Tarping a pop-up

We never use any tarps on the PU. If the rain is getting under the bag awning or easy up we just settle down inside.
We pop up in the driveway to empty the camper and change bedding. This gives the canvas plenty of dry out time.

I suggest the PUGS for the bunk ends and Reflectix (can buy at Home Depot or Lowes) for the zip down windows and for under the mattresses.

The PUGS will give you another layer of protecting from the sun beating down on the canvas, plus it will keep the inside significantly cooler because it reflects the suns rays, plus the added benefit of blocking light as well for a better sleep. Don't know if it will help insulate the insides during cold weather.

The Reflectix has roughly the same principles.

We just got back from Florida and my wife was constantly saying that it was too cold inside the camper

It took me quite a while to change my approach to camping after 15 years of camping in tents and setting up for rain. We joked about hiring out to farmers who were experiencing drought because it rained EVERY single time we camped.

So rain was one of the motivating factors in moving to a pop up. Man, oh man! No rivers running between the sleeping bags, no wet duffle bags because they brushed up against the tent wall, etc. And a hard floor. Now we're talking.

I still wanted to set up the large tarps I have worked into a "system". It was always set up the tent, set up kitchen and eating area and then throw the tarp(s) over the whole thing.

As others have mentioned, if you have a maintained pop up, you don't need tarps over it. It doesn't necessarily have to be light-weight like a tent so it can use water-proof materials, not just water-resistant materials.

If you are getting water inside your pop up, something is wrong and you need to address it. Otherwise, open up the awning or bring a tarp to cover the picnic table, grab a chair and enjoy the sound of the rain as it bounces harmlessly off of you and yours.

And not to your point but to others, every manufacturer's instructions that I have read that addresses long-term storage says to not use a tarp but to use a breathable cover. Unfortunately, they seem to be made like a plastic paper towel and are flimsy feeling, but I wouldn't want to run the risk of using a tarp for storage. Only if the tarp is kept completely away from the surface of the pop up AND does not seal off airflow. I have seen some people who have basically built stick frames and covered them with tarps that they park the pop up under. I can see no problem with doing it that way.

sbstryker wrote:
Not talking about when storing, but instead about when you're using it? Like protecting it when it's expanded.

Found one example online: link

We use a 20x30 foot tarp when camping to cover the trailer, similar to the picture. Also it provides a dry area for cooking and storing bikes etc.
Our trailer is 2005 and still looks new

Calicajun wrote:
If you are talking about using a tarp when storing your pop-up, when yes.
Have fun camping.

Coleman specifically warns against the use of a tarp when storing due to heat and moisture buildup. A breathable cover made for RVs is what is recommended.

I just bought one that is actually water proof instead. I got enough junk to setup and tear down without adding superfluous stuff to it.

I don't wear suspenders along with belts either... ;)

mrquacker wrote:
Never used a tarp while using the pup. Just make sure the canvas is dry when you put it away. If not dry, find time to set the camper up and dry things out.

I'm trying to find ways to keep it dry. We've gone camping in mid-May when it's snowed at night. Rough stuff but that does happen in Canada. Surprise snow towards the start and end of camping "season" is always a factor.

Down here tarping to protect from rain is usually not a problem. The times I have been out and we have had rainy weather (more than just a passing rain), the biggest issue was constantly dumping water from the canopy. I would anticipate that spreading large tarps over your PUP would cause the same issue unless they were set up in such a way that water was not going to pool in any particular spot; hard to do if looking at large area.

As long as bunkend canvas is in good shape, you should not have issue with water infiltration coming in the bunkends. If you need more outdoor space you might want to consider stand-alone canopies (10'x10') which would give you an added area outside.

GMandJM wrote:
Have you checked out PUGS?

That looks pretty sweet.

Never used a tarp while using the pup. Just make sure the canvas is dry when you put it away. If not dry, find time to set the camper up and dry things out.