Using your truck camper jacks
Not having purchased a TC or truck yet, I continue to read, ask questions and listen to the folks with experience. I was talking with the brother of a friend who has been truck camping for the la...
Forum Discussion
Before you take the plunge into a TC, you might want to consider renting a TC and/or Class C, B or A RV's. I've not owned anything other than a Northern Lite TC. I purchased it specifically so I could pull a boat trailer with ease, have good maneuverability, and can boondock (off grid) for extended periods. If you are looking at a Lance/Truck combined purchase, ask to take it out for a weekend to see how you like it.
In Montana I take my camper off the truck every fall. Each spring is a "puckering" experience getting the thing loaded. It's not the jacks that trouble me - it's the 3/8" clearance between the camper and the truck box (2008 Chevy 1 ton, Duramax). Getting that thing aligned property can be tricky. I simply allocate 2 hours of uninterrupted time and feel good when I finish early.
Jacks are a mechanical device that can / will give problems. You can search this forum for Happijac and Atwood to see what folks say about them. Eventually... most (all?) jacks will require some kind of maintenance.
Also, while considering a TC (or perhaps any camper) keep in mind that you now are in the business of knowing how to operate and maintain a 12 volt electrical system, fresh water system, sewage system, heater system and other incidentals, not to mention truck suspension & tuning. The good news is that virtually any question can be addressed, and likely resolved, in this, and other, forums (this forum holds an amazing wealth of knowledge). If you are not electrically or mechanically inclined, you will likely need to rely on a local dealer for support, as questions or problems arise.
Have fun on your quest for the "perfect" camper.
And, fire away with more questions.
Bob
In Montana I take my camper off the truck every fall. Each spring is a "puckering" experience getting the thing loaded. It's not the jacks that trouble me - it's the 3/8" clearance between the camper and the truck box (2008 Chevy 1 ton, Duramax). Getting that thing aligned property can be tricky. I simply allocate 2 hours of uninterrupted time and feel good when I finish early.
Jacks are a mechanical device that can / will give problems. You can search this forum for Happijac and Atwood to see what folks say about them. Eventually... most (all?) jacks will require some kind of maintenance.
Also, while considering a TC (or perhaps any camper) keep in mind that you now are in the business of knowing how to operate and maintain a 12 volt electrical system, fresh water system, sewage system, heater system and other incidentals, not to mention truck suspension & tuning. The good news is that virtually any question can be addressed, and likely resolved, in this, and other, forums (this forum holds an amazing wealth of knowledge). If you are not electrically or mechanically inclined, you will likely need to rely on a local dealer for support, as questions or problems arise.
Have fun on your quest for the "perfect" camper.
And, fire away with more questions.
Bob
