2014 3500 set up for my Truck Camper

[rrl989]

I posted this on another site, thought it may be of some interest here as well.
I set up my new 2014 3500 DRW to haul my truck camper using the Happijac system.
I used the same system for 15 years on my previous 1998 3500. Probably not too many fellow TC'ers here, but this is how it's done.

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[AH64ID]

Looks clean.

I wonder what the rigidity difference is vs a system that ties the camper to the frame vs the bed.

Thou the box says it attaches to the frame, am I missing something?

 

[nunya]

I have the same setup on my 06 with a Lance sitten on it now. works great

 

[AH64ID]

I just looked at their website, makes more sense now. Do you have pics of the underbed mounting?

 

[Gonzo 1066]

The HappyJack is a good system. Tho I had one on my 1995 and tore the box mount brackets (was about 35000 miles a year) after 5 years. We were also traveling a fair number of miles on unpaved roads. I assume that for normal use they will work just fine.

 

[rrl989]

Looks clean.

I wonder what the rigidity difference is vs a system that ties the camper to the frame vs the bed.

Thou the box says it attaches to the frame, am I missing something?

HJ attaches to the bed frame, not the truck frame. I think it's a technicality as some states require "frame" mounts for truck campers?
Some prefer the TorkLift setup that uses the low direct frame mount brackets.

 

[rrl989]

I just looked at their website, makes more sense now. Do you have pics of the underbed mounting?

I don't have a pic of that, but it's just two long bolts that go down through the beds front square tube (part of the beds frame).

 

[Regcabguy]

On my '99 I only had the ears and centering pins. No connecting rod between the centering pins. I had 33 Baja runs on basically service roads down there without a hitch.
Now I've got the frame mounted HJ with good luck.
The metal was a notch thicker on my '99.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Thanks for the post and pictures.

I had the same setup on my '05 SRW. I plan to use the Happijacs on my '14 DRW too.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Yep, it looks like the same setup on my "03 dually. I installed my tiedowns myself also... measure twice, drill once. I've hauled a 11'6" Lance with a slideout for nearly 40k miles without a problem. I used the Torklift system on my previous '00 CTD 3500 dually. I like the HJ system better.

Over tightening the turnbuckles can possibly damage the truck bed. The front turnbuckles contain a spring that is partially compressed when properly tightened and over tightening takes out the spring "cushion". The turnbuckles should be tightened by hand only and never with a wrench. However, a wrench can be used to lock the locknut after the turnbuckle is properly tightened. The "cushion" in the spring allows the truck frame/bed to flex since the camper is rigid. The rear turnbuckles contain a rubber block and should be only snug to prevent the rear of the camper from bouncing in the truck bed. Do not mix or reverse the front and rear turnbuckles.

Bill

 

[Regcabguy]

Way less torsional twisting with the hydroformed frame on my 3rd compared to my 2nd gen. I immediately noticed the improvement in handling with the same camper. My issue was the mushy springs compared to 2nds.

 

[AH64ID]

HJ attaches to the bed frame, not the truck frame. I think it's a technicality as some states require "frame" mounts for truck campers?
Some prefer the TorkLift setup that uses the low direct frame mount brackets.

Gotcha, I am not sure I like that but it seems to be working well for many.

 

[Bill Stockard]

Way less torsional twisting with the hydroformed frame on my 3rd compared to my 2nd gen. I immediately noticed the improvement mounting the same camper.

Yes, I noticed that also. One doesn't realize the amount of torsional frame movement until watching the cab over part of the camper moving while driving down the road. I imagine with the 50,000-psi steel frames on '13/'14 Ram trucks, the frame is even stiffer. I used the Lance cab over struts on both my previous 2nd gen and have them on my present 3rd gen truck to dampen some of that movement. The struts really help smooth the ride in the truck cab while driving on rough pavement.

Bill

 

[EGroeneveld]

Nice, I use the Torklift system for hauling my TC on my 2011... but Happyjack vrs Torklift is like Coke/Pepsi, Budlight/Coors, Toyota/Honda, Arctic Cat/Polaris, etc... congrats on your new camper hauler and setup!

 

[NickSullivan]

The other way of securing your camper.

 

[rrl989]

Nick, thanks for re-posting your set up. I considered your TL set up earlier, my DIY cost was $900 plus another $735 if I chose to add the Magnum hitch.
My cost for the HJ was $280 and I was able to re-use my previous HJ spring loaded turn buckles.

 

[RCarrillo]

I had the same set up on my 97' w/ a western wilderness 11' slide-in but wasn't too hip on the bumper attachment, so I got some 2" square tube and slid it into the square tube on the rec'vr hitch frame and out to the side beyond the bed body, and welded an upright to accept the Happy Jack turn-buckles, and it worked great . plus I could pull them out when not in use. Super strong and stable.