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TRIPLE8's avatar
TRIPLE8
Explorer
Feb 05, 2017

Parking camper on sloped driveway

Hi, I just bought a used 2011 Lance 855 non slide and am bringing it home next week. question is my parking area is sloped about 6" side to side in about a 10' width and is also about 6" front to back at about the same distance.
Will I be able to drop the camper and level it without the legs binding? They are electric jacks. Thank you

20 Replies

  • I have a 4 degree front to back slope but not much side slope. It is not fun trying to both load and unload as it puts your jacks & feet into a bind and the straps that fasten the rear jacks to the bumper started to bend. I built a set of ramps out of pressure treated wood 9" tall that I drive up onto which has made both unloading (backing front tires onto ramps) and just parking in the driveway so that we can use the camper and run the refrigerator (driving rear wheels onto ramps) so much easier and less stressful. The key is using the truck's 4x4 compound low for controlling the travel speed onto the ramps. Also, when the camper is up in the air and off the truck, make discernible marks with a felt pen on the inner jack legs so you will know that you are at the correct height when you raise the camper to reload it. I would definitely not want a cross slope or I would build a platform to eliminate it.
  • I'd get some wood to make some leveling blocks. Front to back isn't as big an issue as side to side. At least try to level the truck side to side. Too far out of level, and the bottom may drag on the wheel wells as you pull out. Front to back you can level the camper up high enough with the jacks. It's so much easier and less mental stress when your truck is level first.
  • It's do able if the jacks aren't sketchy. But not ideal IMO.
    Lift it up square to the truck, don't try to plumb it up until it's off the truck and take measurements so you can get the angle right to re load it.
    After its off you can plumb it up no problem. And I wouldn't put the jacks on blocks unless absolutely necessary, and make them a large pad so can't slide off or roll the blocks.
  • I've often used ratchet straps from my camper jacks (up high where the mounts are) to the nearest tree, car, post, whatever to steady mine and make sure it doesn't crash. Small effort, huge peace of mind.
  • I live on a hill, not a level spot can be found. I know what your up against.

    my parking lot is stone, so I pushed some around so I was within a couple inches left to right, but its still high in front, but it comes off and than levels OK.
    i do record the angle when I am taking it off truck (pictures on phone) so I can get it back to that angle for loading.
  • I think it will be fine, but might slide a bit when you raise it from the bed and pull forward. My driveway has almost that much slope. Keep in mind that some camper manufacturers recommend a 4 inch difference and the bed will have some slope loaded vs unloaded.
  • Getting the camper off on a slope is easier than getting it back on straight. Maybe some small ramps to drive on to take some of the slope out of the equation? I do this with my camper when its loaded to run the fridge after loaded. I back up onto the ramps under my rear tires. The ramps I have are almost a foot tall to accomplish this. But, I am able to load at a different location on a level surface.
  • Also, I don't know what fridge you are used to on the 5th wheeler, but if you have an absorption fridge in this new truck camper - be careful about powering it up if your truck and camper are parked on that sloping parking area.

    Steve.
  • Just adjust the legs a couple inches at a time and you will be fine. Lance are very good Truck campers, make sure the nose is 4 inches higher then the back.