popup conversion

[tlcmbc]

I have a very old pup and rather than fixing the canvas again have been thinking of using the frame etc and turning it into a small travel trailer type camper.Has anyone done this and do you  have floor plans or build plans?My box is 10 ft but think I can extend to 12 or 13 ft. It is only me and the wife so just need a decent bed,some storage, maybe the stove and porta potty and also a small dining area.Any ideas would help.Thanks

[Hunt4Fun]

I have not built a travel trailer from a pop-up, but I have completely rebuilt a pop-up from the frame up.  I can offer a few ideas that might help.  Strip it down to the metal frame.  Buy new exterior grade plywood.  I went with 3/4".  Painted both sides for protection with Kilz and a finish coat of exterior grade white.  I was able to find screws at either Home Depot or Lowes, that drill through the wood and sink into the metal.  Amazing piece of hardware, but you will need a very stout drill and some pressure to put them in.  From there you can build the frame of the walls and continue.

The pictures on http://picasaweb.google.com/jack.kisssner/PopupCamper may give you some ideas.  Good luck

[tlcmbc]

I have not built a travel trailer from a pop-up, but I have completely rebuilt a pop-up from the frame up.  I can offer a few ideas that might help.  Strip it down to the metal frame.  Buy new exterior grade plywood.  I went with 3/4".  Painted both sides for protection with Kilz and a finish coat of exterior grade white.  I was able to find screws at either Home Depot or Lowes, that drill through the wood and sink into the metal.  Amazing piece of hardware, but you will need a very stout drill and some pressure to put them in.  From there you can build the frame of the walls and continue.

The pictures on http://picasaweb.google.com/jack.kisssner/PopupCamper may give you some ideas.  Good luck

Thanks for the tips.Gives me something to think about.

[tlhdoc]

Just a word of caution.  The axles and tires on PUs are not made to support a lot of weight. The frame isn't either.  You will need to watch your weight closely.  There should be a tag on the axle that tells you how much it will support and the tires have their own weight limit on them.  

[austinado16]

If you consider how much time this project could take, how much money it will cost to do right the first time, how heavy it's going to be, and how  :yikes:  it's going to look when completed.........I think you'll reconsider.

Used Popups are inexpensive, new canvas is even cheaper.....and when you're done, you have something that looks nice and you can be proud to own (and be seen towing and camping in).

[tlcmbc]

Just a word of caution.  The axles and tires on PUs are not made to support a lot of weight. The frame isn't either.  You will need to watch your weight closely.  There should be a tag on the axle that tells you how much it will support and the tires have their own weight limit on them.  

you are probably right,thanks

[sacrawf]

Unless you really look forward to and enjoy the rebuilding work, I suggest buying a brand new camper or a slightly used one.  As long as you arrange financing you can comfortably afford, you will end up with a more modern camper you can enjoy immediately and for many years if well cared for. New camper loan interest rate should be in the approximate 5.9% interest rate level or so now.  Even with many hours and dollars of work restoring or modifying your existing very old camper, you still will end up with a very old camper. Use the time (and money) you would have spent fixing it up earning some extra bucks to pay off the new camper and to actually go camping.  New popups can be found starting at around $5,500.

I'm not a camper salesperson, just someone who from experience wants to spend less time working on old junk and more time enjoying life.

I have a very old pup and rather than fixing the canvas again have been thinking of using the frame etc and turning it into a small travel trailer type camper.Has anyone done this and do you  have floor plans or build plans?My box is 10 ft but think I can extend to 12 or 13 ft. It is only me and the wife so just need a decent bed,some storage, maybe the stove and porta potty and also a small dining area.Any ideas would help.Thanks

[AZsix]

I'm not a camper salesperson, just someone who from experience wants to spend less time working on old junk and more time enjoying life.

On the other hand there are people that get a lot of enjoyment out of doing that kind of thing and to them that is enjoying life. I however am on your side. Give me something I can enjoy now!