In situations where precision is necessary, moving the camper is easier and quicker than moving the truck. Caster wheels can move in multiple axis; the truck can not. Also, there is nothing here that would exclude a heavier camper except one would need to use caster wheels with a slightly higher rating than the ones I used (the wheels I used are good for up to 4800 lbs.).
Went simpler...SS1200 Palomino...we had just over 1.75 inches per side, so it was still able to move side to side even with the tie downs...We used 2 5 foot sections of 2x4, wth shims, and inserted them at each wheel well. We are monitoring the outcome, ....so far the camper is secured very well from any side to side movement, and appears squared in the bed...(Ram 3500 8 foot box...tailgate removed).
I think the 2x4 idea should work just fine. I have seen this or similar setups on other trucks. I didn't go this route because I didn't want to have to remove anything from the bed when I need to haul a load of gravel, etc. The centering guides stay out of the way of any other cargo, but of course they were more expensive and a lot harder to install than 2x4 side rails. I noticed adding a rubber mat under the camper significantly reduced side to side motion as well.
Question:: being as how the guides shift the camper whilst lowering the camper, would that put undue stress on the jacks since the weight is still on the jacks ?
Yes, somewhat. But I've noticed there's a lot of play allowed in the jacks, and the alignment guides are only shifting the camper by a small amount. I don't think there's enough movement for it to be a problem, as gross mis-alignment would cause the camper to miss the alignment pins altogether. Also, this HappiJac system is quite common and has been available for quite a while, so it's likely any issues would be well known by now.
Yes, I have seen this done and have tried it. It didn't work so well for me, but maybe I just wasn't using the right technique. Since my manual jacks are a pain to operate, I didn't spend much time trying to get this to work, but it may be helpful for others. Thanks for the comment.
You sir....are a freeking genius! Thank you for posting this!
OMG! Just make a couple movements with the truck. You won’t do this with a 5,000 lb camper.
In situations where precision is necessary, moving the camper is easier and quicker than moving the truck. Caster wheels can move in multiple axis; the truck can not. Also, there is nothing here that would exclude a heavier camper except one would need to use caster wheels with a slightly higher rating than the ones I used (the wheels I used are good for up to 4800 lbs.).
I saw a guy put a casters system that would guide/ roll the camper into direct middle. ( between wheel wells) Simple wood build.
Went simpler...SS1200 Palomino...we had just over 1.75 inches per side, so it was still able to move side to side even with the tie downs...We used 2 5 foot sections of 2x4, wth shims, and inserted them at each wheel well. We are monitoring the outcome, ....so far the camper is secured very well from any side to side movement, and appears squared in the bed...(Ram 3500 8 foot box...tailgate removed).
I think the 2x4 idea should work just fine. I have seen this or similar setups on other trucks. I didn't go this route because I didn't want to have to remove anything from the bed when I need to haul a load of gravel, etc. The centering guides stay out of the way of any other cargo, but of course they were more expensive and a lot harder to install than 2x4 side rails.
I noticed adding a rubber mat under the camper significantly reduced side to side motion as well.
interesting video. I have a Palomino and same issue.
Question:: being as how the guides shift the camper whilst lowering the camper, would that put undue stress on the jacks since the weight is still on the jacks ?
Yes, somewhat. But I've noticed there's a lot of play allowed in the jacks, and the alignment guides are only shifting the camper by a small amount. I don't think there's enough movement for it to be a problem, as gross mis-alignment would cause the camper to miss the alignment pins altogether.
Also, this HappiJac system is quite common and has been available for quite a while, so it's likely any issues would be well known by now.
You can also just use the Jacks to get it centered in your truck
Yes, I have seen this done and have tried it. It didn't work so well for me, but maybe I just wasn't using the right technique. Since my manual jacks are a pain to operate, I didn't spend much time trying to get this to work, but it may be helpful for others. Thanks for the comment.