Using truck camper when not attached to truck

[jwal12291]

I recently bought a 1985 sun lite truck camper. I want to be able to take it out of my truck when i get to where I am going and use it when its out of the truck.This particular camper only has three jacks two on one side in the corners and 1 on the other side dead in the middle. I more asking if anyone has any ideas on what i could build or do to set it down on that would make it sturdy enough to stay in.

[Rickj91]

With my Wolf Creek and the Fox Landing, I lower the camper till the bottom step of the Fox Landing is an inch off the ground. It is just supported by the jacks and have not had any issues with it. Works good for us.

[SidecarFlip]

F350/RR wrote:
We camp in our Northern Lite while it is off the truck. I lower it and level with a minimum of 1 inch of leg showing at whichever leg sits on the highest ground.
No X’s or axle stands with beams and tanks at whatever they were when we arrived.

When I have the camper off the truck and use it, I do the same. I lower it as far down as possible without the dump valve extension hitting the ground. Very stable and easier to get into and out of... I actually dismount the Glo-Steps and set them aside.

[SidecarFlip]

TxTiger wrote:
Don’t manufacturers have to engineer/design a truck camper for use off the truck? From what I’ve read not all TC’s are designed for this type of use without complete floor support, like in the bed of a truck.

What I was under the impression it was as well. I know some builders say you can, some say you cannot. I think it has to do with how the base floor is built. My last Lance, I could and my new Palomino I can as well.

[jimh406]

F350/RR wrote:
I lower it and level with a minimum of 1 inch of leg showing at whichever leg sits on the highest ground.

Wow, that’s low! Not saying it’s wrong, just amazed.

[F350_RR]

We camp in our Northern Lite while it is off the truck. I lower it and level with a minimum of 1 inch of leg showing at whichever leg sits on the highest ground.
No X’s or axle stands with beams and tanks at whatever they were when we arrived.

[ticki2]

mountainkowboy wrote:

mkirsch wrote:
3/4" plywood "X-stands." Just take a 4x8 sheet of plywood, cut into four 24"x48" pieces. Cut half-slots in them so they fit together to form an X. Stores flat under the camper, takes up no space traveling. The boards and jacks described above need storage space.

I'll keep my 2x6's and screw jacks, the X-stands will work, but don't allow any adjustment for ground that isn't level.

The x stands support the floor , the 2x6' s support the edge so it depends on what the camper needs . Both will steady the camper .

[mountainkowboy]

TxTiger wrote:
Don’t manufacturers have to engineer/design a truck camper for use off the truck? From what I’ve read not all TC’s are designed for this type of use without complete floor support, like in the bed of a truck.

I don't think that they "have to" design it for off truck. I made a support pan/floor that's mounted to the underside of mine to be able to use it off truck. I called S&S and they said because of its age it wasn't designed to be used off truck and with a tank full of water it may tear the bottom off the unit when removing it from the truck.

[Grit_dog]

^ Not the OPs. It has 3 jacks and it’s old.

[TxTiger]

Don’t manufacturers have to engineer/design a truck camper for use off the truck? From what I’ve read not all TC’s are designed for this type of use without complete floor support, like in the bed of a truck.

[mountainkowboy]

mkirsch wrote:
3/4" plywood "X-stands." Just take a 4x8 sheet of plywood, cut into four 24"x48" pieces. Cut half-slots in them so they fit together to form an X. Stores flat under the camper, takes up no space traveling. The boards and jacks described above need storage space.

I'll keep my 2x6's and screw jacks, the X-stands will work, but don't allow any adjustment for ground that isn't level.

[mkirsch]

3/4" plywood "X-stands." Just take a 4x8 sheet of plywood, cut into four 24"x48" pieces. Cut half-slots in them so they fit together to form an X. Stores flat under the camper, takes up no space traveling. The boards and jacks described above need storage space.

[joerg68]

You may also have a look at the truck camper university sticky thread at the top of this section.

This, for example: http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25917893.cfm

[mountainkowboy]

I do this......




It doesn't move, 2x6 and aluminum screw jacks.

[Grit_dog]

And carry with you?
2 sheets of plywood. 1 ripped in half and notched to make a 2’ tall X frame and another sheet to put on top of the X.

That will hold the weight (on hard ground and fairly flat/level) as long as your jacks can provide the stability.