We love our popup camper, but its basically a glorified tent on wheels. Keeping it dry can be a challenge, but we have found a cheap solution that has multiple benefits so we can keep camping even when its raining.
We bought our camper and paid cash, then we renovated it to be exactly what we wanted. The only issue we have had so far is when it rains. It tends to get a little wet right around the window seams, which makes our blankets get wet. Then this mama isn’t so happy.
Our solution…we made our own diy bunk end covers. We purchased 2 tarps and some bungee cords then we installed 4 eye bolts for the tarps to attach to. So far it has been great! It even made it through a thunderstorm when we were camping at the lake.
Another benefit to using the tarps on each end is it helps block out some of the light. We like sleeping in a dark room so lighting at campgrounds has always made it more difficult to sleep. We have recently added our own DIY bunk end gizmos and that really helps block out the light. (It also helps insulate too)
If you are super frugal like I am and you think this method is something you want to try, you will need to measure your bunk end and decide which tarp size best suites your needs. We ended up going with a 9 mil thick, 11 ft by 15ft heavy duty tarp from Harbour Freight.
We were going to use a 9 x 12 foot tarp that I found at Walmart but it wasn’t quite long enough and the next biggest size I could find that wasn’t super expensive.
To attach the the tarp, we bought 4 eye bolts, 4 neoprene washers and 4 locknuts. We predrilled the holes before installing the bolts to make sure we didn’t crack the finish. We ended up pre-drilling the holes twice.
When you are putting the eye bolts together, put the washer on the outside and the locknut on the inside (see our pictures).
After you get everything installed, all you have to do is hang it. We attach ours before we raise the pop up all the way up. After its raised, we will tuck it underneath and attach it to the camper with other bungee cords we have.
There is no set way to do this, you just have to play around with it. The main thing you need to remember is that it needs to be secure enough for the wind to not be able to pull on it during a storm. Like I mentioned earlier in the post, ours has been tested and survived a thunderstorm with gusty winds when we were camping at the lake.
Overall, I am very happy with this solution we found. In total, I only spent $60 on my diy bunk end covers!