Pop up campers unlike other big RV’s like class A or class C or even travel trailer are little easy to store. But still you need to follow certain steps to make sure its securely stored. They, first of all need small space for storage and thus you can use your garage to store them.
If you cannot store them inside then it needs to be covered but be sure there is enough air circulation. My first tip stats with the same point. Lets get into the tips staright away,
1. Use breathable cover
Many of us do not have the luxury of storing the camper inside. Not having big enough garage will force you to store the camper outside. Renting a storage can be costly and with low cost pop up camper one hardly thinks of this.
If you cannot store it inside then cover it with breathable cover. If you cannot do this then do not cover it at all. Covering the pop up tent trailer with tarp can be very bad as it does not provide for any air circulation. Also tarp can result in wear and tear at edges. A lot of people debate on whether to cover the RV or not, check out the compete analysis on same.
Do check this Camco pop up cover on amazon. It comes in multiple sizes (10′ – 12′, 12′-14′ and 14′-16′). This heavy duty, self adjusting cover is very popular and has pretty high ratting. When it comes to buying RV accessories its always better to go for brands like Camco which have proven track record to their name.
2. Storing leveled may accumulate snow
This one is a little bit confusing but makes sense to me. Storing the pop up camper leveled may accumulate snow on it if you are in that kind of region. Heavy snow, if not removed on time will start accumulating on leveled camper. This can result in melting on top it.
So, a not leveled pop up camper while stored outside can be a good thing to do. Many a times people warn against storing the camper not leveled but that’s when you have appliances running inside it, like refrigerator.
3. Use jack or blocks for tires
Keeping the tires little bit higher can relieve them from pressure. This makes sense specially if there is snowfall. A lot of snow adds to the weight and puts pressure on tires. Doing this using jack or using blocks underneath can be really helpful. Just make sure your camper is parked properly. This will also help keep the tires from sinking inside the ground.
4. Use mothballs
Keeping few mothballs inside the camper can help keep rodents and mice out of the camper. This also needs a little bit of air circulation. This can also keep the camper smelling good and you don’t have to deal with bad odors when you start camping again.
5. Use moisture absorbing products
Moisture can start forming inside the camper if you don’t take necessary steps. Using moisture absorbing products like damp rid can be greatly helpful. Just keep it inside and the moisture problem will be solved. Otherwise you will see mold and mildew growing inside the camper.
6. Do not store when the canvas is wet
Wet canvas can result in many issue if stored as it is. Make sure the canvas is fully dried before putting it for storage. Many a times people store wet canvas and that results in mold mildew and other issues.
7. Clean the camper before storage
When you know the camper is gong to be in one place for days and weeks make sure you clean it one final time before that happens. Clean the canvas with recommended cleaner. Make sure you aren’t harsh on canvas as it can damage its waterproofing capability.
8. Store battery separately
This is another point in your checklist on how to store the tent trailer camper better. Its obvious that you are going to store the battery separately and make sure it does not loose its charge while in storage. Batteries start loosing charge even in storage and that can be as high as 5% to 8% per month. Check on it every few days ad recharge it to full percentage every time it comes down.
9. Make sure Insects, rodents will not attack the camper
Mouse proofing the pop up camper is necessary even if you are going to store it indoor. Make sure you check and inspect the camper from all the sides. Any small hole can give them access and then they can create havoc inside the camper.
If you find any such hole or opening seal them off immediately else be ready for repairs later on. Insects, mice gets attracted to food items or propane and thus remove such things completely.
10. Cover tires if possible
Covering RV tires is a great tip that can save you a lot of headache later on. Many people cover their tent trailer tires to protect them from mice bites and other issue. Keeping them open can lead to loosing their strength. This also helps to keep them safe from sunlight and UV rays.
11. Use RV antifreeze
Using antifreeze or winterizing the plumbing system can be a great way to keep everything safe. When the temperature falls rapidly, the plumbing lines can expand resulting in breaking.
To keep them from breaking one can use antifreeze which can be bought online or from retail stores cheaply. Many people avoid antifreeze because it smells bad once you start using the RV. For this, you need to make sure the antifreeze is drained out completely.
12. Keeping refrigerator door open
This one tip related to refrigerator can be practiced by all RV owners. Keeping the refrigerator door open slightly can keep the odors out of refrigerator. But, you need to check on it once in while otherwise if rodents have access to the camper then that can be very bad as they will make things worse.
13. Check the pop up camper regularly
Once you have followed all the steps and stored the pop up camper in a perfect possible way do not neglect it. Keep a check on it regularly.
Check its interior and exteriors regularly for any irregularities. It is going to be long storage period and you don’t want the camper in bad shape during the next season. Same goes with separately stored items like batteries and generator.
14. Winterize the camper properly
There are tens of steps that you need to follow for proper winterizing and it includes below points.
- Draining the faucets, tanks and all other water/plumbing parts
- Cleaning the interior of the campers
- Removing all food items from the refrigerator
- Cleaning exterior of the camper with mild detergent
- Lubricating moving parts like lift system, door, windows, bearings.
Conclusion :
May it winter or summer these tips should help a lot. Many of the points mentioned above are practical tips that one can follow and save a lot of time and money on the repairs later on. Be sure you take good care of the camper before putting it for storage. An indoor storage is always good but many a times we don’t have that luxury. Outside storage can work but if the weather is harsh then you need to be more careful with it.
