Using camper off the truck

[NctryBen]

If your living in your truck camper, how practical is it to use it off the truck. At home I have “horses” I can put under it to stabilize. But say your out in the desert and your with other people where you might feel safe to run into town or you want to run up to a trailhead. Or whatever the circumstances... I thought of adding like a deal on hinges that once off the truck it folded out like a box or skirting underneath. How much can you depend on the jacks...? Dumb question?

 

[highdesertranger]

weird this is the second time this has come up in a month. a few slide in camper floors are designed to be walked on when the camper is off the truck most are not. make sure yours is designed for that or make sure the floor is well supported. highdesertranger

 

[bullfrog]

Some people use plastic or wood pallets with a plywood top on level ground to support the floor while off the truck. I have seen one that carried them under the camper in the bed of the truck but it did increase the overall height.

 

[MG1912]

I've lived in my camper for up to half a day off the truck while getting brakes serviced. You just drive out from under the camper and then lower it to a few inches off the ground, and it's pretty stable. My jacks have "danger" marks showing how far they should be extended when the camper is on the ground. These campers are indeed designed to be used off the truck if you want to/need to. I don't feel like it's super-stable, though, especially in high winds I've experienced in the desert. Plus, I can't think of a single good reason to ever really drop the camper except if you literally have to (i.e., need to address a mechanical issue). I keep mine on the truck all the time, rain or shine, staying in one spot for weeks or just popping off to the corner store, the camper stays on. It's not like the decision to hook up and drag a 40' trailer to go to the store. Your footprint is practically the same with or without the camper on, so it's an easier decision.

If you follow the truck camper forums and websites, a lot of people who spend large amounts of time in their truck campers keep the campers on the trucks permanently. I don't know if its the majority or not.

 

[bullfrog]

There are loop type jacks that have a larger footprint as they have flat plate welded to the bottom of the loop. There is one loop on each side but still level ground is best for stability. People that use their camper off the truck most often upgrade to this system.

 

[NctryBen]

Sorry, I looked and didn’t see another post on this. But your comments are very helpful. I’ve lived in the truck itself as besides a big trailer I have a big rack bumper to bumper and two levels I haul canoes and kayaks coast to coast ... or I did til cancer and other surgeries and such. I’m being asked to get back out there and I thought I might rebuild my camper to live in and have the option to drop it now and again to run say just my truck for a quick run or so.
Anyways, I like the comment about floors not meant to be walked on if not supported like in a truck. I’ll definitely think about that as I build the new lower part of it. At home I do have it supported and it has not been fazed by some crazy winds as I live off the east side of a lake. I just can’t see myself hauling around the type of support horses I have for it. I do plan on upgrading to two front and two back jacks vs the three legged job I have now. They are so expensive I’m considering the hydraulic ones vs the crank. If I’m going to spend 1200 on crank ones what’s another 1000, haha. I could buy something used... but if I totally rebuild, it will not have certain issues and a new roof to boot. Also the corners where the jacks are mounted will be very well supported, especially the front since it has to be out a bit for dually. If all four corners are out a bit and stout I would hope that would add to dilemma. I’ll check out other thread too.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Truck campers are made assuming the floor being supported by the truck bed.  Your camper may or may not handle walking on the unsupported floor - you won't know until the floor pulls away from the side.

A friend who uses his camper off-truck uses a support under the camper made out of 1/2" plywood:  cut in half (2'X8'), notch cut half way though at 4', configured into an 'X' supporting the floor.  
The plywood is stored disassembled under the camper when on truck (raises the camper 1/2").
Jacks are extended and used as stabilizers.  Setup is very stable.

I can't find my picture right now.

 

[NctryBen]

Boy, I like that. If you find the picture great! But that is the best idea if I’m picturing it right. That would stow well I think. I’m rebuilding the whole thing. Don’t really have time. But I’m committed. I need to be south come winter. I need to see grandkids during holidays. I can guarantee my floor will be held in well. My 30’ trailer is going to be just a bunk house so I’m using quite a bit of what I can in my rebuild. Mainly the water system stuff. But I plan to simplify too. I could have a nice stove with oven... nope! I’m getting that one burner thing. Plus I have good backcountry gear. Thank you all!

 

[Jimmyflorida]

i stayed in mine for 3 days in the back of a dealership parking lot when i had to have a rear main seal changed in my duramax no problems i cranked it all the way down and had no problem it was probaly about 10 inches off the ground did not feel shakey or uneasy at all