5 Common Truck Camper Mistakes
Failure to take into account the unique design of a truck camper can be catastrophic. Many people gravitate towards this unique RV option hauled in a truck's bed. But many of those people do not realize the types of mistakes they need to avoid. We hope that this guide will steer you away from these five common mistakes people often make with truck campers. You are also welcome to join us at The Outpost RV. Our team would be happy to walk you through your RV options at our location in Middlebury, Indiana. We also serve Kalamazoo, Michigan.
1. Tightening Turnbuckles Too Much
Follow the instructions in your truck camper manual when it comes to tightening turnbuckles. You do not need to pull them too tight, or you can damage the anchor bolts and mounting plate. Your turnbuckles should also be spring-loaded. Spring-loaded turnbuckles absorb shock better.
2. Forgetting to Retract Jacks
Truck campers have jacks that come down on all sides to anchor the truck camper as it sits in the back of the truck. These jacks are a helpful addition to keep your truck camper level. However, people forget to retract them before they go. The result is devastating damage to the jacks and the body of the truck camper.
3. Improper Connecting or Disconnecting of the Pigtail
If you forget to connect your pigtail to your truck, you can end up in a lot of trouble. Either someone will rear-end your vehicle, or the police will pull you over for a violation. If you forget to disconnect your pigtail, you can cause major damage to the pigtail and your truck camper.
4. Driving Too Fast and Turning Too Fast
Driving and turning fast is one of the worst things you can do while hauling a truck camper. The center of gravity is higher up. A sharp turn can flip the whole truck and truck camper combo onto its side. It is also dangerous to speed on highways because it takes longer for a truck carrying a heavy load to stop.
5. Not Paying Attention to Low Overhang Warnings
Finally, one of the most unfortunate mistakes is forgoing warning signs. If a bridge indicates a maximum overhang of 8 feet, you should never attempt to bring your 10-foot rig through. You are asking for trouble if you ignore obvious warnings.
Take our advice, and don't let these devastating pitfalls ruin your trip. One mistake can result in irreparable damage to your truck and truck camper. It can also be dangerous for you and your passengers. Visit us at The Outpost RV in Middlebury, Indiana, and our team will answer any questions and share more tips. Our dealership welcomes customers from Kalamazoo, Michigan.