Forum Discussion

northshore's avatar
northshore
Explorer
Aug 27, 2018

So, you are camping and you want to unload your truck camper

When you get to where you are going to be camping for a few days;
Do you unload your camper and use your truck for sightseeing shopping whatever?
If you do, do you just use the jacks and lower the camper, and it is steady enough for general use?
Or do you have some kind of support, like saw horses, or?
What is the right way to use the camper off the truck?
I am questioning this because I have Dually extenders on the front jacks and they can be just alittle wobbly

56 Replies

  • Rarely do I unload, but when I do, I lower it down to about a foot or so from ground, works fine.

    Torklift and others have the "Wobble Stoppers" or something like that, that help stop the wobble if there is any.. I haven't experienced it, but it's just me, Solo, so others might have it.

    While it's inconvenient to not have a 'Local touring vehicle' (truck) I just plan a little more carefully and have an E-Bike for just touring nearby.

    Loading and unloading for me is not worth the trouble IMNSHO, but will do it if need be...

  • We don't take the camper off often but yes we do on occasion. We just lower the camper down as far as we can and use it like we do when it's on the truck. There are some wobble stop type product made but we haven't seen a need for them.

    Your post doesn't indicate what brand the camper is. Most modern campers are designed to be used off the truck with all weight being distributed by the jacks. You may want to verify with the manufacturer of your camper.
  • There is more than one right way to do it, and everyone will tell you that their way is right. You should probably microwave some popcorn, because this conversation usually gets pretty heated. I will try to cover the main points.

    First off, if you're staying at a campground, check the rules and make sure there is nothing specifically prohibiting unloading the camper. Some campgrounds do not want you unloading, for whatever reason. Regardless of the reason, respect the campground owner's wishes. If you don't like a campground owner's policies, vote with your wallet and move on.

    Second off, ensure that your camper can be used off the truck. Some older campers were not designed to be used off the truck. Very few, if any, current model campers have this issue.

    Finally, if you do unload, it is quite common to lower the camper to the ground for stability and ease of access. Or leave it high. It's up to you. There have been dozens of threads over the years for clever designs of portable plywood stands that do not take up room, as well as commercial products (i.e. "Wobbl-Stopr") so you don't have to lower the camper to the ground if you don't want to.

    One final thing, the camper is NOT going to tip over forwards, even with you sleeping in the cabover area.
  • I use Torklift Wobble Stoppers on my triple slide Chalet camper. When camper is dismounted from the truck, I attach the WS then lower the camper to the lowest position from the ground. Works good for me....not a lot of movement or sway.
  • I have saw horses and use a 4x8 plywood base from the bed of the truck then use it on the sawhorses. It's pretty sturdy but it takes a little back and forth to get everything level where the door closes and opens perfect.
  • Take some blocks or jack stands and lower it onto them for stabilization.