Truck Camper (Slide-In) PDI & Pre-Purchase Inspection
A truck camper (slide-in / pick-up camper) should ride solid, seal out weather, and plug into your truck without mystery warnings. Hidden cabover leaks, loose jack brackets, bad tie-down geometry, or a dead charge line can turn a first trip into a rescue.
Traveling RV Technicians (TRVT) performs mobile PDI and pre-purchase inspections for hard-side and pop-up truck campers—new or used. We verify truck match & weight, tie-downs/turnbuckles, jacks & structure, roof & cabover, 120V/12V power & charging, plumbing & LP, appliances/HVAC, and (where equipped) slides & generators. You get a photo-rich report with red/yellow/green priorities for warranty or negotiation.
Truck Match, Weight & Center of Gravity
Safe handling starts here. We:
Confirm payload/RAWR/GAWR vs. camper wet weight and options; review tire/load ratings and pressures.
Locate the camper COG (center of gravity) sticker and verify it falls ahead of or directly over the rear axle.
Check bed-rail and cab clearance, cab-over height over clearance lights, and rear-bumper departure angle.
Note suspension aids (airbags, helper springs, sway bars, StableLoads) and bed rubber mat/bed-liner friction so the camper doesn’t creep.
Tie-Downs & Turnbuckles (Frame-Mounted, No Guesswork)
Hold-down errors crack walls and beds. We inspect and set:
Frame-mounted tie-downs (Torklift, HappiJac frame kits) and brackets for cracks, rust, or loose hardware.
Turnbuckles (FastGun/Quick-Release or threaded): correct tension, safety clips, and spring-loaded fronts to absorb shock.
Anchor plates and backing inside the camper; no torn plywood or thin skins.
Label positions and torque so you can repeat the same safe setup after service.
Roof, Cabover & Exterior Sealing
Cabover rot is the #1 truck-camper value killer. We:
Inspect roof (TPO/EPDM/FRP/aluminum), skylights, vents, racks, and ladder points for sealant failure.
Probe cabover nose seams, front marker lights, clearance-light gaskets, and window frames for moisture.
Check sidewall delamination, corner moldings, jack bracket seams, and lower skirts.
Recommend sealant types (self-leveling vs polyurethane) and targeted Eternabond where appropriate.
Electrical: 120V Shore, 12V DC & Truck Charge Line
Power should be simple and safe. We verify:
30-amp (or 20-amp) shore inlet, EMS/surge, GFCI outlets, and breaker panel labeling; hot-skin test at the frame.
Battery bank (flooded/AGM/LiFePO₄), main fuse/ANL, cabling torque, and converter/charger output (Progressive Dynamics/WFCO/Victron/Xantrex).
Truck charge line / 7-pin: alternator charging confirmed under load; advise DC-to-DC charger for smart alternators.
Solar controller (PWM/MPPT), output vs. spec, roof wiring strain relief, and gland sealing.
Interior 12-volt distribution, fuse mapping, and voltage-drop checks at high-draw points (jacks, fans, lights).
Plumbing, Water Heaters & LP Gas
Small systems need perfect execution. We inspect:
City water pressure with regulator (45–60 PSI), pump hold test, leaks at PEX joints, and accumulator sizing.
Water heater (Suburban/Atwood/Dometic tank) or Truma/Girard tankless: ignition, temps, and mixing-valve stability.
Drains/vents: P-traps or HepvO where space is tight; AAV function; no gurgle/odor.
LP system: cylinder type (horizontal vs vertical), regulator 11″ w.c. set/lock-up, bubble test at appliances, hose routing, and CO/LP detector date codes.
Appliances, HVAC & Comfort
Everything you’ll touch, proven under load:
Air conditioner (low-profile roof unit) delta-T 18–22°F; duct sealing and return filters.
Furnace cycle, ignition, and duct balance to cabover and bath.
Refrigerators: 12-V compressor—pull-down time/amp draw; absorption (Dometic/Norcold)—LP/120V stack temps and seals.
Microwave/convection, fans, lights, USB/12V ports; optional Onan 2500 LP gen start/charge and load test.
Interiors, Slides & Convertible Dinette Systems
Hard-side with slide or pop-up, we check the moving parts:
Slide-outs (Rack-and-Pinion/Schwintek): timing, reveal, seal sweep, topper condition, and floor edge swelling.
Pop-up softwall seams, lift panels, latches, and boot seals.
Dinette/bed conversions, cabover mattress support/venting, and locker latches that must survive washboard roads.
Road Fit, Visibility & On/Off Procedures
The hand-off you actually need:
Install/retrieve procedure: jack heights, cribbing, ground pads, and safe sequence.
Camera/visibility: mirror swing, rear camera options, and turnbuckle clearance from tailgate/bumper.
Route/secure the 7-pin pigtail, emergency disconnects, and license/plate light relocation (where required).
Final check: no cab-over contact with roof lights; tie-downs re-torqued after a short drive.