Storing Truck camper

[riajane]

Can someone please tell me how to store my new to me truck camper when I take it off the truck. Can I leave it on the jacks all the time or do I need to place something else underneath it. Any pics would help.

Thanks in advance for your time and advise.

[SidecarFlip]

stevenal wrote:
http://happijac.com/images/pdfs/4150and45-4600.pdf

Happijac wrote:
For added safety and stability, support the camper floor with blocks and use camper jacks to stabilize.

I knew there was a good reason (just didn't know what it was) why I leave my single axle trailer under the camper all winter when it's in the garage / shop. Now I know.

Besides, it keep the trailer inside too.:C

[stevenal]

http://happijac.com/images/pdfs/4150and45-4600.pdf

Happijac wrote:
For added safety and stability, support the camper floor with blocks and use camper jacks to stabilize.

[youngm357]

I built I-beam sawhorses out of 2x6's that exactly match the height of the camper when it comes off the truck for about $40 (search I-beam saw horses) and they carry all of the weight unloaded and then just snug down the jacks for extra stability. I also had triangles welded to the jack brackets where they meet the corner of the camper to help carry the load. I have an older rig and have had to rebuild my front corners due to dry rot.

[d3500ram]

mkirsch wrote:
...(snip)....

I for one as a general rule believe that supporting the camper can't hurt. Even if the camper can be used unsupported or was specifically designed to never need support, jacks can still fail.

If it helps you sleep at night, there is nothing wrong with supporting your camper when it's off the truck.

^^-- dittos on that. NorthStar says I can go unsupported on jacks alone, but for the comfort level I fully support it.

[mkirsch]

I may be asking for too much here but can't we just respect each others' opinions on the subject?

I for one as a general rule believe that supporting the camper can't hurt. Even if the camper can be used unsupported or was specifically designed to never need support, jacks can still fail.

If it helps you sleep at night, there is nothing wrong with supporting your camper when it's off the truck.

[DWeikert]

A lot depends on the make of your camper. My Northstar is meant to be used equally on or off the truck, so no need to drain tanks before unloading. I also leave it on the jacks whenever off the truck. Just lower the camper after unloading, don't leave the jacks extended. Some campers are not meant to be used without support under the "tub". Check with your manufacturer.

[deltabravo]

burningman wrote:
I believe it is foolish to store a truck camper up on its jacks.

...which is why I always store mine down on the jacks, (jacks down)

[SidecarFlip]

burningman wrote:
I believe it is foolish to store a truck camper up on its jacks. If you buy a new camper and trade it in every few years, it's probably fine but long-term, or on a camper with a few years already on it, it's asking for disaster.
That plywood x-brace idea looks awesome, I may steal that idea myself! I already have 3/4 plywood in my truck bed under the camper anyway! Love it!

Hmmmm... I don't. Stored my Lance on the jacks for a decade with no issues at all and same with my new camper. Even stated in my Lance owners manual that using the camper off the truck, on the jacks was acceptable practice. Did that too, many times.

Maybe your old girl has weak knees.....:R

[SidecarFlip]

wr1032 wrote:
When I had trucker camper I stored it on a two trailer I made. Stored trailer and camper in barn. Lots of cheap trailers that are not roadworthy on craigs list.
Bill

I agree and that works for me as well. I actually use the same trailer (single axle) I haul my quads on to move the camper around and get it in and out of the garage in the winter (I keep it inside my garage / equipment shop, it's heated (60) so I don't winterize it ever.

I use the trailer to get it inside and then set it on the jacks as low as possible and leave it that way all winter (shore powered) inside. Makes a nice break room and I use the stove to make coffee. I use one of the quads to move it around, in and out of the gatage.

Used boat trailers are cheap and most have a long tongue which makes positioning easier.

[burningman]

I believe it is foolish to store a truck camper up on its jacks. If you buy a new camper and trade it in every few years, it's probably fine but long-term, or on a camper with a few years already on it, it's asking for disaster.
That plywood x-brace idea looks awesome, I may steal that idea myself! I already have 3/4 plywood in my truck bed under the camper anyway! Love it!

[Ranger_Tim]

Northwood has specific info and even a diagram on where to place supports if desired. I keep mine on the jacks at the lowest height possible when storing due to Idaho winds. They are in excess of 70 mph at least once every month or so.

[BadgerMcAdams]

If it isn't in the back of the truck, it is sitting on a rolling platform I made. I am of the mind that hydraulic jacks are nice, but only for loading and unloading...after the work I put into restoring it, it would break my heart to see it destroyed because a jack gave out and it fell over.

[rottidawg]

My camper is on full time but if I did remove it this Is what I would do:

http://www.jaysnest.net/x-braces.htm

[d3500ram]

I use 5 tiers of PT 6x6: There is 3/4PT attached to the bottom of the camper and 2 6x's - continuous in the long direction tiers, 3 each in the short direction. This is to fully support my camper when off the truck at home (I never take it off in the field.)

The lumber takes almost all of the weight as the jacks are there just to keep it all steady... just a crank or 2 on the jack the hit the ground. I feel this is very stable event though it it relatively tall. I do not need to go much higher when loading it on to the truck. I regularly get into the upper cab to access the upper cabs or make the bed,



I would recommend checking with the camper manufacturer on their take whether or not the TC can be unsupported with water, waste tanks.