How To Choose The Best Camper Tie-Downs?
It is important that you know how to secure your truck camper & weight distribution hitch so you can have a safe and enjoyable trip. Fortunately, it is not so complicated. By following the tips below, you will be on your way in no time! Don’t forget to pull back your Camper Jack into the frame when you are on the road. When you park your camper, you should extend your Trailer Jacks until it reaches the ground. With Motorhome Stabilizer Bars, you can assure that your camper is stable all the time.
What Is a Truck Camper?
A truck camper refers to the camper placed in the bed of a pickup truck. It is a part of the truck. Sometimes it extends a few feet behind the tailgate or over the cab. Truck campers are the most affordable RV options that include essential amenities such as a bathroom, kitchen, and sleeping area. When you've parked, use Brophy Trailer Jacks to keep your camper stable.
How to Properly Secure a Truck Camper?
Since truck campers are not permanently attached to your truck, you will have to install and secure them every time you head out. Although this is a bit complicated, you have to do it properly so you can travel safely. Keep in mind that there are two important components to consider - turnbuckles and the tie-down system. Trailer Stabilizer Bars can also be a great help.
It is also greatly recommended that you should have a mat to keep your camper stable and secure your truck bed. You have to consider that there are a few tie-down systems that are created specifically for certain trucks. That is why when shopping for tie-downs, it is important to look for a system that can work perfectly with your truck along with RV Stabilizer Bars.
What are the Different Types of Tie Downs?
Here, we are going to explore the different types of Tie Down Kit for towing or hauling.
Bed-Mounted Truck Camper Tie Downs
Truck Bed-Mounted Camper Tie Downs should be mounted to the sheet metal of your truck bed. You can either use metal clamps over the rails of the truck bed or bolt metal plates on the front of the truck bed. Generally, the metal plates are drilled into the front wall of the truck bed out of available drill kits.
Unfortunately, this Tie Down Accessory is something that most truck owners are not comfortable with. Also, you have to consider that most trucks are built with lighter materials. The clamp versions are detachable, making them perfect for situations wherein you want to take your camper out every now and then.
Most clamp models include neoprene pads which can avoid damaging the paint of your truck. Camper Stabilizer Bars can also be used in attaching front bed tie-down brackets so there is weight distribution and more stability. You are going to install these Fifth Wheel Stabilizer Bars on the interior part of the front of your truck bed.
Frame-Mounted Tie-Downs
Frame-Mounted Lippert Components Camper Tie Downs are bolted straight into the truck frame, which is the sturdiest part of your truck. With its lower connection point, you can always ensure good handling and more stability. That is why this Lippert Components Tie Down Accessory is ideal for full-height, slide-in campers. For more stability, you can set up Lippert Components Stabilizer Bars.
Camper Torklift Frame-Mount Tie-Downs with Torklift Stabilizer Bars, sway bars are highly recommended for a Ford F350 with a Lance 1172 camper.
Bumper-Mounted Tie-Downs
Obviously, based on its name, these Bumper-Mounted Happijac Camper Tie Downs will secure the truck camper through the bumper of the truck. Nevertheless, keep in mind that your bumpers are not as sturdy as your truck bed or frame. In case you drive down on those bumpy roads or your camper is too heavy, then your bumper could get damaged or will bend.
Because of this issue, this type of Happijac Tie Down Accessory is not greatly recommended. Also, the bumper is located on the rear side only. This means that you will be needing a frame-mounted tie-down or a bed-mounted tie-down for the front side of the camper. You could also use Happijac Stabilizer Bars for more stability proudly made in the USA.
What Are The Best Camper Tie-Downs?
Among the different types of tie-downs, the best option would be the frame-mounted Billis RV Camper Tie Downs. They offer the strongest foundation for securing your camper over the sheet metal of your trunk bed. Frame-mounted Torklift Camper Tie Downs are also capable of handling and distributing the weight of your camper.
As a result, the overall handling and stability of your truck will be greatly improved. So, whenever there are strong winds or big bumps, then you will be grateful that you are using stronger connections for your Camper Tie Down Parts. Using Billis RV Stabilizer Bars can also secure your camper.
What are Truck Camper Turnbuckles?
Truck Camper Turnbuckles can help you in either decreasing or increasing the tension between the two points of your tension system. Generally, you will have to insert two screws at the end of a small metal frame. As you turn the frame, the two ends are either screwed in or out to decrease or increase their length.
When it comes to truck campers, turnbuckles refer to the tension system used in securing the truck camper to the tie-downs. One end will be connected to the mounting bracket of the truck camper then connected to the tie-down either temporarily or permanently. There are various styles of turnbuckles such as Brophy Turnbuckles.
Truck Camper Tie Downs Canada has different options for you depending on your needs. Once it has been installed, you can tighten the tension to a sufficient amount. There is a range of Turnbuckles, you can either choose the basic ones or the most advanced models. Some versions include easy on/off levers or tension indicators.
When choosing the best turnbuckles, you need to consider your budget as well as the type of your truck and camper. Again, you have to remember that your truck may require a specific model. That is why it is important to verify this with the vehicle manufacturer before making a purchase.
It is also vital to obtain the appropriate size of your tie-downs. The size of the turnbuckle for a frame-mounted tie-down is different from a bed-mounted tie-down.
Standard Turnbuckles And Chain
This is a simple system that uses a certain length of chain in connecting to the eye-to-eye or hook-to-hook turnbuckles. Although this device is simple and cost-effective, you have to ensure that the turnbuckles, S-hooks, chain, and any other components can properly handle the movement and weight of your camper.
Spring-Loaded Turnbuckles
This type of turnbuckle is specially designed to permit shock absorption on the camper as it experiences bumps and turns while driving down the road. The spring is either installed on the turnbuckle itself or in specific anchor points that are near or attached to the tie-down connection.
Spring-Loaded Turnbuckles can help in minimizing stress on the anchor points of your tie-down. At the same time, it can also help in reducing wear and extending the life span. Most often, these systems require a stainless steel rod or a chain in connecting it to the other tie-down.
Most of the designs include spring tension indicators to help you in finding accurate tension.
Quick-Release or Lever-Action Turnbuckles
Most truck camper owners are not aware that their turnbuckles are blocking their fuel tank access. It could take a while to twist and reset your turnbuckles. Not to mention that it can be very annoying, especially if there are a lot of vehicles waiting on the pump.
During these situations, it could be a great help if you are using a quicker and easier mounting or dismounting system. Quick-release turnbuckles include levers that release the turnbuckle and extend it to release it from its anchor point. The only time that you need to twist it is during the initial tension. Turnbuckle Locks are also needed for more security.