How to load camper onto a Uhaul trailer.

[2002tii]

My truck has a camper shell and I have not yet prepared the bed or suspension for a truck camper.
If I was to find a camper in the next couple of weeks ( before a 3 month work trip) I was thinking I could get the camper using a UHAUL 5x9 trailer.
Wondering if anyone has done it in the past.
Not sure if the camper jacks will clear, or if the trailer rails are too tall.
If I have a chance, I may stop by the UHAUL place to measure, but still not sure on camper jacks width.

thanks for any anecdotal help and/or suggestions.

 

[LuckyDan]

If you’re looking for a full sized model like a Grandby, they’re 80 inches or so wide, about 2 inches more between the jacks, that assumes we’re talking about corner jacks. According to FWC, the Fleet and Swift are 75 in wide. If you’re looking at older models like a Ranger II or the original Fleet it might be close depending on the trailer tires or hubs. As for the sides of a UHaul being too tall or not, I have no idea. Good luck with your search and your plan.

 

[BlueSky]

Here's what I did once. I built two dollies (sp?) to go under the camper, and I pulled the camper up the trailer ramp with two big ratchet straps. Once I got the camper on to the trailer, I lowered the jacks until firmly planted on the trailer bed but not to the point of raising the camper off the dolly. Then I tied the camper down at four points to the big D-rings on the trailer bed. Note that trailer ramps may or may not have 1-2 inch gaps at the hinge, so you have to put something in the slot for the dolly to roll over easily. Also, you have to be on perfectly level ground. My trailer was enclosed btw and a tad wider than the camper. Since the dolly is narrower than the camper I suppose you could use a narrower trailer, but I would not go much narrower than the camper to avoid tippy-ness. Get big heavy duty ratchet straps since your load will have a dynamic component.

 

[2002tii]

good ideas. its gonna be a narrow camper, like a fleet, ocelot or bobcat.
Ill have to see if the uhaul is suitable for a dolly or dollies.
thanks

 

[jimjxsn]

I think the issue may be the height of the side walls on a u-haul trailer. There are some pictures here - https://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/1908-fwc-mounted-on-a-trailer/ of campers on utility trailers. Around here, you can rent utility trailers from the big hardware stores and might be able to find a flatbed or low walled trailer there. Good luck...

 

[rubberlegs]

Perhaps unrelated, but we have had trouble finding a uhaul trailer. Maybe they are more available in your area.

 

[2002tii]

Update: Last Friday I picked up an FWC Eagle.
I had reserved a Uhaul trailer, I figured I would need some cradle material to clear the sides of the trailer.
the trailer was under 79" wide so I would be able to slide under camper.
As it turns out, I was able to get rid of my camper shell and got the truck ready on Thu night.

thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Congratulations on your new camper!

 

[2002tii]

Congratulations on your new camper!

Thanks!