I'm new to the site and was wondering if anyone can help me figure out a problem. I have a new 2008 Dodge 1500 and I'm looking to find away to attach my truck camper to it. My camper is a few years old and is the pop-up style. It has no name as the guy I bought it from said he got it from a guy who worked in a camper factory and made it himself. Its a nice camper. However, with my old dodge I was able to put in the pocket style tie downs but it scratched the truck pretty bad. My new truck doesn't have the lip for the tie downs to clamp to. I can't really afford $600 worth of new frame mount tie downs nor do I want to drill holes into my new truck.
Now my question is, can I use Bull Ring pocket tie downs that say they are rated for 1000# each for tie downs? Has anyone done this before? I can get 4 for $60 which is considerably cheaper then the other options.
And no my camper does not have a tag stating its weight. I figure its on the lighter end as it has no oven or refrigerator and its a pop up. I would have it weighed but have no way of transporting it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jason

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

I don't think I would try this. Just my thoughts. I think if I were gonna use the camper, I would spring for the frame type tiedowns. You can probably pick up a used system on e bay or craigslist for a little of nothing.
Gary

There are more reasons for proper tie downs other than just keeping the TC on your truck. $500-$600 dollars for say torklift style frame mounts (new ones) is an ok price. TLCentral there are others and less expensive but I can only speak for what we have.


Happy Camping

Larry

I'm questioning the tie down situation also. Can someone please explain to me why you use the chain/turnbuckle to secure the camper to the frame? Why could you not use the nylon straps that are weight rated with a ratchet to tie it down? Am I missing something?

Jason,
I have seen home made tie downs that are made from angle iron. The angle iron is long enough to extend past the sides of the truck body, on both sides, after being bolted to the truck frame. Holes in the ends to accomodate hooks or eye bolts. The angle iron is of substantial material, at least 1/4 inch thick, with 1-1/2 or 2 inch sides. This should take care of the front mount. The rear mount can be made of square tube and fastened into the square tube of the trailer hitch. These materials can be bought at steel suppliers or welding shops. Probably for a lot less than store bought tie down systems.

Not fond of using the nylon ratchet straps. They tend to stretch when stressed due to a sudden movement. Chain and turnbuckles (I use chain and chain binders) may be over kill, but much safer. I almost lost the camper off my truck one time. It's a scary feeling, I'm sure will not happen again, due to heavier than needed tie downs.

If you have not figured it out already, hope this helps.
John

I was looking at the stake mount tie downs, and liked the price. However I hear they scratched your truck up. What area of the truck did they scratch. I am asking because my camper does not extend much beyond the bed rails of the truck, and the previous owner had substantial damage when he unloaded the camper during the sale. He had a tie down system similar to a Happijack.

when I built a trailer I used closed chain links welded to the chassis as tie down points, Never pulled one out yet