Truck Camper Height: How High Off The Ground?

Truck campers are a convenient way to travel and camp, but knowing their height is essential to avoid mishaps. The height of a truck camper off the truck varies depending on the model and setup, with most measuring between 94 and 106 inches from the bottom of the rig to the top. This excludes the height of the truck itself and can be influenced by factors such as ground level and jack extensions. To ensure safe passage under low clearances, it is crucial to measure the total height, including any accessories on the roof, and be mindful of potential height restrictions, especially in smaller towns and neighbourhoods.

Pop-up camper heights

Pop-up campers are a great way to travel and camp, offering a unique lodging experience that can go places typical RVs cannot. However, many owners are often unaware of how tall their campers are, which can lead to issues with low clearances.

Most pop-up campers today measure between 94 and 106 inches in height, from the bottom of the rig to the top. This does not include the height of the truck they are mounted on, and the figures can vary depending on the ground level and jack extensions used. These measurements also include any air conditioners or fan vents installed on the roof of the camper.

Measuring Your Pop-up Camper's Height

To know the exact height of your pop-up camper, follow these steps:

• Park on a Level Surface: Begin by parking your truck and camper on a level hard surface, such as a flat driveway or parking lot.
• Unload and Level Your Camper: Separate the camper from the truck by extending the jacks to lift it, then unplug the electric cord. Shorten the jacks until the lowest part of the camper touches the ground.
• Measure from the Roof: Climb up to the roof of the camper and measure the distance from the top of the camper to the ground. It is best to have two people for this step to ensure an accurate measurement.
• Measure Roof Accessories: If you have any accessories on the roof, such as an air conditioner, fan vent, satellite dish, or television antenna, measure the tallest one.
• Add Measurements: Simply add the height of the camper to the height of the tallest roof accessory.
• Repeat with Camper Loaded: To get your driving height, load the camper back into the truck bed. Raise the jacks, align the camper with the bed, plug in any electric cords, and lower the jacks until the camper sits snugly in the bed. Attach all tie-downs, then measure from the ground to the top of the highest roof accessory.

Additional Considerations

• Jack Heights: Truck camper jacks typically need to extend from ground level to 48 inches to clear truck beds.
• Stability: Always place jack pads or slabs of wood under the jacks to prevent them from sinking into dirt or sand.
• Overall Height: Remember that the total height of your camper and truck combined will be greater than the camper's height alone.
• Clearance: Be mindful of low clearances, such as gas station awnings, bridges, and overpasses. By law, anything under 13 feet 6 inches must be posted on a sign.
• Pop-up vs Hard-sided: Pop-up campers are generally shorter than hard-sided campers, with popped-down pop-up campers typically being around nine feet tall or less. Hard-sided campers usually range from 11 feet 5 inches to 12 feet 5 inches in height, with basement models being taller and roomier than non-basement models.

Knowing the height of your pop-up camper is crucial to avoid issues when travelling. By following the steps outlined above, you can safely navigate clearances and enjoy your camping adventures without worry.

Hard-sided camper heights

Hard-sided campers are generally taller than pop-up campers. Most hard-sided campers today measure 94" to 106" tall from the bottom of the rig to the top, not including the height of the truck. These figures can vary depending on the ground level, jack extensions, and the height of any accessories on the roof, such as air conditioners or fan vents.

The height of a hard-sided camper can be crucial when it comes to passing through low clearances, such as gas station awnings, bridges, and overpasses. To ensure a safe passage, it is important to measure the height of your camper accurately. Here is a step-by-step process to do so:

• Park your truck with the camper on a level hard surface, such as a flat driveway or parking lot.
• Unload the camper by extending the four jacks to lift it and then unplugging the electric cord from the vehicle.
• Shorten the jacks until the lowest part of the camper touches the ground.
• Measure from the top of the camper to the ground. It is best to have two people on the roof for a more accurate measurement.
• Measure the height of any accessories on the roof, such as an air conditioner, fan vent, satellite dish, or television antenna.
• Add the measurement of the tallest accessory to the height of the camper.
• Repeat the measurement process with the camper loaded back into the truck bed to get your driving height.

Following these steps will help you safely navigate low clearances and avoid any issues when travelling with your hard-sided camper.

It is worth noting that hard-sided campers can vary in height depending on the model and manufacturer. For example, the Antishanty AS1 hard-sided pop-up trailer has a road/storage height of 12 feet, while the TrailManor Series has a road/storage height ranging from 79 to 82 inches. Additionally, some hard-sided campers are designed to be more compact and efficient, such as the Hardsider, which is built with lightweight and durable materials like aircraft-grade aluminum.

Measuring your camper's height

Interior Height:

Start by measuring the interior height of your camper. This is the amount of living space you'll have, so it's important to get an accurate measurement. Find the interior height by measuring from the floor to the ceiling. Be cautious, as some campers may have varying heights inside. For instance, a fifth-wheel camper typically offers more headroom in the living area than the space above the truck's bed.

Exterior Height:

Next, you'll need to take measurements for the exterior height of your camper. This includes any ceiling-mounted accessories, such as air conditioning units. Measure from the ground to the highest feature on your camper's roof. This could be the air conditioner or any other equipment installed on the roof.

Overall Height:

In addition to the interior and exterior heights, you should also consider the overall height of your camper setup, including the truck. Measure from the ground to the highest point of your entire rig. This measurement is crucial for knowing if you can safely pass through areas with height restrictions, such as low-clearance bridges or tunnels.

Camper Height for Covers:

If you plan to use a cover for your camper, you'll need slightly different measurements. Measure the height of the camper box itself, excluding the trailer. Then, take another measurement that includes the height of the camper from the bottom of its trailer wheels to the top of the AC unit. Having both measurements will ensure you get a cover that fits perfectly.

Additional Considerations:

When measuring your camper's height, keep in mind that there are no standard methods for manufacturers to list these dimensions. It is always a good idea to take your own measurements to ensure accuracy. Additionally, consider the height restrictions of your garage or any low-clearance areas you plan to travel through. By knowing your camper's height, you can make informed decisions about accessories and travel routes.

Matching with a Truck:

If you're pairing your camper with a truck, ensure that the camper's height clears the truck's cab by about six inches. This allows for adequate clearance and room for movement while driving. Also, consider the truck's payload capacity and the camper's weight, including any liquids, options, cargo, and occupants. This will help you choose a truck that can safely accommodate your camper.

Camper jack heights

Camper jack height is an important consideration for anyone looking to buy a truck and truck camper. The height of your camper off the truck will depend on several factors, including the height of the truck, the ground level, and the jack extensions. Most truck campers today measure between 94 and 106 inches tall from the bottom of the rig to the top, not including the height of the truck.

To measure the height of your truck camper off your truck, follow these steps:

• Park on a Level Surface: Start by parking your truck with its camper on a level hard surface, such as a flat driveway or parking lot.
• Unload Your Truck Camper and Level It: Unload your camper by extending the four jacks to lift the rig. Separate it from the truck and unplug the electric cord before backing out. Then, lower the jacks until the lowest part of the camper touches the ground.
• Get on Your Roof and Measure to the Ground: Climb up to the top of the camper and measure the distance to the ground. It's best to have two people for this step to ensure a more accurate measurement.
• Measure Your Air Conditioner or Tallest Roof Accessory: Most truck campers have an air conditioner unit or a fan vent on the roof. Measure the height of the tallest accessory, as this will impact the overall height of your rig.
• Add A/C Measurement and Truck Camper Measurement: Add the height of the roof accessory to the height of the truck camper to get the total height of your rig from the bottom to the highest piece of equipment on the roof.
• Repeat With Truck Camper Loaded to Get Your Driving Height: Finally, load your truck camper into the truck bed and measure the entire configuration from the ground to the top of the highest roof accessory. This will give you the driving height of your rig, which you can use to compare with low clearance bridges, awnings, and overpasses when travelling.

It's important to note that the height of your camper off the truck will also depend on the type of jacks you use. There are several types of truck camper jacks available, including tripod jacks, corner-mounted jacks, electric jacks, and hydraulic corner-mounted jacks. The height of your camper will also depend on the weight of the camper itself, as different types of jacks have different weight capacities. For example, tripod jacks typically have a weight capacity between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds, making them better suited for lightweight campers. On the other hand, electric jacks can accommodate heavier campers and spare you the back-breaking labor of manual cranking.

In conclusion, the height of your truck camper off the truck can vary depending on several factors, including the type of jacks used, the weight of the camper, and the height of the truck itself. By following the steps outlined above, you can accurately measure the height of your camper rig and ensure safe passage under low clearances when travelling.

Camper height safety

When preparing for an RV road trip, it's important to consider the height of your vehicle. RVs are taller than most cars and trucks, so they require more care and skill to drive. Misjudging the height of an overpass or awning can lead to costly accidents and repairs. Therefore, it is crucial to know the exact height of your RV, including any additions or appliances on the roof, such as air conditioners or satellite dishes.

Measuring Your RV's Height

To measure your RV's height, park on a level surface and unload your truck camper. Measure the height of the bed from the ground, then add the size of the camper. Don't forget to include the height of any accessories on the roof, as these can impact your clearance.

Clearance Considerations

Bridge clearances in the U.S. typically range from 14 to 16 feet, but some states have lower clearances, and repaving roads can significantly lower the clearance. RVs usually max out at a height of 13 feet 6 inches, but remember that air conditioning units and aftermarket additions are not always included in this measurement.

Tips for Safe Travel

• Always double-check your RV's maximum height before setting out.
• Drive slowly under bridges, especially if the clearance is tight.
• Choose routes with high pass-throughs and overpasses to avoid low bridges and narrow roads.
• Avoid routes where trucks are prohibited due to height and weight restrictions.
• When in doubt, subtract 6 inches from any bridge clearance warning sign to be on the safe side.
• Ask a passenger to get out and check if your RV will fit under canopies at gas stations and rest stops.
• If you hear a scrape, stop immediately and find an alternative route.

Using Technology for Safe Travel

To make your trip safer and more convenient, you can use RV-specific GPS units or smartphone apps. These tools provide driving routes tailored for RVs, helping you avoid low bridges and weight limits. However, don't rely solely on technology; always use your best judgment and stay alert while driving.

In conclusion, knowing your RV's height and taking the necessary precautions will help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. By measuring your RV's height, being mindful of clearances, and utilizing technology, you can avoid accidents and have a memorable journey.

Frequently asked questions