Attention all Wolf Creek 850 Owners

Reddog1 wrote:
I was hesitant in making my post. I accept I am not an engineer, and do not claim to be. I have had so many TCs since 1967, I have lost count. I have a strong professional background in building construction, weld fabrication, and have worked in moving buildings and fabricated the equipment used for that purpose. I have rebuilt every TC I have owned and repaired several tie down points that were ripped out (previous owners) or damaged in someway. My point is, I do not believe tying a TC to a truck is is as difficult as most make it out to be. How do you convince someone of something if they first have to view credentials? What engineering school teaches Camper tie downs? I will also add, what engineering school teaches TC building?

joeshmoe, I tend to believe Nolan did improperly adjust his turnbuckles. I do not base this on his having owned four other TC's and a good many years experience using the same system. In no way is my intent to discredit Nolan or takeaway his experience. However, with that said, does that mean my having owned several TCs for over 45 years make me all knowing? I think not. What I am comfortable with is that I have never had the tie down problem, but have repaired several that have. At a glance, I think Nolan's TC tie down points could have very well been inferior in strength compared to his previous TCs.

mkuzmuk, in my opinion, it is very important that the TC owner really understand the expectations of tie downs. What should they be expected to accomplish. I challenge anyone to show the manual on tie downs. I am a bit hesitant to say, commonsense goes a long way. The problem is, what common sense?

I believe careful thought should be given to the following:

1 The role of tie downs is not to hold the TC on the truck. It is to prevent the minute vibrations from allowing the TC to slide forward or backward in the truck bed. Most of the tie downs are spring loaded, which provides some movement. Ridged tie downs put more stress on the TC in general and the tie down points in particular.

2 Have you ever considered how much it would take to blow a 4000 pound TC out of a truck bed? Keep in mind, the wind it gets is from the front, about 8 feet wide and 3 feet high.

3 If you are of the belief the tie downs literally hold the TC on the truck, do you believe you could turn the truck upside down, and the TC would stay attached?


I am of the belief, you cannot pre-adjust your tie downs, and use that adjustment every time you load and unload your TC. If you have very tight side to side guides, it could work. Most TCs can load off center as much as 2-inches.

I am of the belief, the tie downs create less damage if they are too lose than too tight. Too loose, the TC moves a little. Too tight, puts unnecessary stress on the tie down points.

I could offer more, but probably posted too much already. I apologize if I have offended anyone, that is not my intent.

Wayne