I guess it depends on what I'm doing. There is no correct answer. If I'm just camping and relaxing for a couple days, I don't bother. If I'm putting the boat in/out of lake a couple times a day, then definately the campers coming off. Way easier to launch boat. Some of the boat launches I go to are poor so having camper on just makes it worse. Takes about 1/2 hour for me to load/unload camper, getting quicker each time. To each his own.
I have a Lance 1181, we do several trips each year, that are over a week in length. I carry 4x4 beams, and can comfortably unload the camper, set it low to the ground on the 4x4's, slide out the wall, and have never had a problem. I level it before doing the slide out, and it is not at all "tippy". However, I don't do jumping jacks, or run and jump into the sleeper. Just use a little caution, and try not to bounce around to much, and all is well. Have done this probably a dozen times at least with no problem. The close you can get it to the ground, and for me that is about 5 4x4's, the more stable it will be.
I ended up purchasing some metal saw horses and cut the leg dowm so they sit shorter. Short enough to accomidate the steps I have for the camper. It works great! and is very sturdy with the assist of he three camper jacks.
Doreen and I have been on two camping trips with our new-to-us TC. I think I will almost always want to drop the camper. We enjoy driving to garage sales and thrift shops. I am able to run and get wood, and I do not mind the extra time it takes for both of us to r&r the camper. I think, if need be, Doreen could do it in a pinch.
As we look for our next camper, the fact that it can be used off the truck will be an important buying feature.
I was in Durango for my buddies wedding and they needed a pickup to carry the tables, chairs and other stuff. My wife need to do some work on her computers so it was an easy choice. Off load and go do what need to be done
03 F350 Diesel 4x4 Crew Cab long bed, 08 Lance 1055, Rancho 9000xl, Air Lift air Bags, Torqlift tiedowns,stable loads, super hitch, 48" super truss, Toyo 285/75R16 Opencountry HT
We made the move from a 45 ft motorcoach to a TC. Motorcoach + pull behind Jeep seemed like the idea setup. Only problem is that MC could not go anywhere, just too big. Trying to find a RV park that can handle, then trying to get it in a slot, etc etc etc. We tried for a year and then welcomed our second happiest day, the day it was GONE! Bought a TC and have never looked back.
We roll into town or wherever, wife has a list of museums, places to eat, things to do. I can drop my TC and have it set up for living in less than 5 min. Then go have fun.
Granted sometimes in travel mode for 1 night we do not. But if its a town or city we have never visited then we drop and go into town.
If you have electric jacks then is a no brainer...
I read some of you have 3 jacks. How does that work on a TC????? Where are the jacks located?
Don
17 Oaks Ranch, Texas
US Army (RET)
'11 F350 4x4, CC, LWB, DRW, Lariat
AF 1150, solar, satellite
Vietnam Combat Veteran
Never offload with the exception of last year when the old stake pocket tie downs finally let loose. I have seen it done on occasion, but we like having everything with us when we are sightseeing(especially the coffee pot and fridge).
Last time I unloaded was at Mt Rushmore area when we wanted to tour the narrow roads and tunnels area. (Got the idea from the Two Maineacs) Worked great. But usually we like to tour with our home on our back and with a TC you can. There is seldom anyplace you can't go with a TC.
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