slide in camper tiedowns

[Mslarb]

Has anyone made there own camper tiedowns for 3rd gen trucks ? Particulary 3500 dwr 4x4's. if so any info would be appreciated thanks

 

[Grizzly]

It all depends on the size of the camper. If you have a large camper, such the Lance Cab-Over I had, see signature, I believe you are better off with a store bought. Why reinvent the wheel. My Lance came equipped with the HappiJac tie down system. I also had a thick rubber mat under the camper. That camper went to Alaska through many miles of rough terrain and never moved one bit. It performed very well. Other folks feel that a Torklift system is superior.

 

[LRutigliano]

Mslarb



I have Torklift (p/n FMTPJ03DGHD) frame mounted camper tie downs on the front and I have bumper mounted pins on the rear.



The 3rd gen trucks have boxed frames, so making your own tie downs could be a challenge. The ones I have came with backing plates with welded studs that you have to fish thru the frame with a cable. They also mount to the bed mounting to form a "triangle".



The rear tie downs don't do as much work as the front, so you can get away with the bumper pins, no problem.



I used Happijac spring loaded turnbuckles with the Torklift tie downs and bumper pins.



Just be careful when tightening down the turnbuckle spring loaded tie downs or you WILL bend the bumper if you overtighten.



This was about the "least expensive" way to go when I had my '03 Eagle Cap camper on the '03 Dodge.



Hope this helps,

Louis

 

[Regcabguy]

I've had great luck with my Happijac frame mount system. The turnbuckles are leftovers from my '99. I think if I had a hardsided camper with my srw setup,a Torqlift might be in order.

 

[Mslarb]

Hey thanks guys ,sorry i forgot to mention my camper is a real lite 13 footer,i can tell you they lied about being real light,as it weighs approx 4300lbs.

 

[Regcabguy]

Hey thanks guys ,sorry i forgot to mention my camper is a real lite 13 footer,i can tell you they lied about being real light,as it weighs approx 4300lbs.

You're going to be way overweight for these trucks. You're looking at potential liability issues in the event of an accident.