Hand-Jacking A Truck Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Truck campers are a great option for those who love to explore boondocking areas or camp near cities. They can weigh upwards of 5,000 lbs, so it's important to have a strong and reliable component to lift, lower, and support your truck camper. This is where camper jacks come in. Camper jacks are standard on most new truck campers and have been around as long as truck campers themselves. They are mechanical devices designed to make it easier to lift, lower, and support weight. There are two options for 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 through an app on your phone. It's important to maintain your camper jacks to prolong their life and ensure trouble-free operation.

Electric vs. Manual vs. Hydraulic Jacks

When it comes to truck campers, jacks are essential for lifting the weight of the camper off your truck. There are several types of jacks available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here, we'll compare three types of jacks: electric, manual, and hydraulic, and provide details on their functionality, ease of use, and cost to help you decide which option is best for your needs.

Electric Jacks:

Electric jacks are a popular choice among truck camper owners as they offer convenience and ease of use. These jacks are powered by the truck's electrical system or an onboard battery bank, allowing you to raise, lower, and level your truck camper with the press of a button or even through an app on your phone. This makes the process of loading and unloading your camper much quicker and less physically demanding. Electric jacks are ideal for those who travel frequently, as they save time and effort, especially when unloading after a long day or when you're not feeling your best. Additionally, electric jacks can be controlled remotely, allowing you to adjust multiple corners of the camper simultaneously. However, they can be quite expensive, and it's important to ensure your truck has sufficient power to support them.

Manual Jacks:

Manual jacks are a more budget-friendly option, as they are generally cheaper than electric and hydraulic jacks. They require physical effort to operate, typically using a crank or a pump system. While this may be more labour-intensive, attachments are available for your drill, making the process less strenuous. Manual jacks are reliable due to their simple construction and are easier to repair than hydraulic or electric jacks. They are a good choice if you don't plan on frequently loading and unloading your camper or if you want to save money. However, they may not be ideal for those who have difficulty with manual labour or prefer a quicker setup.

Hydraulic Jacks:

Hydraulic jacks offer a balance between convenience and cost. They allow you to raise and lower your truck camper easily by pumping to create pressure in the hydraulic chamber. As the pressure builds, the jacks extend, and you can lower them by relieving the pressure. Hydraulic jacks are a good middle ground if you want a quicker setup than manual jacks but don't want to invest in electric jacks. They are also suitable for larger rigs and RV enthusiasts who may have trouble cranking manual jacks. However, they do require some manual work, and you'll need to ensure proper maintenance to keep the hydraulic system functioning correctly.

The choice between electric, manual, and hydraulic jacks depends on your specific needs, budget, and how often you plan to use your truck camper. Electric jacks offer the most convenience but come with a higher price tag. Manual jacks are cost-effective and reliable but require more physical effort. Hydraulic jacks strike a balance between the two, offering a quicker setup than manual jacks without the complexity and cost of electric jacks. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your truck camper.

Tripod Truck Camper Jacks

When shopping for tripod jacks, it is important to ensure that the jacks can safely hold the weight of the truck camper, taking into account any additional gear or supplies that will be added.

Some popular tripod truck camper jack products include:

• Brophy Heavy Duty Cable Camper Jacks, which have a maximum lift height of 67" and a weight capacity of 4,000 lbs.
• Rieco-Titan THD2000-1Z1 Heavy-Duty Camper Tripod Jack, which is silver in colour.
• Rieco-Titan Products TFC2A3W Any Corner Camper Jack, which has a maximum lift height of 40" and comes in a set of 2.

Corner-Mounted Jacks

If you're using a dually truck to tow your camper, you'll need to ensure the corner-mounted jacks have a "swing out" feature to avoid the dual rear wheels.

New campers will often come with corner-mounted jacks already installed, but they can also be purchased and installed aftermarket. There are also kits to convert manual corner-mounted jacks to electric jacks.

Rieco-Titan and Happijac are two popular brands that offer corner-mounted jacks. Rieco-Titan's jacks are known for their quality, durability, and corrosion resistance. Each Rieco-Titan jack can hold 2,500 lbs, with a net camper weight of 6,000 lbs. Happijac jacks have a similar reputation for quality and durability and have a weight capacity of 2,200-2,800 lbs per jack. Both brands offer remote control options for their systems.

Stable-Lift Camper Jacks

The Stable-Lift system replaces traditional camper jacks, as well as tie-downs and turnbuckles, simplifying the process and saving time and effort. It offers increased stability when the camper is off the truck, and its performance is as solid as its construction. With over 3000 units sold, the system has proven reliable, even with low ground clearance. The third jack in the three-jack system is designed to enhance levelling and balance for off-truck usage, rather than supporting a heavier camper.

The Stable-Lift camper jack system is easy to install, with 90% of customers choosing to install it themselves. The product comes with comprehensive instructions, CAD drawings, and free technical support. Maintenance is also straightforward, with each jack requiring two shots of grease at the grease zert annually.

While the Stable-Lift system offers unparalleled convenience and performance, it is the most expensive option on the market, with the two-jack system costing $2,495 and the three-jack system costing $2,895. This high price tag may be a deterrent for those considering this option. However, for those prioritising ease of use, speed, and stability, the Stable-Lift camper jack system is a worthwhile investment.

Camper Jack Maintenance

Camper jacks are an essential component of truck campers, allowing for easy loading and unloading of these heavy units. Proper maintenance of your camper jacks is critical to ensure safe operation and prolong their lifespan. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for maintaining your camper jacks:

Annual Maintenance

It is recommended to perform annual maintenance on your camper jacks, preferably in the spring before the camping season begins. Start by raising your camper all the way up and cleaning the jack tubes with soapy water, both inside and outside. If you notice any rust spots, sand them down with sandpaper and apply a coat of rust-resistant paint or metal spray. For the outer tubes, use a liquid wax such as Mercury's Corrosion Guard or Turtle Wax to protect them from corrosion. If you live in areas with high exposure to sand, salt, or high humidity, more frequent cleaning and waxing are necessary.

Regular Exercise

It is important to exercise your jacks by raising and lowering them at least once a month. This helps distribute the grease evenly and maintain the jacks in good condition.

Winterizing

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

Electric Jacks

If you have electric jacks, pay attention to the remote receiver box, which is typically located inside an interior compartment or cabinet. Ensure that the system shuts off automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity to prevent accidental battery drain. Additionally, keep an eye on the LED lights inside the receiver box. If one of the lights fails to turn on, it indicates a blown fuse that needs replacement.

Manual Cranking

In case of a malfunction with your electric jacks, you should know how to manually crank them. Remove the manual crank cover with a flat-head screwdriver to expose the manual crank socket. Use a ratchet to manually crank the jacks up or down, starting with the front camper jacks and raising them about three inches at a time.

Mechanical Jacks

For mechanical jacks, annual lubrication is essential. Use 10W40 oil and squirt it into the gearbox to keep the jacks well-oiled. You can also oil the tripod jack post screw through the hole below the gearbox.

Hydraulic Jacks

Hydraulic jacks require regular oil level checks. Ensure that the oil level is at the bottom of the fill hole, not above. If the oil level is insufficient, the jack won't extend to its full length.

General Tips

• Always keep your camper jacks covered when not in use, protecting them from the elements.
• Regularly clean and lubricate the rams of your jacks to prevent dirt and debris from retracting into the jack stand.
• When using stabilising jacks, ensure the base of the ram is placed on a sturdy surface, such as a levelling block or a heavy-duty pad, to avoid sinking into soft ground or damaging paved surfaces.
• Always ensure your jacks are fully retracted before moving your RV to avoid costly damage.

Frequently asked questions