Got my first Truck Camper and Need tips from you pros...
Just Hauled my new truck camper through a 3 hour drive. I'm a younger guy, good with tools, got myself a decent, yet inexpensive truck camper to pull on LONG trips. I'm an explorer during my days off. So, I have quite a few questions since I want to make sure my Camper and truck are as stable, safe and comfortable as possible during my long trips. The guy I bought it from hardly knew anything about them, or about how to installs these himself so I have almost no Proper idea. Have a bunch of questions, so you peeps can just answer the ones you want,lol. Thanks.
First off, to secure, I have the Hold Down type clamps. Problem is, although the Camper fits with my gate down, the rear brackets on the camper itself are way towards the back, for an 8 footer, but where my truck's sidewall doesn't reach( since it's a 6.6 footer). The rear tensioners would almost have to be secured at a large angle. But the nature of the clamps seem to require the tension to come straight up. By the marks on the camper, seems like previous owners had the same issue and had them tied down at an angle. Is this a wise idea to do this and then maybe to secure even more with straps and chains in case? Or are there better methods?
Second thing, Camper fitment into the box. How much space should there be ideally between the camper and top of the sidewalls? Seems like the Camper has some slight damage or markings underneath from touching the brackets, so should I put anything underneath to protect it like rubber matt pieces?
Third: My truck itself. 1500 series, No problem pulling or stopping. Truck is used to hauling much heavier. BUT, lying directly onto the truck, the suspension has sunk near its limit and often touching the large Rubber Dampner on large bumps. Should I waste time getting stronger leafs springs, or those stabilizing balloons? Or both? Anything else or tips you guys recommend?
First off, to secure, I have the Hold Down type clamps. Problem is, although the Camper fits with my gate down, the rear brackets on the camper itself are way towards the back, for an 8 footer, but where my truck's sidewall doesn't reach( since it's a 6.6 footer). The rear tensioners would almost have to be secured at a large angle. But the nature of the clamps seem to require the tension to come straight up. By the marks on the camper, seems like previous owners had the same issue and had them tied down at an angle. Is this a wise idea to do this and then maybe to secure even more with straps and chains in case? Or are there better methods?
Second thing, Camper fitment into the box. How much space should there be ideally between the camper and top of the sidewalls? Seems like the Camper has some slight damage or markings underneath from touching the brackets, so should I put anything underneath to protect it like rubber matt pieces?
Third: My truck itself. 1500 series, No problem pulling or stopping. Truck is used to hauling much heavier. BUT, lying directly onto the truck, the suspension has sunk near its limit and often touching the large Rubber Dampner on large bumps. Should I waste time getting stronger leafs springs, or those stabilizing balloons? Or both? Anything else or tips you guys recommend?
