Are you looking for the RV life without the inconveniences of it? Then, a truck camper might do wonders for you.
Whether you’re camping, towing, or road-tripping, a truck camper has got your back. But, having said that, there might be one safety question on your mind, and that is, ‘can a truck camper tip over?’
The simple answer is yes, but you should also note that there are numerous precautions you can take to avoid that overturn situation.
Stick around to better understand why your truck camper might tip over and what you can do about it.
Causes of Truck Camper Tipping Over
In most cases of a truck camper tipping over, it’s usually the lack of proper safety measures. But, other times, well, it could just be your luck!
First, let’s look at some of the most common causes of your truck camper tipping over.
Not Securing the Truck Camper
This is a crucial step that every truck camper driver should know. You should bear in mind that a truck camper is made of two separate components: a trailer and a pick-up truck. If they’re not secured together correctly, you run the risk of more accidents.
To avoid this issue, all you have to do is focus on two parts: the turnbuckles and tie-downs. You need to make sure your tie-down system is up to safety standards. The tie-downs are what fastens the camper to the pick-up truck.
There should be a tie-down for each corner, so four overall. There are numerous types of tie-downs available in the market. You’ll need to make sure you’ve got the right kind for your truck camper.
As for the turnbuckles, these will help keep your tie-downs more tightened. This tension is responsible for keeping your camper fastened. Most camper makers advise keeping the turnbuckle pressure at approximately 300 lbs.
Incorrect Weight Distribution
Think of this as a seesaw—once one side weighs too much, it’s bound to tip. So, like the seesaw, you need to make sure you’re not packing too much weight in your camper. Otherwise, the risk of tipping over becomes higher.
Now, there’s a bit of physics that goes into determining the correct weight distribution for your camper. But, first, you should know what your Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is.
That way, you can get the weight capacity needed and try not to go over it. A heavy camper runs the likelihood of dangerously compromising the hitch.
The GCWR will give you an accurate estimate of what your truck can handle as well.
Improper Driving
It doesn’t necessarily mean you need to work on your driving skill—more so how fast you’re driving.
Even though there could be a fixed speed limit in your area, it doesn’t suggest that you should keep it just below that. Sometimes, you’ll need to move a bit slower to avoid fishtailing or jackknifing.
If you hear any grinding noises at the back, it could indicate that your camper is moving too much, and you need to slow it down before it tips over.
Nature’s Intervention
Yes, even the wind can blow over your camper. That situation is usually the least likely to happen, but if you live in an area with extremely high winds (over 55mph), it could increase the possibility of your camper tipping over.
Even though some things can be out of your control, like the weather, you can find ways to better protect your truck camper, such as using stabilizers.
How to Put Your Truck Camper Upright Again
We’ll assume that your truck camper is tipped over in this instance. What’s the next step?
Step #1: Don’t Panic
Accidents happen all the time, even big ones like this. So you need to remain calm before doing anything. Afterward, you’ll have to try to maneuver yourself out of the truck or camper, whichever you’re in at the time.
Step #2: Seek Help
Wherever you are, call for help. You can contact help to inform them of your whereabouts first. While you’re waiting, try to keep your distance from the truck camper. Let the help know if you’re hurt or need any medical attention, so they come prepared.
Step #3: Move the Truck Camper
After you’ve got the necessary help, it’s time to move your truck camper. You’ll need some professional help from a towing company, so it’d be wise to call one. Next, you should try to fix the truck camper at your manufacturer, mechanic, or any repair shop nearby.
Tips to Avoid Tipping Your Truck Camper
Your final step should be prevention. There are a few ways you can make your truck camper less prone to tipping over.
Here are some tips to get you started.
- Avoid over-tightening the turnbuckles. You might break the tie-downs and cause more accidents.
- By all means, don’t take a sharp turn too fast. The center of gravity of a camper is heightened when on a truck. That makes it more vulnerable to tipping over.
- Don’t speed up; it’s too dangerous with this much weight hanging over your vehicle.
- Consider using a stabilizing tool, such as a sway bar. That way, you’ll avoid tipping over from sharp turns.
- Go back to your manual to check the GCWR to ensure correct weight distribution and capacity loading.
FAQs
Can a camper tip over when parked?
While highly unlikely, it’s possible to tip over due to high winds.
Are truck campers safe to drive?
Yes, it also depends on how heavy the camper load is and the truck size.
Do truck campers sway?
Yes, they can sway. Using stabilizers will help counter that swaying.
To Conclude
Can a truck camper tip over? Well, yes, but thankfully, there are numerous lines of defense you can use before that happens.
Before providing the necessary protection, you also need to be aware of the causes of a possible tip-over, such as incorrect weight distribution. That way, you’ll know what to look out for.
Once you get that covered, we hope you’ll take it easy out there and drive safely.