Fulcrum point

To further clarify: Both Tim and I have Wolf Creeks. They ARE designed to be used on and off the truck. I meant "these" campers, I was referring specifically to ours. Sorry for the confusion.

Yes, some manufacturers do not recommend using off the truck.

"...These campers are designed to be fully used on and off the truck..."

Just to clarify that statement... it is most likely true for being in the cab-over per this discussion topic, but some mfgr's may not recommend use unsupported as in the case of the water tank- owners should check their specific model with mfgr's recommendations. IIRC there is a camper maker that does not recommend water in the tank when up on the jacks only- the weight could pop it out the bottom.

I sort of recall a member a few years back that had the tank fall out.

As a matter of personal best practices, I always drain the the domestic water tank and water heater as much as possible before lifting it off the truck even though my mfgr states acceptable use off the truck. I tend to err on the side of being safe as possible- I do not want that extra weight up high when loading/ unloading or using without full bottom support... JMHO.

Ranger Tim wrote:
I find it hard to sleep in the cabover when off the truck. I worry about this too much to get any rest. Until I get a firm foundation in facts/data I will continue to worry.

C'mon,Tim. Rangers lead the way. Oh, different Ranger I guess. lol

Seriously, your fear is unfounded. These campers are designed to be fully used on and off the truck. My wife and I do it all the time (ha, poor choice of words, there. Sorry. lol).

I would guess that you're "respective" combined weights would have to be something in the neighborhood of slightly over 1000 lbs to cause any concern. And that's even minus any added weight behind the center of gravity.

Most camper manufacturers have a VERY hard time getting the CG ahead of the axle, so the 24" used in the above calculation is extremely conservative.

mkirsch wrote:

We have already had one gentleman state that his one camper will teeter so its not impossible.

It is probable that the camper wobbled slightly on the jacks"

That would of been enough for me.

Kindest regards
Ed

We have already had one gentleman state that his one camper will teeter so its not impossible.

Uh-huh...

Did it really teeter or was it his overactive imagination?

There are so many people that are worried sick over this. It is probable that the camper wobbled slightly on the jacks, and his mind went straight to "Oh God, it's tipping over!"

The below only applies to campers with 4 jacks, which should be either steadied or lowered as low as possible. A 3 jack camper should never be used off the truck unless the front end of the camper is properly supported.

For a static load (not moving) the math is extremely simple.

A = (COG distance from front pivot point) x (weight of camper)
B = (COG distance from front pivot point for people in cabover) x (weight of people)

If B > A, then it will tip.

Extreme example:

A = 1000 pounds x 24 inches = 24,000 inch pounds

B = 260 pounds x 96 inches = 20,800 inch pounds

A > B so the camper will not tip. Though since the numbers are close, you had better be very careful moving around.

Note this was with a very light camper, even a Palomino weighs more than this.

Also, the person had all of their weight at the very front of an extended cab-over truck when in reality, it would be much closer to the middle of their body which would be slightly forward of the middle of the cabover.

So for a more realistic example, take a Lance 815 (lightest/shortest older Lance) and throw two people in the cab-over:

A = 2400 pounds x 28 inches = 67,200 inch pounds
B = (250 + 150) pounds x 42 inches = 26,800 inch pounds

Definitely not going to tip over, even when moving around.

d3500ram wrote:
I think that many agree ad nauseum that the camper will not tip. But this I feel is is not for that reason that folks don't or won't stay in a TC when off the truck.

For me, the reason I won't stay in the camper off the truck is because of the lack of stability when only using just the camper jacks alone.

I'm with you on this.

Ed

On a recent trip we had 50-60 mph. gusts one night, and we (mostly me)are over 400#.The wind was able to lift my bed mat and push it completely up against the cab of my 8' bed, at no time did I feel like we would tip over. Maybe putting your wallet on rear bumper will give you some peace of mind.:)

I think that many agree ad nauseum that the camper will not tip. But this I feel is is not for that reason that folks don't or won't stay in a TC when off the truck.

For me, the reason I won't stay in the camper off the truck is because of the lack of stability when only using just the camper jacks alone.