Hello all, I'm new to TC. I've had my camper on the truck for about a year. The camper has hydraulic jacks and I am just too lazy (scared) to operate them. With a few camping trips planed for the summer, I want to have the freedom of driving to the nearby cities while camped. I have about $1,700 to spend on this project. I am not sure if I should invest in some electric jacks, mechanic jacks or a tow plate/tow bar/break system and bring my car with me. Your opinion is appreciated. Thanks

It's not that big of a deal to take a camper on and off a truck...it just takes some practice, particularly in backing underneath to get it loaded again.

I doubt that you'll be able to get a base plate, tow bar, and brake system for $1,700...at least installed. Don't even know if you can buy the equipment for that amount, but perhaps if you buy used and do the installation yourself.

ON EDIT: You may want to take a look at the ReadyBrute Elite RV Tow Bar. It comes with the integrated ReadyBrake plus safety cables and in-dash light monitoring system for $831. You would still need a base plate, but this is one of the few systems you might be able to get and install (yourself) for the $1,700 you have to spend.

Of course, you could just keep your hydraultic jacks and learn to use them to save yourself a bunch of money!

Thanks Linda. How about mechanical jacks? Aren't they much easier to operate? I think I can install them by myself.

Roger, I have had several campers that i installed hydraulic jacks on, I like them better that mechanical. How big is your camper? When I camp I am usually fishing or hunting and I always set the camper off. I can set it off In 10 minutes using hydraulics. It will take a little longer to pack up to leave. You cannot beat the ease of electric but there is always a chance of failure. Of course any jack can fail, my suggestion, if your camper is not to big, use the hydraulics.

My camper is a 1988 Lance 980 11.3. The truck is a 1995 F350 crew cab dually. No sure if it it is considered a big camper or not. I usually camp with the kids by my self and I have my hands full. Anything that can make my life easier when camping means a lot. I guess I'll start practicing with what I have at home. Roger

That is a fairley big camper, If your camper is not prewired for electric it would be more of a job to install electric. either way it is expensive. the more you use it the more you will like the hydraulic. they were my favorite until i had a camper with electric. best of luck to you and have a great camping season.

Dont be afraid of your hyd jacks go ahead and use them ,its like backing a boat down the ramp the slower the better , you will see its no problem ,it just takes alittle time and practice I would use the money elsewhere and not buy the electric jacks the hydralic ones work good and the are easy to maintain

Thanks guys, I'll keep the hydraulic jacks.