Unloading:
The necessity of a flat pad did not hit home until the first attempt at unloading the Northern-Lite 10-2 (or any TC for that matter).
The original area used had about 6″ front to back and 4″ left to right slopes. We did manage to get the TC off, leveled and lowered, but will avoid that much slope in the future. There is way too much room for error and equipment (human) stress/failure.
Since then, the pad has been graded level (maybe slight back to front slope to assist drainage) and a sprinkling of left-over gravel thrown on top. The plan is to grade down the pad and fill in with a couple inches of gravel all around. This will keep the summer growth down and allow better drainage (until a permanent roof can be applied!)
Update: Just finished heavy duty saw-horses for the TC to rest on.
Loading:
This process was not as streamlined as it could be. As many folks have mentioned, the ability to get the units lined up with each other is an acquired one that will come with practice. A crew cab truck adds to the challenge. Ultimately, patience, eyeballs and keeping calm prevail and the camper fits nice and snug (3/4″ to spare on each side). We haven’t done this enough to make any grand suggestions on how to make this a sure fired success the first time.
UPDATE:
We may have discovered the secret sauce to loading the camper. By dropping the driver side seat back all the way and the driver turning around to the left, there is a very narrow sight line out the back window that allows for the entire left side of the camper and pick up bed to be seen (without mirror) and lined up. Once generally lined up, we were able to back under the first try with very little gee and hawing. Below is a site picture looking over the driver left shoulder. Keeping the gap less than 2″ assures clearance on the opposite side.