How To Increase Space In A Pop-Up Camper?

Looking for a smaller, more practical, and cheaper solution for large trailers or motor homes? If yes, then the right thing for you is a pop-up camper! Pop-up campers have some really useful characteristics providing you with foldable elements to personalize your camping experience. The only problem you can face is smaller storage space. In this article, we’ll teach you some tips and tricks on how to optimize storage space inside your pop-up camper. So, let’s start!

How To Increase Space In A Pop-Up Camper?

So How To Increase Space In A Pop-Up Camper? The best ways to increase and add additional space to your pop-up camper are by using storage containers, suction cup hooks, plastic drawers, hammocks and baskets, plastic shoe racks and caddies, and tension rods. Each method has its own pros and cons, so choose the best option for your camper.

This is a great article for those who want to know How Much Is A Pop Up Camper? (New, Used & Rentals).

Best Ways to Maximize Space In Pop-up Campers

If you own a pop-up camper, remember that there are a lot of ways how you can save up space inside. Here we’ll present you with the best solutions that you can use and apply for this and every other trip. Follow these tips and good luck:

1. Write Down Everything Your Camper Have

As you read this list, you will realize that there are a lot of things that are actually useless. It is important to know what you need and what you don’t in your camper. Be sure to grab a pen and paper and write it down. The first thing we’ll need to do is to write down everything you have in your camper.

If you are not bringing a lot of friends on the trip, you don’t need 30 drinking cups or 20 plates. Sometimes it can be hard to leave some items out. If you are not sure what you need, our advice is to write down the priority of things. Therefore, the best way how anyone can increase the space in their pop-up camper is to remove any unnecessary items. If you have extra space at the end, you can easily add some stuff with lower priority.

2. Apply Some Basic Rules

If you often use your pop-up camper, you probably wonder where to store the new items that you want to take on an upcoming holiday trip. People often buy the same items that they already have. And that’s not good at all! That way, your camper will have limited space.

The good tactic is “one comes in, one goes out”. So, for example, if you add a blanket, it is time to get rid of the old one. This way, you will not bury your camper in any way, you will only improve it. It is very important to stick to these basic rules.

3. Camper Storage Containers

Our favorite advice that we recommend when you are traveling with your pop-up camper is to use storage containers. That way, you’ll use all the space that you have in your camper. Placing your stuff everywhere uses much more space than sorting stuff and keeping them tidy. Therefore, buy some cheap storage containers and go to work.

By using these containers, you will utilize the space in your camper. That way, you will ensure that your camper shelving is always in place. Keep in mind that things that you have in your pop-up camper are in most cases always exposed to nature when you are going on a trip. Storage containers not only store your items and gadgets but also keep them safe from microbes and germs. 

Pro Tip: When using collapsible storage containers, you’ll keep your stuff fold flat when they are not in use.

4. Set up Suction Cup Hooks

Clutter can very easily be created in a pop-up camper if you are not careful what you do. This is because these campers have very limited space for items. Not everything must be placed on the floor or in containers. There is such a great thing as suction cup hooks. Buy a bunch of these and create hanging storage space in seconds.

These hooks can hold keys, towels, clothes, bags, and much more. Many people prefer stickable hooks because you can easily remove them if you decide to sell your camper. They can be very easily placed on any surface inside your camper. They can also be used on the outer surface of the camper and on the doors. That way, you can get more extra space in your camper.

5. Manage Cloth Items

Towels and clothes can be sometimes hard to manage in a small pop-up camper. For example, they can be folded, and that way create some amount of space. But keep in mind that not every clothing item can be folded (for example, we have suits). They must be rolled. One of the best methods of folding clothes is to roll them. Really great principle is using the “ranger roll” method.

By using this method, your clothes will be organized very well, and you will save a lot of storage space. When you roll your clothes, they can be very easily stored in some storage container. By packing clothes tightly you will keep them in good order during tough rides. When it comes to other types of clothing, such as pillowcases and sheets, keep in mind that you shouldn’t need to bring extra sheets if you’re not going on a long trip.

Here are some examples are shown:

6. Maintain a Good Schedule

Having a pop-up camper and going on a road trip can disrupt a lot of things inside a camper. That’s why you must organize everything inside before you decide to go on the journey. When you get to your destination, you’ll probably need to clean everything inside once again.

Therefore, it is a good idea to do everyday reorganization. Make a schedule and list of needed jobs. If you leave a mess in your camper, clutter will become bigger and bigger, so you will lose more time to do basic jobs, and finding stuff inside the camper will become frustrating.

If you ever consider installing a shower in a pop-up camper, be sure to read an article about: Installing a Shower In a Pop-Up Camper.

7. Add More Shelves

For those who want to have more space in their pop-up campers, then installing shelving is a great way to do it! Adding shelves will create more storage space in your camper. Do not be afraid of putting extra shelving or hanging closets on the wall. Just look for the emptiest space in your camper wall and be sure to add one.

8. Collapsible Dishware

One of the best things that you can have in your camper for your storage space is collapsible dishware. Every camper usually has a lot of wasted space that is created by many things (in most cases unused dishes. This device is light, robust, and space-friendly. So, you will not be scared of wrecking it by driving on bumpy roads, and you will get a significant extra space by using it. Tip: buy microwave-friendly ones.

9. Add Under-Shelf Baskets For Your Camper

One way how you can add extra space to your pop-up camper is by adding under-shelf baskets. They can easily slide under your cupboard. This is a must-have item for anyone who owns a pop-up camper. Using an under-shelf basket is a great idea even when we talk about your home cabinet, but it is an amazing idea when talking about your camper. Put on your sandwich, snack, towels, or underwear and keep things organized.

10. Install Some Hammocks

Sometimes, there will not be enough space in your pop-up camper for all of the items that you have. If you have large things in your campers, such as vegetables, don’t put them in a basket, instead, use a fruit hammock.

These hammocks come in different shapes and sizes and can suit all your needs. You will not need to worry about unripe or over-ripened spots. Just place everything you want inside. Search Amazon and look for different styles to find the right one.

11. Use Magnetic Strips on the Camper’s Wall

Another thing that can be done to save space is to use magnetic strips to hang some items. You can use kitchen appliances like knives and other metal items to save space. However, be careful and stick the knives to the strip when you come to your destination. You don’t want to have a flying knife during the road trip.

12. Plastic Shoe Caddies

Plastic shoe racks can also be used as a way to save space in your camper. If you have more than two pairs of shoes, you know how practical it is to have some shoe racks. These racks come with multiple pockets. Things that you can store in them are endless such as keys, remote controllers, socks, camping tools, and much more.

13. Add Cabinet Door Racks

Going on vacation with your camper is a great experience. It should be a combination of fun, adventure, and relaxation. There are very few things in the world better than resting in nature while breathing fresh air and the smell of a delicious meal. But to have your food prepared, you’ll need to have all of the spices in your camper on hand.

Equip your camper with cabinet door spice racks so your spices will be easily accessible and ready for cooking. Having spice racks is a great way to solve these problems inside your camper in just a few seconds.

14. Add Tension Rods

One great thing that you can have inside your camper is tension rods. You can use them vertically and horizontally to make a benefit out of them. You can also use them to hook some baskets or use it as the type of shower curtain.

15. Use Garbage Disposal

While you are using your pop-up camper, garbage is being created very quickly. For that reason, it is very important to have garbage bags. One idea is to access garbage bags through a paper towel holder. You can easily transform it into a garbage bag dispenser if you have one.

This is a very easy DIY project that you can do in only a few minutes. Simply rip a garbage bag off just like you do with your paper towels. Remember that collapsible trash bin can also be used when you travel with your camper.

16. Add External Storage To Your Camper

If you don’t have any more ideas on how to increase the camper’s inside storage space, try to find out some other storage ideas. For example, you can use a roof rack to store items that you don’t use every day. Some pop-up campers already come with built-in roof rack storage. Using a roof rack you can easily create additional storage. Be creative and make the most of your camper and enjoy your new trips.

You also might be interested in this topic, Why NOT To Buy A Pop-Up Camper (15 Honest Reasons). So take a look.

FAQ: People Also Ask

How to decorate a pop-up camper without using up space?

If you want to decorate your camper be creative and be ready to give some little space for decoration if it will improve your ambiance and satisfaction.

How many can sleep in a pop-up camper?

It depends on the model of the pop-up camper but usually, you can fit around 4-5 adults and/or kids. If you need to add more sleeping space to your camper, you can opt to bring an additional tent along.

Final Thoughts

After reading all these ideas and ways you can increase the space in your pop-up camper, it’s time to apply it. It’s also good to know that pop-up campers are much smaller than RVs in terms of space. We hope you have enjoyed this article and that you are ready for making storage space improvements inside your camper. Don’t forget to be tidy, and organized and to enjoy your camping experience. For any additional questions feel free to contact us.