Building A Truck Camper Stand: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to build a truck camper stand

Building a truck camper stand is a great way to store your camper and keep it stable when you're not using it. Here are some steps and tips to help you get started:

Planning and Materials

First, you'll need to plan the layout and design of your camper stand. Consider the weight and size of your camper, and choose materials that can support it. Plywood, lumber, and metal tubing or pipes are common choices. You'll also need tools like a drill, saw, and screws or bolts.

Building the Structure

The structure of your stand can vary depending on your preferences and skills. Some popular options include:

- X-shaped plywood structure

- Cinder blocks with wooden beams

- Metal sawhorses

- Custom-built steel frames

- Dolly with wheels for mobility

Stability and Support

Ensure that your stand provides ample support and stability for your camper. Distribute the weight evenly and consider using jack stands or blocks for additional support. You may also want to add cross-bracing or diagonal supports to increase rigidity.

Adjustability

If you plan to use your camper in different locations, consider making your stand adjustable. This can be achieved through the use of turnbuckles, adjustable jacks, or other similar mechanisms.

Storage and Portability

Think about how you'll store and transport your camper stand when it's not in use. Collapsible or foldable designs can be convenient, especially if you have limited space.

Safety

Always prioritize safety when building and using your camper stand. Ensure that the structure is sturdy and secure before placing your camper on it. Follow all manufacturer guidelines and recommendations for the safe use of your camper.

Building your own truck camper stand can be a rewarding project. With careful planning, the right materials, and attention to safety, you'll have a reliable and stable solution for storing your camper.

Characteristics Values
Camper support type Cinder blocks, X-shaped support structures, saw horses, Torklift Wobble-Stoppers, Rieco-Titan Camper Dollies, dolly, jacks, plywood, concrete blocks, metal saw horses, etc.

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Camper Storage and Support Solutions

There are many ways to store and support a truck camper when it is not in use. Here are some ideas and tips to get you started:

Combination Camper Dolly and Camper Support System:

This system allows you to move your camper around your garage or storage space easily. It is made using car skates designed to go under a car's tires and a framework of 4x4x8 lumber with reinforced sawhorse-like frames on top. The hard part is figuring out the angles to make a strong framework, which may require some trial and error. This modification is rated as hard and takes about eight hours to complete, costing around $140.

Camper Support Stand While Camping:

This solution provides stability and takes the weight off the camper's legs when it is off the truck. It is a stand that fits under the front of the camper and is adjustable for uneven ground. The stand is made of 1-inch square tubing and can be disassembled for easy storage in the truck. This modification is rated as hard and takes about three days to complete, costing around $125.

Plywood Spacer and Camper Support:

This idea is for those who need to create a spacer between their camper and truck bed. It involves cutting and painting pieces of 3/4-inch exterior plywood to a specific size and stacking them to support the camper. When the camper is off the truck, these plywood pieces can be arranged in a cross shape to provide support. This modification is rated as easy and takes about four hours to complete, costing around $90.

Off-Truck Camper Support System:

This system uses Eaz-Lift jack stands and plywood sheets to support the camper. It is adjustable and quick to set up, perfect for short-term and long-term storage. The jack stands are placed under the camper, spaced according to black tape marks on the belly, and the plywood sheets are placed on top. The camper is then lowered onto the stands, and the jacks are raised for additional support. This modification is rated as easy and takes about two hours to complete, costing around $185.

Off Truck Camper Supports:

This is a simple and inexpensive solution for those who want to take some of the load off their camper's front swing-out jacks. It is a sawhorse made of 2x6-inch lumber with adjustable legs attached by hinges. The legs can be adjusted for ground irregularities using turnbuckles, and the sawhorse can support the full weight of the camper's front. This modification is rated as medium and takes about two hours to complete, costing around $125.

Long-Term Storage Supports:

This system provides a rock-solid, height-adjustable solution for supporting your camper during long-term storage. It uses tall, fully welded pyramid-shaped jack stands capable of supporting 10 tons each and 4x6-inch beams on top of the stands to support the camper's weight. The camper is lowered until the jack stands support the entire weight, and the jack legs are lowered to just touch the floor for additional safety. This modification is rated as medium and takes about eight hours to complete, costing around $700.

Truck Height Camper Platform:

This is a simple wooden frame that is the same height as the truck bed. The camper is removed from the truck and lowered onto the platform, which sits on four car dollies for easy movement around the garage. When the camper is on the truck, the platform can be used as a mobile workbench. No skill level or time estimate is provided, but the cost is said to be minimal.

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Camper Stand Ideas

Camper stands are essential for storing your camper when it's not in use, providing stability and support. Here are some creative and practical ideas for building your own camper stand:

Combination Camper Dolly and Camper Support System:

This innovative design by Wade and Becky Johnson involves creating a rolling camper rest that can be pushed to the side once the camper is off the truck. They used car skates designed for tires and built reinforced sawhorse-like frames on top. The camper rests on the skates, which can be moved with pry bars. This system can support a 4,000-pound camper and only costs around $140 to make.

Camper Support Stand While Camping:

Russell and Gretchen Berquam designed a stand to support the front of their camper when it's off the truck, taking the weight off the legs and providing stability. Their stand is adjustable for uneven ground and can be disassembled for easy storage in the truck bed. It's made from 1-inch square tubing and features adjustable height from 12 to 24 inches. This stand provides peace of mind and stability for around $125.

Plywood Spacer and Camper Support:

Tim Wishum's clever design uses plywood spacers to stabilize his camper. He cut four pieces of 3/4-inch exterior plywood to fit under his camper, creating a 1.5-inch space. These spacers also double as supports when the camper is off the truck, placed in an X-shape under the camper. This simple and effective solution cost him only $89.

Off-Truck Camper Support System:

James Thomas, concerned about stability, opted for a full belly support system using Eaz-Lift adjustable jack stands. He places the jack stands under the camper, adds plywood sheets on top, and lowers the camper onto the supports. This system is fully adjustable and provides a stable base for around $185.

Off Truck Camper Supports:

Ted Werner, looking for a more affordable option, built his own sawhorse-style support system. He used 2x6 lumber with 22-inch legs attached by hinges, allowing for easy disassembly and storage. The legs are adjustable for uneven ground using turnbuckles. This sturdy yet portable solution cost him about $125.

Long-Term Storage Supports:

Charles Coushaine wanted a height-adjustable and stable system for long-term storage. He chose tall, welded pyramid-shaped jack stands capable of supporting 10 tons each and placed them under his camper. He added plywood beams on top of the stands to distribute the weight. This rock-solid system provides peace of mind for around $700.

Truck Height Camper Platform:

David Carvalho designed a simple yet effective wooden platform that sits on car dollies, allowing him to move his camper around the garage. The platform is the same height as his truck bed, making it easy to load and unload the camper. This mobile solution is a great way to utilize your camper when it's not on your truck.

These ideas showcase the creativity and resourcefulness of camper enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a portable, adjustable, or budget-friendly solution, there's a camper stand idea to fit your needs.

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Camper Stand Design

There are many ways to design a camper stand. The design will depend on the type of camper, the weight of the camper, the frequency of use, and the budget. Here are some ideas for camper stand designs:

  • Combination Camper Dolly and Camper Support System: This design uses car skates designed to go under a car's tires to allow it to be pushed around a garage. The skates are connected to form a framework using 4x4x8 lumber. The framework is then reinforced with sawhorse-like structures. The camper is lowered onto the framework, which can be moved using levers. This design provides a stable base for the camper and allows for easy manoeuvring.
  • Camper Support Stand While Camping: This design is intended to provide stability and support for a camper when it is removed from the truck. It consists of a stand that fits under the front of the camper, taking most of the weight off the legs. The stand is adjustable in height and can be disassembled for easy storage.
  • Plywood Spacer and Camper Support: This design uses plywood spacers to raise the camper and provide stability. The spacers are cut to fit the specific camper and are placed under the camper when it is off the truck. This design helps to distribute the weight of the camper and reduce stress on the jack legs.
  • Off-Truck Camper Support System: This design uses adjustable jack stands and plywood sheets to support the camper. The jack stands are placed under the camper, and the plywood sheets are placed on top to distribute the weight. This design allows for easy adjustment and provides a stable base for the camper.
  • Long-Term Storage Supports: This design uses tall, adjustable jack stands and wooden beams to support the camper. The jack stands are placed under the camper, and the beams are placed on top to provide additional support. The camper is then lowered onto the stands, taking the weight off the jack legs. This design provides a stable and secure base for long-term storage.
  • Truck Height Camper Platform: This design uses a wooden frame that is the same height as the truck bed. The camper is removed from the truck and placed on the platform, which sits on car dollies for easy manoeuvring. This design provides a stable and mobile base for the camper.

When designing a camper stand, it is important to consider the weight of the camper, the frequency of use, and the desired level of stability. The stand should be able to support the weight of the camper and provide a stable base to prevent shifting or movement. Additionally, the stand should be easy to assemble and disassemble for storage and transportation.

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Camper Stand Construction

Building a camper stand is a great way to store your camper when it's not in use and can also be used to provide additional support when camping. Here are the steps to build a sturdy and reliable camper stand:

Step 1: Planning and Materials

Before starting construction, it's important to plan the design of your camper stand. Consider the weight and size of your camper, as well as the type of materials you want to use. For a strong and durable stand, consider using materials such as wood, metal, or a combination of both. Make a list of the required materials, including lumber, metal tubing or pipes, fasteners, and any additional hardware.

Step 2: Foundation

The foundation of your camper stand should be sturdy and level. If you're building on a concrete surface, you can use concrete anchors or bolts to secure the stand. For softer ground, consider using buried posts or a concrete slab for stability. Ensure the foundation can support the weight of your camper.

Step 3: Frame Construction

The frame of the camper stand will bear the majority of the weight, so it needs to be strong and rigid. For wooden stands, use pressure-treated lumber to prevent rot and insect damage. Consider using thicker boards or metal tubing for the main support beams. Join the pieces with strong fasteners, such as lag bolts or carriage bolts. Ensure all connections are secure and the frame is level.

Step 4: Cross-Bracing and Reinforcement

To add strength and stability to the stand, incorporate cross-bracing. This can be done with additional wooden beams or metal tubing. Diagonal cross-bracing helps resist lateral forces and prevents racking. You can also add metal brackets or plates at key joints for additional reinforcement.

Step 5: Adjustable Height (Optional)

If you want the ability to adjust the height of your camper stand, consider incorporating a mechanism that allows for height adjustment. This can be done with adjustable metal tubing, screw jacks, or other similar methods. Ensure any adjustable components are secure and can handle the weight of the camper.

Step 6: Stability and Safety

Stability and safety are critical for a camper stand. Consider adding diagonal struts or guy wires to further stabilize the stand. Ensure all connections are tight and the stand can withstand wind and other external forces. You may also want to add reflective tape or paint to increase visibility, especially if the stand will be placed in an area where it could be an obstruction.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once the stand is constructed, you can add finishing touches such as paint or sealant to protect the materials from the elements. If desired, you can also add pads or cushions to the top of the stand where the camper will rest. These pads can be made from wood, rubber, or other durable materials and help distribute the weight of the camper.

Building a camper stand is a challenging but rewarding project. By following these steps and adapting them to your specific needs, you can create a sturdy and reliable stand to support your camper during storage or while camping. Always prioritize safety and stability, and don't hesitate to consult an expert if you have any doubts about your construction methods or materials.

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Camper Stand Installation

The installation of a camper stand is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few hours. The first step is to determine the height of the camper stand. The standard height for a camper stand is usually around 24 inches, but it can be adjusted to fit the specific needs of the user.

Once the height has been determined, the next step is to build the frame of the camper stand. This can be done using a variety of materials, such as wood or metal. For a wooden frame, one can use 2x4s or 2x6s to create a rectangular frame that is sturdy enough to support the weight of the camper. Metal frames can also be purchased or welded together for a more durable option.

After the frame has been built, the next step is to attach the legs. The legs of the camper stand should be strong enough to support the weight of the camper and provide stability. One option is to use metal pipes or bars that can be welded or bolted to the frame. Another option is to use wooden posts, such as 4x4s, which can be attached to the frame using heavy-duty screws or bolts.

Once the legs are attached, the next step is to add cross-bracing for additional support. This can be done by attaching wooden beams or metal bars between the legs to create an X-shape or H-shape, depending on the design of the camper stand.

Finally, the camper stand should be placed on a level surface and the camper should be lowered onto it, ensuring that the weight is distributed evenly across the stand. It is important to follow all safety precautions when installing and using a camper stand, as improper use can result in injury or damage to the camper.

Camper Stand Customization

Camper stands can also be customized to include additional features such as wheels, which make it easier to move the camper around. Another option is to add a hitch to the camper stand, allowing it to be towed behind a vehicle. Some camper stands also include storage compartments or shelves, providing additional space for gear and supplies.

Camper Stand Maintenance

It is important to regularly inspect and maintain a camper stand to ensure its longevity and safety. The legs and frame should be checked for any signs of wear or damage, and the bolts or screws should be tightened periodically to ensure that they do not come loose. It is also important to keep the camper stand clean and free of debris, as this can affect its stability and weight distribution.

Camper Stand Safety

When using a camper stand, it is important to follow all safety precautions to prevent injury or damage. This includes ensuring that the camper is properly secured to the stand and that the weight is distributed evenly. It is also important to use jack stands or blocks to support the weight of the camper and to never work under a raised camper without proper support.

Camper Stand Storage

When not in use, a camper stand can be stored in a garage or shed to protect it from the elements. It is also important to keep the stand clean and free of debris, as this can affect its performance and longevity. Some camper stands can be disassembled for easier storage, while others may need to be stored in a larger space due to their size.

Frequently asked questions

Building a truck camper stand can provide a stable base for your camper when it's not in use, reducing stress on the camper jacks and jack brackets. It can also make it easier to move and store your camper.

The materials you need will depend on the design of your stand, but typically you'll need wood (such as plywood and 2x4s), screws or other fasteners, and tools like a drill, saw, and measuring tape. For a more advanced project, you might also need metal components, adhesives, and specialized tools.

The first step is to measure your truck bed to determine the size and shape of your stand. Then, cut and assemble the wood according to your design, using screws or other fasteners to secure the pieces together. Finally, finish the stand with a protective coating like paint or bed liner.

Yes, there are a few alternatives to building a stand. You can purchase a pre-made stand or support system, or you can use other methods to stabilize your camper, such as placing it on blocks or pallets.

It's important to ensure that your stand is stable and secure before placing your camper on it. The stand should be able to support the weight of your camper and be placed on level ground. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for using and storing your camper.

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