internal vs external tiedowns

[rfgaugush]

Newbie here, going to pick up my new Outfitter Caribou Lite 6.5 in a few weeks after I retire.



Would like to hear opinions on the advantages/disadvantages of internal (in the truck bed) versus external tie downs.



Thanks

[geodasher]

rfgaugush wrote:
Newbie here, going to pick up my new Outfitter Caribou Lite 6.5 in a few weeks after I retire.

Would like to hear opinions on the advantages/disadvantages of internal (in the truck bed) versus external tie downs.

Thanks

There are different types of internal and external mounts, and the truck may affect which works best. In general, external mounts are more common because they make it easy to remove the camper and to adjust the tension for conditions. They are designed to allow some camper movement. Most TorkLift tie downs can be installed through existing holes in the truck frame, unlike other mounts that require drilling through the bed. On the downside external mounts are visible, collect mud, can hit obstacles on some trails, and they require a solid attachment point at each corner of the camper (not all campers are so well made).

Internal mounts are hidden but are a pain when you want to remove the camper. They also put more stress on the bed and camper when the truck flexes on rough roads. Internal mounts work best when used in conjunction with special cushioned frame mounts that allow the camper to move independently from the truck's frame; some flatbed or no-bed camper designs use this approach.

[rfgaugush]

AnEv942 wrote:

Question though does Outfitter recommend one over the other?..

Bed mount is standard, Torklift tie downs are an option.

[AnEv942]

rfgaugush wrote:
What I was referring to as "internal" would be a mount from the base of the camper to the truck bed. Internal in the sense it is not visible from the outside of the camper and is in the bed of the truck. In this sense FWC uses internal mounts.

Just went on the Outfitter site: http://www.outfittermfg.com/ without a problem.

Ive had this problem before older browser-hit a redirect when trying to get to outfitter-
Ya Ive figured out sorta what your really asking-made the conclusion -internal/external was between frame mounts and bed mounts (though both external from your prospective) due to no idea the popups offered the inboard mounting option-.
Anyway I assume similar to what 4Wheel does, & I assume other pop up might. Learn something every day, (mosly how little I really know) surprised never heard mention of it though. Truck Bed mounts are on either side of wheel wells of truck. Camper from inside wing verse outboard for a hard side. But no real details so unsure how you access-thru the lower doors inside camper?
sounds like external might be easier-just from access but a guess on my part at this point. Given the lower height and weight H/Js would save a bit-
Hopefully more of those with pop ups will chime in to the pros & cons. Question though does Outfitter recommend one over the other?..

[bcbouy]

you can buy lay flat d ring mounts/tiedowns that can be bed mounted and lay flat when the camper is in storage.fast gun derringers would probably work well in this application as a turnbuckle option.

[shellbackcva59]

If you plan on removing the camper from time to time, I think external would be the way to go. If you get an internal mount, do they bolt the camper to the truck, or is there a way to easily remove it? A purpose of a truck camper is the dual use of the vehicle. If you went with a more permanent mount, it would make more sense to buy a class B camper.

[rfgaugush]

AnEv942 wrote:
Edit:I just did a quick peruse of the trip camper reports thread looking at pop ups, and all that I could see were/are running 'external' tiedowns. Adding 'PopUp' to title of your thread might yield more response from folks who have them and reasons they went with what they are running. Looked at 4Ws site theirs is outside of camper but attaches to truck floor. Couldnt get on Outfitters, sites been hacked.

What I was referring to as "internal" would be a mount from the base of the camper to the truck bed. Internal in the sense it is not visible from the outside of the camper and is in the bed of the truck. In this sense FWC uses internal mounts.

Just went on the Outfitter site: http://www.outfittermfg.com/ without a problem.

[AnEv942]

Is that what you were asking when mentioning internal mounting, bolting thru the floor of camper verse external (external being any system using tiedowns between camper mounts and truck mounts).

So we're comparing apples and oranges and your talking pears...
sorry- probably wondering, if thats the case, what are these guys going off about..I at least made your question fit my familiarity:o.

'cept for bcbouy. Which myself not knowing anything about bolting thru floor his comment about ease of removal would tend to make me think more suited to semi permanent mount? I guess depends on how the bolting is done-and how camper to be used. Interesting...

Edit:I just did a quick peruse of the trip camper reports thread looking at pop ups, and all that I could see were/are running 'external' tiedowns. Adding 'PopUp' to title of your thread might yield more response from folks who have them and reasons they went with what they are running. Looked at 4Ws site theirs is outside of camper but attaches to truck floor. Couldnt get on Outfitters, sites been hacked.

[rfgaugush]

AnEv942 wrote:

I am curious about the thru the floor mounting. Ive hear it mentioned in the past on older small campers back in the day. I was unaware that this was still done. Wouldnt the camper need to be designed for that? Are any current campers mfg recommending or allowing for bolting thru the camper floor and truck bed? Certainly wouldnt move but..I just see some huge leverage forces-maybe on short camper or a full box. Kinda drifting here

I know Outfitter and Four Wheel Camper primarily mount their pop ups in this manner. From photos I've seen it seems to be standard on most pop ups.

[AnEv942]

805gregg wrote:
...
You forgot the Torquelift con of blocking the fuel door

Well there is that-though even when I started with the T/L turn buckle and chain never saw as a con-as the front mount wasnt continuing to crush our bed-the better angle of tiedown. An appreciated trade off.

But in fairness as to comparative pros & cons yes, if compiling a list there is that consideration, when getting fuel 1 added step on the frame mount. And to add to the con of frame mount system ( or pro of bed mount) theres is the added weight of the frame mount system. It will still be decision of OP weighing which pros which cons matter. Both systems work.

I am curious about the thru the floor mounting. Ive hear it mentioned in the past on older small campers back in the day. I was unaware that this was still done. Wouldnt the camper need to be designed for that? Are any current campers mfg recommending or allowing for bolting thru the camper floor and truck bed? Certainly wouldnt move but..I just see some huge leverage forces-maybe on short camper or a full box. Kinda drifting here

[805gregg]

Could be just terms just confused this simple mind, I too never heard camper mounts described as internal/external.
I assume referring to Happi Jack tiedown mounts, as they are mounted TO the bed, primarily inside as 'internal'-though the actual mount for camper tiedown point is external. Unless simply stake pocket tiedowns?
verses Torklift which are mounted to frame 'external'. Though either Happi Jack or Torklift mounts use an 'external' tiedown point. ie

Having had HappiJack bed/bumper mounts and currently Torklift frame mounts, the frame mounts, given the weight of our camper I believe a better investment.
Either system works.

H/J pros a bit less in cost, no additional hardware to install when loading camper, umm all I can think of.

Cons, cosmetically the little ears sticking out always bugged me. On our earlier design H/Js the 'ears' flexed bending my bed. The rear bumper button mounts totally useless on our truck, bumper material too thin, plus the attaching bent plates that connect to 'buttons that tiedowns connect to kept bending flat. And again silly bolts sticking out of bumper (now a permanent fixture).

Torklifts frame mounts opposite of above.
plus
A difference in the way truck handles was noticeable improvement, the amount camper moves inside bed considerably less. Again maybe truck/ camper specific but better angles for tiedowns IMO.

Cons: initial cost-likely higher install costs unless DYI. Receiver mounted arms do add a step in loading camper, (5 minuets to slide and pin) but I consider a positive, because when campers off-so are they- no 'ears'

You forgot the Torquelift con of blocking the fuel door

[BradW]

trailgranny50 wrote:
We went with the HJ, as stated because of price, and had previous experience with them that was good. The ears don't bother us nor the bumper buttons, but we do have an older truck with heavy duty bumper and factory dual struts. As for bolting to the bed only, hmmmm, maybe I missed something but the one we installed bolts down thru the bed to the frame and the upper part bolts to that heavy duty ell and does go thru the front of the bed. So far no problems but different strokes for different folks. I didn't relish having to flush dirt and debris from the TL bar under the truck to prevent rust, etc. or the need for more clutter under the back of the truck. But then again, we've never actually used them or even seen them on a truck so those who have are more qualified to give input on those. Just personal situation and experiences.

We've hauled a 4,000 lb truck camper for 18 years using Happijac tiedowns. They have performed perfectly. Both Happijac and Torklift tiedowns work great; pick the one you like best.

Brad

[trailgranny50]

We went with the HJ, as stated because of price, and had previous experience with them that was good. The ears don't bother us nor the bumper buttons, but we do have an older truck with heavy duty bumper and factory dual struts. As for bolting to the bed only, hmmmm, maybe I missed something but the one we installed bolts down thru the bed to the frame and the upper part bolts to that heavy duty ell and does go thru the front of the bed. So far no problems but different strokes for different folks. I didn't relish having to flush dirt and debris from the TL bar under the truck to prevent rust, etc. or the need for more clutter under the back of the truck. But then again, we've never actually used them or even seen them on a truck so those who have are more qualified to give input on those. Just personal situation and experiences.

[rfgaugush]

bcbouy wrote:
with outfitter and four wheel camper i don't think you have the option of frame mounting.

The option for frame mounting is available with Outfitter. Don't know about FWC.

[bcbouy]

with outfitter and four wheel camper i don't think you have the option of frame mounting.bolting the camper to the truck bed you make the bed and camper one piece.i would think its as strong if not more so if you use a big backing plate and i bolt.plus you don't have to deal with turn buckles because they are inside the box,but its also a pain to unbolt if you want to drop the camper for a few days.if you swing up the jacks like i do you can get into some really out of the way spots without worrying about ripping off a jack.plus the camper has a low profile and you wont get much side to side rocking anyway.you will have to be careful of the i bolt when you load the camper though.