How often do your remove the camper from the truck?

The width of the camper in relation to the tailgate opening is one issue for some of us, regardless of whether the camper is pop up or hardsided. I have about 1/4" clearance between the rear opening and the left side bump out for the bathroom. Under the best of circumstances I need to load very slowly and very carefully. Other campers have several inches of clearance and loading is quick and easy.

You will get answers that cover the entire range, from people who never take their camper off and can't fathom anyone that would ever take their camper off, to others who take their camper off every time they stop and can't fathom anyone who would ever leave their camper on.

It all depends on your needs, your expectations, and how much you practice. First time on and off is going to be hairy, but the more you do it the easier it will get.

For me I leave the camper on while camping, but that's just me. Generally I only load and unload the camper twice a year. I unload it in the spring to drive the truck around for the month or two before camping season starts, then load it around Memorial Day. After Labor Day I unload the camper and drive the truck around until late October when I get the NY State Inspection done and then back it under the camper for the winter.

Thanks for the feedback. Wouldn't getting the truck serviced be problematic with the camper on?

More than two nights somewhere we may pull the camper off the truck if we don't have other toys with us. Les time than that, we just leave the camper on and pack things up if we need to drive somewhere. I have the advantage of being able to take an enclosed trailer with me that can fit a variety of vehicles, but there are times we go without something in tow.

Frequently.

I don’t leave it on at home, and I set the camper on two long 4 x 6 timbers that give me a couple of tight parallel guides to watch as I back under. When I need the floor space in the garage that the truck is occupying in this picture, I park under the camper quite often. I just watch the gap between the rear tires and the 4 x6’s as I back under.



I also take the camper off frequently while we’re traveling. I need to be able to do it on short notice, so I’ve avoided putting things like extra batteries in the truck bed. You’re correct in your assumption that being on unlevel ground can make loading the camper more difficult. You can generally get the camper off on a slope without too much trouble, but when you go to put it back on if there’s things in the bed that reduce the clearances, it just makes the job more difficult.

Acadia NP, ME


McKinney Falls SP, TX


As for getting the truck serviced, I’ve done it both ways. Consider this, any garage that can handle a class C RV can handle your truck with the camper on it. Including putting it on a lift.

:):)

What I think you'll find that with electric jacks, taking it off is very easy. Its the getting it back on that can be problematic for some folks. As suggested it is best to to both (on and off) on even and level ground. Go slow and having a "spotter" can help as well.

With my old truck+camper+mirrors I took the camper off quite often, might of wanted to use the truck or was staying for a few nights or just wanted to go cut some firewood and haul it. Easy peasy once you get the hang of it.

In the last handful of years I've just left the camper on the truck. Most (if not all) oil service places have very tall bays that can fit a truck+camper and outside of oil changes, my truck has not needed to be serviced.


- Mark0.

Ditto on the more you load and unload the camper the easier it becomes. Go slow and have a spotter if possible.

We rarely take the camper off the truck when traveling. Occasionally, if staying put for a while, but not often.
I probably load/unload our camper 8-10 times/year. Maybe more?

I allow 1/2 hour for the process (I prefer to be alone so I can focus, and not rush).

It’s no big deal, but usually there is no reason to unload when traveling. One of the advantages of a TC is to have your “stuff” with you. It’s easy to drive/park anywhere.

NRALIFR wrote:
Frequently.

I don’t leave it on at home, and I set the camper on two long 4 x 6 timbers that give me a couple of tight parallel guides to watch as I back under. When I need the floor space in the garage that the truck is occupying in this picture, I park under the camper quite often. I just watch the gap between the rear tires and the 4 x6’s as I back under.



I also take the camper off frequently while we’re traveling. I need to be able to do it on short notice, so I’ve avoided putting things like extra batteries in the truck bed. You’re correct in your assumption that being on unlevel ground can make loading the camper more difficult. You can generally get the camper off on a slope without too much trouble, but when you go to put it back on if there’s things in the bed that reduce the clearances, it just makes the job more difficult.

Acadia NP, ME


McKinney Falls SP, TX


As for getting the truck serviced, I’ve done it both ways. Consider this, any garage that can handle a class C RV can handle your truck with the camper on it. Including putting it on a lift.

:):)

I think it is safe to say that is not a standard-issue garage. :) Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

i only have it on when I am using it. when I am done I take it off, unless i am heading out again soon and dont need the truck for anything else.

Steve