Pop-up campers come with a ton of advantages. They’re budget-friendly, easy to tow, and relatively low profile. They’re a fantastic choice for small families that love going on short trips every so often.
Unfortunately, pop-ups don’t handle inclement weather as well as RVs and full-on campers do. This begs the question: can pop-up campers get wet when left out in the rain?
Can Pop-Up Campers Get Wet?
If your pop-up camper is poorly-designed, riddled with tiny holes, or doesn’t come with a waterproof sealant, it can certainly get wet during the rain.
Luckily, modern pop-up campers are specifically designed to prevent leakage during bad weather. They’re usually made of one of three materials: vinyl, canvas, and Hypalon.
Canvas
Canvas is the most common material found in pop-up campers.
Made with a tightly woven blend of cotton and synthetic fibers, canvas is naturally water-resistant. When treated properly, it can be both waterproof and flame resistant; especially when polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating is added on one or both sides of the material.
With that said, canvas is prone to developing tears, rips, and holes. Furthermore, water will soak through if you touch wet canvas from the inside due to capillary action. It’s also prone to mold damage if not left out to dry properly.
Vinyl
Campers made with vinyl sides are much tougher than campers made with canvas sides. They’re water-resistant, damage-resistant, and mold-resistant. They’re not as strong as fiberglass or steel, but they’re sturdy enough to combat harsh weather. Plus, they don’t suck up moisture, preventing water damage.
Hypalon
Hypalon is a CSPE (Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene) material that’s resistant to water, weathering, and chemicals. It’s virtually unaffected by extreme temperatures and ultraviolet light, making it the ideal material choice for outdoor camping. It won’t harden even if left out in the sun.
Most importantly, it doesn’t deteriorate over time. For this reason, it’s often used for inflatable boats and kayaks. Still, Hypalon has its fair share of disadvantages. For one, it’s much more expensive than either canvas or vinyl. It also gets dirty more easily because of its porous finish.
Reasons Why Pop Up Campers Leak During Rain
Early signs you may have a water leak in your pop-up camper include damaged lamination, water stains, discolored wood, and panel bubbles.
If you’re not quite sure what causes the leakage, consider the following:
1. Fabric Tears
The most common and obvious reason for water leakage is fabric tears.
Tears can be caused by anything, from sharp sticks and errant tree branches to stones and strong winds.
Small tears are relatively easy to patch up; cover the tear on either side with taffeta repair tape and seal it up with a canvas seam sealer.
Large tears are a bit more complicated. If you’re good with needles, you can probably seal the tear with a bit of crocheting. Fold one side of the material under the other and sew tightly. While doing so, make sure the stitches are close together. Then, cover the stitches with a seam sealer.
Note that this is merely a temporary repair. If the damage is bad, it’s best to replace the canopy entirely to prevent the risk of untimely water leakage.
2. Poor Hydrostatic Rating
The water impermeability of a pop-up camper’s canopy is measured through its hydrostatic head rating (HH). The hydrostatic head rating calculates how much water pressure a waterproof material can take before it succumbs to leakage. An HH of 2000mm, for example, means that the fabric can withstand leakage up to a weight of 2000mm.
Pop-up campers with an HH rating of 1000mm can withstand light showers and mild weather conditions. Campers with a rating of 2000mm to 3000mm can tolerate much heavier wind and rain.
The higher the HH, the better waterproofing. A good HH rating prevents the tent from stretching and allowing water through the material over extended use.
If your pop-up camper is leaking, check the canopy’s HH rating. If it’s less than 1000mm, it’s best to replace it with a more waterproof canopy. You can also put waterproof spray on the canvas, but it won’t be as effective as completely replacing it.
3. Rust and Corrosion
If left unattended, rust and corrosion can invite rain to come through. Rust can cause metal poles and roofs to thin and crack open, leading to a slow but noticeable dripping of water.
Rust and corrosion may also weaken the integrity of the camper’s fiberglass protection, located around the lower portion of the camper.
How to Prevent Campers from Getting Wet
Now that we’ve discussed the common reasons why campers leak, here are some preventative measures to take to avoid leakage:
1. Invest in a Camper Cover
Pop-up campers with fiberglass roofs must be covered with a waterproof canvas tarp and polypropylene tarp.
This cover will add an extra layer of protection to your camper when it’s not in use. The tarp will protect it from snow, ice, water, and intense UV rays, all of which can damage the surrounding surface of the camper.
If possible, search for a cover with thick padding to shield the fiberglass surface from stray rocks, branches, and animal claws.
2. Seal Vulnerable Areas
The more you use your pop-up camper, the deeper its crevices become. These crevices cause water to slip inside the camper.
Prevent this by sealing the crevices around the roof, side panels, and other vulnerable areas, such as the area around the camper’s vent fans and air conditioner.
Use a high-quality sealant spray with a rubberized coating to prevent leaks. You can also use outdoor caulk made from silicone, as it can easily brush off temperature changes.
3. Coat the Awning With Waterproof Spray
As time goes by, the waterproof protection of the pop-up camper diminishes. For this reason, you should coat the sides of your camper seasonally with a high-quality waterproofing spray. The spray will restore the original waterproofing quality of the camper’s canvas.
Conclusion
Although most modern pop-up campers are waterproof, leakage does occur sometimes. Usually, it’s caused by fabric tears, rust and corrosion, and poor waterproofing.
Prevent this by fixing tears and holes as soon as they arise, sealing vulnerable areas with caulk and sealant spray, and coating the awning with waterproof spray whenever the season ends.