Camper Tie Downs for an OBS Ford

[Baja_Man]

Helping a friend with camper set up and tie down brackets

Camper: 2003 S&S Ponderosa 9.5 - Dry weight 2800#.

Truck has Happijac tie downs set up from original owner back in 1992 (but no stabilizer cross bar for front tie downs, nor stabilizer brackets.... only end brackets).

Maybe the front stabilizer bar and brackets were not yet available back in that era?

Rear button head bolts anchors are mounted to truck bed behind wheel well (most I have seen are mounted to bumper ends). If he went with this HJ system he would need a complete new system, as its less expensive than purchasing the many missing parts.

Truck: 1992 F-350; Crew Cab; 4X2; 460/E40D; Long Bed; Draw-Tite Hitch; Factory Camper Package

He is considering Torklift, Happijac, and Brophy.

HJ are simple tie downs...front are brackets connected to bed with stabilizer bar between brackets and two L brackets mounted from stabilizer to frame. Rears are bolts head anchors mounted to rear bumper ends. Appears like an old school system for truck campers of 70s through 90s. 14 holes to drill BUT none are through frame, only 12 through truck bed sheet metal and sheet metal cross members and 2 at bumper.

TL are frame mounted at all four points. MUCH more work to install vs HJ and Brophy....12 frame holes to drill!

Brophy: Simple to install (compared to the HJ and TL), less expensive, tried and proven design, much like HJ and TL. NO drilling!

Which is preferred between these three and why?
PROS and CONS for each?


Thanks!

[MORSNOW]

HappiJac's have the better holding angles and yes, they also bolt to your trucks frame not just the body like those who have never installed them claim. The rear bumper also has an additional brace from the frame going back the bottom of the bumper near the buttons.

[mellow]

HJ install is easy plus you can find used ones from time to time for a good deal. Some will do HJ for front and TL for the rear using the hitch. I use the HJ buttons on my rear bumper and it works fine. I also use fastgun turnbuckles.

[Grit_dog]

First blush is, not going to find any "convenient" vehicle specific tie down setups. No market for new tie downs on collector vehicles.

[Baja_Man]

This model year does not have a drill-less application. Both front and rear requiring drilling holes.
The HJ that was on there does not match the holes.....same pattern, just a few inches lower; that's why 8 new holes at front end of truck bed.

[Bedlam]

Torklift typically are no drill application if specific to that truck generation and model. If you already have the Happijac holes and the new version fits them, that may be an option. I wouldn't use stake pocket anchors except for lightest camper shells since you are relying on the truck bed sheet metal to handle all the stresses.