Summer vacation is here — wondering where to take the kids and how to travel? Let me strongly recommend a Truck Topper trip! What could be better than hitting the road with the whole family? Park wherever you want, sleep right next to the scenery, and enjoy the journey together while creating unforgettable memories.

Here are 17 essential tips for first-timers planning a summer hard side pop up camper family adventure.

9 Things You Should NOT Do

No.1 Don't Assume It's a Budget Trip

Some people think hard side pop up camper travel saves money because you can cook and sleep in the vehicle. While it's a step up from regular road trips, fuel costs and campground fees typically make it slightly more expensive than conventional travel. Plan your budget accordingly.

No.2 Don't Skip the Pre-Trip Inspection

Before departure, run through a complete checklist: brakes, transmission, fuel levels, toilet system, and tire pressure. it's good practice to document the condition of your rig and all onboard supplies before you hit the road.

No.3 Don't Board Empty-Handed

If you plan to cook, bring a rice cooker (or instant pot), utensils, dish soap, seasonings, and your own bedding. hard side pop up camper travel is like a move-in-ready experience — what you pack depends on your personal habits and what's already stocked in the camper.

No.4 Don't Use Kitchen Equipment While Driving

Never use the kitchen while the hard side pop up camper is in motion — no cooking with fire or electricity, and no food prep. Make sure all utensils and cookware are securely stowed. One sharp turn or hard brake can send pots, pans, and eggs flying, creating a serious mess and potential injury hazard.

No.5 Don't Lie in Bed While Driving

It's fine to rest in a seat with a seatbelt on, but don't stretch out in bed while the vehicle is moving. hard side pop up camper beds are often positioned higher up, and a sudden turn or hard brake can easily send you tumbling out — risking injury to yourself and damage to your gear.

No.6 Don't Hog Public Space When Parking in Town

When parking in public lots or rest areas, remember these rules: don't set up outdoor stoves or awnings in spaces meant for general parking, don't take up two spots, and always check with staff before extending slide-outs or opening gear at scenic areas or service plazas.

No.7 Don't Plan More Than 200 Miles per Day

The whole point of hard side pop up camper travel is to slow down and enjoy life. Don't turn your trip into a race against the clock. Plan a relaxed pace with a few key stops along the way. That's how you actually experience what hard side pop up camper living is all about.

No.8 Don't Open the Windows While Driving

Never open the windows while your hard side pop up camper is in motion. Most camper windows are sliding or outward-opening panels that increase the vehicle's effective width when open. Besides creating a wind drag hazard, an open window can catch on obstacles like branches, signs, or other vehicles — a dangerous and costly mistake.

No.9 Don't Speed

Most families take their hard side pop up camper out to enjoy the scenery, not to race. Due to the added weight and higher center of gravity, avoid high speeds even if your vehicle has plenty of power. Safety always comes first when you're traveling with your loved ones.

8 Things You SHOULD Do

No.1 Do Get Close to Nature

hard side pop up camper travel is the ultimate upgrade from a regular road trip. Not only can you stop wherever the view is stunning, but you can also extend your stay — camp by the lake, settle at the foot of a mountain, or sleep under the forest canopy. Your kids get to soak in the journey, not just the destination, and you get peace of mind knowing everyone is safe and comfortable.

No.2 Do Know the License Requirements

The TP07W Truck Topper mounts directly on a pickup truck bed, so no special license is required — a standard driver's license is all you need to haul the whole family. The sleeping area comfortably fits two adults and one child, making it a practical choice for family getaways.

No.3 Do Understand Your Water and Power Setup

Most hard side pop up campers come equipped with portable fresh water and gray water tanks. The freshwater supply handles drinking and basic cleaning needs. For power, you can connect to the vehicle's onboard electrical system or shore power via pre-installed wiring channels, or supplement with solar panels for off-grid camping.

No.4 Do Know How to Fill and Dump Properly

Refill your freshwater tank at campgrounds, service plazas, gas stations, or RV parks. The gray water dump valve is usually at the rear of the camper and can be emptied at designated dump stations or approved drain points. For black water, simply slide out the cassette tank and empty it into a toilet or RV dump station — easy and sanitary.

No.5 Do Plan Your Overnight Stops

If you're camping in the wild, stock up on essentials beforehand. If you're staying at a campground, book ahead and confirm the route and nightly rates . Campgrounds offer convenience and security, plus access to electrical hookups and water refills to prep for the next day's drive.

No.6 Do Avoid Wetlands and Flood Zones

It's tempting to park wherever the view is breathtaking, but use caution. Avoid lakeside wetlands where tires can sink into mud, and steer clear of riverbeds below dams or in flood-prone areas. If heavy rain is forecast, always park on higher ground.

No.7 Do Brake and Corner Like You're Driving a Truck

A hard side pop up camper weighs significantly more than a regular passenger vehicle, so leave extra following distance and brake earlier than usual. In turns, the extra length and weight mean you need to slow down and swing wider to clear the curb. Give yourself plenty of room — better safe than sorry.

No.8 Do Enjoy the Freedom to Cook Anywhere

hard side pop up campers typically use portable camp stoves for cooking. Avoid open flames inside the camper — the space is tight and the fire risk is real. Instead, bring a portable stove or propane canister burner for outdoor cooking and BBQs. Breakfast by the lake or dinner under the stars — the choice is yours.

A  Camper family trip is both heartwarming and a bit of work, but the rewards are unforgettable. Follow these golden rules, plan ahead, and stick to the essentials. Keep everyone safe and comfortable, and your summer adventure will be one for the memory books.