Quick jack question
Right now, my truck camper is stored on some home made saw horses when it's off of the truck. They came from the previous owner with the camper, and he happened to have the same truck that I have to h...
Forum Discussion
getpower1 wrote:As pointed out, if you minimize how much you raise and lower the TC, the easier (and safer) it is. Especially with manual (crank or hydraulic) jacks.
I would not mind some info on lowering the camper into the truck as well. More information for me is better. ...
With hydraulic jacks, you have to open the valves. As a newbie, the tendency is to close them exceptionally tight when jacking them up. When they are opened to let the jack down, so much force is required it opens the valve much too far, and the jack quickly goes down. I have found it best to barely open the valve, and lower the TC slowly. You have much more control. I typically barely open the valves to allow all to lower at the same time, to prevent running around the TC. Keep in mind, as previously stated I usually only have to lower 2 to 4 inches, with 6-inches the maximum. If you have a second person, especially one not experienced with the hydraulic jacks, they tend to open the valve too much, then panic allowing the TC to drop. Raising the TC with two people is okay, and makes it easier. Lowering, I want no help.
I think it is important to understand, the camper jacks typically have one that is not carrying weight when raising or lowering. The only exception is is two jacks are being raised or lowered at the same time. Much easier to operate two elec jacks at the same time than manual jacks.
Bottom line, store your TC at the height that minimizes raising and/or lowering to accommodate your truck. Avoid raising or lowering in windy conditions if you can. Never store your TC on the jacks only.
Wayne
