First time poster, long time reader:)Just picked up the foundation to all my future TC family fun, a 02 GMC 3500 longbox 2wd dually 6.0 gas Auto 4.10 rear gears. I still need to get the TC and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or warnings/horror stories to share about TCs in a GMC/Chevy like mine. I'm looking at a couple different Lance campers in the 1998 to 2003 range from a 1010 model to a 1131. I'm thinking I should be ok without any modifications to suspension, thoughts?. Does anyone know where to get the best deal on Torklift system is or a used set for sale.First trip is planned for late April either Utah Zion National Park or Smokey Mts. NC. Anyone have done either of these trips or both and want to weigh in on me and my wife's debate.Feel free to share any insight or suggestions for my TC purchase as well as suggested best travel destinations to throw into the debate.Thanks. TC DUDE (technically wannabe TC DUDE)

Hard to find used Torklift tiedowns, they tend to fit one model or year. But etrailer.com is the cheapest source I've found. Many are easily installed yourself, but if not look for a local shop to do it rather than a RV dealer, you will save a lot. As for the rest my advice is to determine your payload and stay well under it if you can...and allow 1000lbs minimum for gear. (you can check ebay for used tie downs once you know what model # fits your truck, but don't get your hopes up.)

I've been watching Craigslist, ebay, and amazon.com. Seem torklift deals are rare. I'll be installing them myself. thanks for the reply.My GVWR is 11400 and the vehicle weighs 5845 and the rear axle supports 8550. So with 1000 in people and gear, max TC should be around 4555 wet right? New to the whole weight conversions. I want to make sure I'm safe with the family in the truck.with a larger TC should I avoid Happijac tie downs?

Agree with the etrailer purchase suggestion from tonymull and I recommend torqlift products. That range of years of Lances are good ones , especially with the aluminum roofs. Have a Lance with the aluminum roof and it is pretty straightforward to maintain. That rig of yours should be a good one for the types of campers you are looking at. Have a Blast!OH YEAH, Go to Zion! Nothing wrong with the Smokeys but the majesty of Utah is no Comparison.

I found prices for torq lift stuff at tweetys online just google it and you will find it.

That's another question. What are the benefits to fiberglass sides vs aluminum siding. Is it just weight? ease of cleaning? heating efficiency? Being that I live in MN, I'm sticking with a hard side TC vs. pop-up TC and heating efficiency is kind of important.I'm leaning towards Utah for sure, Zion National Park looks awesome.Thanks for all your responses. I've got my tiedowns and turn buckles figured out now. (torklift)

New Member questions on TC | Good Sam Community

wvabeer
Explorer
Feb 18, 2015
I found prices for torq lift stuff at tweetys online just google it and you will find it.
nomadictxn
Explorer
Feb 18, 2015
Agree with the etrailer purchase suggestion from tonymull and I recommend torqlift products. That range of years of Lances are good ones , especially with the aluminum roofs. Have a Lance with the aluminum roof and it is pretty straightforward to maintain. That rig of yours should be a good one for the types of campers you are looking at. Have a Blast!

OH YEAH, Go to Zion! Nothing wrong with the Smokeys but the majesty of Utah is no Comparison.
TCdude
Explorer
Feb 18, 2015
I've been watching Craigslist, ebay, and amazon.com. Seem torklift deals are rare. I'll be installing them myself. thanks for the reply.

My GVWR is 11400 and the vehicle weighs 5845 and the rear axle supports 8550. So with 1000 in people and gear, max TC should be around 4555 wet right? New to the whole weight conversions. I want to make sure I'm safe with the family in the truck.

with a larger TC should I avoid Happijac tie downs?
tonymull
Explorer
Feb 18, 2015
Hard to find used Torklift tiedowns, they tend to fit one model or year. But etrailer.com is the cheapest source I've found. Many are easily installed yourself, but if not look for a local shop to do it rather than a RV dealer, you will save a lot. As for the rest my advice is to determine your payload and stay well under it if you can...and allow 1000lbs minimum for gear. (you can check ebay for used tie downs once you know what model # fits your truck, but don't get your hopes up.)

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