Frequently Asked Questions

The short answer is no.  We don't complete any vehicle upgrades OR customization to the campers beyond what Four Wheel Campers already offers.   We have worked with a local outfitter for years that does great service work and can offer a range of vehicle upgrades as well.  Check Out: Juniper Overland

Project M:

The factory tailgate included with the pick up truck is required for the Project M topper style campers.

Slide-In Camper or Shell:

The Four Wheel Camper slide-in models are designed around the tailgate being removed. In most cases the camper would stick out just past the tailgate opening preventing it from closing if you left it in place. Removing the tailgate saves a significant amount of weight off the rear of the pickup when the camper is installed.  Leaving a tailgate on can also impact ability to access the spare tire, tow hitch, and the painted surface facing downward/facing the roadway generally gets pretty beat up. Not to mention that climbing up on the tailgate and then bending over to get inside the door is challenging compared to stepping-up from the ground and thru the short door.  Lastly, we have cameras that can be plugged into your factory harness once your tailgate is removed if you're concerned about being able to back your truck with the mirrors alone. The only time we leave a tailgate on is when someone installs a camper that is too long for their pick up truck, and needs the extra support. For example, this can occur when you have someone with a 6.5’ bed and wants to install a 8’ grandby instead of a 6.5’ hawk. Sometimes people want the extra room inside the camper or have plans to upgrade their truck. While there are some drawbacks, it is possible to leave the tailgate down and install the camper. 

For most trucks we install forged eye bolts in specific locations in the truck bed.  Two in front and two in the back of the wheel wells. They include backing plates underneath the truck bed for reinforcement.  

The base of the camper is manufactured with stainless steel attachment brackets and interior access ports. This enables four turnbuckles to hold the camper firmly in place. In addition to a safely mounted camper, our system is hidden and not seen outside of the truck. It eliminates the awkward looking chains, turnbuckles, and vehicle anchors seen on most traditional truck campers.  Not to mention our system eliminates the possibility of getting snagged by bushes or trees in an off-road environment, or even being hit in a parking lot.

Note: Late model Tacoma & Tundra models require a slightly different mounting method due to the composite material bed compared to a traditional sheet metal bed. 

Not really.  But there is certainly a learning curve.  Removing the camper is very simple.  The process involves disconnecting the electrical pig tail and internal camper tie-downs to the truck bed and then raising all four camper jacks. This is a simple process with a cordless drill. Once the camper is raised a couple inches out of the truck bed the truck can driven out from under the camper.  

Reinstalling the camper will take you a bit more time and that is just because the process involves positioning the truck under the camper and trying to get it centered in the bed.  Then lowering the campers corner jacks. Once the camper is in position on the truck bed, the four internal camper tie-downs are reconnected to the truck bed and the electrical pig tail is installed.  Thats it!  

Project M:

Remove any existing toppers or bed cover systems.  And in general bring us a fairly clean bed that has been swept out and not full of sand or gear.  Thats it!

Slide-In Camper or Shell: If you happen to have a plastic drop-in bed liner, that will need to be removed prior to your install.  You will also need to remove the tailgate.  And in general to bring us a fairly clean bed that has been swept out and not full of sand or gear.  Thats it!

If you own a 1/2 ton or mid size pick up you will also want to consider doing a rear suspension upgrade prior to your camper install.  This will reinforce the rear end of the truck so you're not sagging real low when the camper is installed.  There are many options available from airbags to full suspension upgrades depending on a customers budget and intended use for the rig.  We don't complete vehicle upgrades but can help answer questions and also recommend local shops that offer those services. 

Flatbed Camper:

Be sure your flatbed conversion is 100% completed prior to the camper install.  Please be sure to coordinate the details of your particular tray with us, so we're certain the installation will be successful. And in general to bring us a fairly clean bed that has been swept out and not full of sand or gear.  Thats it!

When you bring us your truck for installation it will take a few hours to prep your truck for your new camper. This includes the wiring for charging so the pickup truck can trickle charge the camper batteries while driving. It also includes the wiring for running lights on full size pickups. Lastly, it includes the anchors installed in the bed and our attaching the camper in the truck. We also complete a thorough walk-thru so you understand your new camper and how its features operate.  We generally set aside the majority of a day for camper installs.

We generally set aside the majority of a day for camper installs.  We like to get started with installs in the morning and have them ready for walk-thru by mid afternoon.  Your best bet is to drop off the truck for install, and have an Uber or friend pick you up so you can spend the better part of your day doing what you want.