Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Need help matching turnbuckles and tie downs, What tie downs for my turnbuckles

[ocoocher]

Just bought my first TC online and 1000mi away. It's a 2011 Northstar 850SC that I will pick up in 3 months to mount on my 1998 Dodge 2500 quad cab long bed. It has a used set of Torklift AnchorGuardDerringers, S9020 with spring loaded front turnbuckles for tie downs I need, and cushioned turnbuckles and a pair of bullet plates for hitch mounting in the rear. Would like to use these as they are pricey, but not sure if ok and will fit. (Previous owner used them on a Chev 3/4). I read that Torklift turnbuckles should be spring loaded at rear IF they are not frame mounted. Do bullet plates in OEM hitch ends constitute frame mounting?
The other question is whether Torklift D4100 tie downs will fit mt truck w/o dropping fuel tank. I'm planning a cross country and Alaska road trip (where I'll get onto some rough back roads) for this summer. I would like to get truck set up for the topper before I make long drive to pick up topper.
I'm kinda overwhelmed with all the details of proper TC mounting and would sure appreciate some advice.

[aqualung]

if you have frame mounted tie downs front and back then the spring turnbuckles should go at the front. This allows the camper to move with the truck but not rock forward. Having spring turnbuckles at the rear allows the camper to rock forward a bit, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing provided the camper doesn't rock forward far enough to hit your cab.

When you say "hitch mounting" are you referring to the Torklift tie downs that mount to the Torklift Super hitch? If so, then these are definitely frame mounted. If the tie downs are not frame mounted then they're likely Happijac tie downs and mount to the rear bumper. I would expect anything from Torklift to be frame mounted - it sounds like this is what your talking about. The mounts bolt to the frame or hitch and then the bullet plates mount to the mounts and are removable.

As for dropping the fuel tank, you probably don't have to. I have a 2009 3500 and did have to loosen the tank straps to move the tank sideways a bit so I could get my hands in there to mount the driver side, front tie down. In the end I had my wife hold one bolt in place so I could tighten it down since my hands and arms couldn't squeeze in enough to hold it properly but this was only one bolt. In all, I found the installation to be quite easy. I used a wooden wedge between the tank and frame to hold it apart while I worked. I suppose had I loosened the tank some more I could have got the last bolt myself but hind-sight is always 20/20....

[ocoocher]

if you have frame mounted tie downs front and back then the spring turnbuckles should go at the front. This allows the camper to move with the truck but not rock forward. Having spring turnbuckles at the rear allows the camper to rock forward a bit, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing provided the camper doesn't rock forward far enough to hit your cab. 

When you say "hitch mounting" are you referring to the Torklift tie downs that mount to the Torklift Super hitch? If so, then these are definitely frame mounted. If the tie downs are not frame mounted then they're likely Happijac tie downs and mount to the rear bumper. I would expect anything from Torklift to be frame mounted - it sounds like this is what your talking about. The mounts bolt to the frame or hitch and then the bullet plates mount to the mounts and are removable.

As for dropping the fuel tank, you probably don't have to. I have a 2009 3500 and did have to loosen the tank straps to move the tank sideways a bit so I could get my hands in there to mount the driver side, front tie down. In the end I had my wife hold one bolt in place so I could tighten it down since my hands and arms couldn't squeeze in enough to hold it properly but this was only one bolt. In all, I found the installation to be quite easy. I used a wooden wedge between the tank and frame to hold it apart while I worked. I suppose had I loosened the tank some more I could have got the last bolt myself but hind-sight is always 20/20....

Thanks much. You are right, I didn't/don't really know what I'm talking about. I have just a pic of the turnbuckles and they areTorklift Anchor Guards, model S9020. The bullet plates I thought went into the ends of anOEM hitch crossbar. I now know that's not the case, tho I don't know just what setup the previous owner had. I bought this thru a dealer. I'm thinking at this point of buying and installing Brophy HSSF mounts and turnbuckle hardware pkg, then go get the topper and haul it home where I can work at installing Torklift frame mounted tiedowns w/o rushing. Sure appreciate your thoughts. Info on installation is encouraging - I too am lucky enuf to have a wife that'll lend a hand if needed.