Truck Bed Camper Jacks: Strong Enough?

Camper jacks are an essential component of any truck camper setup, allowing for easy loading and unloading of the camper. They are mechanical devices designed to lift, lower, and support the weight of the camper. A typical setup involves mounting a jack to each of the four corners of the camper, providing even control and support.

There are two main types of camper jacks: manual and power jacks. Manual jacks are hand-operated, utilising a crank or pump system, while power jacks are electrically powered and controlled by the push of a button or a remote. Both types of jacks can have weight capacities ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 pounds or more, depending on the model and type.

When it comes to strength and reliability, camper jacks made by reputable manufacturers like Rieco-Titan, HappiJac, and Stable-Lift are widely considered to be the best options. These companies offer a range of electric, manual, hydraulic, and tripod jacks to suit different needs and preferences.

In addition to the standard jacks, some campers also utilise stabiliser jacks or additional support systems to enhance stability and reduce stress on the jack mounts and brackets. These supplementary systems can be particularly useful when using or storing the camper separately from the truck.

Manual vs Power Jacks

There are two main types of camper jacks: manual jacks and power jacks. Manual jacks are hand-operated by a crank or pump system, while power jacks are controlled by an electric motor with the push of a button or a remote.

Manual Jacks

Manual jacks are typically found on cheaper models and older campers. They use a series of meshing gears or acme threads to extend and retract the support shaft. The support shaft is made of steel and moves up and down through the housing attached to the camper.

Manual jacks can be more physically demanding and time-consuming to operate than power jacks. They also may not be suitable for heavier truck campers.

Power Jacks

Power jacks, on the other hand, are more commonly found on upgraded and better-optioned units. They are electrically powered, and in some cases, can be operated by a wireless remote. Power jacks offer convenience and ease of use, especially for those who travel frequently and need to unload their campers often.

The choice between manual and power jacks depends on factors such as the frequency of use, the weight of the camper, and personal preference. If you only use your camper occasionally, manual jacks may be sufficient. However, if you travel frequently and prefer the convenience of electric operation, power jacks may be the better option. Additionally, for heavier campers, power jacks may be a safer and more suitable choice.

Camper Jack Maintenance

Camper jacks are an integral part of any truck camping setup, allowing for easy loading and unloading of your camper. To ensure they remain in good working condition, proper maintenance is key. Here are some detailed instructions for maintaining your camper jacks:

Regular Maintenance

All truck camper jacks require annual maintenance. Doug Bakker, Product Designer for Rieco-Titan Products, recommends performing this maintenance in the spring before the camping season begins. Start by raising your camper all the way up and washing each jack tube, inside and out, with soapy water. If there are any rust spots, sand them down and apply a coat of RustOleum paint or metal silver spray. For the outside tubes, use a liquid wax such as Mercury's Corrosion Guard, Mother's Polish, McGuires, or Turtle Wax. If you live in an area with high sand, salt, or humidity, you may need to wash and wax your jacks more frequently.

It is also important to exercise your jacks by raising and lowering them at least once a month. This helps distribute grease and keep the jacks in good condition. If you keep your camper on your truck year-round, be sure to operate the jacks twice a year to keep them lubricated.

Winterizing

If you plan to leave your camper on your truck during the winter, fully retract the camper jacks. If you will be storing your camper off the truck, it is best to keep it close to the ground on a wooden platform or sawhorses, with the camper jacks raised. This reduces stress on the sidewalls of your camper and transfers the weight to the floor.

Remote Electric Jacks

For remote electric jacks, it is important to change the remote battery at the start of each season to ensure reliable performance. If the remote battery is low, it may not send signals effectively to the jack system. To change the battery, remove the remote control cover with a small screwdriver and replace the 12-volt alkaline A23 battery. Additionally, the Rieco-Titan remote is water-resistant but not waterproof. If it gets wet, dry it immediately and place it in a bag of uncooked rice to absorb any moisture.

Manually Cranking Electric Jacks

In the event that your remote electric jacks need to be operated manually, here's what you need to know. First, remove the manual crank cover with a flat-head screwdriver to expose the manual crank socket. Then, use a three-eighths-inch ratchet to crank the jacks up or down, starting with the front camper jacks. Raise the front of your camper about three inches on each jack, then move to the back and do the same. Repeat this process, rotating around the camper, until it reaches the desired height.

Four-Corner Mechanical Jacks

Rieco-Titan offers five types of mechanical jacks: welded mounting plate jacks, C-clamp jacks, heavy-duty tripod jacks, standard tripod jacks, and hydraulic jacks. Each type has specific maintenance requirements. For welded mounting plate jacks and C-clamp jacks, manual cranking is necessary, and Rieco-Titan provides two crank handles so that two people can crank simultaneously. When raising the camper, start with the front jacks and raise the front nose higher than the back. Then, raise the jacks in rotation, lifting the camper about three inches with each turn. Continue this process until you reach the desired height, always ensuring that the front of the camper is higher than the rear.

For tripod jacks, the crank has two sockets: one for the wrench and one for the crank. The wrench socket allows you to adjust the tripod jack from a vertical to a horizontal position when driving. The tripod portion of the jack should be stored in your truck or camper when not in use. If you only use three jacks, position them at the front and back of one side and at the balance point (center of gravity) of the other side. Lubricate tripod jacks annually with 10W40 oil, applying it to the gearbox and the jack post screw.

Hydraulic Jacks

Hydraulic jacks are the easiest manual jacks to operate, requiring minimal effort to lift the camper. To maintain them, regularly check the oil level, ensuring it is at the bottom of the fill hole, not above. Rieco-Titan's hydraulic jacks also come with C-clamps for adjustments.

General Maintenance Tips

• Lubricate the manual crank socket to reduce friction.
• If your jack has a hole inside the crank socket, position it downwards and add a few drops of light oil, rotating with the crank to distribute the oil.
• Wax the camper jack exterior with automotive liquid wax at least twice a year to maintain the paint and prevent rust.
• If you notice black residue coming out of your jacks after oiling, simply wipe it off with a soapy rag.
• Store your truck camper with the weight off the jacks by using a support system to carry the weight of the camper.

Camper Jack Manufacturers

Camper jacks are robust vertical struts that bear the weight of a truck camper when parked. They are also used to load and unload campers from a truck. Camper jacks can be electric, manual, or hydraulic.

• Rieco-Titan: Rieco-Titan manufactures a range of camper jacks, including tripod jacks, corner jacks, and heavy-duty jacks. Their products have weight capacities ranging from 1,500 to 2,800 pounds per jack. They also offer tripod jack extensions.
• Happijac: Happijac produces heavy-duty manual and electric ball screw jacks with weight capacities ranging from 1,500 to 2,800 pounds per jack. They also offer wireless remote systems for truck campers.
• Stable-Lift: Stable-Lift manufactures integrated camper tie-down, turnbuckle, and jack systems. They offer both two and three-jack systems, depending on the size of the rig.
• Libra: Libra manufactures heavy-duty RV trailer stabilizer jacks with weight capacities of up to 9,000 pounds.
• Rockman: Rockman offers RV camper trailer stabilizer leveling scissor jacks with weight capacities of up to 7,500 pounds.
• Kohree: Kohree produces electric trailer jacks and RV stabilizer jacks with weight capacities of up to 5,000 pounds.
• Weize: Weize manufactures camper RV trailer stabilizer jacks and power tongue jacks with weight capacities of up to 6,500 pounds.
• Lippert: Lippert offers manual and electric RV scissor jacks, power tongue jacks, and stabilizer jacks with weight capacities of up to 5,000 pounds.
• Polestar: Polestar specializes in electric power A-frame tongue jacks for trailers, campers, and RVs, with weight capacities of up to 3,500 pounds.
• X-Haibei: X-Haibei manufactures RV stabilizer jacks that can support weights of up to 6,000 pounds.
• Curt: Curt manufactures A-frame trailer jacks with a weight capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Camper Jack Types

Camper jacks are robust vertical struts that help to stabilise a truck camper when parked up at camp. They also help with the process of installing a truck camper into a pickup truck's cargo box. Camper jacks can be electric, manual or hydraulic.

Tripod Jacks

Tripod jacks generally have a weight capacity between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds, making them better suited for lightweight truck campers. They are available in sets of three or four. A three-jack setup involves mounting a single jack under the wing at one corner, with the other two jacks mounted on the opposite side under the wings at the corners. However, this configuration is the most unstable. A four-jack setup is more stable, as it secures each corner with equal balance. Tripod jacks fold up for convenient storage when transporting. They also have optional bracket and lift extensions to accommodate dually and lifted pickups.

Corner Mounted Jacks

Corner-mounted jacks attach to each of the four corners of the truck camper's base and can be found in electric, hydraulic or manual versions. “Dually” trucks require mounted jacks with a special “Swing Out” feature. Many newer truck campers come with corner-mounted jacks already installed.

Electric Jacks

Electric jacks are corner-mounted jacks that use an electric motor to raise and lower the camper, eliminating the need for manual cranking. They are safer and more convenient than manual jacks.

Hydraulic Jacks

Hydraulic jacks require some cranking but are still more efficient and safer than manual jacks. They operate via a traditional pump system to lift the jack and a controlled release of the hydraulic valve to lower it.

Camper Jack Weight Capacities

Camper jacks are essential for loading and unloading truck campers safely and efficiently. They come in various types, including tripod jacks, corner-mounted jacks, electric jacks, and hydraulic jacks, each with different weight capacities.

Tripod truck camper jacks typically have a weight capacity ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds, making them suitable for lightweight campers. They are available in sets of three or four, with the four-jack setup providing more balanced support. These jacks are also convenient for storage as they fold up easily.

Corner-mounted truck camper jacks are designed to attach securely to the four corners of a truck camper's base. They can be electric, hydraulic, or manual and often come pre-installed by the manufacturer. "Dually" trucks require special "Swing Out" features on these jacks.

Electric truck camper jacks are a type of corner-mounted jack that uses an electric motor to raise and lower the camper with the simple press of a button, eliminating manual cranking. They provide improved safety and convenience.

Hydraulic corner-mounted jacks require some cranking but are safer and more efficient than fully manual jacks. They use a traditional pump system for lifting and a controlled release of the hydraulic valve for lowering.

When choosing camper jacks, it is crucial to consider the weight of the truck camper. Selecting jacks with sufficient weight capacity for your camper is essential for safe loading and support. Additionally, the height capabilities of the jacks should be considered to ensure they can lift the camper high enough for installation and clearance during travel.

Some popular camper jack brands include Rieco-Titan, HappiJac, and Stable-Lift, each offering different weight capacities and features to meet specific needs.

Frequently asked questions