Published Date: October 17, 2020
Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Camper Front
A pop-up camper is a type of towed RV that can be collapsed for easy storage and transport. Its relatively affordable price makes it a popular choice for most RVers, and its small size makes it easier to tow than many other types of RVs.
However, that small size can be detrimental when it comes to having storage space. If you already own a pop-up camper or planning to get one, this article will teach you how to increase space in a pop-up camper.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
How To Increase Space In A Pop Up Camper
Here are some useful tips on how to increase the space in your pop-up camper so you can properly bring more people alongside or organize better.
1. Use Storage Containers
Small storage containers work really well by creating more storage space in your camper. They are way better than having to pile or cram things unto each other on your shelf or countertop.
Placing every item into its designated container after use will leave you with more table, counter, and cupboard space.
Another good thing about storage containers is that they protect your items from germs and microbes; these storage containers take up less space.
Most people feel like this is counterintuitive being that the storage containers take up space, but the thing is, they take up less space compared to having items placed all over your countertop and shelves, and most importantly, they make your space look more organized.
Read Also: How to Heat Up a Caravan Without Electricity
2. Use Suction Cup Hooks
It is easy for clutter to build up when you have only a few couples of square feet for storage, and most of the time, this space usually goes for the most important items like clothing and food. But you are going to need more than that if you want to stay comfortable outdoors.
Using suction cup hooks helps to create extra storage space and can be used to hold anything from keys and clothes to towels and even bags.
You can place them on the wall without puncturing a hole in the wall as they are equipped without heavy-duty double-sided tape, which enables them to stick to just about any surface.
These hooks are very affordable and easily sourced; you can even take the storage space creation to an extra level by combining them with small plastic and metal containers. They can be placed outdoors or on the doors so you can store some stuff outdoors.
3. Use Collapsible Items
Using items that are collapsible is also a great space saver; this way, you can compactly store away the items when they are not in use; there are different items with collapsible options, including bins, collapsible buckets, and fold-away dish drying racks.
If you have pets, you can also get them a collapsible dish bowl.
4. Cut Down Your Carryons
This is something that most people find very hard to do; why pack ten underwear for a 3-day trip? It’s not like you are going to be shitting yourself three times daily while you are away, right?
Calculating how long you plan to stay on the trip and cutting back the items you bring on to the very barest minimum will save you the hassle of bringing on items you will end up not needing; this goes on for utensils as well. You don’t need 20 plates and drinking cups when there are only three people on board.
I know dishwashing is hard, but if you really want some extra space to store some other useful items, you just have to go with the term “less is more.”
5. Install More Shelving
While there might be limited spacing on the floor, there might be actual decent wall space, and you can utilize that by placing more shelving on the walls. But you don’t just want to go ahead and cram your walls with shelves else it would look too “cramped.”
Instead, you can look for wide and empty wall space and add a cabinet with multiple shelvings; you can place them in your bedroom or bathroom to store a wide range of items.
6. Use Hammocks Or Baskets
This is a great option for holding fruits and veggies in the kitchen areas; you can keep your hammock hung under cabinets or shelves to save space on countertops, they are inexpensive and look really cool.
You can also make use of baskets; they are an efficient and effective way to add to shelf space without having to use tools or make any mess.
They can easily be slid under existing shelving to hold any items that do not fit into a cupboard; they can also be used to protect your breakable items from falling while driving.
7. Make Use Of Tension Rods
Tension rods are very versatile tools; whether they are used horizontally or vertically, they add a lot of storage space once the camper is set up. Some of the vertical rods come with bins and baskets already attached to them, and they are mostly used in bathrooms to hold shampoo, washcloths, and soap.
Horizontal rods, on the other hand, can be used for shower curtains, they can be outfitted with hooks, hanging baskets, and collapsible sweater shelves. You can also create a makeshift clothing closet by hanging your clothes hangers from the rod.
Read Also: What is The Weight of a Pop Up Camper?
8. Elastic Cloth
This is an item that can make a real difference in your camper’s storage space; using an elastic cloth with some cardboard backing to store small items can help to keep clutter off your camper’s floor.
You can staple elastic cloth of various lengths to the cardboard backing to form pockets and use these pockets to store all sorts of small items.
9. Store Your Clothes More Compactly
There’s a way you can actually store your clothes to create more space; instead of folding or hanging up your clothing items, you want to roll. Roll clothing like sweatpants, t-shirts, sweaters, and leggings and keep them in storage bins.
This helps to keep the clothes tightly packed even on bumpy roads. Bedding items like sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and even pillows can be stored this way as well. You want to Fold them as small as possible and store them in reusable vacuum bags or storage bins.
If you have clothing items that cannot be rolled and have to be hung, you want to make sure that you have sturdy and durable hangers that can support the weight of the clothing without breaking.
10. Use Caddies
Placing caddies around your bed can help to increase your storage space as well; all you need to do is attach the cloth caddies around the sides of your bed and use them to store the items that you often use, like your electronic devices, books, and sleeping masks.
Waterproof caddies can also be used in the bathroom area for holding shower gels and shampoos. They can also be hung over closet doors for additional internal storage to hold belts, shoes, and other accessories. You can also use them to hold cleaning supplies.
11. Use Foldable Trash Cans/Bags
While you are out camping, an easy trash disposal site might not be at your “disposal” (excuse my pun), so it is important you have enough garbage bags or plastic liners while embarking on your trip
But you don’t want them just lying around. You can actually DIY a paper towel holder into a garbage bag dispenser.
You can do this by simply sliding the paper towel holder through the roll of garbage bags, and then when you need one, you simply rip off a garbage bag just as you would if it were a roll of paper towels.
You can also make use of collapsible trash bins that fold down while traveling for extra compact storage.
12. Use Spice Racks
If you are going off-grid with your camper, you are definitely going to be relying on some homemade food, and for that, you will need some spice, at the very least salt. You want them to be stored in an area that’s easily accessible and in a safe place, so they don’t fall and break while driving.
Using spice racks will make your spices more easily accessible, and they also help them to stay secure while on the road, and they are very easy to install.
13. Your Tow Vehicle
Not only the inside but the roof and trunk of your towing vehicle can provide lots of storage space.
You can store your toolkit in the trunk of your car and then store any other bulky items like a step ladder and vacuum-sealed bedding as well. Kayaks, bicycles, and surfboards can be attached to the roof of your vehicle.
Use a trunk organizer to keep all your items organized neatly and fill storage bins as well. These can be used inside your camper when you get to the end of your journey.
Unlike boxes or suitcases, a backseat organizer does not take up passenger space, so use it for storing things that will make up living space in your camper.
If you have a large vehicle with a few rows of seats, make use of this space for storing BBQ supplies, kid’s toys, or anything else that could take up too much unnecessary space in your camper.
Read Also: Benefits of a Fifth Wheel Trailer
Conclusion
Finding ways how to increase space in a pop-up camper will enable you to utilize your camper space without lots of clutter lying around cramming up space more.
As stated before, less is more; even if a camper is supposed to be a home on wheels, it will never be able to function up to a home’s capacity, so you will just have to make do with what you have.
