Forum Discussion

kohldad's avatar
kohldad
Explorer III
Jun 17, 2013

Plywood X support

I've seen several people mention using the plywood X to support the camper when they take it off the truck. What I haven't seen and am curious to know, is how do you handle uneven ground when using them?

I just purchased a boat and have plans to be in the same campground for four nights. Usually, I could just drop the boat in upon my arrival and pull it at the end of the trip. However, where I'm headed on this trip, you are not allowed to leave the boat in the lake overnight, so it's a case of running it to the boat landing each day. To make matters worse, the shore line near the campground is very rocky and out of sight, so don't even like the idea of leaving it in when not in use, so I may have to pull it twice a day.

This means, it would may be nicer and more convenient to unload the camper while at the campground (yes it is allowed). Would be a first for me.
Truck Campers
  • Budster's avatar
    Budster
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2013
    some great ideas here, but as usual storage of these items can be a problem. The X's fit flat under the camper on the bed and take up virtually no room and only add 3/4" to your total height.

    JMHO :s
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2013
    I have a couple of overhang support jacks that I bought a long time ago from PPL RV Parts. I was considering using them with a 4 X 4 to add firmness and it would be perfect for uneven ground situations.

    I would be using the jacks under the camper, not the overhang.
  • Coblue's avatar
    Coblue
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2013
    I've used a couple overturned 5 gallon buckets under the camper to cutdown the movement ( but they're not much for support!).
    The benefit is they're light, nest, and you can put stuff in them. Metal ones would be better...
  • Budster's avatar
    Budster
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2013
    I see that someone else has posted their X's so anyway here's the Budster boxes:








    I have used them on somewhat uneven ground, had to excavate a shallow trench, no big deal.
  • kohldad's avatar
    kohldad
    Explorer III
    Jun 17, 2013
    I'm looking for stability. Though I've been around TCs since 1970, I'm still leary of all the sway movement when it isn't supported.

    And this is especially true after I've had one of the corners opened to repair a torn out jack.

    Just know I would sleep much sounder at night knowing I have something more than just the jacks holding the camper steady at night.
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2013
    It may be of help to know if Kohldad was thinking floor support or stability as the reason for the support. We'll all vote that he doesn't need the structural support but other options to discuss if he wants more stability.
  • bighatnohorse's avatar
    bighatnohorse
    Explorer II
    Jun 17, 2013
    I use a set of those (aka "Budster Boxes") supports at home.
    And I would not recommend using them on unlevel ground, not that you couldn't.
    The ground can be slightly unlevel if you have additional 2x4 pieces to make up the difference.
    It would be helpful to have wedges pre-made and perhaps some additional piece of wood to server as wedges.

    If the ground is rocky the edges of the plywood will crush on protruding rocks.
  • daveshan's avatar
    daveshan
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2013
    I do use the X-braces when storing for the winter, from the first trip out 'till I put it away when off the truck it sits lowered close to the ground on the 4 jacks. I've crawled all over the interior and roof with it on the jacks, it's stable as can be.

    I'd just offload, drop it down as low as possible and enjoy the camping/boating.
  • Eycom's avatar
    Eycom
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2013
    I purchased an 04 Lance 1121 in July of that year. Was advised that I didn't need to support the floor while occupying the camper when off-loaded. So, I haven't for almost 9 years and mine has had a tremendous amount of use in extended travel and full timing.

    In retrospect, I can only recall a handful of campsites that wouldn't require at least a modicum of excavation to insure a level X-box. In fact, I'm sitting in an adult "Resort" park (lol) today and every unit is high; front/back/on one side or the other. I've got the smallest footprint in here and my Atwoods are at different levels.

    Personally, I couldn't justify hauling the extra weight of the plywood X-braces. That's a lot of adult beverage and watermelon. We're truck campers... go anywhere, anytime, SUV folks. I believe your Lance is up to the task.:W
  • BCBigfoot106's avatar
    BCBigfoot106
    Explorer
    Jun 17, 2013
    Here ya go:

    clicky

    I made some a couple years ago. I think they work great. You can add blocking to level. I also use 2 -2x6 across the top of the X's. I store these against the forward bulk-head.

    One thing I would do different, is to, make the slot slightly larger than 3/4". When the wood gets wet and swells, it makes them harder to separate.

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