Universal stabilizer strut for a truck camper

摘要

A universal stabilizer strut for a truck camper includes a hydraulic unit that is made in only one standard length and one or more interchangeable extension units, so that different designs of cabs with different heights and widths can be accommodated. Each end of the stabilizer strut is provided with a spherical mount that accommodates angular deviations between the strut and its attachment to the truck and to the camper. One end of the stabilizer strut is secured to an upper bracket extending downwardly and forwardly from a lower surface of the cabover portion of the camper and the other end of the stabilizer strut is secured to a lower bracket expending upwardly and rearwardly from the front bulkhead region of the truck chassis, with the two ends of the stabilizer strut being adapted to be quickly installed and removed from the two respective brackets. The two brackets are coupled to the ends of the stabilizer strut such that the forces exerted on the stabilizer strut by the rocking of the camper shell are oriented along the longitudinal axis of the stabilizer strut, and the quick release mechanism at either end is oriented perpendicular to that axis such that those forces have no tendency to cause the stabilizer to come detached. The upper bracket is secured within a track to facilitate fore-and aft adjustment of the upper end of the stabilizer strut.