Mounting A Pop-Up Camper: Trailer Edition

Pop-up campers are a great option for those who want to experience the joys of RVing without the hassle of driving a large vehicle or trailer. Before hitting the road, it's important to properly mount your pop-up camper onto your truck bed to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. The process may seem daunting at first, but with careful preparation and the right equipment, you'll be well on your way to exploring nature in your new mobile home.

Camper jacks to lift the front and back of the camper

Camper jacks are essential for lifting the front and back of a pop-up camper and ensuring it is securely mounted on a trailer. While stabiliser jacks are not designed for lifting, there are several options for jacks that can handle the weight and provide stability.

Firstly, it is important to understand the weight of your camper and choose jacks that can accommodate this. Rieco-Titan Products offers a range of camper jack options, including electric and mechanical varieties, as well as heavy-duty tripod jacks that can handle up to 2000 lbs. These tripod jacks also come with extended brackets to provide additional support and stability.

MoonLander jacks are another option, designed to lift campers off truck beds without the need for brackets or attachments. These jacks are placed on each side of the camper and can easily lift it, thanks to foam pads that maximise hold.

When choosing jacks, it is important to consider the weight capacity and ensure they are designed for lifting rather than just stabilising. Additionally, consider the ease of use and any additional features that may enhance stability, such as extended brackets or foam pads.

For added safety, it is recommended to use lynx blocks or wooden boards to support the camper and prevent the frame from bending under the weight. These blocks can be placed under the tires to level the camper side-to-side and front-to-back before deploying the jacks.

Backing the truck under the camper

Once the camper is high enough off the ground, slowly and carefully back your truck under it. Make sure to have a spotter available to guide you and tell you when to stop. Stop briefly to plug the camper in once you are close enough to do so. Be careful not to hit the jacks during this process.

With the camper in place, begin lowering it onto the truck bed. Start by lowering the back end by a few inches and then lowering the front to match. Repeat this process until the camper is resting on the truck bed and the jacks are off the ground.

Finally, use turnbuckles to securely attach the RV to the truck. Make sure the turnbuckles are tight enough, but be careful not to overtighten as this can damage the turnbuckles or pull out the tie-downs.

Using turnbuckles to attach the camper to the truck

Turnbuckles are an essential piece of equipment for connecting your truck to the tie-down system for your camper. There are several different turnbuckle models for different types of camper tie-downs. Here is a step-by-step guide to using turnbuckles to attach your camper to your truck:

Step 1: Choose the Right Turnbuckle

The first step is to select the appropriate turnbuckle for your setup. If you have a frame-mounted tie-down system, you can choose from the Basic SpringLoad Kit, SpringLoad XL, or the FastGun turnbuckle. The Basic SpringLoad Kit includes two quick links, two heavy-duty forged steel turnbuckles, and 24 inches of marine-grade chain. The SpringLoad XL turnbuckle is a chainless option made from aircraft-grade aluminium and stainless steel, with a square body for easy adjustment. The FastGun turnbuckle is the most popular option and features a quick-disconnect handle for fast and convenient adjustments.

For a bed-mounted tie-down system, the recommended turnbuckles are the AnchorGuard or AnchorGuard Derringer turnbuckles. The front set of AnchorGuard turnbuckles are spring-loaded, while the rear set is cushioned to accommodate the bed/bumper-mounted tie-down system.

Step 2: Install the Turnbuckles

Once you have selected the appropriate turnbuckles, it's time to install them. The turnbuckles should be attached to the tie-down system, connecting the truck and the camper. It is important to apply the correct amount of tension when tightening the turnbuckles. Camper manufacturers suggest applying 300 pounds of tension to secure the camper properly. You can use a patented spring tension indicator to achieve the correct tension. By setting the O-ring of the tension indicator flush with the body of the turnbuckle, a quarter-inch space between the O-ring and the body will indicate that you have achieved the proper tension.

Step 3: Adjust and Secure

After installing the turnbuckles, you may need to adjust them to ensure a proper fit. The FastGun turnbuckles and the SpringLoad XL turnbuckles have quick-disconnect handles, making adjustments easy and convenient. If you are using a different type of turnbuckle, you can add a Derringer Handle to achieve the quick-disconnect capability.

It is important to note that using spring-loaded turnbuckles is highly recommended, as they allow some give when your vehicle encounters uneven roads, protecting the anchor points on your camper and the tie-down system.

Camper roof bike racks

If you're looking for a roof-mounted option, the Backwoods DRIFTR Roof Rack is a popular choice. It is available for a range of camper vans, including the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, and Ram Promaster. This roof rack provides a stable platform for transporting your bikes and can be customised with deck panels for additional storage space.

For those with a standard 2-inch receiver hitch, the MaxxHaul Hitch Mount Bike Rack offers a convenient solution. This rack can carry up to four bikes and features a black powder-coated finish. A similar option is the Allen Sports Deluxe 4-Bike Hitch Mount Rack, which also has a 2-inch receiver and can be easily installed and removed.

If you're looking to carry a smaller number of bikes, the Swagman RV-approved 2-bike bumper rack is a good choice. It features a sturdy steel construction and can be easily installed on your camper's bumper without drilling. Another option for carrying two bikes is the Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack, which conveniently folds away for storage when not in use.

For those with A-frame trailers, the KUAFU Trailer Tongue Bike Bunk is a great choice. It features a steel powder-coated finish and can hold up to 100 lbs. A similar option is the adjustable A-frame trailer bike frame, which also holds up to 100 lbs and fits most A-frame trailers.

With a range of options available, it's important to consider the number of bikes you need to carry and the specific setup of your camper or trailer to choose the most suitable bike rack.

Camper tie-downs

Firstly, it is crucial to understand the importance of attaching the tie-downs to the strongest part of your trailer, which is the trailer frame. This is because the trailer bed is typically made of thin sheet metal, and attaching the tie-downs to it can lead to flexing, cracking, and exterior rust over time. By mounting the tie-downs directly to the trailer frame, you distribute the weight of the camper more effectively and reduce the risk of damage to your trailer.

When selecting tie-downs, consider the weight of your camper and choose a system designed for that weight range. For heavier campers, a frame-mounted tie-down system is recommended. Torklift, for example, offers a TRUE Frame-Mounted Camper Tie-Down system that is custom-fit to your specific trailer make and model. This system utilizes independent tie-down points that bolt directly to the trailer frame, improving stability and handling. Additionally, look for tie-downs made of durable materials such as aluminium, which is lightweight, heavy-duty, and resistant to rust and corrosion.

The installation process for tie-downs will vary depending on the system you choose. Some tie-downs require bolting the brackets to the trailer frame using pre-drilled holes, while others may have different attachment mechanisms. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation.

When installing the tie-downs, consider the placement of the tie-down points. Ideally, you want to distribute the weight of the camper evenly and secure it in a way that prevents sway and movement in all directions. This may involve positioning the tie-downs at the front and back of the trailer or using multiple tie-down points. Additionally, consider the accessibility of the camper's sides, ensuring that the tie-downs do not obstruct any doors or compartments.

Finally, for added security and peace of mind, consider investing in tie-down locks to protect your camper from theft. These locks can be used in conjunction with the tie-downs to secure your camper when it is not in use.

Frequently asked questions