Temporary Truck camper tie-down.

[skidmark2003]

Need advice on temporary tying down a truck camper in the 8' bed of my Ram 3500 to transport it 250 miles home. I have to move it before I will have time to order the correct tie-downs.

Please some serious input on this.

Thanks, Skidmark

[westend]

I've even used mechanic's wire and a chain over the top for emergency installations. That kind of rigging even worked through back road travel and over a few trails into deer camp.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

We picked up my Bronco pop-up TC using 2" wide ratchet straps: one over the top and attached to the front tie-downs in the truck bed; one wrapped around the back end. We tightened them to "barely snug" and they worked great (although we only went about 20 miles)

[wnjj]

s1214 wrote:
Hmmm... It doesn't look like anyone offering advice currently owns a truck camper..

You might want to post in the truck camper forum.

Looks to me like some of those offering advice have actually moved a camper with temporary tie-downs.

"Normal" camper tie-downs only hold a couple hundred pounds each. Ratchet straps should be able to do that.

[s1214]

Hmmm... It doesn't look like anyone offering advice currently owns a truck camper..

You might want to post in the truck camper forum.

[The_real_wild1]

I had to bring a camper from Bakersfield to my home last fall. I made some temporary tie downs that worked so well I kept using them. I had aftermarket tube steps that had a strong rear mount. I run a few links of chain off the mount and welded into place. Ran more chain from there to a turn buckle to the front mount of the camper. For the rear I weld a short piece of tubing onto the trailer hitch in behind. I then took another pice of tubing about 6-7' long to run inside that one. Inside that piece I ran a length of chain from one side of the camper to the other like a big U. Used turnbuckles on either side. Camper did not move in 3000 miles and some of those were pretty fast and curvy.

You can use ratchet straps as well. Just make sure they are the big ones. The problem is you may rub the body. You need a mount away from the body.

[tinner12002]

I'd put a towel or something between the straps and paint just to help protect the truck body.

[WNYBob]

I drove mine home 360 miles from Long Island to Grand Island (Buffalo). With ratchet tied downs! No issues, just checked everything at least every hour.
Just be careful of what you attach to and where the straps run, sheet metal fenders will buckle very easily!

P.S. keep your speed down IMO under 55

[navegator]

As stated above, and if need be attach them to the frame rail rather than the bed get good ones not junky ones.

Remember to place one going from side to side at the rear to hold the camper shell in, it may want to slide back with the wind presure.

navegator

[kep5niner]

Ratchet straps.