Using my PUP for the 1st time
Hi all! So I'm finally getting to use my PUP for the first time. I'm excited to make the transition from tents. We're going to be on the shores of Lake Ontario in mid-October. I'm in Canada so it's...
Forum Discussion
I am Canadian, and had a pop-up for 2 years.
Here's my 2 cents (Canadian of course):
1. Pop-ups are not design for Winter camping, when cold the plastic windows can crack when folded, so be careful when opening the trailer or opening the windows when the temperature close to 0.
2. Leveling the pop-up trailer before opening it is crucial, level side to side first, then front to back. fridge and main door need a near perfect leveled trailer in order to work properly.
3. Don't forget to apply your stabilizers after Leveling and before entering the trailer, NEVER use the stabilizers to level or adjust your trailer! (it will brake, ask me how I know!)
4. It is very hard to take the awning down after the pop-up is set up, so evaluate the weather for that camping trip BEFORE the set up (strong winds can rip it out), when the weather was in doubt - I used big tarp and poles instead.
5. Don't worry about the lack of Water system in your pop-up, Water systems are a hassle to work on and maintain and not worth the convenience of having water in the pop-up IMO (I also wanted to rip the water system in my pop-up but worried about the resale value)
6. After I moved to a pop-up I always got power on my campground - very convenient to have lights, toaster, kettle, electronic chargers and etc.
7. on your last day at the campground, closed the trailer as soon as you can, don't let the Canadian crazy weather surprise you! it is NOT fun to pack it in pouring rain, and then open it at home to dry up...
8. Balance your pop-up when loading, Balancing the popup right will improved towing handling tremendously,
first camping trip I had, towing experience and MPG was horrible, by the time I got home I was convinced I needed a pickup truck!
On my second trip, a friend that also has a pop-up helped me balancing the load (heavy stuff behind pop up axle, light stuff in the front) and the towing experience and MPG was NIGHT AND DAY!!!
9. Avoid setting up the popup after sunset, by the time you finish setting it up, all the mosquitoes in the campground will be inside your trailer!
10. While setting up the pop-up, pay attention and close all small gaps, otherwise the mosquitoes will find they way in.
If you have more questions, feel free to ask me!
Happy camping.
Here's my 2 cents (Canadian of course):
1. Pop-ups are not design for Winter camping, when cold the plastic windows can crack when folded, so be careful when opening the trailer or opening the windows when the temperature close to 0.
2. Leveling the pop-up trailer before opening it is crucial, level side to side first, then front to back. fridge and main door need a near perfect leveled trailer in order to work properly.
3. Don't forget to apply your stabilizers after Leveling and before entering the trailer, NEVER use the stabilizers to level or adjust your trailer! (it will brake, ask me how I know!)
4. It is very hard to take the awning down after the pop-up is set up, so evaluate the weather for that camping trip BEFORE the set up (strong winds can rip it out), when the weather was in doubt - I used big tarp and poles instead.
5. Don't worry about the lack of Water system in your pop-up, Water systems are a hassle to work on and maintain and not worth the convenience of having water in the pop-up IMO (I also wanted to rip the water system in my pop-up but worried about the resale value)
6. After I moved to a pop-up I always got power on my campground - very convenient to have lights, toaster, kettle, electronic chargers and etc.
7. on your last day at the campground, closed the trailer as soon as you can, don't let the Canadian crazy weather surprise you! it is NOT fun to pack it in pouring rain, and then open it at home to dry up...
8. Balance your pop-up when loading, Balancing the popup right will improved towing handling tremendously,
first camping trip I had, towing experience and MPG was horrible, by the time I got home I was convinced I needed a pickup truck!
On my second trip, a friend that also has a pop-up helped me balancing the load (heavy stuff behind pop up axle, light stuff in the front) and the towing experience and MPG was NIGHT AND DAY!!!
9. Avoid setting up the popup after sunset, by the time you finish setting it up, all the mosquitoes in the campground will be inside your trailer!
10. While setting up the pop-up, pay attention and close all small gaps, otherwise the mosquitoes will find they way in.
If you have more questions, feel free to ask me!
Happy camping.
