TC and real off-roading

[ajriding]

Who has taken a full-height TC down some nasty roads, or Jeep roads where the truck leans and is at the limits of tipping the camper off or something of the sort?

I searched internet (never google), but find nothing.

I used to have a slide-in pop-up, but that does not count - light, low, and quite a useless unit for living in.
But, with a full height camper, and a desire to take the 4x4 to pristine camping spots I am curious to see what others have done.

My camper is supposed to be only 1,900lbs empty. No high interior cabinets or anything in the top 18 inches of the space except the shower head and the closet hanger. AC is currently in garage right now. So, very un-top-heavy for a TC.

I know the behemoth TCs that push 4,000lbs probably should not consider trails, but lighter models can

[ajriding]

I was thinking of building in a frame on the bed floor the size of the TC so it just slides in a perfect shaped slot. This would stop any side to side movement and also maybe help with loading.
I havent heard of anyone doing this

[c_traveler2]

ajriding wrote:

I've been on a couple trails with jefe4x4, when he says something one better listen. Here's a link to my You Tube channel...travelingman21000.... I have a 2007 F250 hauling a 2002 Lance 815.There are several videos I've made of our off road adventures.

C.traveler2, that's what I was looking for, Coyote Canyon video of regular truck and TC bouncing around. Its almost comical. I know the frame is flexing and bed twisting from cab, but TC is wobbling some too. I see how well the tiedown springs work now. How tightly was TC held in with the springs?

How much does your TC weigh?

I think I will def wait until I finish my proper tiedown system before off-roading

Tie downs were on the loose side but not enough for them to come off. I have a rubber mat on top of my platform to help with keeping the camper in place as well. My Lance 815 loaded up is between 2200-2400 lbs. I've done several things to my truck to help with hauling this camper on such trails as "Coyote Canyon" and still damage can happen to your truck, its part of the territory.

I do thank jefe4x4 for all the advise he has given me and the trails we had covered together.

[ajriding]

I've been on a couple trails with jefe4x4, when he says something one better listen. Here's a link to my You Tube channel...travelingman21000.... I have a 2007 F250 hauling a 2002 Lance 815.There are several videos I've made of our off road adventures.

C.traveler2, that's what I was looking for, Coyote Canyon video of regular truck and TC bouncing around. Its almost comical. I know the frame is flexing and bed twisting from cab, but TC is wobbling some too. I see how well the tiedown springs work now. How tightly was TC held in with the springs?

How much does your TC weigh?

I think I will def wait until I finish my proper tiedown system before off-roading

[profdant139]

If we've just lost jefe and whaz, that's a big loss. AJ, I understand your point about being in a rush and not sugar coating the messages.

My countervailing thought, for whatever it is worth, is that precisely because forum postings don't include the poster's tone of voice, it may be helpful for the writer to adopt an extra-friendly tone, so that everyone knows that no harm is meant.

But I admit that this approach is time-consuming. On the third hand, the extra time may be worthwhile, in order to maintain an upbeat tone.

One of my co-workers, years ago, said, "A gentleman is someone who is never rude, except on purpose." Not sure what that means, but it sounds thoughtful. 😉

[c_traveler2]

ajriding wrote:
Who has taken a full-height TC down some nasty roads, or Jeep roads where the truck leans and is at the limits of tipping the camper off or something of the sort?

I searched internet (never google), but find nothing.

I used to have a slide-in pop-up, but that does not count - light, low, and quite a useless unit for living in.
But, with a full height camper, and a desire to take the 4x4 to pristine camping spots I am curious to see what others have done.

My camper is supposed to be only 1,900lbs empty. No high interior cabinets or anything in the top 18 inches of the space except the shower head and the closet hanger. AC is currently in garage right now. So, very un-top-heavy for a TC.

I know the behemoth TCs that push 4,000lbs probably should not consider trails, but lighter models can

I've been on a couple trails with jefe4x4, when he says something one better listen. Here's a link to my You Tube channel...travelingman21000.... I have a 2007 F250 hauling a 2002 Lance 815.There are several videos I've made of our off road adventures.

[whazoo]

jefe 4x4 wrote:
Whaz,
I think we've expended enough energy on this site to counterbalance the trolling mode going on here. Maybe once again it's time.
jefe

I’m with you Jefe, I’m outta here.

[jefe_4x4]

Whaz,
I think we've expended enough energy on this site to counterbalance the trolling mode going on here. Maybe once again it's time.
jefe

[ajriding]

Thanks. I guess my big concern is what a camper can handle. It is tied to the truck, but intended to wobble a little, so big jolts eventually, if big enough, could rip out anchor bolts.
Except the COG and clearance part, the camper will go anywhere the truck goes, lol.

[jaycocreek]

ajriding wrote:
Who has taken a full-height TC down some nasty roads, or Jeep roads where the truck leans and is at the limits of tipping the camper off or something of the sort?

I searched internet (never google), but find nothing.

I used to have a slide-in pop-up, but that does not count - light, low, and quite a useless unit for living in.
But, with a full height camper, and a desire to take the 4x4 to pristine camping spots I am curious to see what others have done.

My camper is supposed to be only 1,900lbs empty. No high interior cabinets or anything in the top 18 inches of the space except the shower head and the closet hanger. AC is currently in garage right now. So, very un-top-heavy for a TC.

I know the behemoth TCs that push 4,000lbs probably should not consider trails, but lighter models can

It all depends where your going..Most of what you see on this forum is desert camping,not high mountain camping..There is a big difference when it comes to truck campers for each..

I do virtually all my camping in the mountains of Idaho where with a truck camper, the biggest concerns is clearance for the dips and rocks,height for the trees and width also for the tree's etc and ofcourse,the leaning on the uneven terrain where height is your enemy.

DJ did a write up on the Maruder road here with a full size TC on a dually, that is a semi tough journey but with many side roads that will test any vehicle.I use my Yamaha Rhino for those types..

When choosing mine I took all this into consideration because this type of camping is all I do...Mine is 10 ft to the top of the ladder rack and I chose a heavy duty(more than I need for this camper) pickup for the least sway and tipping on the narrow heavily treed roads.

Everything said,there is alot of room for error and damage if one chose the wrong path just like in a jet boat on a rough river like the Salmon river here in Idaho..

So in answer to your question,it depends on your usage area..In my opinion desert terrain is more forgiving,others may disagree.

[whazoo]

“Make some videos next time.” Sounds like orders to me, sorry. Must be my two cups of coffee, caffeine is not my friend.

[ajriding]

orders?
nevermind. good luck with the internet…

[whazoo]

Well I have a full size door! And hey my weight is that of a full size hard side, I’ve heard loaded around 2400#. I only lack a few inches of height but still have 44 gal of water. Anyway, the loss of solar to inches of overhang doesn’t concern me, why does it concern you? It was all the real estate I have so don’t we use what we have and be happy? And I’ll make vids if and when I like, thanks for the orders. Geez...

[ajriding]

Wahooz, A pop-up camper is cheating, isn't it?

Hey, side note, your solar panel look like it would get shaded (is shaded now) on the rocket box end most of the time. Does this reduce the voltage?

Make some videos next time.There are none of regular TCs off-road. All I can find are the true, and super light, off-road campers doing this..

My camper is all fiberglass. One big shell.
I was thinking to help keep it from sliding sideways to put boards beside the fenders and extend them to the front of the bed, secured. This would be a snug fit. Anyone done this? I am wondering if when the camper wobbles if it will put too much stress on the fiberglass sides of camper a t the top of the inserted board. The top of board would become the fulcrum, not the bottom side edge of camper.

[whazoo]

No reason to post, not being a hard side and all.

[36guy]

I've done it with a TC, and with my fifth, no damage to either. I packed a 10 foot Kit camper years ago into the bush with my wife and kids, dog included for five years, then stepped up to a cougar 244 fifth, it spent thirteen years going places you're not supposed to go.
In bc, if you're not going up, you're going down, off road its all rough, just go slow through the really bad stuff, take your time, the unit will be fine.