How To Load A Truck Camper (Tips and Tricks)

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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 ?

[@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 .

[@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.

[@sirlancelot3109]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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:)

[@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

[@alansherwood6643]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@drusillalannin7350]

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

[@BarryDuttonSellsHomes]

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

[@romj8523]

Nice suscribe

[@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!

[@TexasRoadrunners]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@monnaprovost7294]

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

[@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.

[@Icarusnj]

Taylor, big thanks! I will do a checklist.

[@kimberlyhanson965]

The tape idea is brilliant.

[@synsilver3315]

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

[@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.

[@marciewarner9225]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Paul_James]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 😉

[@acastillophotography]

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

[@JerrysThisandThat]

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

[@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

[@kevinppelletier787]

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

[@shadow1975able]

Tape genius!! Love the purple. Great tutorial.

[@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

[@dk-eu7tj]

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

[@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?

[@tayloreke]

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

[@russellhogben6628]

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

[@oldcrow6990]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@francoisdesgagne2597]

Can you tell me how Much more clearance the swing out bracket give you on each side. I have to put swing out on my 811 since i baught a dually and i'm not sure it's gonna be enough. Thank you.

[@troytalbot2218]

Loved the tape idea

[@dhurjatipaulchoudhury6072]

Best video. Wise technique.Crisp videography

[@adeelsiddiqui9982]

Good one man. Very informative

[@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.

[@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

[@ShardeShardeSharde]

Tape idea is smart

[@williampotts3008]

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

[@ps8540]

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

[@MaryPhamCandy]

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

[@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

[@ShellieSager]

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

[@TheTallMan67]

very thorough, love it. thanks

[@xrpxtrariceplease2811]

Well done

[@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.

[@klouism1]

Thanks great job!

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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.

[@dirtybloomers7068]

I call dibs on the yellow jack pads.

[@MrCbass1234]

I have a long truck bed like yours, but i can only find a 6 foot horse pad, did arctic fox supply the padding. Also did they hook the wiring to your truck for the camper pig tail.

[@fullstack17110]

MrCbass1234 you can get horse padding cut to any length at tractor supply.

[@CharlesinGA]

several companies make complete kits that are plug and play (no cutting or splicing) to add a second 7 pin connector in the bed of the truck (generally used for 5th wheel trailers) and this would allow a relatively short cord from the inside front LH corner of the bed to the plug on the camper. Etrailer sells them.

[@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!😄

[@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?

[@pu3danimationstudio.501]

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

[@Ragnellsdream]

Thanks taylor. I wanted to know how that was 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

[@normnilsson7208]

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

[@marcussmith4913]

what kind of arctic fox is that?

[@martinm.8343]

Hey Taylor, nice episode. I just want to know if people are allowed to ride in the camper while it's being driven.

[@av-ji9qy]

Martin M. N

[@f.w.1318]

It was legal when I was a kid even up to my early teens in mid 1980s in Texas

[@lewiscox9223]

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

[@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.

[@Joshua40]

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

[@NaiganiResorts]

great video...

[@PNWTruckCamper]

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

[@owlofminerva1270]

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

[@TaylorDzaman]

Well I really appreciate that !

[@SHANG5316]

Great intro

[@oldgeeser]

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

[@ShellieSager]

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

[@richardtoonr4243]

where is your tailgate to your pickup truck it's not laying down it's not in its lot I just kind of curious where you put it at

[@monkeyman41333]

Tailgate is removed and stored. Cant be left on.

[@deividmmm758]

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

[@TheMdgbk9]

What dually do you recommend?

[@cdlady54_95]

Great intro!

[@eddiegastellum6000]

Is your truck a truck diesel?

[@robertalynch5433]

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

[@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

[@rvcenter]

Hi Taylor Got a Q I have a 8 ft bed Dually GMC and I bought a 6 ft Truck Camper My Q is Will I be able to load it on the 8ft ft or will I have an Issue?

[@TaylorDzaman]

As long as the center of gravity is ahead of you back wheels. I would check first with RV mechanic !

[@rvcenter]

We do not have anyone hear who knows about this.... Iam from Oman and following you. I might be the seconf guy in Oman who has a truck camper

[@ronaldroper1973]

Where do you do your laundry at?

[@rodneyhowell2703]

Taylor,where have you gone buddy??