Get Ready for Winter
You can extend the life of your pop-up camper by taking the care and time to winterize it properly. Use our checklist to make sure you aren't forgetting something!
Cleaning
Use a non-abrasive cleanser with warm water and a sponge to remove dirt and grime. Thoroughly clean bird droppings, tree sap, dirt, and soot that may have accumulated from campfires. Re-treat canvas if it comes into contact with contaminants. Consult your own-er's manual for the right fabric protectant to use. Use mild dish soap and water to clean hardware and sink/shower fixturesnever use harsh chemicals or sprays, such as Windex or Pledge. Use a mild solution of vinegar and water to remove hard water spots and stains. Wash down your canopy; brushing lightly with a cloth or soft brush. Hose your canopy down occasionally (every month or so), with a garden hose. Clean the underside of the canopy with a clean household broom. Keep shrubbery and vines away from the canopy to avoid the harmful acid from the branches. Make sure all seals are clean, especially the roof seals. Be sure to empty the refrigerator and remove all food and crumbs from the camper. Plumbing
Make sure all water from all plumbing fixtures has been drained. Use the proper anti-freeze designed for RVs. Do not use automotive antifreeze, as it is highly toxic. Be sure to consult the owner's manual for the proper way to winterize the water system, as methods differ for different plumbing systems. Wheel Bearings
Pack the wheel bearings every 12,000 miles or at the end of each season. Appliances
Clean the brushed chrome with mild soap and water and dry with a soft cloth. Apply a light coat of oil (such as Johnson's Baby Oil). Check the owner's manual for the best way to winterize individual appliances. Empty out the refrigerator. Turn off the LP gas at the tank valve. Storage
Angle the trailer tongue down-ward to help prevent build up of snow and ice on the roof. Place rodent control products in the unit during storage months. Inspect your unit during storage. Seal off any areas that can be an entry point to rodents or insects. Make sure your unit is dust and moisture free to prevent mildew. Ensure that all surface units are dry and moisture-free, especially the canopy when you fold it upalways fold it up dray, an if you must roll up the canopy wet, unroll it within 24 hours and allow it to dry. Use a large piece of plastic under the unit to reduce moistureblack plastic works well. Tires
Put the camper up on blocks if it will not be used for long periods of time. Make sure the blocks are under the axles so that the tires bear no load during storage. Protect tire/wheel assemblies from direct sunlight. Inflate the tiresincluding the spareto operating pressure before returning to service, as a slight gradual air loss will typically occur. Store tires in a clean, cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated area if you remove the tires for storage. Store tires white-wall to white-wall to avoid staining. Protect tires with an opaque waterproof covering if they are being stored outdoors. Keep tires out of direct sunlight. Propane Safety
Propane is often the pop up camper's fuel of choice for cooking, heating and refrigeration. Inexpensive and convenient to use, this potentially dangerous substance should not be taken for granted. Propane, especially in liquid form, should be treated with the same respect one has for gasoline. It's incredibly flammable, prone to leak, and, unlike gasoline, under extreme pressure.
Here are some important safe-handling tips to remember:
Always transport cylinders secured in an upright position with the service valve closed Keep away from heat sources and do not smoke while handling or transporting propane cylinders Never store in an enclosed area, including houses, garages, sheds, pop ups or tents. Do not leave in a trunk for any longer than a trip to the refueling station. Dismount the cylinder when parking your camper in a garage Make sure you have a propane alarm installed in your pop up, near the floor. (Propane is heavier than air.) Periodically check for leaks by applying a soapy leak-detection solution (one part liquid dish soap to five parts water) to the connections. NEVER use a flame If you smell a gas leak in or around your pop up, immediately turn off gas valve. Do nothing to cause a spark. Extinguish any open flames, cigarettes, etc. Leave area and allow gas to dissipate. Unless a leak can be fixed by tightening a loose connection, call a propane repairperson to take care of the problem When using unvented propane equipment, such as a catalytic heater, a window must be open so fresh air can enter to replenish the oxygen. Never use the galley range (or a propane heater not designed for indoor use) to heat the pop up Keeping Your Pop UP Fabric in Tip Top Shape
Taking care of that little 1/8" layer of fabric separating you from the rest of the world may mean the difference between a happy or miserable camping trip. Don't let your spirits (and belongings) be dampened by the next rainstorm! Keeping your camper's exterior fabric in tiptop shape is a SNAP when you follow these easy steps:
Determine the type of fabric that your pop up has.
There are many different materials used in the industry today, such as cotton, acrylic, polyester, vinyl or laminated products, that all require different methods of care. Check your owner's manual to determine the particular maintenance procedure for your tenting.
Keep it clean and dry.
Mold and mildew are your pop up fabric's #1 enemies. They thrive on dirt, moisture and decreased airflow. Prevention is KEY, because once it starts, it's difficult to control. ALWAYS store your pop up DRY. If packing up in the rain, open up at home as soon as possible. Before storage, remove any damp items or food from the interior. Check to make sure all seals and caulking are intact. Never store your camper covered with a tarp (unless it is tied up like a shelter) because it will impede airflow. Keep the tenting clean by lightly sweeping off loose dirt with a soft brush, and washing with water and a sponge to remove any bird droppings, campfire soot, leaves, etc. If necessary, use non-lanolin laundry soap flakes for stubborn stains. Never use detergents or bleach (unless your owner's manual states otherwise) which could ruin the water repellency and strip the color. While camping, be careful to keep bushes and vines away, since acid from some branches could harm the fabric. Remember to avoid getting hair sprays or bug sprays on the fabric, as they can also impair repellency and cause staining.
Keep your pop up rodent free.
Seal off entry points with steel or bronze wool. (Bronze wool, available at marine supply stores, is more expensive, but it won't rust.) If the wool won't stay in, use clear mailing tape, which is sticky and water-resistant, to hold it in place. You may need to crawl under your camper to find any openings, such as around plumbing pipes. In addition to shredding your tenting and screens, mice can gnaw through electric wires and hoses. Some people say that putting deterrents such as mothballs, aromatic cedar blocks, and dryer sheets inside help. Most importantly, make sure to remove all food and paper nesting material. Give your pop up a thorough vacuuming after every trip.
Care for your awning
The secret to a long canopy life, like other materials, is keeping it clean and storing it dry. While camping in the rain, pitch your awning to one side to prevent water from pooling on the fabric, causing damage or irreversible fabric stretching. Always roll it up if heavy or prolonged wind or rain is expected, or if you will be leaving it unattended. (Damage by weather isn't covered by most warranties.) A general rule of thumb: If you are comfortable sitting outdoors dining or reading the paper, then it is probably safe to have your awning up. The concern with wind is the up-lifting effect rather than the downward force; therefore the greater the pitch, the more wind resistant the unit is. CAUTION: make sure that when lowering or raising your awning, it is extended high enough to clear the entry door! For ease of operation, rub candle wax on all sliding surfaces, and make sure the bracket screws attaching it to the roof are tight.
Repair fabric problems as soon as they start
Despite your most caring efforts, mice may get by, holes may occur, and rain may leak through. Don't despair! There are companies specializing in pop up fabric repair and replacement, and products to help you do simple repairs yourself. Since sewing can sometimes weaken fabric further, there are patches and cements specifically formulated for canvas, vinyl, plastic and screen. When it's time to restore your fabric's repellency, use ONLY products recommended by your pop up manufacturer. Never use products that will change your canvas's color or consistency. (Canvas waterproofing products sold at home improvement stores are NOT made for pop ups!)
