Loading A Truck Camper: Tips For First-Timers

Loading a truck camper can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. However, with practice, it can be done quickly and easily. The process involves several steps, from preparing the truck bed and adjusting the camper jacks to backing up the truck and securing the camper with tie-downs and turnbuckles. It is important to take your time and be careful during the loading process to avoid damage to both the truck and the camper. Additionally, having a spotter to guide you during reverse can be helpful. By following these steps and with a little practice, anyone can become proficient in loading a truck camper safely and efficiently.

Preparing your truck and camper

Firstly, ensure your truck's tailgate is removed. The tailgate will hinder towing capabilities and the ability to mount an entry step. Removing it also makes it easier to get in and out of the camper. This step is simple and usually does not require any tools. Next, clear out your truck bed by removing any shells, tonneau covers, toolboxes, or other obstructions. It is important to have a clean and debris-free truck bed to prevent damage to the truck and camper.

Additionally, you should consider protecting your truck bed with a bed liner or a rubber bed mat. This will not only prevent damage but also reduce the shifting of the camper while in motion. If you opt for a spray-on bed liner, ensure it is completely dry before proceeding. It is also important to check your truck's electrical system, ensuring it is in good working order, with clean and corrosion-free battery terminals. This is crucial as you will be connecting the main truck-to-camper wiring to these terminals.

Inspect your truck tires, ensuring they are in good condition and have the proper weight rating for the camper. If your tires are worn or not suitable for the weight of the camper, consider replacing them with "D" or "E" rated truck tires for added stability and performance. It is also recommended to have a spare tire, even if your existing tires are new.

Now, let's turn our attention to the camper itself. If your camper has been stationary for a while, it is likely connected to shore power and other utilities. Be sure to disconnect the power, water, and sewage connections. This is important for two reasons: first, it ensures that the power source does not interfere with the operation of the camper jacks, and second, it prevents any accidental damage to the power cord during the loading process.

Once the camper is disconnected, raise it to the appropriate height using the camper jacks. If you have electric jacks, ensure they are functioning properly, and consider having a manual hand crank as a backup in case of any malfunctions. If you have manual jacks, investing in a drill adapter can speed up the process. Remember to crank each jack evenly to avoid placing too much strain on one side, which could lead to buckling or breaking.

Finally, before you begin the loading process, recruit a spotter to guide you as you back your truck under the camper. Their assistance will be invaluable in ensuring proper clearance and alignment.

Adjusting the camper jacks

Understanding Camper Jacks:

Camper jacks are essential for lifting the weight of the truck camper and making it stable. There are different types of jacks, such as tripod jacks, corner-mounted jacks, and stable-lift jacks. Electric jacks are popular as they connect to the truck's electrical system, while manual and hydraulic jacks are more budget-friendly options.

Deploying the Jacks:

When unloading the truck camper, start by checking the type of jack system you have and clearing the area of any debris. If you have a dually truck, remember that the jacks need to "swing out" to accommodate the width of the dual rear wheels. First, deploy all the jacks simultaneously until the first one touches the ground. Then, continue deploying one or two at a time until all are touching the ground.

Lifting the Camper:

To lift the camper, ensure you have sufficient power, either by running the truck, plugging into shore power, or using lithium batteries. Lift the camper until it is above the truck bed. Take measurements on the jack legs to remember the required height for the next loading. Be cautious if one leg moves faster or slower than the others. If possible, have a partner assist and communicate during the process.

Moving the Truck:

Once the camper is lifted, slowly move the truck forward in a straight line. Ensure the tires are pointing straight ahead. If you notice any rubbing on one side or need to turn, do so carefully and slowly. You may need to lift the camper higher as the truck moves forward.

Unplugging and Final Adjustments:

Stop the truck at a safe distance and unplug the cable connecting the truck to the camper. Slowly drive the truck away from the camper, ensuring nothing is connected or obstructing. Lower the camper to the desired height, being careful not to tip or unlevel it. Finally, push out the slides if applicable, ensuring a clear path and a stable position.

Loading the Camper:

To load the truck camper, start by raising the camper above the height of the truck bed, using the measurements from the previous unloading. Line up the truck straight and center the camper inside the bed, ensuring equal spacing on both sides. Use mirrors and turn around to check the alignment.

Backing Up the Truck:

Slowly back up the truck towards the camper. Drape the cable over the side for easy access when plugging back in. Check both sides of the truck bed to ensure even spacing. If you need to adjust, pull forward, reposition, and start again until you achieve a straight alignment. Stop the truck temporarily to plug in the cable.

Final Adjustments:

Continue backing up the truck slowly until the camper bumpers align with the front of the truck bed. Start lowering the camper, making minor adjustments as needed to achieve the perfect fit. Lower the camper onto the bed of the truck, ensuring proper power management. Attach the tie-downs securely, and you're ready to hit the road!

Centring the camper

Preparing the Truck and Camper:

• Clear the truck bed: Ensure that your truck bed is cleared of any obstructions. Remove the tailgate of the truck.
• Use a protective mat: Consider using a protective rubber mat in the truck bed to provide traction for the camper and protect the surface.
• Adjust the camper jacks: Before centring the camper, adjust the camper jacks to lift it to the appropriate height.
• Find a level ground: Choose a level and flat surface to park your truck. This will make it easier to align the camper. Remember that you will need to load the camper back onto the truck in the same spot.
• Centre the camper: Position the camper in the middle of the truck bed, ensuring equal spacing on both sides. Use markers such as tape or paint strips to help guide you. You can also use side and rearview mirrors to check the alignment.
• Recruit a spotter: It can be challenging to see all areas of clearance while backing up the truck. Ask someone to guide you and provide feedback on the alignment.
• Adjust and check clearance: As you back the truck slowly and steadily underneath the camper, make adjustments as needed to keep it centred. Have your spotter check for clearance on both sides and ensure the camper's power cord is clear and not trapped underneath.
• Prevent damage: To avoid potential scratches and dents, install a camper bumper kit or rubber camper bumpers to safely position the camper onto the truck.

Backing up the truck

Backing up a truck with a camper can be a daunting task, especially for first-timers. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you safely and effectively back up your truck with a camper:

Preparation

Before you begin backing up, it is important to ensure that your trailer lights are functioning properly. It is also recommended to practice backing up in a safe and open area, such as an empty parking lot, to get a feel for the vehicle and trailer. Additionally, if you're camping in an area with no cell reception, consider investing in walkie-talkies to communicate with a partner who can guide you while backing up.

Visualizing the Process

When backing up a trailer, it is crucial to visualize the truck and trailer as separate entities. Imagine your truck pushing the trailer, similar to how a person would push the handles of a wheelbarrow. This mental model will help you understand the opposite nature of the steering—turning the steering wheel to the left will make the trailer turn right, and vice versa.

Hand Position and Mirror Usage

Place your hand at the 6 o'clock position on the steering wheel. This position will make it easier to visualize and execute the required steering direction. If your view is blocked by the trailer, roll down your windows and adjust your side mirrors to get a clear view of the trailer's movements. Remember that turning the steering wheel slightly to the left will make the trailer turn left, and turning it to the right will make the trailer turn right.

Wide Turns and Slow Speed

When backing up a trailer, it is important to make wide turns initially. Inexperienced drivers tend to turn too little, so wider turns will help you navigate more effectively. However, be cautious not to turn too sharply or too quickly, as this can cause the trailer to jackknife, potentially damaging both the vehicle and the trailer. Always back up slowly and correct excessive turns by steering the truck in the same direction as the trailer or by pulling forward and trying again.

Use of Hand Signals and Spotters

Consider using hand signals or walkie-talkies to communicate with a spotter—a person who will provide directions as you back up. Hand signals should be simple and easily visible to the spotter, who should remain in the view of the mirrors at all times. Remember to listen to your spotter's directions and communicate clearly to avoid confusion.

Backing into Confined Spaces

Backing up into a confined space, such as a driveway, is more challenging than backing up in an open area. Use the edges of the driveway as visual guides for your trailer, and be cautious of obstacles such as telephone poles and mailboxes. Always move slowly and be prepared to start again if needed.

Securing the camper

Prepare the truck bed

Before attempting to load the camper, it is essential to prepare the truck bed. Clear any obstructions and ensure the bed is free of gear and tools. A protective rubber mat is often used to provide traction for the camper unit and prevent damage to the truck bed. Remove the tailgate of the truck.

Recruit a spotter

Guidance is crucial when backing up the truck to load the camper. Ask someone to act as a spotter to help with clearance areas that are difficult to see while reversing.

Adjust the camper jacks

Adjust the camper jacks to lift the camper to the appropriate height. This will ensure the camper clears the truck bed and can be safely lowered into position.

Centre the camper

Position the truck camper so that it is centred with the truck bed, allowing for equal spacing on both sides. Use tape, paint strips, or blocks as markers to help line up the camper with the truck bed.

Back up the truck

Slowly back up the truck in a straight line, making adjustments as needed to ensure the camper remains centred. Stop when the camper bumpers line up with the front of the truck bed.

Lower the camper

Once the truck is in position, start lowering the camper onto the truck bed. Monitor the jacks to ensure they are lowering at the same speed and make adjustments as needed to keep the camper level.

Attach tie-downs and turnbuckles

Use frame-mounted or bed-mounted tie-downs and a quality set of spring-loaded turnbuckles, such as Torklift FastGuns, to secure the camper to the truck. Ensure all turnbuckles are adequately tightened, creating the right amount of tension between the tie-downs and turnbuckles as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Final checks

Perform a final check of all connections and turnbuckles to ensure everything is secure and functional. Check that the electrical harness is connected and functioning properly, testing the brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. Ensure any gear, tools, and obstructions are cleared from around and beneath the truck and camper.

By following these steps, you can securely load a truck camper onto a pickup truck, ensuring a safe and stable setup for your adventures.

Frequently asked questions