Fastgun tiedowns - tension vs camper weight
The manufacturers specify adjusting the tension so the O-ring is 1/4" below the barrel when the tension is applied. No mention of varying the loading depending on the size and weight of the camper ...
Forum Discussion
Another measure Torklift uses is 1/2 of the lock hole should be covered by handle when tension begins to be applied.
However, I have found my 2,400# camper rides just as nice and the tie down point is over stressed when I have most of the whole covered before tension is felt. This is a lot less than the tension specified by Torklift. Reason is not only is my camper lighter weight, but it also has a lower than usual center of gravity (COG). And yes, works just as well on the pavement and off-road.
As an engineer, I would say that the higher the COG, the more tension would be required to help hold the camper in place. Thinking is the hold downs are only put into play when kinetic energy (motion) creates enough force that it overcomes the natural force of gravity pulling the camper down into the bed. I.E., when you driver to fast coming out of a gas station with a bad dip.
As the Torklift is pulled on past the 300# pre-set tension, it starts to pull the harder against the spring. The more it moves, the higher the tension. This cause a slowly increasing counter-action to the camper trying to leave the bed. Purpose of this is the tie down point and camper (or any material) can with stand a slowly increasing strain much better than a sudden jerk. If you want, you can test this out by using some sewing string and weights. See how much you can pick up slowly and how much with a jerk.
However, I have found my 2,400# camper rides just as nice and the tie down point is over stressed when I have most of the whole covered before tension is felt. This is a lot less than the tension specified by Torklift. Reason is not only is my camper lighter weight, but it also has a lower than usual center of gravity (COG). And yes, works just as well on the pavement and off-road.
As an engineer, I would say that the higher the COG, the more tension would be required to help hold the camper in place. Thinking is the hold downs are only put into play when kinetic energy (motion) creates enough force that it overcomes the natural force of gravity pulling the camper down into the bed. I.E., when you driver to fast coming out of a gas station with a bad dip.
As the Torklift is pulled on past the 300# pre-set tension, it starts to pull the harder against the spring. The more it moves, the higher the tension. This cause a slowly increasing counter-action to the camper trying to leave the bed. Purpose of this is the tie down point and camper (or any material) can with stand a slowly increasing strain much better than a sudden jerk. If you want, you can test this out by using some sewing string and weights. See how much you can pick up slowly and how much with a jerk.
