I recently purchased a used Arctic Fox 990. It came with happy jack standard turnbuckles. Only the front ones are spring loaded. According to etrailer website, they are not recommended for frame mounted tie downs (which I have, front and rear). Do I need to buy springs for the rear? I don’t understand why a bumper mount would take a different turnbuckle than a frame mount. Please enlighten me.

All 4 “should have” some sort of spring in them. Weather frame mount bumper mount or bed mount tie down locations. Anything from a chain and hardware store turnbuckle or a 2” ratchet straps will get you home, but with no relief in the tiedowns you risk bending something or ripping a camper mount off when you hit a large bump or twist the truck frame much. That said just cheapo turnbuckles and chain work fine but need a spring. Either in the tie down or on the truck side mounts like the little ones torklift sells.

The earlier bumper rear mount depended on the flex of the bumper to act as a spring . If your rear mount is frame mounted it should have a spring .

Thx guys. The Torklift springs seem a little pricey for what they are. Any alternatives?

No alternatives from my side. I have been a happy TL Fastgun user since 2009 and recommend them.

Torklift makes at least three price ranges of turnbuckle that all carry lifetime warranties. Happijac also makes a spring loaded turnbuckle. The two more expensive offerings from Torklift make setting tension easy and consistent while the offerings require more work when loading and unloading your camper but still will safely do the job.

Turnbuckle advice | Good Sam Community

Ernie_Fergler
Explorer
Jun 06, 2023
Thx one and all.I ordered torklift springs last night.
mbloof
Explorer
Jun 07, 2023
Ernie Fergler wrote:
Thx guys. The Torklift springs seem a little pricey for what they are. Any alternatives?

"HappyJack" does make spring loaded turnbuckles for a fraction of the cost of the overpriced TL models.

Similar to TL, HappyJack makes short ones (generally used in the front bed mount) and long ones.

Take your pick.

- Mark0.
greenno
Explorer
Jun 07, 2023
I went with the lower priced Happyjack “fastgun” style turnbuckles.
That being said I also went with the Torklift frame mount tie downs.
They have worked out just fine and saved a couple bucks too.
stevenal
Nomad II
Jun 07, 2023
I believe the HJ Quick-loads have springs on the front only.
greenno
Explorer
Jun 08, 2023
Ehh incorrect on the HJ not being spring loaded.
I have had these "fastgun" style turnbuckles and they have internal springs on front and rear.
Typically want about 1/4" of stretch when properly tensioned and set in place.
Of course you can also lengthen and shorten overall length as required.
stevenal
Nomad II
Jun 08, 2023
Qwik-Loads

Front turnbuckles are spring loaded to help reduce stress on tie-down points
Rear turnbuckles are cushioned with rubber
Ensures proper amount of tension for bumper-mounted tie-downs while still minimizing stress on tie-down points

Perhaps it's possible to buy four fronts somewhere.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jun 08, 2023
stevenal wrote:
Qwik-Loads

Front turnbuckles are spring loaded to help reduce stress on tie-down points
Rear turnbuckles are cushioned with rubber
Ensures proper amount of tension for bumper-mounted tie-downs while still minimizing stress on tie-down points

Perhaps it's possible to buy four fronts somewhere.

Still over $100 more expensive than the basic Torklift turnbuckle/spring mount combo sets.
If the OP wants a proper connection that is pre engineered, I think those are the most reasonably priced.
Maybe I forgot but I thought the point of the OPs query was economical tie downs.

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