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> TorkLift doesn't fit, Not enough clearance

RV_Tech
post Mar 9 2017, 06:07 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 201
Joined: 27-July 12
Member No.: 6,199
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Hallmark, Northstar, Outfitter
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: F-350 SRW 6.2 Supercab
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijack front, Torklift rear
Truck and Camper Setup: Hallmark Ute XL No modes to truck Torklift Fast Guns Fast guns had to be cut down to absolute minimum (14 1/2") to use with Happijac front tie down and Hallmark camper.



So it is a nice day today so I thought it was a good time to put the TorkLift tie downs on my 2012 F350 SRW long bed. What a mess, I quickly saw why their own video only shows the install on the passenger side.

Step #1 drop the fuel tank shield or take it completely off to have enough room to work.
Step #2 Slide the first bracket up the fuel tank indent onto the frame rail and then slide it down to the frame rail so the tank shield can eventually be replaced.

Step#2 Sounds great, but there is nowhere near enough room to slide the bracket down the frame rail next to the tank. Not even close.

Ring up Tech Support at TorkLift. Clearly they have no clue, can I send pictures. Next take some pics and send em email. TorkLift calls verifies I have the right parts, which I do. In that case, I just have to unclamp the fuel tank and shift it over. Huh, I gotta move the fuel tank. Yeah, sometimes the tank has to be shifted over (there is really very little shifting that can be done with the fuel tank).

Give that a try and with a pry bar and a ball peen hammer, I could wedge it into place, but there will be absolutely 0" of clearance between the tank and the metal bracket. Probably not a good idea given that Ford has a rubber cushion wherever the tank makes contact with the the metal straps. mad.gif

I can't be the first one to have this problem. Anyone in the forum heard of it before?

Steve
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SidecarFlip
post Mar 10 2017, 03:33 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 472
Joined: 15-October 16
Member No.: 9,221
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Forest River Palomino SS
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1997 Ford F350 4x4 LB SRW CC 7.3 diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: HappyJac standard
Truck and Camper Setup: 1997 Ford F350 4 door 4x4 Crew Cab 7.3 Diesel, Lance 915 loaded, 2015 Palomino SS1500 Loaded



Why I have the HappyJac system on the front and TorkLift on the rear. You just found out, it won't fit, it will, but you have to pull the fuel tank to get it on. No way Jose'.... and then there are the e-brake cables too.


Lets say I copied the TorkLift rear tiedowns, I didn't buy theirs. Just looked at a couple pictures and fabbed up my own. Square tube ans 3/16 mild steel plate is pretty cheap.

I much prefer the HappyJac front mount, not only for the angle it places the turnbuckles at but because in reality, it ties the bed, the hitch frame and the frame together,

Only bad thing is Lippert owns them. Lippert Industries can be very hard to deal with at times.
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RV_Tech
post Mar 10 2017, 06:41 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 201
Joined: 27-July 12
Member No.: 6,199
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Hallmark, Northstar, Outfitter
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: F-350 SRW 6.2 Supercab
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijack front, Torklift rear
Truck and Camper Setup: Hallmark Ute XL No modes to truck Torklift Fast Guns Fast guns had to be cut down to absolute minimum (14 1/2") to use with Happijac front tie down and Hallmark camper.



QUOTE(SidecarFlip @ Mar 10 2017, 04:33 PM)
Why I have the HappyJac system on the front and TorkLift on the rear.  You just found out, it won't fit, it will, but you have to pull the fuel tank to get it on.  No way Jose'....  and then there are the e-brake cables too.
Lets say I copied the TorkLift rear tiedowns, I didn't buy theirs.  Just looked at a couple pictures and fabbed up my own.  Square tube ans 3/16 mild steel plate is pretty cheap.

I much prefer the HappyJac front mount, not only for the angle it places the turnbuckles at but because in reality, it ties the bed, the hitch frame and the frame together,

Only bad thing is Lippert owns them.  Lippert Industries can be very hard to deal with at times.
*



Here the thing on the fuel tank. I loosened the hinges to gain clearance and used a pry bar on the fuel tank. It still is not enough and Torklift says all you have to do is shift it over. The inboard frame mount for the tank allows for maybe an extra 1/4" and there is no way that is enough. I was trying to install a bracket over 3/4" wide in a space that started out as a 1/4". And, as I discovered when I searched the Internet, this is a known problem both on the Internet and at Torklift. Ever wonder why the Torklift video shows the install only on the passenger side?

Plus, you can't have metal to metal contact with the fuel tank, that is why there is a rubber cushion under the tank over the supporting band. No chafing allowed.

So yeah I am pissed. I have to eat a 20% restocking charge for returning the front tie downs and one pair of Fast Guns. as well as the shipping from Northeast Tennesse to the West coast, so Torklift is way way down my list of companies to do business with again. As I said to tech support, "you advertise a no-drill installation and now you are telling me I have to shift the fuel tank over.? I would rather drill the frame rail." What a joke! First of all they acted like they didn't know what I was talking about, then they said sometimes you just have to move the tank. Which is it?

I am ordering the Happijacs now for the front and am going to fast track em to get this done and the riser built for the bed of my truck to go get the Northstar. So if you are reading this, I fully understand that Torklifts are popular and are well loved, but when they don't fit, they really don't fit. All I was trying to do was avoid drilling my truck bed, but that turned out to be a costly mistake and a waste of time. mad.gif

And, speaking as a retire RV technician, Lippert is all about money and little else!

Steve
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SidecarFlip
post Mar 10 2017, 08:34 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 472
Joined: 15-October 16
Member No.: 9,221
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Forest River Palomino SS
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1997 Ford F350 4x4 LB SRW CC 7.3 diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: HappyJac standard
Truck and Camper Setup: 1997 Ford F350 4 door 4x4 Crew Cab 7.3 Diesel, Lance 915 loaded, 2015 Palomino SS1500 Loaded



I know about Lippert but Lippert bought Happyjac. HappyJac was an established business, much like CW is buying up independent dealers. I don't like CW either.

Your Fast Guns will work with the HappyJac from tie down you don't need to send them back.

I feel for you but like you, I would be adverse to moving my fuel tank, that is just a piss poor design. The rear tie downs work fine (far as I can tell), I just copied theirs and made my own.

The HappyJac front mount is pretty much plug and play, I never had any issue with mine and I prefer the close in halfway up the bed mount anyway.

At least when Lippert screw you, they are up front about it...lol
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RV_Tech
post Mar 11 2017, 03:29 AM
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Group: Members
Posts: 201
Joined: 27-July 12
Member No.: 6,199
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Hallmark, Northstar, Outfitter
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: F-350 SRW 6.2 Supercab
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijack front, Torklift rear
Truck and Camper Setup: Hallmark Ute XL No modes to truck Torklift Fast Guns Fast guns had to be cut down to absolute minimum (14 1/2") to use with Happijac front tie down and Hallmark camper.



QUOTE(SidecarFlip @ Mar 10 2017, 09:34 PM)
I know about Lippert but Lippert bought Happyjac. HappyJac was an established business, much like CW is buying up independent dealers.  I don't like CW either.

Your Fast Guns will work with the HappyJac from tie down you don't need to send them back.

I feel for you but like you, I would be adverse to moving my fuel tank, that is just a piss poor design.  The rear tie downs work fine (far as I can tell), I just copied theirs and made my own.

The HappyJac front mount is pretty much plug and play, I never had any issue with mine and I prefer the close in halfway up the bed mount anyway.

At least when Lippert screw you, they are up front about it...lol
*



Good point on the Fast Guns, I was thinking they are too long, but they can be shortened.
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skyhammer
post Mar 16 2017, 04:03 PM
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Joined: 3-July 11
From: NW Calif.
Member No.: 5,520
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Host
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 2011 F-350,4WD,CC,DRW
Type of Tiedowns used: Tork lift fast guns
Truck and Camper Setup: Air bags, tork lift stable loads,Reese extension hitch. Host 11.5' triple slide



On my 2011 I never had to move the fuel tank. Installation was quick, simple and easy.Your 2012 should look exactly like mine.
As far as Happijac is concerned, I would never put them on my truck. I have seen to many trucks with front of the bed getting bent, plus I don't want to put holes in my bed.
Most of the people that like Happijac have small light weight campers.
I also see that Sidecarflip is now on RV.net.
He has succeeded in pissing off nearly everyone with his negative comments. Especially with his comments about everyone who doesn't have a pop up. Apparently, if you don't agree that a popup is the only way to go you are an idiot.


--------------------
2011, F-350,CC,DRW,6.7,4WD
Air bags, Tork Lift Stable Loads
Host, 11.5' Tripple Slide
Tork Lift Fast Guns
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RV_Tech
post Mar 16 2017, 05:42 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 201
Joined: 27-July 12
Member No.: 6,199
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Hallmark, Northstar, Outfitter
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: F-350 SRW 6.2 Supercab
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijack front, Torklift rear
Truck and Camper Setup: Hallmark Ute XL No modes to truck Torklift Fast Guns Fast guns had to be cut down to absolute minimum (14 1/2") to use with Happijac front tie down and Hallmark camper.



QUOTE(skyhammer @ Mar 16 2017, 05:03 PM)
On my 2011 I never had to move the fuel tank. Installation was quick, simple and easy.Your 2012 should look exactly like mine.
As far as Happijac is concerned, I would never put them on my truck. I have seen to many trucks with front of the bed getting bent, plus I don't want to put holes in my bed.
Most of the people that like Happijac have small light weight campers.
I also see that Sidecarflip is now on RV.net.
He has succeeded in pissing off nearly everyone with his negative comments. Especially with his comments about everyone who doesn't have a pop up. Apparently, if you don't agree that a popup is the only way to go you are an idiot.
*



Skyhammer,

I understand they fit for some. For others there is just no way. I worked as an RV tech for almost 20 years so making things fit is not foreign to me. In this case, even with the tank straps loosened and using a pry bar, I was still lacking about a 1/4" - 3/8" of clearance and tech support at Torklift was quick to say I had to "shift the tank over".

You have to remember I also sent Torklift pictures and they could not come up with any solution other than to move the fuel tank. I am not trying to debate you here, because I respect your opinion, but my technician skills are really pretty reasonable and the only place I could even get the bracket into place was at the fuel tank indent. This was not a five minute effort. I spent considerable time lying on my back under my truck and talked twice with Torklift in addition to emailing pictures of my installation.

Could I have made the bracket fit? Yes, I could have beat the bracket into place with a ball pean hammer while I held the tank over with a pry bar, but then the bracket would have been wedged tightly against the tank with no room for any type of rubber cushion. That would mean the possibility of chafing between the bracket and the tank. I just don't do work like that on my own rig or anyone else's.

I know the pluses and minuses of Torklift and Happijac are often hot button topics, but I don't want to go there. Several folks have contacted me and suggested Happijacs is a good mix using the Torklift fast guns with the Happijacs on the front and the Torklift on the back so that is what I will try. What I have found in reading from many sources on the Internet is there are users of both that are well pleased. Like the ones you reference, I will also have a small lightweight camper, 8.6 and under 2,000 dry.

I appreciate your thoughts on this issue, smile.gif

Steve

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RV_Tech
post May 8 2017, 01:27 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 201
Joined: 27-July 12
Member No.: 6,199
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Hallmark, Northstar, Outfitter
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: F-350 SRW 6.2 Supercab
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijack front, Torklift rear
Truck and Camper Setup: Hallmark Ute XL No modes to truck Torklift Fast Guns Fast guns had to be cut down to absolute minimum (14 1/2") to use with Happijac front tie down and Hallmark camper.



This is just to report back on how it ended. The return went smoothly with the help of Amazon. It was multiple phone calls and emails with the supplier to get returns authorized and then they refunded for the wrong parts and my emails and forms went to dead air. Fortunately Amazon stepped in and then things happened quickly.

In the end I wrote Torklift requesting a set of locks to cover my shipping costs and to date have heard nothing more. I felt my request was reasonable given it was impossible to install the tie down listed for my truck and I still think advising someone they just "have to shift the gas tank over a little" was absurd!

So HappiJack on the front and Torklift on the rear.

Steve
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SidecarFlip
post May 9 2017, 09:45 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 472
Joined: 15-October 16
Member No.: 9,221
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Forest River Palomino SS
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1997 Ford F350 4x4 LB SRW CC 7.3 diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: HappyJac standard
Truck and Camper Setup: 1997 Ford F350 4 door 4x4 Crew Cab 7.3 Diesel, Lance 915 loaded, 2015 Palomino SS1500 Loaded



QUOTE(RV_Tech @ May 8 2017, 01:27 PM)
This is just to report back on how it ended. The return went smoothly with the help of Amazon. It was multiple phone calls and emails with the supplier to get returns authorized and then they refunded for the wrong parts and my emails and forms went to dead air. Fortunately Amazon stepped in and then things happened quickly.

In the end I wrote Torklift requesting a set of locks to cover my shipping costs and to date have heard nothing more. I felt my request was reasonable given it was impossible to install the tie down listed for my truck and I still think advising someone they just "have to shift the gas tank over a little" was absurd!

So HappiJack on the front and Torklift on the rear.

Steve
*



My setup exactly. No Fastguns or shot guns or whatever they are called either. HJ spring loaded cam locks on the front (1/2 the price of the 'guns' and a chain and turnbuckle on the rear. Only the front of a camper needs to be compliant loaded, the rear can be basically solid mount.
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Hermes1
post May 15 2017, 02:13 PM
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): Not sure yet
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: None
Type of Tiedowns used: None
Truck and Camper Setup: Nothing yet



Wow, what a nightmare. My install headaches of the TL tie downs were very minor in comparison, just a couple hiccups. Although I have to ask, when you ordered your tie downs, did you get the specific part# through Tork Lift? I ask because I ordered mine from Etrailer and based on the questions Etrailer's website asked of my specific truck and configuration, had I ordered what Etrailer indicated, I would not have been able to install the fronts. What I did before ordering was to go to the Torklift website and the one question on the TL site not asked on Etrailer was if I had the factory OEM air suspension. The difference between the more standard tie downs for my truck have you installing the fronts under the front of the bed, while the ones specified for my truck by TL with the factory air suspension, has the install at the very end of the cab just before the front of the bed where there was plenty of clearance and unaffected by the air compressor. The only issues I had were on my fronts on the driver side, the bracket is suppose to slide between the frame and emergency brake cable. The instructions indicate releasing the parking brake to enable sliding the bracket in place. Despite having released the parking brake there was no way it would slide in place. I solved it by loosening the cable a bit and then prying the cable back enough to slide the bracket into place. The second issue was with their bolt fisher used to place hardware into the frame to secure the bracket. On other bolt fishers I have used it is easy to screw the fisher on to the threads and then off when ready. On TL's it looked different to me so I tried it before fishing the hardware and it screwed on with some difficulty and I could not remove it without it breaking. I called TL and they sent out another and explained a different technique for removing the bolt fisher than the others I have used. Once knowing this, it was fairly easy.
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SidecarFlip
post May 15 2017, 04:44 PM
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Group: Members
Posts: 472
Joined: 15-October 16
Member No.: 9,221
Favorite Truck Camper(s): Forest River Palomino SS
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1997 Ford F350 4x4 LB SRW CC 7.3 diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: HappyJac standard
Truck and Camper Setup: 1997 Ford F350 4 door 4x4 Crew Cab 7.3 Diesel, Lance 915 loaded, 2015 Palomino SS1500 Loaded



It's the DEF tank that is in the way of the front TL and it has to be moved, no way to install the bracket, not enough room. My buddy is having them installed and it's being done in a shop because the truck needs to be in the air to do it properly.

Has nothing to do with suspension at all.

Overall, I'm not all that impressed with TL in general, but then I don't have to be. Been running HJ's for years now. Took a shot at their 'Glo Steps' and sent them back. Very flimsy and narrow and very expensive to boot. Finally, like I've said before, HJ just came out with a cam lock tie down for half the TL price. They are on my Christmas list.
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