How much do truck camper jacks weigh?
In this blog post, we will answer the following question: How much do truck camper jacks weigh? We will review the different types of truck camper jacks, explain how a truck camper jack works and what are the advantages of using them.
How much do truck camper jacks weigh?
Truck camper jacks can weigh between 5 lbs to 60 lbs, depending on the jacks type and the material it is made of. Keep in mind that for a truck camper that weighs under 2,300 lbs you will need at least four jacks!
| Type of Truck Camper Jacks | Models Weight and recommendations |
| Tripod Truck Camper Jacks | RVGUARD aluminium jacks – less than 40 lbs in totalEaz-Lift 48850 steel jacks – 24.26 lbs/itemA-KARCK all-steel jacks – 24.3 lbs/item |
| Corner-mounted jacks | Rieco-Titan Products TFC2A3W – 57.9 lbs/productCamco 48866 EAZ LIFT – 17.96 lbs/product |
| Stable-Lift Camper Jacks | Camco 48830 Eaz-Lift – 5 lbs/itemPro-LifT T-9456 – 9 lbs/item |
| 4-Corner Mounted | ESCO 10498 – 11 lbs/item Mophorn Pipe Jack Stand with 4-Ball Transfer – 35 lbs/item |
| Electric Corner-Mounted Jacks | Akron Adjustable Floor Jack – 4lbs to 18 lbs/item (depending on the model)Lippert 285318 3500LB – 10 lbs/item |
| Hydraulic Corner-Mounted Jacks | Pro-Lift F-767 – 30 lbs/itemSPECSTAR Pneumatic Air Hydraulic Bottle Jack – 31.5 lbs/item |
How do truck camper jacks work?
A truck camper jack is already standard equipment in most RVs. The camper jacks are used to lift the camper and make its components accessible for a wide variety of maintenance and repairs, but also for taking the truck off the camper and being able to support the latter.
A truck camper jack consists of steel profiles, has a fixed seal at the bottom and a pressure point on the vehicle at the top. A long threaded rod passes through the central joints and is fitted with a crank that changes the shape of the diamond when actuated. The mechanically designed jack requires a great deal of physical force on the part of the user. In comparison, a hydraulic jack or even an electric scissor jack is much easier to use.
Camping in a camper off the truck is perhaps the biggest advantage of the truck camper and the number one reason why you need good jacks. When camping you can use, for example, a few boards that you place under the wheel. For this, you need a jack to lift the wheel off the ground. Then you can place a few planks or other supports that the trailer wheel can lean on.
Hydraulic jacks are a really comfortable and easy system. There are different models made with different materials. Take into account the weight they will support and the security system. Some vehicles have legs that are levelled with remote control.
How to level your truck camper using jacks
Parking a truck camper in an uneven location can lead to structural problems with the components that help support the weight of the trailer and can leave the camper prone to shifting if not properly secured.
Using jacks at the bottom of a truck camper allows it to be parked and set up for safe camping. Here’s how you do it:
- Park your truck camper in your desired camping location, then use the level on an exterior mounted level bar, or on a flat surface inside the vehicle, to determine if the trailer is level from side to side.
- Lay the jacks by the tires on the side that needs to be lifted, and then roll the camper over the blocks until the trailer is level from side to side. You may have to adjust the blocks more than once before reaching a suitable level.
- Place chocks before and after all camper wheels to prevent roll.
- Check the front to back levels of the camper.
- Extend the landing gear if the front is too high, or place blocks or planks under the gear if the front is too low.
- Lower the landing gear on your truck camper until it is level front to rear. The landing gear is extended using a built-in crank or hand-mounted starter to drive the gear down.
- Lower the outriggers so they are supporting some of the weight, but they are not solely responsible for holding the truck camper.
Precautions when using truck camper jacks
Even though camper jacks are simply built and very easy to use, there are still some steps you should take for your own safety:
- Before using the jacks, check that they are working properly. Only use them when you are sure there are no faults and there is no material or other weakness.
- Do not disassemble the camper jacks. Tests have often shown that disassembly resulted in defects and associated malfunctions. You don’t even have to disassemble it to lubricate the threaded screw.
- The tests always show the dramatic consequences that can result from exceeding the specified load. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s specifications and make sure there is “air on top”. This means: if possible, use a jack designed for much higher loads than necessary.
- A camper jack is only intended for lifting RVs with the proper mounting. We strongly advise against misuse and use for unidentified vehicle types.
- Use camper jacks only on firm, straight surfaces.
- Always place the jack exactly at a right angle to the camper. Check exactly where the vehicle manufacturer marked the jack mounting points. Make sure that you do not have to put your hands under the camper to lift it.
Final thoughts and tips
Camping in a truck camper off the truck is a great benefit for many pick-up owners. This way you are free to travel with your truck while the camper is safely parked at the campsite. You can also sleep comfortably in your camper even if it is off the truck – by making sure you have stabilized it well with the right type of camper jacks.
Moreover and besides the obvious advantage of relieving the tires of all the weight and pressure, there are additional benefits of storing your truck camper on jacks. For example, in order to function properly, your refrigerator MUST be placed on a level, flat surface. Its cooling fluids flow through the ducts using gravity. If it is not arranged properly, it can overheat and be damaged.
In addition, nothing is more disagreeable than having items that do not fit in the cabinets and on the counters. Worse: feel your vehicle swinging from left to right under your feet! Camper jacks will prevent all of these issues!
Please feel free to get in contact if you have any questions or comments on the content.
FAQ on How much do truck camper jacks weigh?
How does a hydraulic jack work?
Hydraulic cylinders of a jack contain hydraulic oil which is pumped through a piston. This allows the vehicle to be jacked up without requiring a lot of power compared to a mechanical scissor jack. To lower the vehicle, all you have to do is open the valve.
What is the best oil to lubricate a truck camper jack?
Waxy grease performs best in this test. Liquid oil tends to move away from the threaded screw and flow where it is not wanted. It is best to use chain grease or a similar lubricant with a waxy consistency.
Where should I mount the jacks on the camper?
If you do not know where you should mount the jacks on a camper, do not experiment, but refer to the owner’s manual for your vehicle. The manufacturer usually marks the points so that you can easily know where to place the jack. These points are arranged very differently depending on the camper model.
Where is the best place to buy camper jacks?
Even if you trust the advice of a professional, buying a camper jack online is usually the best choice. Here you will find favourable conditions, welcoming dealers and numerous test results from independent institutes.
Should I store my RV with the jacks down?
Yes, you should store your RV with the jacks down. This way, you relieve the tires and the suspensions of a lot of pressure. By using a jack stand kit, your RV is more stable and the weight of the tires is evenly distributed.
Can you sleep in a truck camper on jacks?
Yes, you can sleep in a truck camper on jacks. Jacks will support your truck camper and will safely hold all the weight.
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