Loading and unloading TC on the truck

[jornvango]

Since we bought our TC 6 months ago, we've been on the road (in Central America) and haven't had the need to take it off.

Looking at the four legs of the TC, it doesn't provide much confidence that they will hold the TC! 🙂

We have manual jacks so it'll be good exercise.

Am I correct in assuming the following?
When lifting the TC off the truck, I assume it's vital that the TC is level? Those thin legs don't seem like they could prevent the TC from falling over to front or back if we raise the TC in an un-level manner. (we'll keep an eye on the levelers glued on the sides of the TC)
Additionally, when taking the TC off the truck, the ground we place it on is preferably level? The campground where we're at gave us a space that isn't level at all, so I guess we'll need to make double sure that we keep an eye on the levelers on the TC as we lower the TC after taking it off the truck . Can it hurt if one or more legs aren't fully retracted (because the campground site isn't level)?

[jornvango]

One of the TC's here on the campground has its 2 front "legs" a little bend: I assume he lifted it in an unlevel manner at some point. Can those legs still be trusted if they're not perfectly straight? I'm not sure how sturdy those things are ...

[Tom_M1]

To quickly extend and retract your jacks, you can use a drill. If your jacks have a hex socket you can chuck a bolt with the appropriate sized head into the drill.

[3_tons]

jimh425 wrote:
You might want to put blocks/metal plate, etc underneath the jack legs before raising on dirt. You should try to keep the camper somewhat level. I'm sure others will chime in, but in general, the front is supposed to be higher than the back. Once you pulll out, lower it back down instead of keeping it up in the air for more stability off truck.

X 2, also IF possible its a bit easier when slope runs in-line with the length of the truck vs a side to side slope. The uneven ground of a side to side slope can often cause the camper (when raising) to shift to one side of the truck bed due to gravity and the pendulum effect. Either way, hopefully the slope is not too severe.

Good Luck!

3 tons

[jimh406]

You might want to put blocks/metal plate, etc underneath the jack legs before raising on dirt. You should try to keep the camper somewhat level. I'm sure others will chime in, but in general, the front is supposed to be higher than the back. Once you pulll out, lower it back down instead of keeping it up in the air for more stability off truck.