Turnbuckle advice

[Ernie_Fergler]

I recently purchased a used Arctic Fox 990. It came with happy jack standard turnbuckles. Only the front ones are spring loaded. According to etrailer website, they are not recommended for frame mounted tie downs (which I have, front and rear). Do I need to buy springs for the rear? I don’t understand why a bumper mount would take a different turnbuckle than a frame mount. Please enlighten me.

[Grit_dog]

stevenal wrote:
Qwik-Loads

Front turnbuckles are spring loaded to help reduce stress on tie-down points
Rear turnbuckles are cushioned with rubber
Ensures proper amount of tension for bumper-mounted tie-downs while still minimizing stress on tie-down points

Perhaps it's possible to buy four fronts somewhere.

Still over $100 more expensive than the basic Torklift turnbuckle/spring mount combo sets.
If the OP wants a proper connection that is pre engineered, I think those are the most reasonably priced.
Maybe I forgot but I thought the point of the OPs query was economical tie downs.

[stevenal]

Qwik-Loads

Front turnbuckles are spring loaded to help reduce stress on tie-down points
Rear turnbuckles are cushioned with rubber
Ensures proper amount of tension for bumper-mounted tie-downs while still minimizing stress on tie-down points

Perhaps it's possible to buy four fronts somewhere.

[greenno]

Ehh incorrect on the HJ not being spring loaded.
I have had these "fastgun" style turnbuckles and they have internal springs on front and rear.
Typically want about 1/4" of stretch when properly tensioned and set in place.
Of course you can also lengthen and shorten overall length as required.

[stevenal]

I believe the HJ Quick-loads have springs on the front only.

[greenno]

I went with the lower priced Happyjack “fastgun” style turnbuckles.
That being said I also went with the Torklift frame mount tie downs.
They have worked out just fine and saved a couple bucks too.

[mbloof]

Ernie Fergler wrote:
Thx guys. The Torklift springs seem a little pricey for what they are. Any alternatives?

"HappyJack" does make spring loaded turnbuckles for a fraction of the cost of the overpriced TL models.

Similar to TL, HappyJack makes short ones (generally used in the front bed mount) and long ones.



Take your pick.


- Mark0.

[Ernie_Fergler]

Thx one and all.I ordered torklift springs last night.

[mellow]

Keep an eye out on ebay or fb marketplace, some show up from time to time.

[mkirsch]

Ernie Fergler wrote:
Thx guys. The Torklift springs seem a little pricey for what they are. Any alternatives?

Buy once, cry once.

Spend a little extra and never question your decision, or cheap out and kick yourself for years down the line...

How many tens of thousands did you spend on the truck and camper? Now's not the time to quibble over a few hundred dollars.

[Geo_Boy]

JimK-NY wrote:
Torklift parts might be expensive but they are well engineered and built to last.

This ^^^^^^^

[deltabravo]

I'll say the same thing here that I posted in reply to your question in the FB group:
Spring loaded are a must.
If it were me, I'd sell the Happijacs and get Torklift Fastguns for all 4 corners

[JimK-NY]

Torklift parts might be expensive but they are well engineered and built to last.

[Bedlam]

Torklift makes at least three price ranges of turnbuckle that all carry lifetime warranties. Happijac also makes a spring loaded turnbuckle. The two more expensive offerings from Torklift make setting tension easy and consistent while the offerings require more work when loading and unloading your camper but still will safely do the job.

[joerg68]

No alternatives from my side. I have been a happy TL Fastgun user since 2009 and recommend them.