Forum Discussion

oldschool1952's avatar
Jan 30, 2019

Square channel tubing tie downs

Hi to all. I just joins the forum, but I am not new to truck campers. I had 2 truck campers back in the 90,s and on both of my trucks I had a one piece of square tubing across the frame on the front.I can't think of anything stronger and more durable, but I don't see anybody using this set up nowadays. What I like with this set up is it doesn't just stress one frame rail,it is using both frame rail to take up the stress. The torklift tie downs look to be the best, way over priced. Anyway I have a 2002 Dodge Quad cab dually that I am going to get a camper for, but I have to set it up before I can look for one. Thanks for reading my first post and all replies will be appreciated.

8 Replies

  • Well hey, you use a 2x6 instead of a 2x4, and when you post you double it up!! :)
  • I looked into torklifts but I have the 2 piece DeeZee diamond plate running boards. Torklift said I would have to do some modifications. I can buy the steel and have a fabricate-welder make them probably for less than $200 dollars.I have always been the type of person when building something I usually over build. If it said to use a 2x4 I would use a 2x6. Again thanks for the replies.
  • I looked into torklifts but I have the 2 piece DeeZee diamond plate running boards. Torklift said I would have to do some modifications. I can buy the steel and have a fabricate-welder make them probably for less than $200 dollars.I have always been the type of person when building something I usually over build. If it said to use a 2x4 I would use a 2x6. Again thanks for the replies.
  • I looked into torklifts but I have the 2 piece DeeZee diamond plate running boards I torklift said a would have to do some modifications. I can buy the steel and have a fabricate-welder make them probably for less than $200 dollars.I have always been the type of person when building something if it said to use a 2x4 I would use a 2x6. Again thanks for the replies.
  • What you’re talking about is called a belly bar. I have no idea why they’ve all but disappeared.
    I use one on my Dodge, and that same bar has been on at least five different trucks. They fit any truck and work great.
    You could make your own pretty easily. The brackets to hold it could be nothing but a couple pieces of heavy angle iron bolted to the frame up top and bolted to the 2” square tube crossbar below. Actually, some 1/4” flat stock would even work great for the brackets.
    Chop up some 18” pieces of smaller square tube to make the removeable inserts for the ends, and use an eyebolt to attach the tiedowns. Get the kind that are full-circle, not the bent-around ones that can pull open... or weld the ends shut if you have a mig.
    You could have one with a trip to the metal yard and a few minutes with a drill and a chop saw. The metal yard will even chop your pieces to length for you if you haven’t got a way to cut it.
    Fringe benefit, they keep your driveshaft off the ground should you break a u-joint.
  • wnjj's avatar
    wnjj
    Explorer II
    There shouldn’t be that much stress on tie downs anyway so one frame rail or two isn’t really going to matter.

    Welcome to the forums. I hope you find a camper that works for you.