How to Mount a Truck Camper

Traveling with a truck camper can be an incredible experience. Truck campers are some of the most versatile RVs on the market, since it can go anywhere your truck can go (which isn’t the case with all RVs). This way, you can still experience all the great parts of outdoor camping, while still having a comfortable place to sleep every night. But getting your truck camper from one place to the next is going to be your first big hurdle, so The Outpost RV has provided a guide to mounting your truck camper to help you out. If you still need the camper itself, then stop by our location in Middlebury, Indiana, near Fort Wayne and Goshen.

Raise the Truck Camper

First, you’ll want to prep your RV to make the process easier. Raise the unit about four inches above the bed of the truck. If you need to, adjust in small increments so you set everything up just how you need it. If your model raises different sections at different times, then start by raising the front end a little first, then level out with back. We don’t want the entire camper to pitch forward unexpectedly.

Back Up your Truck

Once your truck camper is at the right height, it’s time to turn to your truck. With a little practice, you can probably do this on your own, but there’s no shame in getting a spotter when you’re first testing the waters. This spotter should alert you to any alignment adjustments you may need to make or if the camper needs to be raised a little more. Most importantly, slow and steady wins the race. As excited as you may be, you don’t want to end up damaging the camper or your truck.

Connect Wiring

You’ll want to consider connecting all necessary wires before installing the truck camper. This will probably need to happen before you reach the spot where you’d install the camper so you have a little space to work with. Keep in mind, you’ll want to avoid crushing these wires when it’s time to lower the unit.

Finish backing up until your bed is directly under the camper in the place where you’ll want it to eventually be. If you’re worried about bumping something and causing damage to your truck, check out some camper bumper kits that will give you some protection.

Lower the Truck Camper

Now it’s time to settle in. Using the same method you used to raise the camper, moving each end little by little if needed, until the unit is resting securely on the bed of the truck.

Secure the Truck Camper

All that’s left is making sure the truck camper is going to stay connected to the truck. You’ll probably use a combination of tie downs and turnbuckles. The turnbuckles will act as the anchors and the tie downs will be keep everything, for lack of a better word, tied down. Many turnbuckles come with their own mechanism to keep tension taut. You’ll probably need something around 300 foot-pounds, although if you need to adjust, keep in mind that something that’s too tight can cause damage to any part of the unit. If you’re really looking to avoid this, you can upgrade to a spring tension indicator or spring-loaded turnbuckles.

Hopefully, this gives you the confidence you need to set up your truck camper and hit the road on your way to your next adventure. Don’t worry if this takes a few tries before you really get the hang of it. In fact, if you’re new to the process, you might want to practice a few times before the day of the trip. If you find you’re still having trouble, stop by The Outpost RV and we’ll help you with any of your RV related needs. We welcome all current and future RV owners from Middlebury, Fort Wayne and Goshen, Indiana.