Camper Jacks: Hydraulic versus Electric

It's a topic that comes up among truck camper folks: What's better--hydraulic jacks or electrics? Sometimes you wonder if this is one of those perennial "Ford versus Dodge" discussions. In our humble viewpoint, and after having used both over the years, there are some differences to be considered.

Ease of Use: If you are "single handed" loader, we think the electric jacks are a top choice. It's oh-so-much easier moving between two jacks to load up, as opposed to running around in circles. How so? The typical electric jack system has switches to operate the jacks--a pair of switches on two jacks to operate all four jacks. It's a simple matter to walk from the front jack to the rear jack on the same side of the rig and actuate the switches. On our old hydraulic system, it was a run back and forth matter. The electrics are a whole lot less strenuous: Simply push the button one way or the other to raise or lower the rig, rather than pumping your heart out.

Reliability: We've had more than one hydraulic jack "blow" and leave us with hydraulic fluid everywhere, and in a difficult position. Yes, electric jacks can "go haywire" too. However, if you have a backup crank to operate the electrics, if your camper battery gives up the ghost, at least you can still load up. Mind you, you will spend plenty of time running around the camper--but it's doable.

Expense: Hydraulics are less expensive, particularly if you're dealing with a camper that's not "prewired" for the use of electric jacks. If one does fail irreparably, it's a less expensive fix. Some electric jack manufacturers won't sell you parts, but because of the "complexity" of the jack require it be sent back in for repair.

All in all, it's a "you pays your money and you takes your choice," situation. For us, though, the electrics are a better proposition. When loading up at home base we make sure we're hooked up to shore power to take less of a draw on the camper battery. When unloading or loading on site, where possible we hook the charge cable up from the truck and run the truck engine for this same reason.

Wow! What a Difference a New Truck Makes

Our venerable '86 Ford F-250 finally reached the point of being put out to pasture. When the air conditioner no longer conditioned, we figured we could get it fixed before summer. Then there was the front end--it certainly needed an alignment, but it would also need some parts. Well, maybe we can get help and replace the parts ourselves. But then came that howling noise from the transmission. When we started adding up all the "need to fixes," it just became evident that we were pouring money down a deep hole.

A look at the Internet "for sale ads" lead us to a F-350 dually with, heaven help us, a Banks system, souped up exhaust, tranny enhancements and the works, for a price we could actually sort-of afford. So we took the jump and bought the rig.

As we write this, we're on the "maiden voyage" of the new truck under the load of our 11 foot Caribou camper. The word, "Wow!" seems to describe the change we feel. With a few pounds of pressure in the lift bags, we no longer have to extend the corner jacks to level the rig enough to run the refrigerator. When we make a corner, no longer does the "navigator" draw a deep breath as the new truck no longer "rolls" into the turn. Climbing up an extended grade is a breeze. And really "Wow!" is stopping at the fuel station. Fuel economy is up a good 20%.

Anybody need an F-250?

Fender Well Space--What Do You Use For?

Nearly all truck camper folks have a little bit of--well, is it properly called "basement storage" when it's on the same level as your floor? That little space in front and behind the wheel wells, just outside your camper bed box. Our truck camper manufacturer thoughtfully provided little access doors so reach this otherwise "dead" space. We have three spaces available. How do we use them?

In the galley area, just under the stove a handy bit of space is used by the cook for excess food storage. She carefully puts things that aren't weather or bug sensitive there--canned goods, or dried stuff in air-tight containers. Across the way and under the refrigerator is a handy space that the driver keeps a couple of extra quarts of oil, brake fluid, etcetera.

To some the oddest use is that found in the driver side rear "compartment." Here is inserted a small plastic dishpan, just wide enough to squeeze between the truck bed side and the side of the camper. In the dishpan, cat litter. Nope, we don't keep it there for traction on icy roads (we avoid icy roads by staying where it's warm) but rather, for its original purpose. Yep, our traveling cat uses the pan as her litter box. She access the litter box through a "pet door" we built into the factory access door. Keeps that cat litter (and smell) outside the rig, but keeps the cat safe.

When we're settled for a while and want the truck free of camper, a special "kitty condo" mounts up to the side of the camper and she has access to fresh air and cat box.

So how about you? Have any unusual uses for your basement storage? Drop a line to editor at icanrv dot com.