I'm looking for a little advice/feedback from fellow TC owners here.

The wife and I purchased a Arctic Fox 811 camper this past winter. Just doing our part to help out the ailing economy. We *LOVE* this thing, by the way! Anyway, I have always intended to drop the camper from the truck during longer trips. But until now, all trips have been only 1 or 2 nighters so I haven't needed to/wanted to yet. This weekend is a planned 3 nighter so I'm thinking offloading will be nice.

My question is this: how unlevel is too unlevel to unload. I know "the more, the better" is clearly better but not always realistic when playing in the great outdoors. I have the following level indicators taped to the side and front. My gut feel is that anything more than a "2" would be a little scary. The RV pad is nice and level so I've never had to worry about unloading on an uneven surface. Tips, tricks, advice greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I'm not a truck camper but a TT camper. My opinion is 2" either way is too much for the fridge and supports. If you need too, dig the jack stands down to level.

Again I'm not a truck camper but don't you have 4 independent jacks so you could make anything level after you got it off the truck?

 

With my Okanagan I need to keep it within about 1-2 deg. to keep the refer running. Otherwise it just stops cooling. Nothing else will be affected. I've never offloaded during a trip, but that's due to the ground being realy bad where I have to camp during hunting season. When I'm storing it I keep it @ +/- 1 deg, & keep it warm, & full of water, & food, for when the power goes out during the winter.

 

IDAHO GUY; I carry an Arctic Fox 1150, so I have a little experience with real heavy campers. My first question is: what jacks do you have? If they are "Happy Jack" electric jacks, they are a very solid and sturdy unit. I don`t see being 2-3 degrees off level as a problem. What you do need to be careful of is how flat the campsite is.

When you back into a campsite, especially a "Wilderness" campsite, you have to be sure the ground is level, you do not want to have any holes or bumps, or off camber spots. If the loaded truck backs into a camping spot with no bumps, jerks, or sways, you will be good to pull the truck out from under the camper. If you do have any of the problems mentioned, you will have to smooth them out using what ever is at hand. (dirt, gravel, etc.). If you can`t back up the loaded unit smoothly, you will not be able to drive the truck from under the camper safely.
On my truck, the camper just fits between the wheel wells, I need to raise the camper at least 2" at the back of the truck, and 3 to 4 ", at the front. The jacks do allow some sway from the camper, actually a fare amount, as I found out this spring by accident.
Another thing, you must be able to back into the camping straight. If you have to turn the front wheels at all within 10 feet of your final drop point, you will not be able to drive out from under the camper. The smoother and easier you can get into a spot, the easier it will be to get out.

Above all else, TAKE YOUR TIME.... Make sure the jacks are on solid footings. I carry 2X6`s with me to place under the jacks. Make sure what ever you place under the jacks will clear the tires when you drive the truck from under the camper. Having someone to guide you and watch for problems, is also an asset.
You have a great camper........ENJOY.............Terry

 

Idaho ,slightly off topic here ,can you tell me how your truck handles with that camper on it,do you think air bags would be enough or would I need a sway bar as well? I have a 3500 srw too.The camper I am looking at would be slightly lighter around 3000 lbs ,I am trying to get some idea of handling so if you could post some info or pm me with any comments it would be much appreciated thx.