TC newbie; where to get basic info?

[matilf]

Is there a source of basic info on TCs? I am planning to get one, have no idea on basic things like a) how does it attach to the truck; b) can I drive out from under it at my campsite and leave it there while I go sight seeing? Etc. I am experienced with travel trailers but not TCs. I am not strong enough to do some things with my travel trailer and am trying to avoid some problems by going to a TC. Do I also need to be a gorilla in order to mess with a TC? I already bought the truck so will be really disappointed if a TC does not fit my needs.
TY!

[matilf]

Thank you all. I have now unsubscribed from the thread. I appreciate all the responses.

[NEOK]

As a couple who enjoy our TC I would not want to discourage you from switching to one. Electric jacks take a lot of the physical effort out of loading and unloading a TC. As another poster mentioned there is an art to loading a TC but it gets easier with practice. If you have Torklift tie downs and Fastguns you have minimal physical effort to insert the tie downs on the truck and fasten the Fastguns. Getting in and out of tc may be a little more effort. Remember you have to get in and out when you are loading your clothes, groceries, etc. You stated the tc you are considering is within the weight capacity of you truck but make sure you are ac counting for the other stuff you will carry in the truck and camper including passengers. Also are your tires up to the load capacity.

Whatever decision you reach I hope you enjoy many trips in the future.

[Reality_Check]

I've been reading the replies.. seem to be on topic, pointed remarks, some really good advice and then good follow up questions. And it all feels totally ignored...

Mold, physical constraints, typical use...

Is the OP asking because they want good answers with good reasoning or because they want to hear what they want to hear?

As usual, BK's post was well thought out and full of solid advice. Thanks.

[matilf]

Thanks. I need one that does not have *any* wood in it, and I have been successful at avoiding mold with my Camplite.

[Wardster]

matilf wrote:
I have a 2014 F150 with heavy duty payload/towing package, 8 foot bed, extra cab. I plan to get a Camplite TC, because of allergies (no wood products allowed,) nothing allowed that could acquire mold. I do not use the AC in my TT because of the possibility of mold in it. The weight of the Camplite meets the specs of the truck capacity. I'd be open to other TCs IF they meet my criteria of no wood and nothing that will mold. I've been living in my Camplite TT for three years and it has not gotten any mold (I am a whole lot more aware of mold than most people will be, so if you say yours doesn't have mold I am unlikely to reach the same conclusion.)

I drove to the dealership to look at Camp-Lite TC's and ended up with a new Northern Lite instead, so be careful :). Even though we went another direction, I certainly liked the Camp-Lite TC's we looked at.

[trailgranny50]

Being an older camping couple I agree with jefe, your TT is the better option for your circumstances as much as we like our TC. If cranking the tongue becomes an issue get an electric jack and add electric jacks on the corners rather than the standard long handle hand cranks that are mostly standard issue. Much less expense involved with those changes verses whole new rig. Good luck.

[jefe_4x4]

Mat,
After rereading this thread again,I would suggest keeping your Camplite aluminum trailer as being the best solution to your hyper sensitivity to mold. Re read BKA's treatise. There is no way a truck camper that will be removed and re installed is in any way easier on the musculature than a TT. Putting the TC on the truck is an art, not to be approached lightly. It takes me about 45 minutes to get it on with things connecting in the right order and lining up the Lance guides so the TC drops in the 'slot'. We're talking about 1/2" clearance on each side and you must lean down and view the proceedings from the back, getting in and out of the truck, over and over again. I have mechanical hand crank jacks which don't come down with the flick of a switch.
Also, do not underestimate the effort of going up the steps, over and over, and the two big steps up to the chambre du slumber. This becomes less fun as you get older and has caused many a stalwart TC-er to rethink the game. If physical diminution is a woe, consider getting a small class C with a very low entry.
The only 2 things I can say to support your inquiry into getting a TC is that it is somewhat more stealthy for urban layovers, especially in a friend's driveway or in front of their home; and you can park anywhere a car can. One last thing is a TC is the perfect boondock box.
Otherwise, it is the least cost effective per sq ft. of any of the RV's.
jefe

[matilf]

Thanks, Kohldad. In general I will be parking in friends' driveways who have wanted me to visit for years but we could not find a way because I can't spend much time in most buildings. Obviously parking a TT in a lot of driveways is not going to work, and being able to take the TC off the truck when necessary would be useful.

[bka0721]

Maltilf, it is good you are sharing more information, if just as a trickle.

Good to know you have a TC considered and have shared what type of truck you will be carrying it on. As you can see, 90% of the information shared already is moot. This is why information is important for responding to your questions.

With mold, wood constructed TC are just a portion of the issue. The greater need is to minimize the opportunity to begin/host mold. Good technique by you will help. Living in a dryer environment (Arizona) is a great help, unless you change this environment. Such as keeping the windows and doors closed and not have a regime of daily airing out your camper during months when the seasons are colder, even in Arizona. Also, changing your style of cooking, storing wet clothes (from rain/swimming)and showering. Perform these activities earlier in the day so as moisture will be absorbed in the dry air, than night periods to condense on surfaces.

The biggest difference you are going to experience is the change of a TT to a TC. That is space. The smaller the space, the less area for water molecules to attach themselves and provide a medium for mold to grow. Smaller is not better for avoiding mold.

Even in Arizona, one must be aware of Dew Point. Especially in Winter.

Heating elements. Eschew anything that puts moisture in the air, abundantly. Furnace running will, even with most exhaust diverting moisture out with the exhaust. Cat heater will produce a greater amount of moisture than any other heating element, except open flame on the stove top. Breathing is another great moisture provider. Minimize the amount of people in your camper during times when the windows and doors are closed. Do your socializing during the day.

Use electric space heaters for your heating and avoid traveling in areas of higher elevations where you will have more propensity to keep your doors and windows closed. Also, choices of what you wear also allow moisture to be retained and then transferred to the air. Use wicking clothing. All things you are no doubt familiar with your sensitivity.

Good luck with your searching. But living fulltime in a Truck Camper might not be the best choice for the medical sensitivity you have shared. Not just because some have non metal/alloy construction. IMHO


b

[kohldad]

I really don't see what there is about strength needed with traveling with a TT that you couldn't do if you think you can with a TC. Even hooking up the equalizer bars can be done with very little effort if you know the proper sequence.

A TC is more about the style of travel and where you can travel versus requiring less strength for setting it up. A lot of folks usually complain and move from a TC to a TT because they don't have the strength/mobility to make the climb into the TC and especially the cab-over.

Now, to answer some of your question.

Some models allow you to just lower to the ground and use off the truck. Others will require you to provide a support under the floor when using off the truck. Even when lowered to the ground, they are usually still about 6" off the ground leaving at least two steps to get into the TC.

For DW and myself, we load up the TC at home, travel for 10 days (hopefully longer soon) and then unload once we get home. Our TC is light enough that driving the truck with or without the camper is about the same. So once we leave, we always have it with us and never unload. But then again, we are not in the same campground for more than a night or two.

[matilf]

I have a 2014 F150 with heavy duty payload/towing package, 8 foot bed, extra cab. I plan to get a Camplite TC, because of allergies (no wood products allowed,) nothing allowed that could acquire mold. I do not use the AC in my TT because of the possibility of mold in it. The weight of the Camplite meets the specs of the truck capacity. I'd be open to other TCs IF they meet my criteria of no wood and nothing that will mold. I've been living in my Camplite TT for three years and it has not gotten any mold (I am a whole lot more aware of mold than most people will be, so if you say yours doesn't have mold I am unlikely to reach the same conclusion.)

[tonymull]

You never did say what truck you have. To make things easy you will definitely want electric jacks. Many campers require some support underneath for stability and less stress on the camper. Sawhorses would generally put the camper up too high for using as you describe but are great for storage. Some jack stands and 2X4 pieces are a simple solution and not too burdensome. It is far more time consuming to off load and reload than just unhooking and hooking up a trailer.

[Grit_dog]

matilf wrote:
Is there a source of basic info on TCs? I am planning to get one, have no idea on basic things like a) how does it attach to the truck; b) can I drive out from under it at my campsite and leave it there while I go sight seeing? Etc. I am experienced with travel trailers but not TCs. I am not strong enough to do some things with my travel trailer and am trying to avoid some problems by going to a TC. Do I also need to be a gorilla in order to mess with a TC? I already bought the truck so will be really disappointed if a TC does not fit my needs.
TY!

Need to do some reading.
Only a couple good mfg tie down systems. Tork lift is what most use.
Yes you can remove the TC when you get to where you're going, but will have to lower it down and some require or reccomend addl support to live in it off the truck.
If you're looking to dump the camper at the campsite, a trailer is far more conducive to this.
Not sure what you could get into on a TT that would require more physical strength than on a TC other than maybe hooking up WD bars?
Access in and out of a TC is also more involved on some than most TTs which are low to the ground.

[matilf]

Thanks for the video on how to load it....I can do that! Easier than backing up a trailer into a spot for sure.

But....can I take it off the truck at my destination (would be there a while) and lower the jacks all the way and live in it like I would my TT? Do I need other support under it, like folding saw horses?

TY again. The torklift things look like the best solution for tie-downs and I'll study up on them.