Installing A Truck Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Installing a truck camper, also known as a slide-in or cab-over camper, involves several steps and requires specific equipment to ensure a secure and stable setup. The process begins with raising the camper and backing the truck into position, followed by connecting the necessary wiring and carefully lowering the camper onto the truck bed. To secure the camper, turnbuckles are used to attach it to the truck's tie-down points, with considerations given to the direction of pull for stability. The choice of tie-downs, such as bed-mounted, bumper-mounted, or frame-mounted, depends on the truck's specifications and the camper's weight distribution. Proper tension is crucial to avoid damaging the camper or the truck. Additionally, accessories like truck bed mats, suspension enhancements, and extra battery power can further improve the hauling experience and ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Raising the camper

There are a few methods for raising the camper. One option is to use a 4x8 sheet of polystyrene foam board or plywood, which can be placed between the camper and the truck bed to add height. Another method is to use vinyl fence boards or a rubber bed mat, which can provide additional clearance and protect the truck bed from damage. It is also important to consider the weight distribution of the camper when raising it, as an uneven weight distribution can cause the truck bed to look squatty or affect the handling of the truck.

Once the camper is raised to the correct height, you can begin backing your truck underneath it, being careful to avoid the wheel wells and camper jacks. It is also important to connect any wiring from the camper to the truck bed before fully installing the camper, as this is typically easier to do before the camper is in place.

Positioning the truck

Firstly, you need to position the camper at a height that allows you to drive your truck underneath it. Raise the camper in small increments, starting with the front and levelling it by raising the back. Ensure that the camper is at least 6 inches above the bed of your truck. It is crucial not to raise the back of the camper higher than the front as this could cause it to tip over.

Once the camper is at the appropriate height, carefully back your truck into position. Ensure that the camper clears the wheel wells and avoid any contact with the camper's jacks. Take your time with this step to prevent any accidental damage.

Before the truck is completely in position, connect any necessary wiring. This step is typically easier to do before the camper is fully installed. Continue backing up slowly until the camper reaches the front of your truck bed or the shims. Most campers can make contact with the front of the truck bed without causing any harm, but ensure it does not touch the bumper or tail lights.

Now, you can start lowering the camper onto your truck bed. Begin by lowering the back of the camper, followed by the front, working in small increments until the camper is securely resting on your truck. Ensure that the camper is level and stable before proceeding to the next step of securing it in place.

Remember to take your time and work carefully when positioning your truck under the camper. Always double-check that everything is clear and no obstructions are in the way to prevent any accidental damage to your vehicle or the camper.

Connecting wiring

Section title: Connecting wiring

Before your truck is completely backed into place beneath the camper, connect any wiring. This is typically easier to do before the camper is installed. If you have a 7-way trailer connector at the back of your truck, you can get an extension that will run from the connector up to your camper's plug. If you don't have any kind of trailer connector on your truck, you'll have to add wiring and a connector.

Truck camper wiring is typically split into two subsystems: the 110-volt appliance system and the 12-volt chassis system. The 110-volt system is designed to power high-drain appliances such as air conditioning, televisions, or microwave ovens. The 12-volt system is connected to the vehicle and serves the taillights and interior lighting. The wiring standards for these systems are different from one another, with different coloured wires designating a black or white negative ground.

Locate the junction box on the camper. Truck campers, as with most other recreational vehicles, have a power junction box that contains a fuse panel and power connections. This panel will have two parts: an interior fuse block and an exterior 110-volt connection box with a cable. Most panels will have integrated inverter units for converting the 110-volt power to 12-volt when the cable is connected to "shore" electricity.

Check all fuses and problem connections by removing the fuse panel's cover. The fuse panel will resemble a home's fuse block, with coloured switches or screw-type fuses, contained within a flat panel that can be unscrewed counter-clockwise. Any debris or refuse in the rear of this block can blow fuses and cause electrical problems.

Determine which system is having issues by observing the coloured wires. Twelve-volt systems will have an automotive red and black polar wiring design, while 110-volt systems will have a white/green/black tri-wire design, much like in an average home. This allows the use of small home appliances by simply wiring or plugging them into the camper. The fuse block and outside shore power junction will retain these wiring codes, and the two systems should only connect at these junctions. Wiring the systems together at any other point could cause severe damage and injury.

Securing the camper

To secure the camper, you will need to use tie-downs and turnbuckles. Tie-downs are the anchor points on your truck to which the camper will be attached. Your truck should have four tie-down points, with two at the front and two at the rear of the truck bed. There are different types of tie-downs available, including bed-mounted, bumper-mounted, and frame-mounted. Frame-mounted tie-downs, which connect to the truck's frame, are generally stronger and more stable than bed-mounted tie-downs, which attach to the weaker sheet metal of the truck bed. You can also find custom-fit tie-downs designed specifically for certain vehicle models.

Once you have identified the tie-down points on your truck, you can begin securing the camper. First, ensure the camper is raised to a height of about 6 inches above the truck bed, with the front of the camper raised first, followed by the back. Carefully back your truck under the camper, being mindful of the wheel wells and the camper's jacks. Before the truck is fully in place, connect any necessary wiring, as this is typically easier to do before the camper is installed. Continue backing up slowly until the camper reaches the front of the truck bed or the shims. Ensure that the camper does not contact the truck's bumper or tail lights, as this may cause damage.

Now it's time to lower the camper onto the truck bed. Start by lowering the back of the camper, followed by the front, in small increments until the camper is resting securely on the truck. Next, attach the turnbuckles to the anchors on the camper and the tie-downs on the truck. Tighten the turnbuckles, usually to a torque of about 300 ft-lbs. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the tie-downs or rip out the anchors. The front and rear turnbuckles should pull the camper in opposite directions to keep it stable. This means that the front tie-downs on the truck should be located in front of the anchors on the camper, and the rear tie-downs should be located behind the rear anchors.

By following these steps, you will securely attach the camper to your truck, ensuring a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

Tie-downs and turnbuckles

There are several types of tie-downs to choose from, depending on your truck and preferences:

Truck Bed-Mounted Tie Downs

These tie-downs attach to the sheet metal of the truck bed using metal plates bolted to the front of the bed or metal clamps that rest over the rails of the truck bed. The clamp versions are removable, making them ideal if you only use your camper occasionally.

Frame-Mounted Tie-Downs

Frame-mounted tie-downs bolt directly to the truck frame, the strongest part of your truck. This lower connection point improves stability and handling and is recommended for full-height, slide-in campers. Frame-mounted tie-downs are considered the best option for securing a truck camper, especially when driving on rough roads or in high winds.

Bumper-Mounted Tie-Downs

Bumper-mounted tie-downs secure the camper to the truck's bumper. However, bumpers are not as strong as the truck frame or bed, and using this type of tie-down system could result in a bent or damaged bumper, especially if your camper is heavy or you drive on bumpy roads.

Flat Bed Truck Camper Tie-Downs

Flatbed truck campers often require a custom or DIY solution. Most flatbeds are structural, and tie-downs can be connected directly to them.

Turnbuckles are the devices that connect the anchors on your camper to the tie-downs on your truck, allowing you to increase and decrease tension between these two points. When choosing turnbuckles, it's important to consult your camper manufacturer for recommendations specific to your truck. You should also consider the type of tie-downs you have, as this will determine the size of the turnbuckle needed.

Standard Turnbuckles And Chain

This simple and cost-effective system uses a length of chain connected to a hook-to-hook or eye-to-eye turnbuckle. Ensure that the chain, turnbuckles, and any other components are properly rated to handle the weight and movement of your camper.

Spring-Loaded Turnbuckles

Spring-loaded turnbuckles are designed to allow the camper some "give" and shock absorption as it reacts to bumps and turns. This spring can be built into the turnbuckle itself or in special anchor points near the tie-down connection. Spring-loaded turnbuckles reduce stress on your tie-down anchor points, decreasing wear and extending their life. Many designs also include spring tension indicators to help you find the appropriate tension.

Quick-Release or Lever-Action Turnbuckles

Quick-release turnbuckles have levers that release the spring-loaded portion of the turnbuckle, allowing for faster and easier removal. Lever-action turnbuckles with handles are the easiest to install and remove. They also provide shock protection for your rig and have visible tension indicators to ensure proper torque.

When installing your turnbuckles, ensure that they are tightened appropriately to secure your camper safely. Camper manufacturers recommend applying 300 pounds of pressure. Too little tension could cause your camper to shift or detach, while too much tension can damage your anchor points.

Additionally, if your turnbuckles have hooks, they should face outward and away from the truck to avoid contact with the truck body.

Frequently asked questions