Hello, Im fairly new to the truck camper. I have a Lance Squirelite 195. It has a 9'6" floor. I'm trying to store the camper in my drive way but due to an overhanging roof eave I cant get it where I need to put it. The camper is on a F350 dually. Im thinking that if I can somehow lower the camper I can get it under the eave. I've seen dollies that can do that but I really dont want to buy a dolly. Thats probably a $1300 investment. Im wondering if I could rent a utility trailer. Put the camper on its legs, pull the truck out, slide a 6 foot wide utility trailer (rental) under the camper. Lower the camper on to the trailer which should get me below the eave. Then I can move the trailer back and Im where I need to be. Thoughts..Comments..My big concern is the weight of the camper. I believe that to be around 3000 pounds. Can the utility trailer hold that?

Most heavy duty single axle trailers can handle 3,000, although they will have a gross weight rating of 2,900 pounds due to not having trailer brakes. A tandem axle utility trailer with trailer brakes will have a higher weight rating. Just don't use one of the light weight landscaping trailers. If the camper fits on the trailer my concern would be the support legs on the camper. You will have to have the trailer bed high enough so the camper supports are off the ground.

So you going to rent a trailer every time you need to load and unload your camper? I would build my own dolly.

So, doing it that way you will need to rent the trailer again to move the TC out to load back on the truck. Check out Harbor Freight, they have some 4 wheel dollies for moving furniture, get 4 of the heavy duty ones, place under each corner, roll the TC into position, lift a little and remove the dollies and store for later.

Only 10 feet... is the Egyptian method feasible??

If you are on concrete and it is level, why not use a set of vehicle dollies? The biggest issue I think would be whether your jacks will let you lower it enough. Harbor freight sells them for $55 a pair item #67338

Moving a truck camper. just 10 feet | Good Sam Community

kohldad
Explorer III
Jun 15, 2017
Yes, a 3500# rated trailer will easily handle the move. A 3500# trailer will have at least 14" wheels. But like others said, unless you are putting it back there for a single time to perform some maintenance work, having to get a trailer every time can get expensive.

If you were to buy a used trailer, not only will it move the TC for you, but you can use it to provide support when it's on jacks. If you keep your eye out, you can pick one up for $500, use it for however long you need it and then sell it for $500.
Reddog1
Explorer II
Jun 15, 2017
There was a time in my life that I worked moving buildings. A moving a TC 10 to 20 feet is no big deal, especially if it is flat on the bottom. I would use four peeler poles and an eight foot 1-1/2" pipe fence post. Evenly space (eye ball) three of the peelers under the TC. Lower the TC down on the peelers. Use the fence post as a lever to push the TC, rolling it on the peelers. About six to twelve inches before rolling off the back peeler, place the fourth peeler in the front of the TC.

This method sure would not be the best if you had to do it often, but it would depend on frequency of need. A $60 Harbor Freight Winch would make a lot easier.

EDIT: Spelling edit. Humor can be great with some subjects, but some folks take it a little to far on the wrong subjects.

Wayne
Moderator
sgip2000
Explorer
Jun 15, 2017
Put it on a pallet and get a pallet jack.
WNYBob
Explorer
Jun 15, 2017
TC legs are for supporting the TC straight up and down, not for lateral movement!
What ever you use the wheels or casters MUST be tied together to prevent stress on the legs, or you will gave a AFV moment.

That's America's Funniest Videos!
jimh406
Explorer III
Jun 15, 2017
Rieco's dolly is more like $720. In any case, I have the same issue.

Here's another thread with what one guy built as well. https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25589078/print/true.cfm
Snowman9000
Explorer
Jun 15, 2017
But whatever you do, be sure to film it. Especially if the driveway is sloped.

Just havin' fun, I am on board with your idea.
kerrlakeRoo
Explorer
Jun 15, 2017
If you are on concrete and it is level, why not use a set of vehicle dollies? The biggest issue I think would be whether your jacks will let you lower it enough.
Harbor freight sells them for $55 a pair item #67338
d3500ram
Explorer III
Jun 15, 2017
Only 10 feet... is the Egyptian method feasible??
1995brave
Nomad
Jun 15, 2017
So, doing it that way you will need to rent the trailer again to move the TC out to load back on the truck. Check out Harbor Freight, they have some 4 wheel dollies for moving furniture, get 4 of the heavy duty ones, place under each corner, roll the TC into position, lift a little and remove the dollies and store for later.
corvettekent
Explorer
Jun 15, 2017
So you going to rent a trailer every time you need to load and unload your camper? I would build my own dolly.