How to: install used truck camper purchased from a private seller

[Ray chill821]

Hey all, I'm to the point where I'm almost ready to purchase a TC from a private seller. She's in FL, I'm in AZ. She said I'd have to purchase an install kit and now I'm just wondering how the hell I'd get the camper on my truck lol. Would I need to have it shipped to an overland shop to get it installed?

 

[Beach]

If it's equipped with jacks or if you can rent/borrow some you can do it yourself(two people is best). Google truck camper tie downs, if you want a off the shelf system or do like many here and purchase turnbuckles and eye bolts from your local hardware store or online. You might want to find out if there is a system already in use, might be you can transfer it to your truck.

 

[Kolockum]

I literally took a set of 5" wide trucker ratchet straps and ratcheted my FWC down to my truck. One over the top near the front of the bed and one from the bed around the back of the camper. Drove about 400 miles that way and didn't have a problem. Florida to AZ might be a bit far but it would get you to a good shop where you could get it installed correctly.

I have also rented jacks from united rentals to move an an Alaskan camper.

 

[kmcintyre]

I literally took a set of 5" wide trucker ratchet straps and ratcheted my FWC down to my truck. One over the top near the front of the bed and one from the bed around the back of the camper. Drove about 400 miles that way and didn't have a problem. Florida to AZ might be a bit far but it would get you to a good shop where you could get it installed correctly.

I have also rented jacks from united rentals to move an an Alaskan camper.

I would not use that option given how far you are travelling. I would set your truck up with eye bolts, etc. Rent, use or borrow jacks and do the install right given how far you are going; you may hit rain and/or wind so why take the chance. The time difference on install might be an hour?

 

[Beach]

I will add, what ever method you use, check the tie downs for looseness on the way home. Camper will "settle in" first 50- 100 mi. and might require tightening. Then check periodically after that.