Tie downs

Use the tie downs that bolt to the frame. buy them once.
Use turnbuckles or their equivalent.
Forget about straps.

If it works dimensionally, IE, the camper tie downs are inside the bed rails of the truck, then I'd do it. Still gotta make sure the tie downs are angled properly fore and aft to keep the camper pulled slightly forward.

1000lbs is not much of a camper, are you certain on the weight? Even most of the pop ups loaded with gear are close to or twice that weight.

Seriously? Spend the money and do the right thing.........

How are you gonna feel when you kill some family?

I am far from an expert, but I have not seen slide in campers being just a 1000lbs, even popup seem to be more than 1000lbs. When I was looking for a used camper I looked at many many campers and anything lighter, such as a popup were non existent in the used camper market in my area. Are you looking for something with a bathroom, kitchen area, how will you use the camper?

Even a 1000lbs camper probably would require and for safety reason need to have actual tie downs, I have seen where some guys use ratchet straps for temporary measures, as in getting it home or something along those lines.


Finally, Id go at this cautiously having weight limits and the handling limits in mind in what ever your needs and wants are in your camper choice.

Seriously, I am asking because I want to know "What the right" thing is. Instead of being bashed, I was hoping to get some answers. I have never done this before and want to do it right! Helpful info wanted. The camper I saw was just over 1000 lbs dry weight, It was made for a 1/4 ton truck like a Tacoma. Not looking at something with a bathroom, but possibly a small kitchen area. What kind of tie downs do you use? I was hoping this forum would be helpful to a newbie, but I seem to just get berated! How can I learn if I don't ask questions. I guess this may not be the place for me to learn!

For back road slow travels to get a camper home ratchet straps can be a temporary solution if you are not traveling far.

The next step up is brophy turnbuckles, but still not a great option for newer trucks with light truck beds.

The best is either happyjac or torklift for safety.

epcolumbus, at least you are asking questions which is a good thing. Welcome to the forum and there are some very knowledgeable folks here. Sometimes a little tack is good too...be safe!

epcolumbus wrote:
I am new to truck campers. Looking at used ones. Can I safely mount a 1000 lb camper on my Ram 1500 short bed using heavy duty ratchet straps and the factory tie downs in the bed. Looking for opinions.

I have done that many times when buying a new truck camper to bring it home..I had a Lance 8.6 truck camper on a '76 Ford 3/4 ton and only used straps hooked to the frame and stake pocket because I did not have access to any other kind at the time..It worked well without issues even on mountain roads in Idaho..

Never an issue with this setup with straps only at the time..Just make sure you use good HD straps with a high rating..I would do it again if need be..



JMHO

epcolumbus wrote:
Seriously, I am asking because I want to know "What the right" thing is. Instead of being bashed, I was hoping to get some answers. I have never done this before and want to do it right! Helpful info wanted. The camper I saw was just over 1000 lbs dry weight, It was made for a 1/4 ton truck like a Tacoma. Not looking at something with a bathroom, but possibly a small kitchen area. What kind of tie downs do you use? I was hoping this forum would be helpful to a newbie, but I seem to just get berated! How can I learn if I don't ask questions. I guess this may not be the place for me to learn!

Sorry for some of the rude and uninformed replies..Some just have no idea and have never done anything like that..Some have..

As far as using straps,I am totally surprised someone hasn't came up with truck camper ratchet tie downs..There are recovery straps out there rated over 30,000 lbs and ratchet straps rated at 20,000 pounds and only 2" wide...Working loads over 5K on the little ones.More than enough for a truck camper like you asked about..

They give alittle unlike turnbuckles and chains,a good thing for a TC..And some of the colors are awesome..LOL..That's all the truckers use to tie down there very heavy loads of lumber etc..Been there done that..

Good luck with your new rig...

epcolumbus wrote:
I am new to truck campers. Looking at used ones. Can I safely mount a 1000 lb camper on my Ram 1500 short bed using heavy duty ratchet straps and the factory tie downs in the bed. Looking for opinions.

First, welcome aboard epcolumbus. For the record, you DID NOT do or say anything wrong. Some people just jump to conclusions but you positioned your experience, your situation and your question appropriately. At least some of us got it ... you don't know what the right thing to do is and were just asking. I can assure you the ones that jumped on you are not representative of the majority in this TC (truck camper) forum or RV'ers as a usually friendly and helpful community.

Generally, ratchet straps ARE NOT recommended for regular use with TC's. Perhaps in a very rare pinch but nowadays, TC's are big and heavy and need to be well secured. As JaycoCreek said, there are straps that are very, very strong but I believe he is right in that no one has come out with one that is specifically geared and approved for TC tie down use.

Personally, I use TorkLift Fast Guns ... one of the most effective, simplest and expensive systems out there. They would likely be overkill for your needs ... especially since you're just starting out.

Torklift FastGuns

There are lots of good, safe ways to fasten your unit securely without spending a fortune. Simply google "truck camper tie downs", go to the images section and you'll see lots of examples. Most systems involve some kind of threaded rod, hooks and a turnbuckle as you need them to get the right tension on your lines securing the unit. You can buy them pre-made or if you're handy, you can assemble a set (of 4) yourself. Let us know how you make out.