Hey guys, I've read for hours and really enjoyed the awesome FAQ section, there is alot of organization and helpful people here. This post relates to a 1500lb 1978 Shortbed Six Pac truck camper with hydraulic jacks and storage off the truck. I actually have a "spare" truck, my old '79 Chevy Stepside I was going to keep it on but I would like the option to go cruising with out the camper and I have seen posts where people say not to store the camper on the base alone, and they should use the jacks as a supplement. So my inexperience is showing here... Isn't the camper sitting on it's base in the truck? I didn't think the overhang actually sat on the bed rails. So what am I missing? Thanks for your patience with a new truck camper man!

Most mfg recommend not storing the camper on the JACKS, but rather on it's base. Keeping it in a truck is fine as well as on some supports like wood blocks and plywood. Having said that, many owners just use the jacks without problems, for many years. Personally, I have a reinforced 4ft by 8 ft platform about 2 ft high and use that.

I would never store on jack especially with a '78 model and hydraulics. Just seems odd to me that in it's natural home in a truck bed isn't the same as being on a flat surface off the ground isn't the same.

I think the biggest concerns come from TC who has 20 or so gallons tanks and often filled up. TC floors are design for pushing forces, not for pulling and several members observe floor separation under the tank when standing on jacks. On other hand TC left outdoor on truck will hold water at the floor, what will bring additional danger. I keep my TC mostly on jacks, but since my water tank is on front, I put a block and 4x6 supporting the front under tank. That also adds to stability when I enter the camper.

Seems like a TC is not safe stored in any position!

Keep in mind that you will see posts telling you to do pretty much everything. Keep in mind that not everyone knows what they're talking about, or has your best interests at heart.The only caution I can think of with respect to storing the camper on its base is stability. When the camper is in the truck the rear wheels of the truck are the tipping points, about 6' wide. The camper base is only 4' wide, so if the camper is sitting on just the base, it can be easily tipped over if someone gives it a good shove and/or the ground underneath isn't stable, or the cribbing under the camper isn't the best.I support the camper BOTH under the base and with the jacks when it is stored for the winter.

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d3500ram
Explorer III
Dec 17, 2015
mkirsch wrote:
...
I support the camper BOTH under the base and with the jacks when it is stored for the winter.

Ditto.
mkirsch
Nomad II
Dec 17, 2015
Keep in mind that you will see posts telling you to do pretty much everything. Keep in mind that not everyone knows what they're talking about, or has your best interests at heart.

The only caution I can think of with respect to storing the camper on its base is stability. When the camper is in the truck the rear wheels of the truck are the tipping points, about 6' wide. The camper base is only 4' wide, so if the camper is sitting on just the base, it can be easily tipped over if someone gives it a good shove and/or the ground underneath isn't stable, or the cribbing under the camper isn't the best.

I support the camper BOTH under the base and with the jacks when it is stored for the winter.
tommy2bits
Explorer
Dec 17, 2015
Seems like a TC is not safe stored in any position!
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Dec 17, 2015
I think the biggest concerns come from TC who has 20 or so gallons tanks and often filled up.
TC floors are design for pushing forces, not for pulling and several members observe floor separation under the tank when standing on jacks.
On other hand TC left outdoor on truck will hold water at the floor, what will bring additional danger.
I keep my TC mostly on jacks, but since my water tank is on front, I put a block and 4x6 supporting the front under tank. That also adds to stability when I enter the camper.
tommy2bits
Explorer
Dec 17, 2015
I would never store on jack especially with a '78 model and hydraulics. Just seems odd to me that in it's natural home in a truck bed isn't the same as being on a flat surface off the ground isn't the same.
garbonz
Explorer
Dec 17, 2015
Most mfg recommend not storing the camper on the JACKS, but rather on it's base. Keeping it in a truck is fine as well as on some supports like wood blocks and plywood. Having said that, many owners just use the jacks without problems, for many years. Personally, I have a reinforced 4ft by 8 ft platform about 2 ft high and use that.

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