Forum Discussion

Ramblin__Ralph's avatar
Mar 30, 2023

Make line on driveway for camper loading?

Although I've done it for years, I'm trying to simplify loading my camper by myself in my old age. Recently I laid a string along the tires before offloading and that definitely helped when loading again. However, the string didn't last in wet weather. So, I'm thinking about a long "thingee" (plastic/wood/tape??) I could attach to the asphalt with glue or screws. Distance between tires is about 14 ft. BTW, don't want to paint the line or install a laser system.

Thanks for any ideas.
  • I'm not seeing how a line on the ground will help. Can't even see the ground from the driver's seat, and even if I could, what would I line up against?

    Everyone's situation is different to a degree. In my case if I squeak between the jack feet with my tires, I'm lined up.
  • Thanks for the ideas. My biggest problem is being parallel with the camper. So I think some sort of line along the driver side tires would work best for me. It would give me both parallel and left-right guidance. However, any other ideas are welcome. Will let you know what I come up.
  • Thanks for the suggestions. We just had a 44x26 concrete floor poured in our pole barn and have been thinking on how to easily load and unload camper. Me, the wife, backs truck up while he, hubby, directs which can lead to some discussion! We have a slight incline which adds to it but if I can be 1/2" between the hips of the dually then I am good. Getting the thing squared has been my problem. Thanks Again....
  • "I do use a line on my 5th wheel parking though, but that's just to position it so I have the proper space on both sides when it's parked for putting slides out and such"
    Worked with man that kept his Mack in garage. He enlarged the door, and cut floor out of a bird house, then used 2 chains to hang it from the ceiling. When coming home, put Bulldog in his house so can open bathroom door, use workbench, and door to house.
  • I don't use any lines or marks; I just go by how far the camper is off the drivers' box rail... that may or may not work for different camper, with mine I have tanks on that side and lots of room on the blind side so if I just watch as I go by the grey water tank and keep it about 1" off the inside of the box rail when I sit it down, I'm pretty much perfect.

    I do use a line on my 5th wheel parking though, but that's just to position it so I have the proper space on both sides when it's parked for putting slides out and such.

    Steve
  • You already have a simple way of putting strings on the ground to help with alignment while backing up.

    Tie a long string to the back jack. I use one about 30' long. Stretch it forward until it just touches the forward jack. You can then tape it to the ground temporarily. Do the same on the other side. Just back up keeping the wheels of the truck centered between the strings. This works well but you do need to stop occasionally and check the truck's position.

    I have tried numerous other methods including using a laser pointer but none have worked as well as the strings. Unfortunately I have an older camper and a newer truck (with a narrow tailgate opening). I only have about 1/4" of clearance so loading is a real challenge.
  • If a string worked other than short lifespan, the EZ idea would be wire. Could chose what color insulation you want.
    Another idea would be set a pin at each end. When ready to unload, snap a chalk line between pins. Back along the line, unload. To load, snap the line.
  • I use a quality (scotch or 3M) orange duct tape on my cement FW pad, so I can easily see a line from my pass side mirror for my FW tires to follow, when backing in at home. Sweep off cement first, then stick it down. Mine will last a couple years, with rain, snow, and hot/cold temps. I cut pieces, rather than a solid strip.

    Jerry
  • Ramblin Ralph, It's not like I have the experience or travel you have under your belt but I've been loading and unloading my camper the same way for some time.

    I use spray paint, I simply out line the dually tires and the front tires. I use a strait line of paint from the outside of the dually set to the outside of the front set. It works very well. My driveway is gravel so it only holds up for so long but that's a good thing cause I don't always park in the same place. I'm talking about one of those upside down spray-paint cans you see used on the highway some times.
    Good luck, joe