How to Install a Truck Camper

Truck campers are a versatile and compact option for people who want to upgrade their camping experience but don’t want the hassle of having to tow a heavy trailer or drive a big vehicle. Truck campers come in many different sizes and styles, and have a number of uses for both work and recreation. Regardless of what model you choose, it’s important that you learn how to properly mount it onto your truck. 

Here are a few key tips for installing your truck camper!

Raise the Truck Camper

Start the installation process by raising your truck camper up in small increments. This will require moving it a few inches at a time until it’s approximately 4 to 6 inches above the bed of your truck. Focus on raising the front end of your camper first and then adjusting the back until the two sides are level.

If you try raising the rear end first, you might tip the camper forward and cause damage. You will know the camper is raised properly once it’s high enough for you to back your truck underneath it!

Back Your Truck Up

Slowly back your truck underneath the camper and proceed with caution, so you don’t hit the jacks as you reverse. Try to keep your truck centered and watch that the jacks clear the truck’s wheel wells and that the camper doesn’t damage your bumper or tail lights. Remember to take your time with this process, as it requires very precise attention to detail!

Connect the Wiring

Before the camper is fully in place on your truck, you need to connect the wiring from your camper to your truck. Make sure the camper won’t be resting on any of this wiring when you finish reversing your truck into place. Focusing on this step now rather than waiting until you’ve completely installed the camper will make the process much easier!

Lower & Secure Camper

When the camper is fully over your truck bed, begin lowering it back into place. Work in small increments, lowering the back before the front. This makes sure that the rear of the camper is never higher than the front. Do this slowly until your camper is nestled onto the truck bed.

Following this step, you can begin to secure the camper to the truck, using tie-downs and turnbuckles. Attach your turnbuckles to the anchor points of your camper, install the tie-downs on your truck, and then tighten them. Remember not to tighten your turnbuckles too much, at risk of damaging the tie downs or even ripping out your anchors. Now, your camper should be perfectly in place and secure, ready for you to load it up and head out!

Let’s go camping! Buy your camper at Broadmoor RV, located in Tri-Cities, Washington. We also proudly serve Seattle, Spokane, and surrounding areas.