Camper On Pilings: Securing Your Home Away From Home

Putting a camper on pilings is a complex process that requires careful preparation and execution to ensure safety and stability. While the specific steps may vary depending on the type of camper and trailer involved, here is a general overview of the process:

Firstly, it is crucial to choose a trailer that is appropriately sized and rated for the weight of your camper. Measure the length, width, and height of your camper, and select a trailer with a suitable weight capacity and dimensions. Ensure that your trailer has the necessary tie-down systems to secure the camper and prevent shifting during transport.

Once you have the right trailer, prepare your camper by emptying holding tanks, retracting slide-outs, and disconnecting propane and electrical connections. Also, ensure that the trailer tires and brakes are in good working condition and that the trailer is level and immobilized with wheel chocks.

Now, you can begin the process of loading the camper onto the trailer. Measure and mark the center of gravity of the camper, and align it with the trailer axles to balance the weight distribution. Use a combination of rope tie-downs, ratchet straps, and chains to secure the camper to the trailer frame at the front and back, preventing forward or backward shifts. Additionally, place heavy ratchet straps over the camper body for extra hold.

Remember to chock the trailer wheels again after loading and retract any stabilizing jacks that were used during the loading process. It is also important to check the suspension alignment and stability of the loaded trailer before hitting the road.

Transporting a camper on a trailer requires careful driving and adherence to safety regulations. Keep your speed under 65 mph to minimize the risk of sudden swaying or lurching. Ensure that your trailer lights, turn signals, and brake lights are functioning properly, and attach safety chains for an emergency backup connection. Always be mindful of weight limits and compliance with relevant regulations.

Raising the camper: Raise the front first, then the back, in small increments

To put a camper on pilings, you must first raise the camper. This is done in small increments of a few inches at a time, usually to a height of around 2 to 6 inches above the bed of your truck. It is important to raise the front of the camper first and then the back, until it is level. This is because the camper has more weight in the front due to the overhang, and raising the back first may cause the camper to tip forward.

Once the camper is raised, you can back your truck underneath it, being careful to avoid the jacks and ensuring the camper clears the wheel wells. You will then want to connect the wiring, before lowering the camper onto the bed of your truck.

When raising the camper, it is important to use a stable and secure method. This could involve using a truck with a crane or lift attached, or a crane separate from the truck. Ensure the ground is flat and even to prevent any accidental tilting of the camper.

When raising the front, you will want to lift it to around 2-6 inches above the bed of your truck. You can use the truck's bumper as a reference point to ensure the height is correct. Once the front is raised, you can then raise the back to the same height, checking regularly to ensure the camper remains level.

Once the camper is at the correct height, you can then begin to back your truck underneath it, following the rest of the steps to secure the camper safely.

Backing up the truck: Ensure the camper clears the truck's wheel wells

When backing up the truck, it is important to ensure that the camper clears the truck's wheel wells. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this process:

• Before backing up the truck, ensure that the camper is raised high enough for the truck to fit underneath. The recommended height is about 2 to 6 inches above the bed of the truck.
• Raise the front of the camper first, and then raise the back to bring it to the same level. Do this in small increments to maintain stability.
• Slowly back your truck under the camper, being careful to avoid the truck camper jacks.
• Ensure that the camper is centred and clears the wheel wells on both sides.
• Continue backing up until the camper is at the front of the truck bed or any shims/spacer blocks that have been added.
• Make sure that the back of the camper does not contact the truck's cab, bumper, or tail lights.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the camper clears the truck's wheel wells and is properly positioned for the next steps in the installation process.

Connect the wiring: Do this before the truck is completely backed into place

When installing a truck bed camper, also known as a slide-in or cab-over camper, it is important to connect the wiring before the truck is completely backed into place beneath the camper. This is typically an easier process to do before the camper is installed.

To begin, ensure that both the truck and camper are stable. Then, connect any wiring from the truck camper to the truck bed. If you have a truck bed socket, it is especially beneficial to connect the wiring before the camper is fully installed. It is also crucial to avoid dropping the camper on the wiring, as this could result in damage.

Once the wiring is plugged in, you can continue slowly backing your truck up until the camper is at the front of your truck bed or any previously added wood spacer blocks. It is important to prevent potential damage by ensuring that the back of the camper does not come into contact with your truck cab, truck bumper, or tail lights.

Additionally, it is recommended to use a camper bumper kit to prevent damage to your truck's cab during the loading process. By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely and effectively connect the wiring for your truck bed camper installation.

Lower the camper: Lower the back first, then the front, in increments

Lowering the camper requires careful, methodical work to ensure the process goes smoothly and safely. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

Lowering the Camper

First, ensure that everything is plugged in before lowering the camper. Lowering the camper in increments minimises the risk of damage and allows for easy adjustments. Begin by lowering the back of the camper a few inches at a time. Then, lower the front of the camper to bring it level.

Tips for a Safe and Efficient Lowering Process

• Make sure to lower the camper only a few inches at a time so that you can easily make adjustments as you mount it.
• Never place the camper onto a plastic drop-in bed liner, as the camper can slide around and cause significant damage.
• Use a rubber bed mat to prevent the camper from sliding and to increase friction.
• Avoid creating too much tension when tightening the camper, as this can damage tie-downs or rip out anchors, which can be expensive to fix.

Secure the camper: Attach turnbuckles to the anchors and tie-downs

To secure your camper, you will need to attach turnbuckles to the anchors and tie-downs. This is a crucial step in ensuring your camper is safely attached to your truck and will prevent it from shifting or bouncing during transport.

Firstly, you will need to attach the turnbuckles to the anchor points on your camper. Camper manufacturers recommend tightening your turnbuckles to 300 foot-pounds. It is important not to overtighten the turnbuckles as this can cause damage. Too much tension can rip out the anchors on your camper, which can be an expensive fix.

Next, attach the turnbuckles to the tie-downs on your truck. The tie-downs provide anchor points for attaching your camper. Your camper will require four tie-down points, two at the front and two at the rear of your truck bed. There are different types of tie-downs available, including bed-mounted and frame-mounted. Frame-mounted tie-downs are stronger as they attach directly to the truck frame, which provides a stronger base than the bed.

When attaching the turnbuckles, ensure that the front and rear turnbuckles pull the camper in opposite directions to keep it stable. This means that the tie-downs at the front of your truck should be located in front of the anchors on your camper so they can pull it forward, while the tie-downs at the rear of your truck should be located behind the rear anchors on your camper to pull it backward. If both the front and rear turnbuckles pull the camper in the same direction, it could cause the camper to shift and the turnbuckles to loosen.

Turnbuckles with tension indicators can be useful as they help you achieve the correct amount of torque and prevent over-tightening. Lever-action turnbuckles are also a good option as they are easy to install and remove, and provide shock protection for your setup.

By following these steps and taking care not to overtighten the turnbuckles, you can securely attach your camper to your truck, ensuring a safe and stable journey.

Frequently asked questions