Do You Use Centering Blocks/Devices?

[996Pilot]

My new truck (2015 RAM 3500 SRW) is a bit wider (the outside of the bed) than the old truck. When I placed the camper in the bed last weekend I was concerned that the space between the wheel wells and the camper base allowed for a total of about 2" of side to side movement. I only have 1" side to side clearance on the outside of the bed (fender flares) and the camper jacks. Too close for my comfort if things shift.

Question is how many people use something placed in the bed of the truck to center it between the wheel wells? What kind of tool/block/device is commonly used to guide and center the camper base to its final resting place in the truck bed? Anything sold or all devices fabricated?

Also, I'd feel more comfortable if I had something to space the camper back (just a tad) from the front of the bed. I know Torklift makes front bumper strips but at $50 I'd want to know if they are effective (and worth it).

I'm just really coddling this new (to me) truck and trying to set it up to keep it looking clean and fresh. Suggestions ???

[SoCalDesertRid1]

Bob B wrote:
Here's how I set mine up.....The brackets are modified roof jacks from Lowe's.

Pic

Fixed it.

[trail-explorer]

996Pilot wrote:
Also, I'd feel more comfortable if I had something to space the camper back (just a tad) from the front of the bed.

Piece of lumber that runs the full width of the bed is the best (and cheapest) bump stop for the front of the camper.

[Bob__B]

Here's how I set mine up.....The brackets are modified roof jacks from Lowe's.

Pic

[Ski_Pro_3]

I've discovered that I prefer to run my camper right up against the driver side wheel well, leaving a 2" gap on the passenger side. This is because of the slide-out on the passenger side. When I have the slide extended, my truck sags just a bit on that side as the day wears on; not right away. With the camper slightly to the driver side, the sag doesn't happen enough to have to adjust for.

[finsruskw]

You are already gonna be most of the way centered while backing under the TC when you are between the wheel wells. That is unless you have it raised up way to high and above them to begin with.

The centering blocks only come into play in the last few inches of back up. If you fear being off enough to screw up the jacks , chances are you are gonna hit the wheel wells not to mention the outer edge of the fenders in the case of a dually There is enough slop in my jacks for at least a couple inches wiggle/wobble room when at 2" or 3 " above the bed while backing under it.

Just be carefull and you will be fine. Use the "GOAL" Method.... Get Out And Look often.

[CAJW]

Here's what we use. Not my idea, just plagurized and modified from others, but works well. 8th post from top of page
Guides

[SoCalDesertRid1]

I use wood blocks bolted to the bed floor on each side in the front of the bed.

[bcbigfoot]

I use wood blocks to keep the camper centered.

[JimK-NY]

I wish I had 2" of clearance. I have about a half inch. I leave the camper on the truck and have only had to load it 4 times in over 6 years. I finally found a solution to loading. At least I tried something new last year and had instant success. I will soon be reloading again so I have my fingers crossed. Last year I used a $40 laser level from Lowes. The laser level is about 8" long and has a strong magnet on the based. I attach the laser to the wheel well and have a mark on the camper. As I back up I keep the laser aligned with the mark. I do have to stop a couple of times to point the laser higher. Of course, I also have to remove the laser level before I lower the camper into position. Last year I loaded exactly on the first try.

I have seen a description of V shaped blocks to guide the camper into position. I would think twice about using something like that. The jacks and brackets are not designed to have a strong force pushing sideways. I would be concerned about tearing the brackets from the camper or bending the brackets or jacks.

BTW, after loading I place boards on both sides between the camper and the wheel wells. This would prevent any sliding or shifting in the truck bed after loading.

My camper has a nylon or dense plastic bumper in the front that contacts the bed of the truck and prevents the camper from being positioned too far forward. I found I need a bit more clearance and used duct tape to attach an additional piece of 5/8" plywood. I should probably just permanently attach the plywood.

[Grit_dog]

My camper bumpstops allow the camper too far forward, contacting the top of the bed.
I just stand a 3" spacer, ( 2 -2xs nailed together) against the front of the bed.
If you wanted to close the gap on the sides, make 3/4 of a picture frame out of the front spacer and a couple 1xs or 3/4 plywood.
Fwiw I've not noticed my camper shifting side to side at all in many miles of bad roads.
Then again, it's heavy enough that it's made its own indentations in the truck bed! Prolly helps keep it locked in!

[jimh406]

I don't use any, but if you search the archives, you should be able to find some.

[finsruskw]

I stood a 2x6 on edge the width of the bed at the front.
Then, I cut 2 pcs of 6x6 about 18" long at an angle and screwed & glued 'em to the ends of the 2x6.
The angle guides the TC to center when backing under it.

If one 2x6 is too close for comfort, use 2 of them. This will give you about 2" of clearance between the front of the TC and the upper front edge of the bed.

Works like a charm for me.