into it, on a busy interstate, I saw the canvas pop out the side of the camper. Apparently on the clamps vibrated loose or off then the air got under the front end and ripped the clamp completely off the roof, leaving a 6" diameter hole in the roof!
Ok so I do have a question. My dad recently gave me our family pop up that has been sitting for about 6 years. Water damage to front storage box and front end flooring, mice damage to canvas, a seal that’s falling off, and the back end has a gap in it. It’s not like completely ruined is it? Can I fix it myself?
Very good info for inspecting a used popup camper, as well as maintain the one you already own I travel around the US northeast racing a Sunfish. I have tent camped a ton but want to move up in comfort. How would a pop-up camper handle a 140 lb boat on the roof while traveling? I figure I would needt to distribute the weight over a big area of the pop up's roof.
@@ItsPoppin 2002 Viking. Not sure the model but it has a queen and a double bed, no bathroom. Needs cosmetic updates but, is in great shape. If you know of any common issues to look for with this type to fix that would be awesome.
Depends on the type of lift system. You’re manual will tell you the best order of operations. However, if you want to play it safe, lower the stabilizers after your raise the roof.
@@ItsPoppin thank you. I was able to pull up the manual on line. Yup. Roof first stabilizers second. Lowering-stabilizer up first roof down second. First pop up for us so still learning. 2010 Santa Fe. Thank you again for the videos. Very helpful. Oh yeah I resealed everything with the sealer you recommended and I only ended up using the one tube.
Have any of these 20 ever happened to your pop up?
How can I get bed rails
Best bet it to Google your year, make, and model to see whats all available.
I'm a little hesitant to mention this but I own a rockwood 276hw and the build quality is quite bad. Unfortunately roof chalking is a constant problem and I believe I am slowly losing the war on water intruding in the seams. It's a real shame because I absolutely love the camper otherwise.
@@sharond4931 can you be less specific?
@@sharond4931 maybe provide more context to what obstacles you found and how to correct?
As an old retired AIr Force guy we don't do anything without a checklist. Here is mine. I hope it might help someone. Also, to check lug nuts, paint a small line half on the lug and half on the wheel immediately after torqueing lugs . If the lug loosens the lines will no longer line up. The small bottles of paint used for model airplanes works great. Easy to check on the road without a torque wrench. Great video, done or seen just about everything you mentioned. I know I would forget something without using the checklist. Thanks for making the video.
Towing Checklist
Ball trailer hitch pin installed (on truck)
Two chains connected
Brake safety wire connected
Elastic tie down installed (Holds chains off ground)
Electric connected
Trailer ball coupler down and pinned (on trailer)
Lights tested
Camper step stored up
Pop-up hold downs (4) secured
Tire pressure checked
Lug nuts checked
Propane tanks secured
Pop-up crank handle in camper
Stabilizers in up position
Stabilizer drill socket in camper
Drill and cord in camper (used to lower stabilizers)
Wheel Stored
Trailer jack all the way up
Oven and stove stored
Porta-John stored
Water tank filled
Bedding stored
Tool Bag stored
Cooler in truck
Jump Bag in truck
Clothes bag in truck
Umbrellas in trailer
Set-up Checklist
Level right to left with blocks
Chalk pop-up
Un-Zip Canopy
Disconnect trailer to truck electric
Disconnect chains
Disconnect brake safety wire
Install wheel and raise hitch
Move truck
Level front to back
Lower stabilizers
Move stove propane tank from storage
Raise pop-up
Install safety bars
Pull out slide-outs
Install slide-out tent support poles
Flip sink
Install door
Velcro Pop-up bars in place
Velcro all door and slide-out fasteners
Hook up water and drain
Hook up electric
Lower canopy
Install mosquito netting on poles
Excellent list
wow this is amazing
Thank you
Excellent - what is in your Jump Bag?
Thanks for sharing! 📝
As lame as it sounds, it can be worthwhile to do a dry run setting up and fiddling around in your yard. Just take your time learning the basic stuff before you get out there. Murphy law dictates it's gonna rain and your gonna rush the first time out there.
This video is well organized, and the host is articulate and likeable. Really good for someone (like me) about to buy a first-ever pop-up. Thanks!
Thank you!
Thanks a million for your tips. We have just bought the tiniest camper in the world! One slide out bed. One tip the previous owner gave us was not to get distracted with people coming over for a friendly chat while setting up or packing down. He said that was key to success, he also gave us advise on how to discourage same people from doing so. Politely, of course. 😜
We bought our used 2008 Fleetwood Sedona July 2020. I had never owned or used one, so I read and watch whatever I could to know how to not instantly ruin it. I found your channel and it was chock full of good info, so I appreciate that for sure. So far I have not ruined anything (yet ;-) ). What is funny is that I think sometimes people at the campground think I am crazy because I am very methodical about when I open and close the camper. I even go as far as to wipe down the vinal on the bunk ends and the awning as I close it up. Both to ensure that any leaves, debris, bird poo, sap, or dampness have been removed, its not hard and doesn't take much extra time. I have a handful of holes in the floor because I removed the freshwater tank, plumbing, stove, gas lines, and yes removed the fridge too. They all worked but wanted the extra room. But doing so created several holes in the floors that I have either temporarily covered with gorilla Dtape or corrugated plastic board. I am hoping that will be enough to keep the mice out. I have also put Irish Spring soap in it and got large buckets of DampRid for the winter storage. I will have a vented popup cover this week and once I have it parked, tires on wood blocks, covered and lastly titled to avoid pooling of water and snow on it. I am hoping that it will be safe over the winter months as my family really enjoyed our first times using "Pete".. "Pete the Pop-up". Again, I enjoy your channel. Regards, John in SW Missouri.
Most helpful advice and instructions on how to maintain and operate our 2003 Coleman popup which we bought last fall and took down through the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains. Insulation under the matresses' and in the windows was something I hadn't realized would be so helpful in conserving propane ( different video) .Thanks for all your info. keep up the good deeds!
Great video for me, new to pop campers.
This is great information! I’m brand new to pop up camping and have learned some extremely important tips. Thanks for sparing us some potential terrible experiences. Happy Camping!
We came back from the lake to find our awning gone. I about had a heart attack. Wind blew it on top of the roof. We were fortunate, nothing bent, broke or tore. We learned a lesson with that one...much more careful now. Just found you...thanks for the videos. So helpful!! We are actually camping right now in Arkansas...love our pop up! We have a 2007 StarCraft 2107.
From my own experience on our Jayco!! Check the stabiliser leg retaining pin engages after winding in and lifting up. Dust from an unsealed road prevented the pin from sprining into place and the leg dropped after setting off 😢
Excellent! Now I have to go and binge watch all of your videos 😉
Definitely a good idea to practice all these things at home. I am still a newbie to the pop up life, b ut I set mine up a couple times in my yard.
Yep… driven off with a stabiliser down… bloody expensive those things 😂
I purchased a 1997 Viking Pop Up(2309). Small hole in roof left go, a really long time. Ruined the roof (I built a new roof structure) and ruined a third of the floor. It got replaced. Last person who used it, put it away wet, and did not open it to dry. Mould Armour spray helped with the extensive mold. Mice ruined the original curtains. The new replacements just came today. I am about a month from being finished. Lots of improvements, like a flush toilet and internal black and grey tanks. We're looking forward to going out for the first time this fall. Thanks for your videos, I've learned a lot from you. Thanks.
Man, that viking sounds like it's been to hell and back!
Excellent advice, my 10 year old wants to help with the setup process and this will help him understand the reasoning behind why we take our time and double check everything.
We just got our first pop up it’s a ‘94 Explorer. Your vids are super helpful! Could you do a video on DIY tire/wheel/axel maintenance? Ie how to grease the bearings, how to spot if the axel bow is correct etc?
I got one, from experience. Never roll up the pop-up before making sure the camper is level. I made that mistake the first time and it could have been a disaster! The supports could have bent if I left it up any longer. It was up for 2 1/2 days, without the door in place, before I noticed the top was leaning.
We appreciate all your knowledge and tips for pop ups! Thanks for all your info!
Just bought my first pop up today! My boyfriend and I plan to start renovating. So happy I found your channel, as we don't have anyone else to teach us this stuff. Can't wait to watch the rest of your videos!
Welcome!
Great information for new owners. My wife and son set up one of previous pop ups at home one day without me being there and failed to make sure one latch completely released and ended up breaking the lift cable. Triple check the latches.
Excellent video - we grew up camping with a new 1972 Skamper Pop Up - I remember helping folks with maintenance tasks and remember all the caulking our Dad did including the front amber & back red light housing our Dad even got a guy to weld a custom made bike rack to the back bumper & we moved the spare tire bracket to the front plus added a 2nd propane bottle to the front
Ours had a manual water pump & Dad installed a electric pump, we would take the porta potty to / from our 1973 Grady White Chesapeake 21 foot cuddy cabin
Out Skamper had a really good heater plus 3 burner stove with an oven & the Domestic Fridge ran on propane & electric - we didn't have roof air conditioner can't even remember if they were an option back then We went to many State and National Parks and Commercial campgrounds across the USA in our Pop Up Skamper, Mom & Dad raised us to always take care of your vehicles boats & campers & they will last a long time
We had the 1972 Skamper Pop for over 20 years until folks upgraded when they retired to a 22 foot hard sided Amish Built RV Trailer since they wanted their own full restroom since as we all know not all campgrounds have the cleanest showers haha
Thanks for sharing! We would love to renovate a 70’s pop up while maintaining a vintage theme.
Our 1972 Skamper was a single axle & very roomy - slept 7 plus had an awesome pop up dinette which was great for rainy cold nights where we would play cards remember card games were fun games haha I remember our Parent's friends had a similar Pop Up Skamper with Dual Axels which I think slept 8 possibly a 1970 or 71
Good video. I’m new to this, just purchased a new Rockwood HW 277 on Monday.and as with most things you don’t you don’t know what you don’t know. So videos like your’s help us new guys to the world of pop up campers. Tom
Great video. One more way to damage your Popup is to cook greasy items inside without something behind burners to keep hot splatting grease off those plastic windows…
You sir are correct i just bough a used one and i notice small burn spots on the curtain
Excellent suggestions. Yes, our contribution, don't chance old tires. They will blow out, even if tread looks good. Thanks for contributing your ideas to us.
Very good advice! You saved a lot of people from making the same mistakes.
Thank you for a very frank and honest video! It is so easy to make a mistake, but by sharing what you have, you have saved some of us (maybe!) from doing the same. Keep on sharing!
Your videos have been so useful. The hubby and I are using our 2016 pop up for the first time this weekend. I wouldn't of been so organized and prepared if it not for you and your wife. Much appreciated and keep up the good work!
Thanks 🙏
Thank you! Great list and reminders especially for Newbies 👍
As a new pop-up camper owner, thus us great information. Thanks for making the video!
great video. Unfortunately I pinched a vinyl window last summer. i tore a section of it. unfortunately i am now looking at having to replace the canvas and vinyl. i am not too upset about it as over time the canvas and vinyl will shrink over time and mine is pretty old. one other thing to mention is making sure the door is secured properly I have broken the latches on my twice by not paying attention. I am getting ready to renovate mine this spring.
I had a scary incident with my 3 1/2 yo as embarrassing as it is, it’s worth sharing to help others avoid the same.
I just raised roof and pulled out slides with the canvas raised and end support in place. My little one was anxious to be camper and and as I was arranging cushions and such she jumped up on the slide out. I knew supports were in place and for the second gave no concern. The next second she was gone. Fell about three feet to the cement in my driveway because I had not secured canvas underneath the pullouts yet which left them loose and showed no resistance to her little person when she rolled up against it. A very scary incident that resulted in a ER visit and a couple stitches. She is alright but could have been a lot worse. This just happened a week ago and if I ever do a video for this format, I will do one on this incident alone. Be careful, accidents can happen but may also be avoided.
Thanks for sharing.
That happened to my son too. He had just turned 2.
I felt like this was very helpful. I was offered an amazing deal on a pop up and could not pass it up. And I know nothing about this. I have been camping a few times in my life so this is completely new to me. So I have found ur videos very helpful. Thanks.
Bought a popup today. Lots of help here. Thanks!
Great tips, some I knew some I didn't. Also, I installed the LED lights under my awning that I saw on one of your previous videos and it looks awesome! Love the channel, thanks for what you do to help other pop-up owners!
Thanks!
How did you add LED Lights? Plugged into the electric box station
I'll plug either into my electrical outlet if I'm connected to shore power. If no shore power is available ill use my Jackery power station.
I have towed stuff for years. I can tell you, however, the last time I rented a pop-up from someone, I didn't check to make sure the hitch was fastened to the ball properly, and nearly 100 miles later and as I was about to return the camper, it fell off the hitch and totally trashed the front tounge jack assembly. Felt pretty dumb, and costed me over $500 to fix for the guy.
Out looking to buy my 1st pop up. Just retired and looking forward to some long weekends. I like your channel and your presentation on matters are very well explained. I'm gonna look over all your videos before I buy. Hopefully I write down what I need to know first.
Thanks, feel free to email with any questions.
Thanks for yall the helpful tips, my wife and I are fetting out first pop up soon. I am kinda nervous about the whole thing. I will use these tips to make sure we have a great camping season!
I second the failure to secure the bunk end stabilizer jacks. Quick story when we purchased our 1983 Skamer popup camper. The lady I bought it from had it all setup in her yard when I went to look at it. Well almost all setup, she forgot to setup the stabilizer jacks on the bunk end. Anyway when I started looking at the inside we both were on the one bunkend and before you knew it we were on top of each other. From the outside it musta looked like the Titanic capsizing. Luckily the bunkends didn't break or bend and I still thought it was in really good shape.
That happened to my sister. It was scary then but funny now
First time owner! Thank you for the detailed list. Just sent to the entire family before we head out on our first road trip.
Have fun!
Just got one last weekend thanks for the heads up!
Excellent video. Yes bearings, bearings, bearings! also i think lubricating lift system
I thought I wanted a pop up camper until watching this video. lol Far too much can go wrong and they require so much maintenance as well.
Thank you for the video, me and my wife just purchased our first pop up camper as we are brand new to the camping world! We just got back from our first weekend trip and it was a great time! Our camper is a 2003 Coleman Sedona in pretty good condition but I've already began to go through it and fix various issues. This video will help me be more thorough!
Great video!!! Every new popup should come with this excellent and comprehensive list of what not to do in a popup. It's a little upsetting to see all this knowledge freely given that took me years to acquire. 😠
Thanks!
We were laying on the back king bed off our 1999 Dutchmen, and it was supported, but the whole back end of broke somewhere and is tilted back slightly. The roof can barely close now because the back end issue. I can't see where it's broken or how to fix it, but it's tilted and has quite the air gap between the king and side twin bed
Oh man, sorry to hear that.
Im about to buy a 93 starflyer pop up where can i get new tires for it just incase?
well done. When I winterize mine I just run the pump with the hose in a jug of antifreeze till the anti freeze comes out of the sink and the shower head..
Do you have an adapter or something that allows you to draw straight from the bottle?
@@ItsPoppin First thing is . I drain the hot water tank first then turn the bypass switch so the antifreeze doesnt go into the hot water tank. I have a hose clamp that connects to the far end of the pump inlet line from the holding tank. I disconnect that and put the one end in the jug of antifreeze. So now the pump is drawing from the gallon of antifreeze not the holding tank. I run the hot and the cold at the sink with the pump on as well as the shower till the pink comes out. And if anyone is reading this. DO NOT USE CAR ANTIFREEZE it is toxic. RV antifreeze isnt toxic.
Some people have a hose with the screw cap on it to just connect it right to the pump. I do it this way Same results but I dont need the extra hose . Its a pleasure watching your videos so thank you for them.
One way to know not to overcrank is do it very slow you might even want to count how many cranks it normally takes and also do it to where the door is able to fit just as it's able to fit then you know it's cranked up enough but you got to go really slow
Good tips man. I'm starting year 2 with my Popup and have already experienced a few things. I blew out a tire ( Probably exceeding the speed rating), blew a fuse From the wife plugging in too much stuff., forgot to unlatch the side locks before opening the roof ( Fortunately nothing broke because I did feel some tension and realised it), had multiple fights trying to get the thing parked and hitched! 🤣🤣🤣 But we do enjoy camping and the pop up. We love the openness and breeze that a popup brings. You don't get the same experience with a closed camper! That being said, we have also NOT been in a storm in it either 🤣🤣. Ib would highly recommend a Bear Creek Canvas as ours came with one and it is outstanding in the rain and comes with window options and looks great! Far superior to the original canvas.
Thank you for the chuckles and the recommendation for tarp! We are just getting started learning everything by the seat of our pants, lol! Hubby is MUCH better than I at parking our 2005 Jayco model 1206 pop up. This channel has had the best info we’ve found! Happy Trails!
Learned so much, serial watching your videos now. Keep up the great work
Thanks for this. Just bought at '21 rockwood 1640. Few things I already knew but I got a lot of tips about other stuff. Going to continue watching your videos for more info!
I just bought a 2002 Jayco Quest 12A. This all good info and much appreciated.
Thanks!
Thanks for the video, I have been pop up camping for years and just watched this video and I can’t believe I did it ...but tried to open the trailer with the latch still closed OMG I wanted to cry, it looked much worse that it was but still not a easy fix and it ruined our weekend... the first thing I said was I just watched this video and who would do that....ya me😭😭😭
Did u fix it yourself? This just happened to us today!
I am trying to fix it myself, the spring tube broke off so I have buddy that’s a welder and once he welds it back for me on Thursday I will know for sure, but I’m confident everything will be ok
@@shawnsprague7401 Dang. It just makes for a hard day or weekend!
I have been scouring the internet looking for help because I did this yesterday! I got a few cranks in before noticing three of the latches were still in place and now my crank won’t go back down. I am at a loss on what to do and want to cry because I haven’t figured out what to do to fix it. I even tried to unscrew the top portion of the latch and of course the screws are stripped so I really am feeling Screwed!
What make/model do you have? A component of the lift system most likely broke and your lift system type is dependent on year, make, and model.
what could go wrong with over tightening down your stabilizer jacks? I put my stabilizer jacks down just to the ground and stoppped when they made contact. I find when im getting in and out of my tent trailer it shakes a lot horizontally when stepping in and out. How do I solve this? Thanks for all your amazing videos guys :)
New to popup world love these videos can you cover some very basic items such as battery power issues and using a generator
I'm having excessive heat one brake. I've replaced the brakes and inspected the bearing and repact. Still having heat problems. Do I need to replace the drums?
hi, we just got a 2019 Rockwood 1640 ESP, I noticed that when you are breaking down camp, you unzip the 4 sides by the roof rail? Is that just something you do? or Should I start doing it? I also like the way you fold it in nicely instead of just shoving it all under the roof. We didn't get much on instructions and advise when we got our camper. we're heading on our first trip soon. Love your channel!!!
I'll add 1 thing, for those who have FULL length doors. If you forget to remove the door during takedown, you almost certainly WILL do some damage! I'm speaking from experience here. I think the only 1 I've had happen on your list, so far, is the trailer slipped off the hitch. The jack on our trailer is designed for a much taller vehicle and I misjudged that it was close enough to the hitch. I was off and I paid for it. Luckily I was able to get it up with no damage to the trailer, but it was scary.
I bought my first one 4 years ago just an older cheap one to get started. I left one bag of potatoes I didn’t know about in a cabinet. Mice went in and ripped everything up. Remember to take out all your food can’t be said enough times.
I just got a starcraft spacemaster that the person just spent a significant amount to renew it and they left it sitting for a couple of years and mice got in and did alot of damage. I got it for dirt cheap so Im going to redo the inside and replace all the cabinets with hardwood ones that I will build also I will make all new cushions and replace mattresses.
If you're retorquing your lug nuts you should actually loosen them slightly. Retorquing a nut or bolt repeatedly will put more stress on the bolt than intended.
My wife and I are wanting to find a used moderately priced pop up with air conditioning. Any suggestions of what to look for or what to avoid?
Probably be good to prepare a check-off list, especially for some of us older people. Maybe some younger easily distracted ones.
Ok, personal experience mistake here. If you don’t have the ability to keep your camper in a garage and you’re keeping it covered with a tarp? Don’t allow any of the straps or tarp to touch the ground. My pop up sat for about four months. When I got it out to prep for a trip and found a massive carpenter ant nest inside the camper. The nest looked like a huge wad of of wet tobacco. It left a massive stain on one side of the camper. Anything left touching the ground is a ladder for critters to get in your camper!!
Thanks for sharing
Just bought a jayco sport 12 sc 2018 just watched your winterize video helped me greatly, thanks. New to this part of camping. Keep making new videos thanks alot.
How do you all suggest looking for used pop ups? I’ve noticed there are a lot of independent advertising sites. Any more efficient places to go to look for good deals?
I am new to the pop up camper world so thank you 👍
Thanks for all this advice
I just bought a 1991 Coleman pop up camper. There are a couple pin holes that had developed on the front of the roof. Do you think a professionally installed white bed liner coating would protect the roof from further pin holes, or cracking?
Thank you. I'm making a home built so trying to engineer out pitfalls. Very helpful.
Very cool!
Id like to see that
Great video however I will add one more thing Luberating your pop up cables and maintain them It you did mention it i missed it Also I would love to know how to keep what i call Tree aunts out They are the big black aunts Years ago i had a pop up camper and i live in the country and one day i opened it up and dang there were hundreds of them and they destroyed my canvas I just bough one and I'm so afraid it will happen again Yes i still live in the country thanks for the video
First year owning had my side boards replaced due to water damage. First trip out we camped on Lake Erie. Winds picked up quickly and my awning was blown up onto the roof. Hubby stood on a cooler just to reach it to get it down. Next trip a few week later we parked under an oak tree. Acorns fell all weekend on our roof. Came home parked our pup uncovered for the long Michigan winter. In the spring I attempted to raise the roof and it was too heavy. It was soaked, the replaced side boards were dripping wet. Took it back to the rv repair shop that did the sideboards. They recaulked the roof, no charge, but told us it was in bad shape due to its age. They showed us cuts and dents in the aluminium that caused more water damage. Those cuts came from the awning blowing up onto the roof and the legs sticking into it. The dents came from all the acorns falling on it. What we did was coat the entire roof with some type of roof adhesive and bought a cover for it. We now know to check for overhead branches and lower our awning before it gets too windy. I really enjoy your videos.
Oh man, that’s crazy. Great tip though!
Great video, thanks for sharing the knowledge
Have a question that it seems no one on the entire internet has asked yet. I bought a high wall camper last year and it’s awesome. But I’m 5’2” and am not tall enough or strong enough to get the shepherds hooks in place. They are extremely hard to push and secure on the bracket. Any ideas?
Do you have a video of how to set up the bag awning?
No, largely because there are quite a few different brands or proprietary awnings that are out there.
We are just starting to look into these. Great info!
One other thing, is don't forget to lock the camper door when leaving.
The very rough and pitted roads jarred the door open and we lost the crank handle. Put the crank handle in the TV . Easy to reach.
Thanks for the information. When I popped up my camper, I found a rip in my back wall. I can't figure out what caused it? Do you have any idea what could be causing the back wall to be damaged? No equipment was stored in this.
Thanks
You're welcome!
Yes I went canoe and camping and left my awning up, it got wrecked by wind.
We just got our first pop up. I appreciate the info.
Simple enough question but I can't find an answer anywhere. Can I use my popup with just one bed extended? Hubby and I don't need both and it's more area to heat or cool. So will camping with one side extended cause the frame to bend or be impossible to level? Thanks
Great video! We've got a 2010 Town & Country with a max towing capacity of 3600 lbs. Do you think we'd be ok to pull a popup camper that is 2400 lbs with gear, two adults, and two kids?
Please do a video on the awnings
Can you do an instructional video on repacking wheel bearings if you haven't already.
Manually packing? Yes, I plan to in the future. We do have a video on dexter ez-lube axel repacking if you’re interested.
So……..what do you do when you make the first mistake you mentioned and rip off the roof rail in one corner? Oh and then what do you do if you find rotting wood that needs to be replaced? If you’re not handy, do you have to bite it and take it to your Jayco repair place? Amazing no one talks about it much online or in groups. Pleas
Help my 2012 Jayco Jay Sport! We managed to camp only when sunny last year but probably not going to run into that luck this year.
Actually, worse. LOL My mom and I took our maiden voyage and a couple hours into it, on a busy interstate, I saw the canvas pop out the side of the camper. Apparently on the clamps vibrated loose or off then the air got under the front end and ripped the clamp completely off the roof, leaving a 6" diameter hole in the roof!
2016 Rockford freedom. How to turn on unit?
I tried to raise it with one latch on. the strain caused the caulking to crack and Im going to have to fix that!
Could have been a lot worse!
Great video! Thanks for the good info 👍👍😁
How did you fix the roof crack???
Great video. We just purchased a new popup yesterday. Appreciated the heads up on all of these.
Congrats! What make & model?
I left my sink up during tear down but luckily it blocked the bed from sliding in so I caught it well before the roof went down haha.
Ok so I do have a question. My dad recently gave me our family pop up that has been sitting for about 6 years. Water damage to front storage box and front end flooring, mice damage to canvas, a seal that’s falling off, and the back end has a gap in it. It’s not like completely ruined is it? Can I fix it myself?
I am having issues with what I think are termites...suggestions?
This is Jake Gyllenhaal Who went camping and missed his acting audition ;)
Great informative video by the way!
Very good info for inspecting a used popup camper, as well as maintain the one you already own
I travel around the US northeast racing a Sunfish.
I have tent camped a ton but want to move up in comfort.
How would a pop-up camper handle a 140 lb boat on the roof while traveling?
I figure I would needt to distribute the weight over a big area of the pop up's roof.
Check your manual as it depends on the pop up. Most can support around 200-250lbs closed, but subtract the additional weight of an A/c or roof rack.
@@ItsPoppin Great, thanks for the speedy reply.
Great video, I just bought my first pop up and your reno videos are giving me some great ideas.
Thanks, what make/model did you get?
@@ItsPoppin
2002 Viking. Not sure the model but it has a queen and a double bed, no bathroom. Needs cosmetic updates but, is in great shape. If you know of any common issues to look for with this type to fix that would be awesome.
Question. Stabilizers down first before raising the roof or raise the roof first then put the stabilizers down.
Depends on the type of lift system. You’re manual will tell you the best order of operations. However, if you want to play it safe, lower the stabilizers after your raise the roof.
@@ItsPoppin thank you. I was able to pull up the manual on line. Yup. Roof first stabilizers second. Lowering-stabilizer up first roof down second. First pop up for us so still learning. 2010 Santa Fe. Thank you again for the videos. Very helpful. Oh yeah I resealed everything with the sealer you recommended and I only ended up using the one tube.