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Open Roads Forum  >  Truck Campers

 > One Final Check

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martyn8677

Celina, Texas

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Joined: 02/09/2012

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Posted: 02/25/12 08:25am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Ok, to refresh, I bought an Arctic Fox 990 a couple of weeks ago, then bought an 08 GMC 3500 dually to carry it a little over a week ago. I am leaving tomorrow to drive 800 miles to pick up the camper and return home with it. Here is what I have done to the truck to make it ready, based on advice from this site:

-- Took truck to mechanic to have it checked over, all is good.
-- I bought a bed mat to go under the camper
-- Had the wiring outlet in the bed double checked and configured per
the dealers instructions
-- Bought a tire gauge to work with dual rear wheels
-- Added Torklift tiedowns and have Fastguns still in the box to take
with me
-- Added Torklift Quick Disconnect Stable Loads
-- Made sure the dealer installed the swing out jacks for dually
-- Will remove the tailgate before I leave
-- Insured camper

Am I missing anything? Really appreciate the help

Steelhog

Harvest, AL

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Joined: 03/25/2008

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Posted: 02/25/12 08:39am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

This may not be an issue with your rig but confirm the cabover bunk clears the roof of your truck. Don't forget clearance lights. Some of the newer trucks have taller cabs which can require building up the floor of the bed to clear.

Congrats

FF1063

NY

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Posted: 02/25/12 08:41am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I'll assume you have the camper mirrors on your GM, and don't forget you'll have to transfer your license plate to the TC. Good Luck !


98' Ram 3500 DRW / 05' Arctic Fox 990

MrMuffin

Indianapolis, IN

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Joined: 08/07/2004

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Posted: 02/25/12 08:46am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Very exciting. You're all set!


Mr. Muffin

2006 Newmar Dutch Star 4306
2001 Jeep Wrangler or our Harley trailer

martyn8677

Celina, Texas

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Posted: 02/25/12 09:10am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

thanks for the responses. I am paranoid I am going to forget something.

One other question, should I inflate the rear tires to 80 psi just before loading the camper?

insp1505

Idaho

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Joined: 06/11/2010

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Posted: 02/25/12 09:15am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

My only recommendation would be to take the fast guns out of the box and get them ready to use. Mine were "some assembly required" I remember trying to put them together at the dealership and having to look for tools and a vice to borrow. Maybe they are different now but it was kind of a pain and took quite a bit of time. Everything else you've done sounds good.

insp1505

Idaho

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Posted: 02/25/12 09:19am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

martyn8677 wrote:


One other question, should I inflate the rear tires to 80 psi just before loading the camper?


For the distance you are driving empty I would inflate at the dealership before loading or find a tire shop of they can't. It will be a rough ride and wear the center of your tires faster with that much pressure on an empty truck.

JimK-NY

fulltimer

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Posted: 02/25/12 09:46am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Again, throw in a couple of sections of 2x4 just in case you need to raise the camper for clearance.

Get a compressor. Sure beats looking for gas station air everytime you want to adjust the air pressure. I bought a Slime brand at Walmart for about $50. It is light with a compact carry bag and takes the pressure up from 60 to 80 psi in about 2 minutes/tire. In addition to the convenience, it helps maintain the exact pressure. You should adjust when the tires are cold and the truck has not been driven for several hours. Also watch out for the sun. Just sitting with the sun hitting the tires can raise the pressure by more than 10 psi.

Don't forget the duct tape.





Eugarps

Hagerstown, MD

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Joined: 09/26/2002

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Posted: 02/25/12 09:57am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

martyn8677 wrote:

Ok, to refresh, I bought an Arctic Fox 990 a couple of weeks ago, then bought an 08 GMC 3500 dually to carry it a little over a week ago. I am leaving tomorrow to drive 800 miles to pick up the camper and return home with it. Here is what I have done to the truck to make it ready, based on advice from this site:

-- Took truck to mechanic to have it checked over, all is good.
-- I bought a bed mat to go under the camper
-- Had the wiring outlet in the bed double checked and configured per
the dealers instructions
-- Bought a tire gauge to work with dual rear wheels
-- Added Torklift tiedowns and have Fastguns still in the box to take
with me
-- Added Torklift Quick Disconnect Stable Loads
-- Made sure the dealer installed the swing out jacks for dually
-- Will remove the tailgate before I leave
-- Insured camper

Am I missing anything? Really appreciate the help


One thing.. Get on the road and have fun! Sorry that's two.

Bill

Reddog1

El Dorado, CA

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Joined: 03/09/2004

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Posted: 02/25/12 10:03am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

One thing I did not see mentioned, leave the nervousness at home, and allow the positive excitement to surface. There is nothing you cannot deal with, if you forgot it at home. On your return trip, this is especially true. New rig will require a period of miles to adapt. You will rock and roll due to the weight and the nature of truck/TCs. Stop a few times and walk around your truck, looking far anything abnormal.

I wise fellow one said; "There is no need to worry, cause 98% of what we worry about ain't gonna happen anyway."

Wayne

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