Front-Torklift camper tie downs-2005 dually, How do you like??

[Rocky in KC]

I have 2005, dually--I need to put front tie downs for 9 1/2' camper. I had the camper on 1995 ex-cb 4x4,ferd PS 3/4 ton. I had made some front supports welded to the frame-with 2" trailer stock, and I had chain and adjustable turn buckles going to the supports. It was a VERY rigid support--felt VERY solid! We took the truck and camper into Baja, and many other places!!

MY QUESTION, is this,---are the Torklift really sturdy? Are they worth ($250. 00) Does any one have any pictures of there set up?? Or should I try and fab-up some----that bolt to the frame???

thanks in advance, Rocky



PS: camper weighs about 3000#---and we may go to a larger one later--11'--we also tow a 18' car hauler, with our dirt toys on board!! (buggy,ATV)

 

[GFritsch]

Yes sturdy, yes worth the $$$ Been using them for 10 years on two different truck with full size camper (about 4,000lbs loaded) and zero problems except:



1. With our bigfoot camper the tie down chain conflicted with the fuel cap. May not be a problem on other campers. I modified the camper tie down points by bolting a piece af angle iron to them and drilling new anchor holes into the angle iron to miss the fuel door.



2. Again with the Bigfoot camper the tie down chains hit the dually fenders. The same fix as above worked. I think I have some pics in my readers rides.



I would be a little hesitant to weld your own onto the Dodge hyroformed frame, but I have read of other TDR members welding on these frames. The torq lift system bolts to the frame very nicely.



Good luck,

Greg

 

[Rocky in KC]

I checked out your pics--the set up looks great--another couple question-In the rear, did you use the Torklift super hitch?? I see where the after market Hellwig sway bar will not work with it!! Do you run a rear sway bar, and air bags??

Also do you know the #'s for the front and rear torklift kits??

Many thanks--and a great looking rig--Rocky

 

[GFritsch]

I checked out your pics--the set up looks great--another couple question-In the rear, did you use the Torklift super hitch?? I see where the after market Hellwig sway bar will not work with it!! Do you run a rear sway bar, and air bags??

Also do you know the #'s for the front and rear torklift kits??

Many thanks--and a great looking rig--Rocky

No I don't have the super hitch set up. I had an extension made that slides into the stock reciever we use when we tow the boat. Yes we have a Hellwig swaybar that we added last year (don't think I have pics) and the airbags. Both work fine. Don't know about the super hitch conflicting with sway bar.



Try here for part numbers



Thanks for the compliment. We love the truck and camper although I have my eye on one of these.



Greg

 

[Rocky in KC]

Once again thanks for the links, tips, and info!! It seems you know overhead campers pretty well----so what is your take on the Lance 11'6" with slideout?? Rocky

 

[GFritsch]

Once again thanks for the links, tips, and info!! It seems you know overhead campers pretty well----so what is your take on the Lance 11'6" with slideout?? Rocky

When we got our Bigfoot in 02 we went to the RV show and looked at them all. The Lance campers did not seem as well built, but I can't speak for newer ones. I certainly don't want to imply that they are not good camper, but I think there are better ones. Of course Lance owners will disagree. I am also not sure about price. The Bigfoot 4 years ago cost us about 20k, but we didn't get air, generator, micro, tv, sound system etc. Now looking at the Okanagan campers they are... gulp... about 40 grand. Good lord that's allot for a truck camper.



Others I would strongly suggest looking at include:



Alpenlight--If I had a dually in 02 I probably would have gone with the Alpenlite 11. 5 with slide. The 9. 5 camper also has a slide and a dry bath--very nice



The Artic Fox campers looked really nice.



I have heard good things about the Eagle Cap campers.



Look at a bunch. My wife was discouraged at how little counter space for cooking most campers had. That was a factor in choosing the bigfoot. When you look at campers try to invision using it with wife, kids or whatever. Can you get to the icebox while she is cooking etc. Do you want a dry shower which is nice for longer trips or more remote camping where there are no facilities. Look at the size of the holding tanks and fresh water tanks. 30 gallons is too small if you are going to use the shower more than 3 or 4 times between dumps and refills.



I would also reccomend joining one of the RV forums and ask questions there.



Greg



Good luck,

Greg

 

[Russknh]

I checked out your pics--the set up looks great--another couple question-In the rear, did you use the Torklift super hitch?? I see where the after market Hellwig sway bar will not work with it!! Do you run a rear sway bar, and air bags??

Also do you know the #'s for the front and rear torklift kits??

Many thanks--and a great looking rig--Rocky

I use the superhitch and a rear swaybar--I called torquelift and they told me they worked with Roadmaster to make a bar that fits--I love it it is so much nicer then my Hellwigs on my other truck--last week camping world had it on sale

 

[Rocky in KC]

That is great news!!

I use the superhitch and a rear swaybar--I called torquelift and they told me they worked with Roadmaster to make a bar that fits--I love it it is so much nicer then my Hellwigs on my other truck--last week camping world had it on sale

That is great news!!--I will check it out--many thanks, Rocky Oo.

 

[Grizzly]

I can't speak for the torklift, but I had Happijac tiedowns for some 8 years on a 11'-3" Lance and never had a hint of a problem. As long as you have the proper tension on them, a good rubber mat under the camper and the right truck to haul it.