18 replies to this topic

[Old Crow]

As others have mentioned, I've also seen FWC installers kick the jacks to move the camper an inch or two during the loading process.

 

Since I jack mine up on an asphalt driveway and sometimes leave it there for a few days at a time, I put 12"x12"x 3/4" plywood squares under the legs.  That both prevents the legs from sinking into the relatively soft asphalt over time and also gives the legs a surface to slide on.

 

A word of warning, though.   I made the mistake of 'tapping' the legs down low with a 2-pound hammer the first time I loaded the camper.  Afterwards, I was surprised to see I had dented the metal of the leg.  I had been watching the camper move and didn't notice that each tap was making a dent.  I didn't think I was tapping hard enough to do that.

 

 I later had a problem with the jack running off-track (and posted that here).   It turns out I happened to dent the edge of the groove and that allowed the indentation to wander off track.  I now have to be careful to watch for that when I use that one jack.

[kmcintyre]

As others have mentioned, I've also seen FWC installers kick the jacks to move the camper an inch or two during the loading process.

 

Since I jack mine up on an asphalt driveway and sometimes leave it there for a few days at a time, I put 12"x12"x 3/4" plywood squares under the legs.  That both prevents the legs from sinking into the relatively soft asphalt over time and also gives the legs a surface to slide on.

 

A word of warning, though.   I made the mistake of 'tapping' the legs down low with a 2-pound hammer the first time I loaded the camper.  Afterwards, I was surprised to see I had dented the metal of the leg.  I had been watching the camper move and didn't notice that each tap was making a dent.  I didn't think I was tapping hard enough to do that.

 

 I later had a problem with the jack running off-track (and posted that here).   It turns out I happened to dent the edge of the groove and that allowed the indentation to wander off track.  I now have to be careful to watch for that when I use that one jack.

 

Wow, that's not what I've seen.  I'd be worried about doing anything that involves hitting the jacks.  When I saw them move it, they just pushed on the corners of the camper and rocked it into place.

[Yukon]

I have had to re-align several times.  I just disconnected the tie-downs, lifted the camper (using 4 jacks) about an inch higher than truck bed and pushed camper to the side using 2X4 as a lever.  It moved quite easily.  (of course I have an Eagle shell that is lighter than some others). Also, only moving it an inch or so.   After doing this a couple of times I decided to completely stop having to make small re-alignments.  I installed 4 wood blocks, 2 on each side, between truck body side and camper side.  It is not tight, but it no longer moves around when on very rough roads. 

[Mickey Bitsko]

This ^^ I did the same, 2x4's screwed to the camper at the wheel well's then tighten the front/rear turn buckles accordingly while lowering.
This on a Eagle with inside bed eyebolts.

Edited by Mickey Bitsko, 02 December 2017 - 02:38 PM.

[wander]

I had this issue once. I got 4 furniture dollies from harbor freight (each rated 1000lb). Then got some thick wood from home Depot. It was thick, broad, long enough to put across the open area (you can tell I'm not DIY guy). I removed the turnbuckles, raised all 4 jack legs on the wood platform on these dollies. I was able to slide and move effortless to however I wanted. Zero risk and strain on camper which is what I wanted

https://m.harborfrei...olly-38970.html

I know OP wanted an option without using legs. I use this drill bit adapter to raise and lower mine, so it's very quick and easy.

https://www.amazon.c...w/d/B005GOPC26/

Edited by wander, 07 December 2017 - 04:47 AM.

[Atlin]

I just went through this and built 4, 3-wheel (triangular) dollies for my camper legs.  I used some steel 3" casters from HD (about $5.50 each) plus some scrap plywood.  Each caster is supposed to be good for 300 pounds so some overkill there.  They will be used on concrete floor.  I can easily move the camper around as necessary and should make it much easier to put onto and off of the truck.

[Santiam Camper]

Once that I got my camper aligned and set like I wanted it I installed aluminum clips at the back to prevent any shift or movement just in case.   Ron

What kind of aluminum clips did you use?

[nikonron]

  I just used some aluminum angle that I had and drilled it to fit 2 bolts that hold the bed to the frame on the Tacoma. The bolts just happen to be in an almost perfect location for this use. You can pretty much use anything that you can make a bump stop out of.  Ron

[2020]

Here's how I did it:

 

• Put jacks on camper & lift to just off the truck bed
• Use rubber mallet to nudge jacks over until camper is aligned
• Through turnbuckle access doors, installed wooden spacers between camper & sides of truck bed
• Put jam nuts on turnbuckles to keep them from loosening again.

 

My camper has not come out of alignment since.

 

Here is a link to a post with pictures of my wooden spacers:

 

http://www.wanderthe...red/?hl=spacers

Edited by 2020, 09 December 2017 - 05:20 PM.