Hooking Up A Pop-Up Camper: Truck Edition

Setting up a pop-up camper on a truck requires a number of steps. Firstly, it's important to prepare the truck by removing the tailgate, any covers, toolboxes, and bed liners, and ensuring the truck bed is clean. The electrical system should also be in good working order. When it comes to mounting the camper, there are various methods, including bolting it through the floor of the truck bed, using cargo rails, or employing a system such as Happijac's. Additionally, power leads need to be properly hooked up to the camper battery, and it's recommended to have two fuses in the wire, one at each end.

Remove the truck's tailgate before installation

When preparing to install a pop-up camper on your truck, it is important to remember to remove the truck's tailgate beforehand. This is because once the camper is mounted on your truck, the tailgate will not close. Retaining the tailgate on the truck can hinder towing and the ability to mount an optional entry step. It also makes it more difficult to get in and out of the camper.

Removing the tailgate is much easier than people expect, and on most trucks, no tools are required. It is best to remove the tailgate before you have your new camper installed.

Remove tonneau covers and toolboxes from the truck bed

To prepare your truck for a pop-up camper installation, you'll need to remove any shell, soft tonneau cover, hard tonneau cover, toolboxes, etc. from your truck bed before your installation appointment. This is because the pop-up camper will sit directly on the floor of the bed, and any debris or remaining items could cause damage to the truck bed.

Tonneau covers are truck bed covers designed to protect the bed and its contents from the elements and theft. They can be made of various materials, such as vinyl, fibreglass, or aluminium, and can be either soft or hard. To remove a tonneau cover, you'll need to follow the specific instructions for your particular cover, as the process may vary depending on the type and brand of cover you have. However, here are some general steps you can follow:

• Start by opening the cover and removing any clamps, straps, or other fasteners that secure the cover to your truck bed.
• If your cover is equipped with a hinge system, you may need to remove the hinge pins or bolts to detach the cover from the truck bed.
• Carefully lift the cover off the truck bed and set it aside. You may need assistance, as tonneau covers can be heavy.
• Once the cover is removed, inspect the truck bed for any debris or damage. It's important to clean and repair any issues before installing the pop-up camper.

As for toolboxes, these are storage units mounted on or inside the truck bed, typically used for storing tools and other equipment. To remove a toolbox from your truck bed, follow these steps:

• Start by opening the toolbox and removing any tools or items stored inside.
• Locate the fasteners or mounting hardware that secure the toolbox to the truck bed. This could include bolts, screws, or clamps.
• Using the appropriate tools, remove the fasteners or mounting hardware.
• Carefully lift the toolbox out of the truck bed and set it aside. Again, you may need assistance, as toolboxes can be heavy.
• Inspect the truck bed for any damage or debris left behind after removing the toolbox. Ensure the bed is clean and free of any obstructions before installing the pop-up camper.

Prepare the truck's electrical system

Before you begin the process of hooking up your pop-up camper to your truck, it's important to prepare your truck's electrical system to safely and effectively manage the additional power demands of the camper. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

• Consult a Professional: If you're unsure about any aspect of your truck's electrical system, consult a qualified technician or mechanic. They can advise you on the specific requirements and precautions for your vehicle, ensuring a safe and reliable setup.
• Assess Your Truck's Electrical Capacity: Check your truck's electrical system to ensure it can handle the additional load of the pop-up camper. Review the owner's manual to understand the electrical specifications, including battery capacity, amperage, and voltage. Ensure your truck's electrical system can accommodate the extra power demands of the camper, especially if it has built-in appliances or lighting.
• Inspect the Battery: Start by inspecting your truck's battery. Ensure it is in good condition and fully charged. A weak or faulty battery may not be able to handle the additional power demands of the camper, leading to potential starting issues or electrical failures. Consider replacing the battery if it's older or showing signs of deterioration.
• Upgrade the Battery: If your truck's battery seems inadequate or you plan on using multiple appliances in your camper, consider upgrading to a higher-capacity battery or adding a second battery dedicated to the camper's electrical system. This can provide additional power and ensure that your truck's primary battery isn't overloaded.
• Install a Voltage Regulator: A voltage regulator helps maintain a stable voltage supply to your camper, protecting sensitive appliances and electrical equipment. It's important to match the regulator to your truck's electrical system, ensuring it can handle the amperage and voltage requirements of the camper.
• Fuses and Wiring: Inspect the fuses and wiring of your truck's electrical system. Ensure that the fuses are of the appropriate amperage to handle the additional load. Check for any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear on the wires, and replace them if necessary. Use high-quality, automotive-grade wires and connectors for any modifications or additions to the electrical system.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your truck's electrical system is ready to handle the demands of your pop-up camper, allowing you to enjoy your adventures with reliable and safe electrical performance.

Check the truck's tires

To hook up a pop-up camper to your truck, you need to ensure your truck's tires are in good condition and are the proper weight rating for the camper. If you have stock tires that are in good condition, you can use them until they start to show wear. When it's time for a replacement, upgrade to a set of "D" or "E" rated truck tires for added stability, better handling, and road performance.

• Inspect your tires: Check the tread depth and look for any signs of uneven wear, bulges, cracks, or other damage. Ensure the tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure, which you can find in your vehicle's owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's side door.
• Determine the weight rating: Check the weight rating of your tires to ensure they can support the weight of the pop-up camper. The weight rating can usually be found on the sidewall of the tire. Compare this to the weight of the camper to make sure your tires can handle the load.
• Consider upgrading: If your stock tires are not in good condition or do not have the proper weight rating, consider upgrading to "D" or "E" rated truck tires. These tires provide better performance and stability when carrying the additional weight of the camper.
• Maintain proper inflation: Before towing the camper, check your tire pressure and adjust it as needed to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires can lead to increased rolling resistance, reduced fuel economy, and premature tire wear.
• Regular tire maintenance: Regularly inspect your tires for any wear or damage, and rotate them as recommended by the tire manufacturer or your mechanic. This will help extend the life of your tires and ensure they are in good condition for towing.
• Carry a spare: Always carry a spare tire that is in good condition and properly inflated. In the event of a flat tire, having a spare will allow you to quickly get back on the road and continue your journey.

Remember, proper tire maintenance and ensuring your tires meet the weight rating requirements for your pop-up camper are crucial for a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

Consider suspension upgrades

When hooking up a pop-up camper to your truck, you may need to consider suspension upgrades. This is because the suspension is vital to the safety and ride of your truck, and its importance is amplified when hauling a heavy load.

Firstly, it is important to note that suspension upgrades will not improve your truck's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or its payload capacity. If you are looking to increase these, you will need to buy a better truck with higher ratings.

There are several quality products available on the market that address rear sag and sway, the most common handling issues when hauling a heavy load.

Hellwig LP-35 Helper Springs:

Steel helper springs are installed on top of your existing leaf springs and can be purchased with either a progressive or constant rate. They install quickly and easily and offer a range of capacities from 500 to 3,500 pounds.

Timbren Suspension Enhancement System:

The Timbren SES consists of two Aeon rubber spring assemblies that are mounted in place of your truck's jounce bumpers. They address both rear sag and sway by expanding and contracting as you drive, providing your rig with the proper amount of load support.

SuperSprings Rebel SumoSprings:

SumoSprings are a hybrid suspension product that functions as a standard bump stop and an air spring. They do not require compressed air to work, as the air is contained within the rubber compound itself. SumoSprings provide additional damping properties, reduce side-to-side body roll, and are maintenance-free.

Hellwig Rear Sway Bar:

A sway bar is a torsion spring that applies a resistant force to the suspension when the truck leans to the outside on a turn. The Hellwig Big Wig sway bar is designed to provide added stability when hauling a truck camper and weighs 45 pounds, with a diameter of 1-5/16 inches.

Torklift Stableloads:

Torklift Stableloads work with your truck's overload springs to ensure they are engaged from the start, providing a more level ride and reducing sway and body roll. The Quick Disconnect Stableloads feature a hinge mechanism that allows you to quickly disengage them and return your truck to its original stock ride.

Hellwig Big Wig Air Springs:

Air springs are an adjustable load-levelling solution that can correct rear sag and be adjusted side-to-side for proper levelling support. The Hellwig Big Wig Air Springs offer up to 5,600 pounds of support and require up to 40% less air pressure compared to standard air springs, resulting in a softer spring rate and better ride quality.

It is important to assess how your truck handles with the camper mounted before purchasing any suspension modifications. Only one modification should be made at a time to determine its true effectiveness.

Frequently asked questions