On the subject of leveling I have Googled the subject and not found an answer. Here are a couple of useful pages I have read.http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/question-of-the-week/level-your-truck-camper/http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25883723/print/true.cfmBefore I ask my question I would like to post a hypothetical scenario to frame the question. So if you are an engineering type, please read both parts if you can help me.Hypothetical: - If I have the camper attached to the truck using Torklift basic springload turnbuckles and I use the jacks to lift all four corners, eventually I would expect to see the springs begin to show (visibly by extending slightly) the extra strain when the jacks start to lift the truck bed. (Not a good idea.)Question: - Would I be correct in assuming that if there is no visible movement of the spring, then there is no extra load on the spring (Hooke's law)? And, if so, is there no extra load on the jacks above the normal weight of the camper? ie - is the camper still be lifted by the truck suspension?With the hypothetical out of the way:-Real scenario (after considering the above): -If the camper is parked at a slight angle, and one uses the jacks to lift the camper (still attached to truck) to level the camper, and there is no visible extra strain on the turnbuckle springs, is there any extra load on the jacks beyond the weight of the camper?Supposition: - The way I see it, it is safe to assume that if there is no extra extension to the springs then there is no extra load on the jacks? Am I wrong, and if so, why?Clearly it would be better to use blocks to level the truck as much as possible but the question relates to the supposition above.Thoughts?Thanks,Moz

As you extend the jacks with the tiedowns still connected, at some point soon after the jacks touch the ground, you will lighten the load on the truck's springs. But as long as the camper still fully contacts the truck bed, there is no "extra load" on the jacks, as the truck still "pushes" from below. Of course, at some point you would start to have less load on the springs than it takes to carry the truck's weight alone. That is when you start lifting the truck with the jacks, and that is surely not a good idea.There is no problem in stabilizing the camper with the jacks down. But in my opinion the tiedowns should be disconnected, just in case a tire looses air - in which case you would otherwise hang the truck from the camper.ETA: of course, with the tiedowns still hooked up, you can not see the point at which the camper would start to lift off the bed. So, just don't, I guess.

there is say 200 lbs pressure caged in the Torklift basic spring load turnbuckles. this pressure is currently placed between the camper and truck attachment points.I expect as you lower the camper jacks, the truck both will show movement as the truck springs "unload" weight that is not applied to the camper jacks.I think you will need to lift MORE THAN 200 lbs weigh on EACH turnbuckle before you will see the turnbuckles springs start to deflect.so I am thinking you can lift 200lbs on each turnbuckle X 4 = 800 lbs before you start to extend turnbuckle spring

truck suspension unloading while extending jacks is ok to point where you start lifting truck, judging that distance subjective. I drop jacks without disconnecting to stabilize- weight is still on truck. Leveling is disconnecting tiedowns, always. Leveling camper within that small distance (truck suspension and tiny bit of additional load on of tiedowns) pretty short- invariably its that just that 'little bit more' trying to get level, not worth the 5 minuets to disconnect-doesn't necessarily mean all 4. Also, more than the extra load on jacks is the campers tiedowns points that is seeing the load (and trucks).

Think of it this way. If you leave the tie downs attached you are lifting the truck!Not visibly at first as the springs compress first.Not a good idea. the tie downs are not meant for high loads.

I use my airbags to level. Since adding new shocks, rims and tires, the truck is super stable.

Truck Camper leveling while attached to truck | Good Sam Community

work2much
Explorer
May 23, 2017
I have always loosened the turnbuckles. Glad that was my practice with the new truck as the air suspension senses weight and releases air from the bags as load starts to come off. (even a bit of load). My loosened turnbuckles quickly began tightening back up a few weeks ago and left me scrambling to loosen them further...
MORSNOW
Navigator III
May 23, 2017
I use leveling blocks to level the truck/camper and then lower the jacks to stabilize the camper when we are going to be parked for a few days. If you want to do all your leveling with the jacks, disconnect the tie downs from the truck so you don't tear the anchor points out of your camper and lift away.
tattoobob
Explorer
May 23, 2017
On hard firm ground I use wood blocks under tires and air bag combo, then put the jacks down to stabilize

When on the Beach I take my shovel and dig the sand and drive into the ruts usually both rears left side more than right and on the front just the left. No jacks down

Like someone mentioned you may need to leave quick
GeoBoy
Explorer
May 23, 2017
kohldad wrote:
Problem with not releasing the turnbuckles is if you have a flat tire during the night which will put more strain on the turnbuckles than you desire.

I prefer to just use blocks under the wheels. While not such a bid deal in a campground, if boondocking an you need to leave in a hurry, you just go and don't have to worry about raising the jacks.

To answer your question, when you pick the truck up higher than it is without the camper on, you are adding strain to the tie own points. This point is hard to determine and easy to pass due to possible uneven terrain.

X2. Why stress the camper frame/attachment points? Use simple leveling blocks.
kohldad
Explorer III
May 23, 2017
Problem with not releasing the turnbuckles is if you have a flat tire during the night which will put more strain on the turnbuckles than you desire.

I prefer to just use blocks under the wheels. While not such a bid deal in a campground, if boondocking an you need to leave in a hurry, you just go and don't have to worry about raising the jacks.

To answer your question, when you pick the truck up higher than it is without the camper on, you are adding strain to the tie own points. This point is hard to determine and easy to pass due to possible uneven terrain.
Tizi
Explorer
May 22, 2017
I use my airbags to level. Since adding new shocks, rims and tires, the truck is super stable.
cooldavidt
Explorer
May 22, 2017
Think of it this way. If you leave the tie downs attached you are lifting the truck!

Not visibly at first as the springs compress first.

Not a good idea. the tie downs are not meant for high loads.
AnEv942
Nomad
May 22, 2017
truck suspension unloading while extending jacks is ok to point where you start lifting truck, judging that distance subjective. I drop jacks without disconnecting to stabilize- weight is still on truck. Leveling is disconnecting tiedowns, always. Leveling camper within that small distance (truck suspension and tiny bit of additional load on of tiedowns) pretty short- invariably its that just that 'little bit more' trying to get level, not worth the 5 minuets to disconnect-doesn't necessarily mean all 4.

Also, more than the extra load on jacks is the campers tiedowns points that is seeing the load (and trucks).
towpro
Explorer
May 22, 2017
there is say 200 lbs pressure caged in the Torklift basic spring load turnbuckles. this pressure is currently placed between the camper and truck attachment points.

I expect as you lower the camper jacks, the truck both will show movement as the truck springs "unload" weight that is not applied to the camper jacks.

I think you will need to lift MORE THAN 200 lbs weigh on EACH turnbuckle before you will see the turnbuckles springs start to deflect.

so I am thinking you can lift 200lbs on each turnbuckle X 4 = 800 lbs before you start to extend turnbuckle spring
joerg68
Nomad III
May 22, 2017
As you extend the jacks with the tiedowns still connected, at some point soon after the jacks touch the ground, you will lighten the load on the truck's springs. But as long as the camper still fully contacts the truck bed, there is no "extra load" on the jacks, as the truck still "pushes" from below.

Of course, at some point you would start to have less load on the springs than it takes to carry the truck's weight alone. That is when you start lifting the truck with the jacks, and that is surely not a good idea.

There is no problem in stabilizing the camper with the jacks down. But in my opinion the tiedowns should be disconnected, just in case a tire looses air - in which case you would otherwise hang the truck from the camper.

ETA: of course, with the tiedowns still hooked up, you can not see the point at which the camper would start to lift off the bed. So, just don't, I guess.

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Truck Camper leveling while attached to truck

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