Forum Discussion

Slackjaw's avatar
Slackjaw
Explorer
May 20, 2014

Transporting truck camper with only bumper buttons

I know this is a stupid idea, but I don't have any bed or frame mounted tie downs on my truck in the front. I only have the bumper buttons for rear tie downs. Just wondering what the odds are of the camper falling out or coming off on a 40 mile highway drive to my house (against traffic), being held in with only bumper buttons. Its an 8' Kit camper that may weigh 2,000 lbs +/-. Truck is an '08 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins manual. (Different truck than in my signature.)

Here's the back story: I want to buy a camper from a guy and he won't deliver it to my girlfriend's house 20 miles away and he won't take a deposit until I get tie downs installed (happi jac or tork lift for the front). So.. I can pick it up Tuesday with bumper buttons only, or I can install front tie downs on this weekend and hope he doesn't sell it by then.
Don't know if the image attached.

Truck Campers
  • Slackjaw's avatar
    Slackjaw
    Explorer
    May 20, 2014
    Reality Check wrote:


    You're asking on the forum, but you already knew the answer. You just needed confirmation. Now you've got it :)



    Thanks! You're totally correct!.

    Thanks for all the responses.

    Btw, we don't have titles or registration on truck campers in AK.
  • jmcgsd's avatar
    jmcgsd
    Explorer
    May 20, 2014
    Seller sounds like a smart guy to me. As others have said, pay the man, get the title, then get the proper tie downs BEFORE you PU the camper.
  • JumboJet's avatar
    JumboJet
    Explorer
    May 20, 2014
    Just be careful. The torque from that 6.7 Cummins will tear those buttons out and drop the camper on the pavement if you get in any drag race! :)
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    May 20, 2014
    Some type of home made belly bar to keep the front of the TC from rocking should get you home.
  • Reality_Check's avatar
    Reality_Check
    Nomad II
    May 20, 2014
    Throw a strap over the front; buttons in the back. And drive like it's not really tied down well (read... 'wisely and slowly'). It's like when you tow another vehicle with a strap; we all do it, and we drive differently because of the conditions.

    Gravity wants to keep it in the bed. It's not going to slide forward in a panic stop. And if you don't accelerate like your at a drag strip, it'll probably still be there when you get there.

    You're asking on the forum, but you already knew the answer. You just needed confirmation. Now you've got it :)
  • tonymull's avatar
    tonymull
    Explorer
    May 20, 2014
    Pay the guy, get the title. Come back when you have the tie downs. everyone should be happy. At least use some bungie cords ;)
  • Boatycall's avatar
    Boatycall
    Explorer
    May 20, 2014
    I wouldn't do it, but then again, my TC is much heavier.

    Since it's basically the lightest/smallest form of TC we know, can you use some kind of ratchet straps off the front jacks to something to give it a front tie-down point?
    I know other members may blast me for this, but in Alaska I know ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

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