Need some help with using turnbuckles

[meleavingsoon]

I'm back to ask another question about the new to us 2000 Lance 1130 TC and the use of turnbuckles.

After considering the tie down options you guys helped me think thru I decided to purchase the Torklift for front and rear.

The PO of the camper used the Happijac system on his truck with the buttons on the rear bumper but the tie downs stayed on the truck. When he sold the camper he left for me 7 of the turnbuckles...actually 8 but one is broken. I am assuming he just had picked up spares somewhere since only 4 are needed.

Of the 7 functional turnbuckles he left in the camper there look to be basically 2 different type, and I am trying to determine which ones to use for myself. There are 5 (approx. 8 1/2" long cylinders that are 1 1/8" in diameter) that appear to be spring loaded.... and 2 (approx. 18" long cylinders that are 1" in diameter) that don't seem to have springs inside.

My question is...do you use spring loaded at all four corners? And since I am going with the Torklift instead of the Happijac it seems I will have to use some sections of chain to make up the necessary length.

Thanks again,
Phil

[mellow]

I got some bright orange rubber coated chain from Lowes for my torklift install (easier to see if they need tightening at night), same as others mentioned, ones with springs up front.

[rlb8s]

Aren't these a good option? Happijac 182895 Qwik-Load Turnbuckle, (Set of 4) - http://www.amazon.com/Happijac-182895-Qwik-Load-Turnbuckle-Set/dp/B003VAUOX4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[meleavingsoon]

Thanks guys!

If money were no concern I would look at other new turnbuckles...but since we are new to this and I already have existing ones to use I need to save the cash for maybe upgrading my hitch. And I think we need to convince ourselves that we like the TC style of travel before we spend more on better upgrades.

I will just plan the four spring loaded with sections of chain as necessary.

[Jaxom]

The proper use of the Happijac turnbuckles is not an opinion. There is a right and a wrong way to use them. 2 minutes of Googling will give you the correct answer.
http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/camper-tech/maintenance/ask-the-expert-maintaining-happijac-tie-downs-and-turnbuckles/

[DWeikert]

If the PO used the Happijac system the front turnbuckles may be too short to reach your Torklift anchor points. As I recall, the Happijac uses a bracket that attaches to the front of the truck bed so the attachment for the turnbuckle is much closer to the camper than Torklift tie downs. If it's in the budget, get yourself a set of Fastguns. If not, you may need to get a short piece of chain to extend the front turnbuckles to reach your Torklifts.

[GoinThisAway]

I agree that the Fastguns are much simpler to use but if you aren't inclined to get them then my vote goes to using 4 of the spring loaded tie downs to allow for some flexing.

[Tom_Anderson]

If funds permit, I would recommend buying Torklift Fastguns and using those instead. They're much faster and easier to install and remove, and they have the springs built into them. They're not cheap, though.

[mkirsch]

Use what works best for you. IMHO spring loaded is better because you can put a little tension on the chain so it doesn't jump out of the eyelet, and the springs absorb some of the shock if you hit an unexpected bump in the road.

[Junket]

Use the short ones with the springs in front the long ones without springs in back. The spring ones tighten them till on slack, then give another 1/4" rear snug up tight.Check again after 50mi ar so.
Ken