Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (2024)

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We purchased our 2014 Viking in November and knew right away, that we had big plans for it. The best part about the camper was paying cash and it being ours! This gives us the opportunity to do whatever we want to it. We had lots of ideas but didn’t know what we would discover and how it would all turn out. I have turned it into two separate posts so I can tell you all about it.

Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (1)

The very first thing we did was get her home and start cleaning it up. We washed the outside with dawn dish soap, boy did it do wonders. After we got the outside clean, I went to town on the inside. I vacuumed and wiped everything down with Clorox wipes. I decided to buy new memory foam for the queen size beds so I took the egg crate that was already in it and cut it down to fit on the sofa bed.

Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (2)

I knew I wasn’t a fan of the brown interior so we decided we were going to recover the cushions and replace the curtains. I went ahead and took them out as well as taking down the curtains so I could use them as a template for the new ones.

This is what the inside looked like after we cleaned it. We decided to take out the table and make a wrap-around sofa. This was the first official project and we jumped right into it. Meanwhile, we ordered new tires which ended up costing around $275. We didn’t think that was too bad considering we went ahead and got 3 tires total (to replace the spare, too).

Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (4)
Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (5)

When Mike started on the sofa remodel, we measured and took out the necessary pieces to make it all work. I drew everything out because I was going to have to reconfigure the cushions for this new layout. In the old layout, the table turned into a bed and the sofa slid out into another bed, but we only needed to make one place for sleeping. We have to keep my two kids separated when they’re in the bed or nobody gets to sleep! lol!!

Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (6)
Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (7)
Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (8)

The table seat stuck out a little over a foot too far so we cut that side down to make it flush with the rest (see the pictures above). Mike took 2 x 2 and framed it back in. We used the panel that we took off and put it back. Next, he had to connect the piece that was the step up into the bunk. He connected it to the existing sofa so that when it’s all finished, it would make a big U shape.

Side Note: I will say, I am so happy we opened it up and made the sofa different. When we eat inside, we put the table in the middle and everyone gets some space. It also makes it so much more open when the table is put up during the day. I also love it when the table is down and the cushions are on it, we can chill and actually get comfortable on the sofa instead of how it used to be.

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We decided to keep the table but we re-did it with cedar planks. Instead of it laying down against the wall between the bench seats, we decided to have it lay between the two sides of the sofa, which fills in the U so my oldest can sleep there. I had to make an extra few cushions but since I was already getting new fabric, I just purchased two foam pieces from Joanns to make them from.

Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (10)

You can see in the picture above where we used a 2×2 to on each side to both catch the table and the wooden piece for the sofa cushion to sit on. He had to get creative on the right side, so he made a place for the 2×2 to slide out when you lay the table down for sleeping.

Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (11)
Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (12)

Next, we decided to make our table. We took the legs off of the old one to reuse, then we measure the space we needed to fill between the cushions since it was different from the old one. Mike cut out a piece of plywood to use as a base and we laid out the pieces of cedar we wanted to glue for the top. We used wood glue and placed screws from the bottom so it would grab the wood without coming through the top. The cedar we used is actually closet planks so it has a tongue and groove to help piece them together, but we still had to glue it and screw it for stability.

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Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (14)
Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (15)

After we finished the table, we took it on two camping trips knowing I was going to paint. We wanted to wait until it was warmer and we had more time for painting since I decided to use an oil-based for the walls and cabinets. Little did we know, the painting project would be what started our “open concept” remodel. In the next post which I will link to, I will explain how this small disaster took place and what we did to make it beautiful in the end. You can see that post here.

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Pop-Up Camper Remodel: Open Concept Design Part One - Frugal Camping Family (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of a pop-up camper? ›

Limited storage: A pop-up camper has limited space, and you will often need to remove belongings from the trailer to fold up appropriately. A pop-up camper storage capacity is ideal for people who travel light. No insulation: The pop-up section of a camper is made from vinyl or canvas, which are thin materials.

What is the average price of a pop-up camper? ›

Pop-up campers are also less expensive; you can find used ones for sale in the $500 to $1,000 range or all the way up to $20,000, depending on size and features.

Are pop up campers good for camping? ›

For individuals, couples, and small families, a pop-up camper can be the perfect summer camping solution. Pop-up campers are affordable, easy to tow, and offer many modern amenities all in one package that gives a unique camping experience you can't get with any other RV or tent camping experience.

Why do people buy pop up campers? ›

If you love tent camping but want a few more amenities, a pop-up camper is a great option. Pop-up campers are excellent towable RVs for folks that don't want to upgrade to a truck or simply want to go RVing more affordably. Pop-ups are the most affordable RVs you'll find, and they offer a lot for the money.

What is the life expectancy of a pop-up camper? ›

A pop-up camper can last as many as fifteen years if you look after it. But, of course, the actual time frame depends on how often you use it and maintain it.

Do all pop up campers leak? ›

they will all leak shortly after regular maintenance stops happening. that said there are a lot of 30 year old campers in much better shape than 2 year old campers for this same reason.

Do pop-up campers stay warm in the winter? ›

Conclusion: Cozy Comfort in Winter Camping

While pop-up campers may not be inherently designed for winter camping, with thoughtful preparations and adaptations, they can transform into cozy havens in the winter landscape.

Which is better, a pop-up or a travel trailer? ›

Pop-up campers are best for solo travel or couples who want to experience the great outdoors as much as possible without the need for more rigid shelter. If you prefer the feeling of a more traditional residence and have need for more storage space, climate control and security, then a travel trailer is the way to go.

How fast can you drive with a pop-up camper? ›

Safe Towing Practices

Never go faster than 55 miles per hour. Most trailer tires are not rated to go any faster than this, so allow other traffic to pass you instead of trying to speed up. Always make sure your tires on your towing vehicle and your camper are inflated to the correct psi levels to avoid a blowout.

Do pop-up campers stay cool in summer? ›

Unlike travel trailers or other RVs, pop-up campers don't usually come with heating or air conditioning (thanks to their lack of insulation and extra space). You're at the mercy of nature. You can bring along a space heater for cooler months and a fan or portable AC unit for the summer.

Can you leave a pop-up camper up all summer? ›

Leaving your camper “up” might seem like a good idea. However, since pop ups are constructed with soft sides, typically canvas, leaving it popped up is an invitation for critters and pests to enter and set up house or cause destruction.

Can a pop-up camper tip over? ›

When these campers don't have a strong or heavy enough base, there have been instances of pop-ups being tipped over.

Should I insure my pop-up camper? ›

Insurance for pop-up campers is not required unless you've financed or leased the trailer (your lender will want to protect their investment). If your towing vehicle is insured, you should be protected from any damages or injuries your pop-up causes while being towed.

How safe are pop-up campers? ›

Pop-up campers lessen these risks substantially by being lightweight and compact. They don't have the proclivity to sway back and forth or lose control completely like bigger trailers do. Of course, pop-ups aren't completely without risk. It's important to always follow best towing practices when pulling a popup.

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