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!

[billtex]

See TCU sticky.

After reading....ask away!

[bcbouy]

well,that didn't take long.

[KD4UPL]

The best TC advice is to buy a 3500 truck. If you want a really big nice TC with slides then buy a dually.
No, I'm not kidding.

[bka0721]

An important thing to start with, what truck do you have? Normally the recommendation is to decide on the Truck Camper/floor plan before getting the truck. Having the truck first is going to dictate the type/floor plan you will be able to purchase.

As before Truck Camper Magazine has the perfect place for people to start out with. Picking the camper and the different trucks in their newbie section.

Welcome to the truck camper forum.

b

[fpoole]

Kewl, got it..

If the Ferry fees weren't so much I would look forward to camping over there. Used to go there all the time for diving.. but that's another thread.

Got the <--- arrow, thanks, that helps clarify it. Solar panels, kewl, that's the way to go IMNSHO... looking forward to getting them..

fun..

[Dirtpig]

fpoole,

my arctic fox flares out a bit like
___|
__|<---
_|

where that arrow is above i look down the back of the camper and try to keep 1" between camper and bed rail. (on drivers side) i have no markings or anything, thats all i need to know to get it right. Hopefully my crude drawing makes sense. I would say you could use any point of reference on one side of the truck, other side will just automatically line itself up.

140watt solar is great. being from the NW you know the amount of cloudy days we get but when sunny its awesome! Batteries are usually fully charged by noon from the night before and i charge 2 childrens quads (power wheels) all night. i have only used my generator in the wintertime since getting a solar panel and thats because its all cloud and rain in winter. I actually ran 3 campers off of my solar panel on a week long trip my buddies batteries were toasted they could not thank me enough (used jumper cables)

[fpoole]

DP,
Enjoyed the vid on the loading and "In use" on VC Island...

I did get a little confused, and I probably missed something, but I had the impression you were using the LT Driver's side mirror to back into.

Another poster used it and figures if he was an inch on driver's side the other side was ok. I noted that you were looking thru the back window, did you have the line markers to line it up?

Just wondering.

Also? solar panels, how do the 140 watt work, more than enough, not enough, just right? (heheh, sorta like the Goldie Locks Scenario eh?)

thanks...
frank
fun..

[towpro]

Truck Camper Magazine probably has some good info available.

[Dirtpig]

Hi matilf. A while ago i did an informative video on how a camper goes onto a truck, also have some other information as well in it. here is a link to the youtube video: How to load a camper on a pickup truck

[fpoole]

Here's a starting point I found after a bit..

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/264829.cfm

While some info might be a little "old" the idea is the same.
Otherwise I found that by searching for the topic, will get you into the area and after you've read a few threads/posts you'll get the idea of it..

I'm new too and finding my way, one thread at a time eh?? A few of the "Pros" will chime in also..

fun eh?? heheh one post at a time..

cheers..