What mistakes have you made that might help others...?

[d3500ram]

There is another thread going about a member who shared with us his misfortune on his camper. In it, was a very informative discussion as to how best resolve the problem. But more subtle was the message for me to take some extra time when loading/ unloading my TC. I applaud that member for sharing. There were other members who were sharing their mistakes. And it got me thinking... can we post here what things you would like to take back (regarding TC's) that will help others by learning from mistakes.

I will read posts about putting gas in their diesel trucks on other forums. Every time I read problems like this it reminds me to take the extra time in order to not be "that guy." Whenever I read of others misfortune I vicariously learn through that person's mistakes.

I learned the hard way to make sure to pull the truck WAY OUT OF THE WAY once it is free from the camper. I once pulled out "just enough" and though it was enough space for the camper to be lowered. I recall kicking myself when upon lowering the camper did I realize the front portion of the overhead part (where it just starts to turn horizontal) had caught the rear part of the truck bed above the tail light. Jeez! only another 3" and it would have cleared just fine. Uhg! It dented the metal of the camper but did not puncture the skin. But now I make sure now that I pull the truck forward MORE than enough to insure room so it does not ever happen again.

Upon inspection pre-purchase of another past camper I noticed a clear outline of the end profile of a gutter. Yea, the kind on a house. When pointing it out to the owner they said yep, the TC was too close to the house when raising it (it was a pop-up TC.) I bought the camper and treated that dent as if I did it myself... The camper was in otherwise perfect condition except for this dent and it too was not punctured.

I have been lucky in my mistakes and no one was ever injured and these are very minor. What can you share (and perhaps laugh at) about your misfortunes that may help me and other to perhaps take away a learning lesson from your mishaps.

[jefe_4x4]

Bought a Lance Lite camper assuming it had adequate insulation for the cooler months. NOT!
You would think it would be easy to originally install light weight insulation in a light camper for not much more cash.
Getting a camper with a heavy front window was a mistake.
jefe

[Ski_Pro_3]

Took my fast guns off the truck mounts and left them to hang from the camper. That way they were on the correct corner of the camper for the next time I loaded up. Figured it would save time. After pulling the truck out from under, I lowered the camper. I heard the jack motors note change and stopped I saw my fast guns bowed pretty good from contacting the ground as the camper continued to lower. Lucky me, I was able to straighten them back out.

[kerry4951]

Tried to unload the TC one time and forgot to remove the passenger side Fast Guns. For some reason it would not go up like it should. Now I do a few extra walk arounds before I start pushing buttons.

[JimBollman]

My rear hold down bar extends far enough that I have to remove the bar before driving out from under the camper. Forgot once and almost pulled the camper over on top of the truck when it hit the jacks. Got stopped soon enough but after getting the camper down on some blocks I had to take off the jacks and do some repair work to the jack bases.

[rickjo]

My Lance has struts (yes I know, the debate over the utility of struts is a ongoing discussion). I learned the hard way that only disconnecting one strut before unloading causes an awkward tilt to the camper when raising it on the jacks. Took me way too long to diagnose the problem, but ultimately no damage was done.

Rick

[Jon_L]

Just backed into the shop door. I didn't have it up high enough. It looked wide open from the rear view mirror.

[the_tc_life]

make sure, and i mean DAMN SURE the black water valve is closed ALL the way. i did find out that from my valve to the caped end of the drain tube holds a "crap" load of fluids.