Well we got our truck and are looking for a camper. We are leaning toward the Lance 12 footer with the side entrance and single slide. Really like the layout and the space.My truck is a 2003 F350 DRW with 7.3L Diesel. I am trying to decide on what Tie Downs to install. I had HappiJacks on my last rig but to be honest I don't know if I want the mounting sitting in the bed. Does anyone remember the tie downs that were a part of the jacking system. You drove over a bar that stabilized the load then when you retracted the stands the bar locked the camper to the truck frame. I remember they were expensive, but cool. Open to your recommendations. Not interested in spending a fortune on the tie downs but need to ensure the camper and families safety when traveling down the road.

We use TORKLIFT tie downs up front and am very pleased with them, made some look alikes for the back that slide into the side of the rear hitch.

I believe you are referring to Stable lift stable lifthttp://stablelift.com/stable-lift-products.php

P Colahan wrote: Does anyone remember the tie downs that were a part of the jacking system. You drove over a bar that stabilized the load then when you retracted the stands the bar locked the camper to the truck frame. I remember they were expensive, but cool. The places I travel occasionally with my TC, the Stable-Lift system would resemble pretzels.

My first camper had first gen. happi-Jac's, since then all Torklift. I'd go hunting around on ebay and craigslist for used ones at half price. Many times, the rears just slide into and then bolt to the trailer hitch on Fords'. The rear bumpers generally are not strong enough anymore(they twist when loaded)for the buttons that Happi-Jac uses. The fronts get trickier as they tend to need bolts fished around the gas tank. Just my opinion.

If you decide to go with Torklift, then check craigslists. I just sold a set, front and rear, for a Dodge truck for $200. The going rate is $100 per pair. (BTW, I got them on a deal with a Torklift Superhitch, all or nothing package. Also off craigslist.)

Tie Down Recommendations | Good Sam Community

Sturgeon-Phish
Explorer
May 06, 2015
sharkman wrote:
We use TORKLIFT tie downs up front and am very pleased with them, made some look alikes for the back that slide into the side of the rear hitch.
I did the same thing when I had my '96 GMC 2500. They worked real well. Still got them if anyone is interested
Jim
bricetribe
Explorer
May 06, 2015
I use the Torklift tiedowns in the front with my 2004 F250 SC/LB and 11' Western Wilderness Combo. I never have problems with fueling up though it is a close fit between the fuel door and chain/turnbuckle.
P_Colahan
Explorer
May 06, 2015
I had Hapjack on my last rig. Worked fine for the camper although it made the camper sit back some and you had to be careful that you lowered the camper so the bumpers on the front of the camper were not above the rubber knobs that protrude from the tie down. I got the camper stuck on those several times while lowering the camper and had to reposition.

Another thing I didn't care for was using the bed for a load when the camper was off. Difficult to tie stuff down when the bar in the bed is in the way.
pjay9
Explorer
May 06, 2015
New HJac have a better grip on the frame with a bolt thru system. JJet is made a good point...buy what you like! Hjac was sold with Lance and it worked, then new style came out it worked better. My first system was custom built for a Ford 250CS to frame it was a PIA as well, never stayed taut old chain and turnbuckle system...new lever actions are great! Happy Camping!
Farmerjon
Explorer
May 06, 2015
With our 2000 f350 DRW we don't have to take the tie downs off or loosen them. But we do have to be carefull when opening the fuel door.
NRALIFR wrote in another thread about his 2010 F350 DRW "Good paint match. The fuel door is off the old bed. I know that because of the rubber bumper. That's to keep it from banging on the camper tiedown.
and he showed a picture of it.
With the newer trucks that have the larger fuel doors because of the DEF I believe you have to remove the tie down. We haven't put the camper on our 2015 yet but it looks like we will be getting Fastguns to make taking it off easy.

Click
JumboJet
Explorer
May 06, 2015
Most HappiJac owners are satisfied with their installation.

Most TorkLift owners are satisfied with their installation.

I have personally seen a damaged truck bed from a Happijac installation. Does this mean the owner did not know how to properly use the Happijac setup? Or was it because the owner encountered a serious bump in the road that allowed the heavy camper to move and bent the "pressed" metal Happijac tie down points? It was a serious bump in the road that the driver did not see in time to slow down.

I am not going to drill holes in a truck bed to install the Happijac system - especially when a stronger system that does not require drilling is available.

Happijac vs. Torklift vs. Stablelift. Your money. Your truck. Your camper. Just be happy and camp!

Torklift Steel

Torklift Aircraft Aluminum

Happijac "pressed" sheet metal

Happijac "pressed" sheet metal

Stablelift pipe and ?????

Torklift Earns ‘Seattle Manufacturer of the Year’

May 6, 2015 by RVBusiness
tonymull
Explorer
May 06, 2015
Differs with truck model. If you have Fastguns they are very quickly out of the way, not an issue at all. Having to loosen regular turnbuckles though, PITA.
P_Colahan
Explorer
May 06, 2015
805gregg wrote:
Happijac for 13 years on 2 campers, no problems, better hold down angle (toklift are almost straight with little angle) and no need to remove to refuel

Interesting, For those who have F350 DWR with Torklift, do you have any issues with refueling with tie downs in place?
805gregg
Explorer
May 06, 2015
Happijac for 13 years on 2 campers, no problems, better hold down angle (toklift are almost straight with little angle) and no need to remove to refuel
tonymull
Explorer
May 06, 2015
And Torklifts are made in Sumner.