How to Fix a Pop-Up Camper

Pop up campers has become a mainstay in modern family camping. They are for the most part economical ways for the average family to vacation without staying in hotels that cost enormous amounts of money. But what happens when they require repairs? Most often they can be handled by the owners and don’t cost an arm and a leg to do.

There are few moving parts (at least that get moved often) on pop up campers. These repairs will cover most of those. Your manufacturer can provide almost all (if not all) of what you need in replacement parts.

• Check your tires prior to heading out on a trip. If your tires look worn and you are going far away, consider replacing them. When replacing tires have the shop check your wheel bearings as well just to be safe.


• Look over your top and all canvas surfaces for holes and tears. Canvas can be repaired with a heavy needle and thread and fiberglass filled in. On canvas use the holes already there and sew them back together again. If it is really bad, place a patch on the area and sew it on.


• Take a look at the screens on the camper. Small areas can be repaired with clear nail polish. Larger tears can be repaired with clear packing tape or possibly needle and thread. If necessary purchase screen material and replace.


• Lift the camper to its full height and make certain all pulleys and cables are working properly. If they are “sticky,” lubricate with heavy grease or a white spray on lubricant. Normally each corner has a pulley underneath which guide the cables so lubricate or spray the lubricant on those as well. If you notice that any of the cables are broken replace them with one of the same size. Do not patch.


• Check to make certain all canvas is attached where it is supposed to be attached. Many times it will slip out of the brackets that hold it in place and you simply have to put it back in the bracket and perhaps tighten the way it is “tucked in.”