Strona główna » Installation of a camper pickup on the truck bed

Traveling with a pickup camper mounted on the bed is quite popular in Europe. This solution combines the mobility of an off-road vehicle with the comfort of a small camper. However, for such a setup to be safe and durable, the installation must be performed according to regulations and technical guidelines.

1. How to install the cabin

To install the pickup camper, among other things, eye bolts are used, which are mounted to the vehicle's frame. This is necessary to ensure safety on the road. Sometimes, factory cargo tie-down points are also used, but they must be reinforced. The height of the structure and weight create enormous forces, and the connection must be secure and safe.

What we use:

Eye bolts – made of hardened steel, preferably reinforced, bolted to solid points in the frame or to steel mounting plates. They allow for a secure connection of the camper to the vehicle using straps or turnbuckles.
Transport straps / turnbuckles – with high load capacity, secure the camper from shifting during driving.
Rubber or anti-slip mats – as an addition placed between the bottom of the camping cabin and the bed surface, protect the paint and prevent micro-movements of the structure.
Electrical connection – a standard 7 or 13-pin socket for road lighting; additionally, our cabins are equipped with a waterproof marine connector 70A, which allows charging the pickup camper battery while driving.

Using solutions compliant with European standards ensures safety, durability of the connection, and compliance with road regulations.

2. How should the vehicle be prepared?

Before the capsule is placed on the bed, the vehicle must be properly prepared both technically and structurally:

Check load capacity and permissible weights. The camper along with the equipment must not exceed the vehicle's permissible load capacity. It is crucial not to overload the rear axle – excessive loading can lead to instability and loss of traction on the front wheels.
Reinforcing the suspension and stabilizing Depending on the weight of the camper, it is recommended to install:
- pneumatic bags to assist the springs,
- stronger shock absorbers,
- possible cross stabilizers. This facilitates maintaining the vehicle's level and improves driving comfort.
Preparing the bed surface. The bed must be thoroughly cleaned and protected from corrosion. It is advisable to lay a thick anti-slip rubber mat, which distributes pressure and dampens vibrations. If the vehicle has a plastic bed liner, it is worth checking if it does not hinder the stable support of the camper.
Installation of tie-down points (eye bolts) Eye bolts are installed in the factory tie-down points of the bed to the frame or in specially prepared steel plates attached to the frame. Each point should have the appropriate load capacity. Transport straps/turnbuckles are threaded through the eyes and tightened evenly – at the front and rear of the camper – to limit its movement in every direction.
Electrical connection We connect our capsule to the vehicle's trailer wiring with a high-current connector. This allows for charging the auxiliary batteries, powering lights, and ventilation while driving.

3. Summary

The installation of a pickup camper is not complicated and time-consuming; however, the vehicle must be properly prepared. Bolts and straps provide a safe and regulation-compliant connection between the camping cabin and the vehicle.

Proper preparation of the bed, suspension, and electrical installation allows for the creation of a setup that is stable, legal, and comfortable to drive.

A well-installed pickup camper guarantees comfort and freedom – you can hit the road without limits, knowing that your equipment is securely mounted and ready for any adventure.