internal vs external tiedowns

rfgaugush wrote:
Newbie here, going to pick up my new Outfitter Caribou Lite 6.5 in a few weeks after I retire.

Would like to hear opinions on the advantages/disadvantages of internal (in the truck bed) versus external tie downs.

Thanks

There are different types of internal and external mounts, and the truck may affect which works best. In general, external mounts are more common because they make it easy to remove the camper and to adjust the tension for conditions. They are designed to allow some camper movement. Most TorkLift tie downs can be installed through existing holes in the truck frame, unlike other mounts that require drilling through the bed. On the downside external mounts are visible, collect mud, can hit obstacles on some trails, and they require a solid attachment point at each corner of the camper (not all campers are so well made).

Internal mounts are hidden but are a pain when you want to remove the camper. They also put more stress on the bed and camper when the truck flexes on rough roads. Internal mounts work best when used in conjunction with special cushioned frame mounts that allow the camper to move independently from the truck's frame; some flatbed or no-bed camper designs use this approach.