how to put on tie downs?

[TraciK]

My husband is confused. LOL What do you attach the tie down to on the truck?

I know I keep asking a lot of questions. I'm sorry! But, y'all are just so dang helpful! Thanks!!

[devildog1971]

You can even mix them up I made the ones for the front and used the happijack buttons on the bumper I got a new truck and bought the torklift front ones and put the old buttons on the new bumper in my totally unprofessional opinion the front seems to be the most crucial

[campn4walleye]

If you go with the Torklift tie downs and get a Torklift super hitch extension, it must be installed first.

It's not really difficult (it only took DH 2 hrs to install ours).

Synergy_51 has some old threads that contain pictures of his installation. They were very helpful.

We got our tie downs, hitch and fast guns from Tweety's. They had the best price and free shipping. Very prompt service.

We couldn't be happier. Good luck finding the right TC to match your truck. You'll find loads of help on the TC forum. Ask lots of questions and read everything in the TC university.

[TraciK]

I really want one it all depends on if we find the right one at the right price.

[TraciK]

We will be pulling a trailer with two 4 wheelers most of the times when we have the camper on.

[wintersun]

The rear tie-downs depend in part on whether you plan to tow a moderately heavy trailer. If so the Tork-lift Superhitch requires a different tie-down setup than if you use the factory hitch for a lighter trailer.

With campers there is often the need for a hitch extension and this is a leveraged load on the hitch so a stronger receiver setup may be needed.

Easiest to pick up a camper if you have the tie-downs, turnbuckles, and camper plugin already in place. With the plugin it is important to also have a fuse and battery isolator so the camper cannot draw down the truck's starter battery.

[Mote]

I currently have the happijacs as they were given to me when I bought the camper. Personally, I don't like them. They work fine but I don't like the bar and bolts at the front of the truck bed that can scratch the camper or other things I carry in the truck bed. Also, I've bumped my hip on the ears that stick out behind the cab a dozen times already.
I'm saying all this to say if you haven't purchased tie downs yet I'd recommend the Tork lifts. They would eliminate both of my issues.

[Grit_dog]

If you are sure you're buying a camper, get the truck set up first with tie downs and anything the rear susp may need for addl load capability. Lights too. You can buy a trailer plug extension fairly cheap from the camper/ trailer dealers.
The tie downs are universal, torklifts have some adjustability for tiedowns position front to rear.

[TraciK]

Thanks everyone! He is worried about us driving a couple of hours to get one and not be able to tie it down. I will show him this tonight.

That is if we ever find one!! UGH!!

[joe_b_]

Some of the Youtube.com videos are also a good source of information on installing your truck tie down. Most of the major companies that sell tie downs, Happijac, Torklift and Stable Lift will have videos on their web sites, to explain the general process. Most are not that difficult to install, usually just a few hours of time, some basic tools needed and some band aids for the skinned knuckles. LOL

[bobndot]

tie-down installation
Sometimes the front tiedown partially blocks the fuel door and some people have to unleash it to fill the tank. Its not a big deal if that happens.
TL video of installation

There is a 'how to' video from the TL website that shows how to install and adjust the actual tiedown or Fastgun , if you choose to use Fastguns. Setting the tension so they are not too tight is important .

Good luck , Bob

[69_Avion]

The TorkLift tie downs are nice. Whatever you do, you want to have the mounts tie onto the truck frame. I like the front ones toward the front of the bed. The back ones can tie onto the sides of the receiver hitch.

[bikerdib]

The 2 most commonly used are Happijac or TorkLift tie downs. Do a web search for the companies websites. Lots of info there and you can find the right ones for your truck.