Help!Truck camper bracket pulling away

[JIMMMDOG]

I have a 1991 Coachman slide-in truck camper. The front jack bracket is starting to pull away from the camper. It happened as I was lowering camper. Any suggestions on repairs or alternate after market solutions? Any ideas on creating a seperate jack that doesn't stay attached to camper? Right now I don't dare try to use jack to get camper into truck. This just happened and I hope to find a way to at least get it into the truck.

My e- mail is -- email address removed -- for direct response.

Thank you

Jim in CT

 

[GFritsch]

The jack bracket is usually bolted to the frame (wood on most campers ). The wood that the bolts are trying to grab is probably damaged. I fixed an old camper once by getting a section of L metal that I bolted the length of the framing member, then drilled and tapped the L metal to attach the jack bracket. Whatever size lag bolt originally held the jack bracket would be the size bolt to attach the new metal to undamaged portions of the camper frame. As this is the front jack, a piece of straight stock might be required instead of L metal. Remeber to run sealant behind the added metal as well as into the bolt holes.



As the jack is a safety issue you might consider having a camper repair shop fix it if you don't feel comfortable making the repair.



Good luck--

Greg

 

[Rman]

The jacks anchor to the strongest portion of the camper. So as stated above, angle iron is your best bet. The section the jack is currently anchored too is damaged, so with angle iron you'll be able to anchor it elsewhere yet still retain the strength of the original anchor.



Pulling the siding off is a good idea, the wood may be further damaged than just at that point and perhaps a more intense repair is needed. A good RV shop would be best suited for this unless your exceptionally crafty and have the tools. (it's always the tools isn't it?)

 

[Dane]

You can use the brackets as long as the wood underneath is not rotted. When I repaired an old cabover, I pulled the siding back and installed new wood. Made me sleep better not worrying about the possible disaster of a leg comming loose while loading/unloading.

 

[JIMMMDOG]

Thank you to all that posted about the camper jack stand. If anyone has any additional comments they are welcome. As it stands right now I had to pull the hot water tank and attached furnace. Behind them what was found was water damage and wood rot. It's about a one foot square section. I had a friend weld an insert with contact on three sides of interior out of heavy gauge steel. Hope to install tonight 6/23/04. I plan on keeping the camper on the truck the rest of season once I get it back on, and will evaluate my options during the off season. There may be a new camper in my future if further problems arise.

JIMMMDOG

 

[GFritsch]

Jimmmdog--



You will sleep very well in the camper that you repaired.