How To Load A Truck Camper (Tips and Tricks)

[@pollogmoody5746]

Thank you for your videos. I’m a girl and never owned a truck or a camper but would like to do this so I find this very helpful!

[@romj8523]

Hey nice to read you here Where are you from ?

[@heyttsguy]

Miss your vids man, hope all is well. We just got a Ram 3500 dually this year and ordered a Northern Lite 10.2 a week ago. We can't wait till we get to use it next summer on Van Isle. Thx for all the work you put into these vids.

[@starr5171]

We also ordered a Northern Lite 10-2 which is going onto our Ram 3500 long bed dually. :) We've been waiting 6 months for ours - wish we would've ordered it sooner. LOL Can't wait to get it on our truck!

[@heyttsguy]

@@starr5171 wait times are rediculous right now on factory NL orders. They told us we'd be waiting till Dec next year for a brand new order. The dealership ended up changing one of their existing orders so that the build slot was kept. They told us it should be done by May. Fingers crossed.

[@wingnutbert9685]

We ordered a new f350 and a NL 10.2 as well. Ordered the NL approx late fall and it just arrived at the dealer couple days ago. Weird they told you a year wait! Did you order through a dealer here on Van. Isl? Sad Taylor isn't doing vid's anymore. Great personality for video's. Hope he's OK with the pandemic killing tourism and him driving tour buses. Good luck with getting your TC. Hope it arrives soon!

[@sirlancelot3109]

Good video I like the tape idea. Those turnbuckles though...you’ll grin everytime you load with torklift fastguns

[@Glassman1976agm]

Great video, FYI the swing out jacks are to give clearance in backing a dually between the jacks, but yes they would also give more stability with a wider foot print

[@RobGADV]

Great video! I learned to do the tape stripe trick years ago when I had my first truck camper (a 2000 Lance 1030 that I bought new). But your tips about lowering one side to center it is great, and also lining up the marker lights!

[@TexasRoadrunners]

Love my electric jacks! The tape is a great tip.

[@josephtorres4127]

hey good video my wife and I have always wanted to travel I thought a about a fifth wheel but to big thought about a motor home as well then when I came across your video I never heard of a truck camper this really inspires me more to do this I work full time doing travel nursing and this will be so perfect for us thanks again for the videos you put out man

[@denniscaswell6979]

Close to purchasing a truck camper, never owned one or any camper really appreciate your work, helping me decide if I want to take the step to ownership. Started with your vid on dumping holding tanks, figured I would start with the worst job 1st - (if you can consider dumping holding tanks a good vid) - you did a good job on that one too!

[@BarryDuttonSellsHomes]

I am still back here watching your videos all the time!

[@romj8523]

Nice suscribe

[@alansherwood6643]

Your front jacks swing out so you dont tear up your dually fenders. Yes it also helps to stabilize your camper.

[@pnachtwey]

I saw this video before I bought my AF990. Now I am revisiting this video. I have yet to take my AF990 off but I will for an oil change twice a year. You provide good info and the same technique I was taught to center the camper in the bed. I record movies and TVs on a 32 GB Fat32 USB stick. It holds much more data. The CD play output is not HDMI so the USB stick is better.

[@MichaelKlattOutWest]

Great video. Your tip on lowering one side to adjust for being an inch or so out on one side is pure gold as that is the one thing I always end up have to make small adjustments that burns time and frustrates me to no end.

[@drusillalannin7350]

I live your personality. And your videos are simply fun and informative.

[@romanvaynberg1080]

Very nice setup. Add a roll-up tonneau cover. Fits nicely between the rear window and camper wall when rolled up. When the camper is off, gives you nice, dry, and secure storage in bed of your truck, and you don't need to clean the bed before loading the camper back in, which you should otherwise:)

[@timmyjimmytoo]

Thank you so much for this video.(And your others!) I am new to this camper thing. So excited. Been wanting to do this my whole life, and now I am sixty and going to do it!

[@donnaocasio45]

Tim Flynn it’s my plan as well.

[@peterweeks8011]

Bit staples and make a color copy of your license plate...laminate it...mount it on the camper...that's what we did...no issues and it is holding up well! Enjoy

[@monnaprovost7294]

I forgot to mention I 💗 your intro. Well done.

[@kimberlyhanson965]

The tape idea is brilliant.

[@Matthew_Eitzman]

Put rollers or something in the bed of the truck that centers your camper as you back up. Kind of like the guides and bumpers that center a boat when you take it out of the water and onto a boat trailer.

[@Paul_James]

Great videos. I ordered a new truck camper, but I'm an RV neophyte, so I appreciate your work.

[@synsilver3315]

Taylor, I like the very informative videos that are easy to learn from. Take care, you do inspire. Thanks, Syn Silver.

[@David_a_journeyman_curmudgeon]

Ok. Despite my best efforts to remain skeptical, you've become my favorite camper vlogger... Subbed. Don't let it go to your head. I'll be emulating you in 6 years (post retirement, raising a teen ya know) Happy trucking. You always have a shore power hookup in Texas with me should your travels bring you to Houston.

[@TaylorDzaman]

hahah Thank you david! It won't go to my head but really appreciate the comment . Means a lot! I may take you up on that offer if I ever come that way

[@Icarusnj]

Taylor, big thanks! I will do a checklist.

[@yashashdave123]

First time commenting. Directly from India where there is no camping culture. Maybe I should have been born in Canada ! 😅 I'm in love with your camper setup there Taylor. Nice, cozy and pretty awesome. Just a little problem. That loading and unloading seems cumbersome. I think all other RV's are very simple compared to this. Isn't it ? Also I have a question ! Your take on Pickup camper vs Flat bed Pickup camper ? Thanks and loads of luck ! Happy travelling 😎😎

[@yashashdave123]

Taylor Dzaman 😉

[@rodneysmith2360]

Taylor, I have been subscribed to your channel for a while. You have a wonderful attitude and love for life. Your new intro is excellent no tweakin' necessary in my opinion. I think I'm gonna follow in your footsteps. I am pretty sure I'm going for a truck camper (Arctic Fox or Host). Thanks for the demo. Cheers, Rodney

[@stevecrazy9491]

Love the video, and I have trouble loading my lance 950 on my quad cab truck. I might try the tape trick. I'm not sure how you measure the tape on the bed but you explained it good on the camper. People should understand there is blind spot loading the camper and truly nothing to guide you, the TAPE again is excellent ideal. My wife helps me but unless it's flat, it's truly hard to load. I hope you Arctic Fox does better than my lance in cold weather. My bed gets a tad chilly and I have the winter package.

[@lordrichard8184]

I used to carry a heavy block of wood or a stick I could use to wedge my break pedal down to check the break lights. One word of caution is I’ve had trailer lights wired backwards. So I’d signal left and the right light blinked. It might be better to check them separately. Great videos!!!

[@chrisharris9115]

When I hook up any trailer to my truck I use some rope to squeeze my trailer brake controller in my cab. You can probably use a strong clip if you have that too. I don't know if your truck has a trailer brake controller, but I'd be surprised if it didn't with it being a 1 ton dually.

[@dreamages9838]

Great video mounting my old camper was a pain your system really makes it much easier. keep up the videos coming and enjoy your trip.

[@tigerragfishingteam6480]

Did you have the bed mat in Montana when the camper slid in the wind? That's one if the biggest items to help your camper not to slide. You can also cut wooden chocks or braces for inside your bed so it won't slide. Thanks for the tip of lowering right or left side to fine tune side to side alignment - I didn't know that one!

[@kitchen3050]

What works for me is strong earth magnets attached to plate and mount points. Quick and easy to change and it does not move.

[@JerrysThisandThat]

Awesome, been going back and watching your older vids I haven't seen yet and I learnt alot on this one. Thanks Taylor.

[@MsClever26]

This makes me appreciate Class B and C's. That's so much extra work loading & unloading the camper

[@cletusvandamme6262]

That Chevy truck under the AF cabover camper will get on the order of 50% better fuel economy than a Class C.

[@christianludvigsen5641]

I own a class C and pull a car behind it so I don't have to unhook every time I have to go somewhere. No kids now so this truck camper looks better plus I can pull a boat behind it and still have the truck when parked.

[@brentmcmahon8188]

I remember in the olds they a support for the front of camper they ran from front of camper to the front of truck and I guess it was extra support for the sleeping part that hug over the hood on a single and I think they were spring loaded but not for sure .

[@russellhogben6628]

You have very good presentational skills. I can see you being hired by some tv company. Easy on the eye too 😉

[@kathrynb4683]

Good, informative vid! I hope everyone tskes the time to pre-trip and post trip inspect their vehicles. Only thing you didn't mention (but know you did) was emphasize checking your lugs and tires as well every time.

[@thomaswilson9066]

Where under the truck does the cord plug into the one that you made sure the campershell didn't crush on the bed of the truck great tip with the tape

[@colormedubious4747]

There's just one cable and it runs from trailer connection on the rear of the truck to the socket on the front of the rig.

[@shadow1975able]

Tape genius!! Love the purple. Great tutorial.

[@MichaelWellman1955]

I'm in the process of researching an RV for long term traveling in my retirement years. I am enjoying watching your videos because they are as educational as they are entertaining plus you're doing what I want to do. You did touch on topic of great concern for me. What size vehicle do i need for a truck camper? The real question is what is the wet (total)weight of the camper? I think you may have underestimated the weight of your camper. Looking at the Specs for it you have 141 gallons of water/gray/black water which is about 1240 lbs. 60 lbs of propane plus additional gear/clothing and I've heard that you should estimate about 500 lbs. per person which means you could have almost an extra 2000 lbs of extra weight. You're probably closer to 4.5-5K lbs . Thanks for the great explanation of RV power sources. I love the tape idea. Thanks for these videos'

[@chriswaroblak979]

He is estimating light because depending on the camper options such as a/c solar, batteries, etc. these all are added to the published dry weight. But you don’t travel with all three tanks full. If I’m full of water, I probably have dumped my grey and black tanks before I refilled the fresh tank. Otherwise I have no place to put my fresh water after use.

[@tayloreke]

I cannot believe yours just goes straight up like that, mine is squatting and ducking an tripodding like crazy on the way up.

[@marciewarner9225]

I like your purple tape idea. I'll have to give that a try. Thanx.

[@hedge8888]

Just came across your vids and subscribed. I also have a truck camper and am jealous of your trips. I recommend everyone with a TC actually scale their truck to get the true weight. You have lots of capacity but AF is kind of known for underestimating their weights, I think you'll find that your loaded weight is much more than 4000. I for one would be curious to know the actual weight.

[@adeelsiddiqui9982]

Good one man. Very informative

[@troytalbot2218]

Loved the tape idea

[@TheBigdaddy9448]

I took the front plate off my truck and put it on the rear of the camper. I just leave it there so I don't have to mess with it every time. There are no registration tabs on it but in our state they don't put registration tabs on trailer plates either. In the nine years I have been truck camping I have never been stopped for no tabs. Most officers are going to run the plate to see if its up to date before they pull you over anyway. I know because I'm retired from the job.

[@klouism1]

Thanks great job!

[@georges2842]

Quick tip he didn't touch on: Full size trucks have a sticker in the glove compartment with a recommended dry weight for campers on your specific truck. For my 2005 Silverado, it's just under 1900 pounds.

[@monnaprovost7294]

You made it look so easy. When it’s off ur truck, I see u have it down real low. There’s no problem in keeping the slide out? Also, what prevents anyone from raising it onto their truck and stealing ur home? Cheers, Mo

[@TheTallMan67]

very thorough, love it. thanks

[@dhurjatipaulchoudhury6072]

Best video. Wise technique.Crisp videography

[@thomasbarrett6327]

Thanks. Love your videos. Really informative and good shots to re-enforce what you are describing. I see that you are from BC - or at least your truck is from there. I am heading out to Golden BC in a few days (should be there by MArch 6 - heading from the east coast of USA) and suggestions as to where to camp etc (it will be winter). I’ll be skiing at revelstoke and kicking horse. Thankas again.

[@williampotts3008]

Try it with a 32 year old trk. Camper with 3 jacks .

[@ShardeShardeSharde]

Tape idea is smart

[@dirtybloomers7068]

I call dibs on the yellow jack pads.

[@AdobeCRT]

Few Questions: 1. Have you thought about putting an electric plug on the front side of your bed or box of the truck so you don't have to run the cable? 2. I am guessing there is no room for the tailgate of the truck (down of course) with your camper? 3. You cant get a copy of your license plate to leave on camper so you don't have to switch it?

[@TaylorDzaman]

The cable doesnt bug me , no room for tailgate, and yes your right ! hahah hope that helps

[@robertalynch5433]

I learned a few tricks even though I have loaded and unloaded mine a few times. Thanks!!!

[@snowcrustracer]

Nice set up!

[@snowcrustracer]

We are rolling around in a GMC 3500 Crew cab and a 10.2 Northern Lite. We just picked it up in the spring and are having a blast. We spent a bit of time hiking the Whites in NH over the summer but have it all packed up for the winter now. Hubby and I are still working...but hope to retire soon.

[@oldcrow6990]

What is coldest weather you've been in with the AF?

[@PNWTruckCamper]

Very thorough. I’m way more sloppy when I toss my camper in my bed 🤣

[@ceciliapetrowsky2572]

I have recently discovered you and subscribed. You have awesome presentation skills and are just a joy to watch. We have an Arctic Fox fifth wheel but always wondered how people put those campers on their trucks. It looks so intimidating! BTW, we recently saw a sign in a campground that truck campers were not permitted to remove the camper. We thought that was so odd. Maybe they were afraid it would be a liability issue if it well over and killed someone.

[@kenmunoz8517]

Here’s how ignorant RV park attendants can be about this issue: Stability in wind is simply a factor of “stance” (where the feet/jacks are in relation to the object) and height. Any 5th wheel or Class A has the supporting jacks inboard of the unit, thus actually narrower than outboard jacks on a camper. So the camper in a windy condition should actually be more stable, especially if it’s lowered to the ground. Though I admit (as I own a camper myself), there is something freakish looking about a camper sitting off the truck. The illusion that the front end is not pulling the whole thing over on its nose can be hard on the cerebral senses!😄

[@stephenchristian5739]

DAMN SOMEONE WHO IS AS SMART AS ME! I LIKE THE 2 DOOR 'king cab would b nice' I CAN'T STAND 4 DOORS! SO NICE JOB ON THE SHORTER TRUCK

[@normnilsson7208]

Howdy. Looks like a happy life, one thing, when you leave your camper can anyone just drive up and steal it ?

[@406Steven]

11:31 Put some tape on the loose length of chain to keep from beating up your paint 👍

[@CuHead1]

Could hang the extra links at the bottom, too.

[@pu3danimationstudio.501]

I love your work , keep it on bro and if you can then come to visit Nepal......

[@xrpxtrariceplease2811]

Well done

[@rleral]

I was hoping to find time to load a video but it will have to wait. If you are like me, and your truck camper "barely" fits into the bed of your truck (1" to spare on each side), lining up the truck is a pain. An easy "hack" is to use cheap laser pointers and simply tape them to the bed on each side. As you get closer, if the laser is pointing to the inside of the camper base, you may be off a bit. It is not perfect, but it will at least let you know if you are way off in the beginning of backing up. Don't trust the laser 100%! Just use it as a basic guide. I still have to get out of my truck a couple times when loading. Truck: Dodge Ram 2500; Camper: Lance

[@kitchen3050]

I would like to hear more about this

[@owlofminerva1270]

You deserve a subscription! Love your videos officially your fan :)

[@TaylorDzaman]

Well I really appreciate that !

[@oldcrow6990]

You're helping me reconsider truck camper vs short class c. Have you ever frozen lines and at what temp?

[@waynes.1247]

A true Canadian enjoying his Tim Hortons :)

[@Ragnellsdream]

Thanks taylor. I wanted to know how that was done.

[@oldgeeser]

Good video enjoyed it , dident know you were a BC boy, me to Kelowna home town lol .drive safe

[@CriticalRoleHighlights]

Can't you just call the DMV and get another license plate for your camper?

[@stevecrazy9491]

Nope you can get another iicense plate.

[@chriswaroblak979]

Some states will not issue a duplicate tag. I am in PA and they said no. So I leave my tag on the truck.

[@alanang4460]

Great intro

[@ShellieSager]

Love your videos! And was wondering how you do this!

[@kevinppelletier787]

Where did you get the rubber mat from. Good video.

[@lewiscox9223]

You can look it up by VIN number all the specs and weights of your truck

[@NaiganiResorts]

great video...

[@IowaKim]

Im getting mixed advice on payload. Rv salesmen and some internet advice say use difference between Gvwr and truck weight. I see a payload capacity chart and that is way lower. So where did you get your payload capacity info?

[@IowaKim]

Taylor Dzaman I have a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins 4x4 quad cab long bed. 71,000 miles. I got it for auction price. Previous owner had it set up for 5th wheel.

[@kellyabercrombie9769]

Or, go here... www.ramtrucks.com/towing-guide.html and type in your exact VIN and get your exact payload.

[@MikeNaples]

The best place to get your payload capacity is on the yellow sticker in door jamb of your vehicle. You are unlikely to find it in a manual since every one of the beaucoup options available usually detracts from a vehicles payload.

[@cletusvandamme6262]

Kim, RV salesman are NOTORIOUS for convincing potential buyers that the Trailer/5th Wheel/Truck Camper they want to sell you can "easily" be handled by whatever vehicle you happen to own. DON'T YOU BELIEVE THEM! As the saying goes, "What salesman is going to bad-mouth his commission?" Determining payload capacity is difficult at best. Properly determining it involves so many variables that it is almost impossible for the layman to even "ballpark" it.

[@amittrivedi8801]

Is it not possible to get an additional license plate and put it permanently on your Camper? That would eliminate the need to do it again or suffer when you forget to switch it

[@NOBLESVILLE46060]

Any tips for a quad cab loading as far as centering? Just purchased a 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 HD diesel dually. Purchased the truck for a Lance Model 1172.

[@cdlady54_95]

Great intro!

[@jeffsimmons318]

Did you remember to pick up your jack pads for did you drive off and forget them?

[@maggiet4509]

Jeff Simmons I wondered that too, until I realized he had to go back and get his camera.

[@rodneyhowell2703]

Taylor,where have you gone buddy??

[@Joshua40]

both truck and camper are 2016+... How much did you spend on the whole setup, 100k??

[@tracy3066]

If I had a truck camper I think I would just leave it on the truck all the time.

[@Mx199D]

why not just get a class C rv then? :p

[@masondixon1718]

Boom. Roasted.

[@stevecrazy9491]

@@Mx199D Class C, then you have no truck to use. This set up is great. Plus something goes wrong with the camper just drop it off. Then take your truck and go on you merry way. No comparison MUCH BETTER SET UP !

[@shitloveaduck]

Mason Dixon - Back at ya! Hehehe. Jes havn fun witcha.

[@joecollins6259]

Question for you? Do you do anything special to your plumbing in order to camp and use in the winter months. I would like to go skiing with my B model camper but live in a southern state where weather stays worm year around.

[@Viking94134]

@Taylor: What are the yellow squares that the jacks rest on? Foam? Are they yours or provided by the campground? Does it also work to rest the camper on squares of thick plywood or do they crack too easily because of the camper's weight?

[@acastillophotography]

Hello. When you drive your truck with camper on,you just drive D,or use tow mode?

[@dk-eu7tj]

great video where did you buy the rubber bumpers , and or what are the size for for purchase please.. thanks in advance

[@fredarbuckle5188]

Great video, and I know it is not your focus in this vid, but you may mislead people with 'dry weight'. You said your camper is 3500 pounds 'dry weight'; and 4,000 loaded! Not a chance. Your Arctic Fox probably carries 50 (us) gallons of water, plus 6 gal in the hot water tank- 467 pounds. Plus 2 propane bottles- 59 pounds, plus 2 batteries at around 40 pounds each- 80 pounds. Plus your brackets and tie downs- 50 pounds, plus you, 175 pounds. So, you are sitting at around 4300 pounds before you load your fridge, canned goods, bedding, clothing, cameras, computer; your truck may or may not include a full tank of gas as payload, so possibly another 200 pounds or so. There is no way your camper loaded weight is under 5000 pounds, probably closer to 5500. Not a problem for your setup, but could be a major problem for someone pushing things. Great vid otherwise by the way!

[@baldpimpin1]

loving your videos... just one question... i kinda got a ball park idea of the value$$$. could probly get a nice motor home for that with more room... why did u go with a truck camper???

[@TaylorDzaman]

Hey! I live on side streets. It would be near impossible to find those spots with a big motor home !

[@sambrown6178]

So in the states the camper is required to be licensed and the truck is also required to be licensed. It does seem to be a ripoff

[@kerstenhau2582]

Really like your videos ! We are going to watch them all !! Very informative !! Our son has a utube channel too. Chris Hau . You might know of him . Anyway keep up the great videos ! 🦋💕

[@jojojosmart1]

Looks like you're catching a lot of wind resistance without a king cab.

[@ShellieSager]

How many times before you were able to do it without several attempts?

[@18twilliams]

The front jacks swing out for dually wheels to fit!Not for stability.

[@JLeeChron]

Taylor Dzaman I like shorter intros. You asked. I skip them if binge watching channels, thats why. so how long does this off/on process take approximately? How stable is it when moving about? I’m more apt to drop coach so I can drive around while Camping w/o it. Good times n vids

[@ps8540]

The RV site your at is so wide open; where is this location? Did you mention Montana?

[@patrickmcmenaman0407]

Can you just leave the jacks at the same level that you unloaded the camper at to save time lifting it?

[@raisedbywolves-susankaren257]

Lowering the Jack's off truck adds a safety feature(harder to steal) and allows more stability while inside.

[@JIM-sb8qh]

those are swingouts to clear the fenders!!

[@deividmmm758]

Where are you now. I have a gmc 1 ton. Loking for a chance to meet you

[@MaryPhamCandy]

what would be a good truck for a camp trucker? 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Base Long Box 2WD would this work?

[@martinm.8343]

Having electric jacks seems nice, but what if you have a malfunction out in the middle of nowhere?

[@10xSmiles]

Martin M. Speaking for my electric jacks on my Lance camper and I am sure Artic Fox also supplies rods to manually drop jacks. Its more difficult. When I was young girl thats how my families truck camper jacks were. Slowly lower each jack just a bit. Keeping weight to the back jacks with slight incline to front jacks till at desired height. I love my electric jacks!!!

[@chriswaroblak979]

You can manually crank each leg. Very hard to do with a 3/8” ratchet. Don’t ask how I know.