TC loading for beginners or those just wanting to see how

[Dirtpig]

I thought i would film loading a truck camper for people new to truck campers and may pick up a few tips or those who would just like to see the procedure done. This is my method but may be different than others. This is the link to the youtube video. Truck camper loading youtube video

[stevenal]

I use the mirrors mainly. Tilt them down (electric mirrors are nice) to watch the rear Torklift tie down extensions (already installed) as they pass the front jacks with about an inch of clearance on each side. Continue to back straight, but get out to check at least once prior to the wide part of the camper passing the tailgate latches.

[JumboJet]

jimh425 wrote:

JumboJet wrote:
Once a person advances to the intermediate stage, they will rely on the mirrors and not have to get a neck cramp.

Please explain how you use mirrors to do the alignment even on both sides for you truck camper and whether it is drw or drw.

Actually I loaded with an SRW using mirrors and now with my DRW. I have two very visible marks on both sides on the TC that I use as guides. With the DRW I have to be cognizant of the front legs too. That makes loading even easier by spacing the fenders evenly between the legs.

Before I had the TC I backed a 5th wheel for years.

[Dirtpig]

Super_Dave wrote:
I'm so short that it is really difficult to see the wheel wells and camper edge for alignment. I guess i need to devise a camper loading booster seat. LOL!

With my truck being a crewcab its impossible for me to see the actual wheel wells as well. So what i do is I just look down the drivers side of the camper and keep it lined up with the very back of the truck where the tailgate would attach. In my case I have about 1.5" of space on each side of that point so all i do is keep about that distance between the entire time backing up. Try looking for something on your truck and camper that you can keep lined up, remember you only need to align one side to that reference point and the other side will take care of itself. In the future i may make another video of my backup procedure in much more detail.

[Super_Dave]

I'm so short that it is really difficult to see the wheel wells and camper edge for alignment. I guess i need to devise a camper loading booster seat. LOL!

[Dirtpig]

Dome wrote:
I load my camper much the same way, only difference is I lay the seat back and look over my left shoulder. You line up the left side then you know the right side will be ok. Laying back and looking over your left shoulder give you line of sight for placing the camper much more accurately than over the right shoulder, at least for me it does. Give it a try see if it isn't easier to load this way.

You are probably right about it being easier, i really like to steer with my left hand though lol.. I will give it a try regardless!

[Dome]

I load my camper much the same way, only difference is I lay the seat back and look over my left shoulder. You line up the left side then you know the right side will be ok. Laying back and looking over your left shoulder give you line of sight for placing the camper much more accurately than over the right shoulder, at least for me it does. Give it a try see if it isn't easier to load this way. I should say that my truck is an extended cab 3500 Dodge. It doesn't stop me from seeing the rear left wheel well at all. Some may find they can't see the wheel well, for those I would raise the seat if they can. It is truly easier to guide the truck under the camper looking over the left shoulder.

[Dirtpig]

free radical wrote:

Dirtpig wrote:
I thought i would film loading a truck camper for people new to truck campers and may pick up a few tips or those who would just like to see the procedure done. This is my method but may be different than others. This is the link to the youtube video. Truck camper loading youtube video

thats too easy..lol

I have only two tripod jacks and quarter inch clearance on both sides in the back,due to my new trucks bed box being narrower then my old truck that I built the camper for,,
takes good couple hours of careful loading,,

My old northern lite camper was similarly difficult to put on the truck. It was an "import sized" camper and between the jacks and the truck fender flares there was literally a half inch on each side. I had to make sure i was backing up dead straight and it took a bit of time to get it on. Also i had to manually pump and release each jack so that added to the time. One other thing was that i had to put the jacks onto about 4" of blocks otherwise i couldnt get the camper jacked up high enough to get into the truck!

[beemerchef]

I think the Northern Lites are anchored real well, differently than most campers and slightly outward. We are really talking about the final adjustment with the camper barely off the truck bed. Which is am sure "weight is weight"... barely or not.

Ara

[JumboJet]

Bedlam wrote:

beemerchef wrote:
Why not for the final adjustment, while the camper is up maybe just half to an inch off the bed have these wheels mounted on a plate on which the legs would rest, or bolted on / removable, and on smooth surface push the camper here and there? Sure would be easier than moving the truck? Just a thought...

Each wheel can support 590lbs...

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/REVVO-Dual-Wheel-Swivel-Caster-4W779?Pid=search

Stay well, Ara and Spirit

Even if the wheels roll well on a hard surface, it will put considerable side forces on the jacks while they are extended if you try to push the TC around. I would worry the leverage would damage the anchor points of the jacks to the TC enough to eventually cause failure.

I tried that with a Lance 1030. It wasn't so hard on the back legs due to low mounting point. But as you indicated, the front jacks had way too much stress on them.

[free_radical]

Dirtpig wrote:
I thought i would film loading a truck camper for people new to truck campers and may pick up a few tips or those who would just like to see the procedure done. This is my method but may be different than others. This is the link to the youtube video. Truck camper loading youtube video

thats too easy..lol

I have only two tripod jacks and quarter inch clearance on both sides in the back,due to my new trucks bed box being narrower then my old truck that I built the camper for,,
takes good couple hours of careful loading,,

[Bedlam]

beemerchef wrote:
Why not for the final adjustment, while the camper is up maybe just half to an inch off the bed have these wheels mounted on a plate on which the legs would rest, or bolted on / removable, and on smooth surface push the camper here and there? Sure would be easier than moving the truck? Just a thought...

Each wheel can support 590lbs...

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/REVVO-Dual-Wheel-Swivel-Caster-4W779?Pid=search

Stay well, Ara and Spirit

Even if the wheels roll well on a hard surface, it will put considerable side forces on the jacks while they are extended if you try to push the TC around. I would worry the leverage would damage the anchor points of the jacks to the TC enough to eventually cause failure.

[jimh406]

I can shift my camper quite a bit by raising or lowering one side.

[beemerchef]

Why not for the final adjustment, while the camper is up maybe just half to an inch off the bed have these wheels mounted on a plate on which the legs would rest, or bolted on / removable, and on smooth surface push the camper here and there? Sure would be easier than moving the truck? Just a thought...

Each wheel can support 590lbs...

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/REVVO-Dual-Wheel-Swivel-Caster-4W779?Pid=search

Stay well, Ara and Spirit

[Xpd77]

Thanks for the great video. I'm gearing up to buy that same camper and carrying it on the same truck as yours. Good looking rig.