Happijac Tiedown vs. Torklift Tiedown

I have the HJ system. Prior to purchasing, I researched HJ and TL and came to the conclusion either tiedown would safely secure the camper. Once I had that behind me, I chose HJ based on functionality, ease of use, and appearance. I prefer the inward and forward angle of the front attachment, more of a direct-line attachment to the frame at the front, no obstruction of my fuel door, and not having to install, remove, and store the TL inserts. I reinforced the rear bumper with steel angle. Lastly, I prefer the appearance of the truck and camper as a unit with HJ. If given the opportunity to change, I would look into both systems. Barring any notable product enhancements, I will remain with HJ.

I have had both on two different trucks with the same camper. The HappiJacks lasted over 150K miles and I have no complaints. On that truck I have an aftermarket rear bumper so the little buttons that the rears tie onto are solid as a rock.

On the new truck the rear bumper looks flimsy as anything I'ver seen and I have no plans to mount another 250 pound bumper on the back of that truck, so I elected to go with the Torklift frame mounts and Fastguns on the front. Only beef I have with that setup is that I have to remove the fastgun on the fuel tank side whenever I fill up, but it's easy. The truck in general *feels* a bit more secure with the Torklifts, but that might have to do with the new truck being an F-350 as opposed to the old truck being an older F-250.

-Joe

805gregg wrote:
I think people make too much about the tie downs

Its funny, I’ve read these hj vs tl threads for many years and they almost always follow a pattern that repeats itself many times on the internet in other forums and for for other decisions we make where one acceptable option costs substantially more than the other acceptable option. :) :) :)

Brad

kbaum wrote:
Does anyone have happy jack truck brackets and torklift fast gun turnbuckles? That's what I intend on trying, I have a study after market rear bumper so I feel comfortable with rear tie downs .

Yes, that is exactly what I use. Works great and allows easy access to my fuel door which would be hindered with TorkLift brackets.

I have had HJ for 10 years on my truck and camper, when I went to purchase a new to me camper,(a Lance 1071, 10.5') I used the front HJ only because the PO didn't have the removable bracket for my rear bumper, it rode fine with just the front HJ, up to 75mph on the freeway, turns and driveways, no problem, I think people make too much about the tie downs, the thing weighs 3000# it's not going anywhere, just needs a little sway check, I do have a bed mat though.

JumboJet wrote:
I don't want to start a war, but I have two simple questions that requires simple answers. I don't even want to know the WHY of your answer. Just a SIMPLE survey.

How many Torklift tiedown owners have or would trade their tiedowns for Happijac tiedowns?

How many Happijac tiedown owners have or would trade their tiedowns for Torklift tiedowns?

Disclaimer: I have no association with Happijac or Torklift, but do own Torklift products

Funny how people who've never used both chime in anyway.

Based on your simple survey my answer is no and no.

However, as someone who's used both and then some I give the "why" anyway even though you said you didn't want to know.

T.L. is nice because there's no drilling in the truck bed & easier installation. So in the future "if" I have to install a camper system I would lean this way for these reasons. Period! Not because of failure or possible failure. Strictly so I wouldn't drill holes into my new shiny truck.

H.J. I currently have since they came on the truck. So the holes were already there. It's done just fine and if I weren't standing in front of them looking at them I would never tell the difference.

I've been extremely impressed with the Torklift Tie Downs and Fastguns. I've used them on two trucks now and will never try another. I like the no drilling, bolt on approach of the Torklift tie down product.

Had Happijac buttons all around on the old truck, and upgraded the rear mounts to Torklift when the bumper began to bend. Kept the turnbuckles at the time. With the new truck; Torklift and Fastguns all around and not looking to change.

Torklifts and Fastguns all around, and I'm happi!

Kelly

I have never used Happijac tie downs but have had 2 sets of Torklift tie downs and see no reason to change.

Paul