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Mike_101's avatar
Mike_101
Explorer
Jul 07, 2016

Shock absorber tie downs?

Concerned about lots of sway with new shock absorber style tie downs. Wondering if this normal? Any ideas, pros and cons vs. old turnbuckle style? Thinking of going back to the old ones. Thanks!
  • Are you sure they are adjusted right with the lever arm half across the hole?
  • jimh425 wrote:
    Are you sure they are adjusted right with the lever arm half across the hole?


    Lever arm? Most of the spring loads I've looked at, unless you buy the quick disconnects are hand-tightened drums, similar to a standard turnbuckle.

    Be sure you have enough tension on the spring loads, you may not have preloaded the springs on the front enough to keep it secure.

    The rears, depending on the manufacturer, don't have any springs in them at all.
  • If you use regular turn buckles, with no spring or rubber protection, and go off road, you're likely to pull an eyelet out of the wood camper...
  • " shock absorber type " is not enough information . What brand and name are they ?
  • ticki2 wrote:
    " shock absorber type " is not enough information . What brand and name are they ?


    Ditto,

    need more specific info
  • You don't give any info on your rig, so everyone will be guessing more wildly than normal, or maybe not, but we try to help.

    When you talk about sway, I think of truck sway with the camper load.

    The cushioned and spring loaded turn buckles won't make any difference in sway with normal driving and turns.

    Make sure your tires are fully aired and make sure you don't have too much air in your air springs.(if you have air bags)

    The overload springs need to just touch to help with the load.

    The one thing that rally helps with sway is a rear sway bar.

    Last, if your camper is way too heavy for the springs or tires you'll have sway.