Are you an avid truck camping enthusiast who loves the thrill of off-grid adventures? If so, you know that boondocking brings a unique sense of freedom and adventure, but it also requires careful preparation. In this post, we'll explore some Torklift essentials, including the HiddenPower and PowerArmor Battery Box, that can significantly enhance your boondocking experience and why they are the best choice on the market.
Are you ready to transform your Ford truck into the ultimate hauling machine? Look no further than the Ford SuperHitch Magnum – the trailer hitch that laughs in the face of heavy loads.
[The SuperHitch Magnum, unattached and showcasing its robust build]
Right off the bat, this isn't your average hitch. It's a beast that comes with a towing capacity that's through the roof – or should we say, the bed of your truck? With the SuperHitch Magnum, your Ford becomes a towing titan, capable of handling up to 30,000 lbs. towing when used with weight distribution. It's like the Superman of trailer hitches – if Superman was engineered for maximum towing capacity and durability.
[The SuperHitch Magnum next to a smaller hitch for scale]
Size matters, but so does scale. See that smaller hitch in the photo? Cute, isn't it? That's what the Magnum makes other hitches feel like – miniature toys. Because when it comes to serious towing, you need a hitch that stands tall (and wide, and deep).
Now, let's talk installation. You might think something this substantial would be a nightmare to install, but think again! The SuperHitch Magnum is designed for a no-fuss attachment that will have you hitching your trailer, boat, or camper faster than you can say 'road trip'.
The SuperHitch Magnum in action, hooked to a Ford truck carrying a camper and towing a trailer. Always make sure to use our application guide to ensure you get the exact fit for your Ford truck year make and model.
And speaking of road trips, picture this: your Ford truck, the open road and a camper in tow, all thanks to the SuperHitch Magnum. Whether you're heading to the mountains, the lake, or cross-country, this hitch has got your back, ensuring that your cargo arrives just as pristine as when you set off.
In conclusion, if you're looking to step up your towing game, the Ford SuperHitch Magnum is the way to go. Professional, powerful, and a bit cheeky – because let's face it, owning a hitch this good is bound to make you a little bit smug.
So, why wait? Make your Ford the envy of every truck owner and the hero of every heavy-duty task. Because with the SuperHitch Magnum, you're not just driving; you're commanding the road with strength, style, and a touch of swagger.
Learn more about the SuperHitch Magnum.
Are you ready to elevate your RV experience, quite literally? Bid farewell to the wobbly dance you've perfected entering your home-on-wheels. It's time to embrace the GlowStep Revolution, the stairway to heaven for RV enthusiasts!
Picture this: the sun dips below the horizon, and you're ready to call it a day after a thrilling adventure. With the GlowStep Revolution, you can step into your RV with confidence. These steps are a beacon of stability, crafted for those who demand excellence in every inch of their travel life.
As the stars take the stage, your GlowStep Revolution shines. The built-in illuminators guide your path, ensuring a safe entry and exit at all hours. And when you're parked in the wild, unforgiving terrains? Fear not. The adjustable legs plant firmly on any ground, from the uneven soils of the backcountry to the soft sands of a beachside retreat.
Imagine the ease of bringing groceries, gear, and grandkids aboard. The GlowStep Revolution supports it all with a sturdy, non-slip surface. It's not just an RV step; it's an upgrade to your lifestyle.
In a world that's constantly moving, make a stand with the GlowStep Revolution. It's not just about getting from point A to point B. It's about the assurance of a safe, secure, and stylish ascent every time you step into your RV.
You want to tow your boat behind your truck camper that overhangs past your tailgate? We’ve got you covered!
Our SuperHitch with SuperTruss Extension is exactly what you’re looking for. It is designed vehicle specific and no drilling is needed for nearly every application. Ranging in various sizes from 21”- 48” bringing your receiver right up to the end of your truck camper.
The SuperHitch trailer hitch towing series is safest towing system available for your truck camper. These are designed vehicle specific with no drilling required for installation on nearly all applications.
Our SuperHitch with the SuperTruss system was designed specifically for truck camper towing. No matter your camper shape, size, or overhang, the SuperTruss extension for your truck camper brings you the receiver right up to the back of your camper without compromising capacity! Featuring a dual stacked truss design with a lateral support safety chain system that fits right into the dual head of the SuperHitch, this makes it the safest trailer hitch towing system available.
A really enjoyable upgrade to my 303RLS. New Steps!
Earlier this year I installed a set of Torklift Glowstep Revolution® steps in place of the three step factory steps. These are my thoughts about the installation and how big of an upgrade they really were after 5 trips using them.
First, why? The factory steps were free hanging, and had the diving board bounce when going up and down. My knees would hurt after maintenance, winterization, packing, unpacking or cleaning when I had to go in and out of the rig a lot. My wife has depth perception problems, and she had to go down the old steps very gingerly because she couldn't tell where the next step was.
I'm happy to say the Glowsteps took care of both problems for us. With legs on the ground, there is no diving board spring going on, and the steps are much more visible when descending, especially in the dark when they glow. They actually fixed another problem I hadn't even thought about. Going up or down the factory steps tends to shake the trailer pretty good. Since the Glowsteps are supported by the ground on the end, there is much less trailer shaking.
Here they are in use at the KOA in Oscoda, MI
Level and easy site and they were smooth as silk.
Here's a little rougher setting. I had just pulled the trailer out of the barn. It was on a side hill in the drive, and the grass slopes off even more.
Still handles it easily.
What's good about them? They handle a wide range of site conditions. They are stable. They install easily in the factory step well. They don't fold inside the door dragging dirt in, they fold into the factory step well. They can be deployed or stored with something close to the camper.
What might you not like about them? Deploying them takes just a bit more thought than folding down the simple factory steps. You have three upper adjustment positions and the two legs to get things just right, but it doesn't have to be perfect for a quick stop for lunch or a bathroom break.
Torklift has a great diagram on their site describing how the adjustment works:
The three upper positions set the overall height of the steps, and then the legs adjust to handle the ground. It's very fast once you've done it a couple of times.
My trailer floor level is right at the threshold for 3 steps or 4 steps. I initially got the 3-step model, but after installation I could see that I needed another step. No problem to add a step to an existing set.
Speaking of installation. It's pretty easy. With two people it could probably done in 15 minutes. I did it by myself and it took just a little longer. Two carriage bolts in each end of the step well need to be removed to get the old steps out, and replaced to anchor the new ones. The only real challenge doing it solo was lifting the new steps into position while putting the bolts in. Being a part-time farmer, I'm used to dealing with stuff like that so I simply stacked wooden blocks and pieces of 2x10 until it was just below the correct height and used a pry bar for fine adjustment.
Here's the side of the step well with the old steps in place showing how easy it is to access the nuts to remove the bolts:
And finally here are the steps raised into the step well with my cribbing. Note that it's the original three step configuration. Also note the hardware strewn around the floor after I kicked it and the antifreeze bottle I missed during my 10:30pm winterization last fall upon arrival home from our last trip with an overnight low forecast of 24F.
In short, these steps are a much appreciated upgrade and installation is well within the capabilities of most anyone.
I know I have a picture of the 4-step version folded, but I'm not finding it right now. I'll add it when I come across it or take another picture tomorrow. If anyone wants specific pictures or has any questions, I'll be glad to help if I can.
-JKWilson from Grand Design Owner’s forum
Yes you can! Our Tailored Hitch Airstream bike rack is a one time install that is sleek and custom made to for your Airstream.
As long as your frame width is the proper size, the trailer hitch will allow you to have 450 pounds of carry weight, allowing more storage space inside your trailer. This capacity allows a wide variety of bike carriers to be applied to your receiver hitch.
Once the rear hitch is on your Airstream, all that comes next is finding your preferred bike rack with a 2 inch receiver and using it!
Since the Airstream hitch uses a simple receiver design, it pairs with a simple receiver rack. No need to get a second bike rack for your Airstream; the one you have for your current vehicle is now able to crossover to your trailer hitch.
First, you will need to identify the height of your trailer frame in order to make sure the you have the proper installation measurements.
After measuring twice and drilling once, you then install the frame plates provided to your frame. Lastly, you bolt your receiver hitch to your frame plates with the correct torque and you are good to go!
Absolutely. One major benefit of having a frame-mounted hitch for your Airstream is that you are utilizing the strongest structure of the trailer as support. The frame is built to last and withstand the harshest of conditions, which is why we wanted to utilize it for an Airstream hitch. Who would’ve guessed there was a bike rack hack built right into the main components of your Airstream?
My wife and I were never very happy with the MORryde Step Above entry steps installed by the manufacturer on our fifth wheel. We felt that the MORryde product interfered with proper closure of the screen door and outer door when the steps were retracted. The steps are like a drawbridge when being deployed; requiring a lot of room. And because those steps are directly connected to the sill plate (of the steps), they require adjustment of the leg length virtually every time they are deployed. If the legs were too long, the door wouldn’t close. If the legs were too short, the steps were left dangling.
Enter the Torklift Glow Step Revolution® Uprising. This is the version of that step that fits inside the door when retracted. There is also a version of the steps that fits in the cutout under the door.
I removed the MORryde steps and installed with Torklift steps. We then embarked on a 5,000 mile, 5 week trip. The new steps got a good trial. We were very pleased with the results. The steps can be deployed where minimal space is available and where the vertical height of the ground is unusual. We make quite a few brief and temporary stops when towing. Rest stops, bathroom stops, grocery stores, Walmart; you name it. Because the Torklift steps are hinged at the sill plate of the steps, we found that we didn’t have a adjust the length of the legs every time we stopped. This turned out to be a very welcome benefit. Much more convenient. Here is a good example that occurred at a brief stop. Note the curb. I didn’t have to adjust a thing.
The steps are nice looking and sturdy. We also appreciated that there is a step at nearly floor level; unlike the previous steps. This made entry and exit a more comfortable and confident process; especially with the dog in tow or a bag of groceries in the arms.
The Torklift steps were quite easy to install. The whole process took me two hours. That included gathering the needed tools, removing the previous steps, installing the Torklift steps, cleaning up, and putting away the tools. Here are a few photos of the process.
The old steps.
Installing the mounting bracket. It’s as simple as drilling 3 holes on each side of the door frame. It is important to mount to bracket at sill height and to get it perfectly level so that the steps clear the door frame when folded inside. I added some shims under the bracket to get the height right and to make sure the bracket was even with the sill on the trailer.
The end result.
I am impressed with the quality of materials and workmanship. We feel this design has some real benefits.
-Bob N. from Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Camper Tie Downs are a critical component to your truck camper adventure. Without TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Downs, you are either compromising the truck bed or not using proper gear for your truck camper set-up. If you have made it to this blog, you are either learning about Torklift Tie Downs for the first time or are a lifetime customer with new camper tie downs for your truck. Either way, you have made it to the right spot.
Torklift Tie Downs are manufactured to mount to the frame of your truck compared to alternative brands that mount to the bed or bumper. By mounting to the frame, you are mounting to the strongest part of your truck and are making sure your truck camper will be sturdy for the long haul.
Torklift TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Downs are manufactured in Steel Tie Downs and Talon Stainless Steel Tie Downs. Depending on where you live, Talon Stainless Steel Tie Downs may be for you. Learn more about the Talon Tie Downs here.
Before you can get started with installing your camper tie downs, you must determine what part number will fit your truck. Every Torklift Tie Down is manufactured to specifically fit to the frame of your truck without modification and due to this the fitment is very vehicle specific.
Make sure to use our Find Your Fit Guide located on our website to determine the part numbers that you need. If you need further assistance, our customer service and tech support team is available Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm PST at 800-246-8132.
When confirming your fit, you will also be shown additional products that are offered for your vehicle such as the Torklift Stableloads® which is a suspension upgrade. Make sure to take a look at all the fitment options for the optimal truck camper experience.
Once you have determined the best fitment for your vehicle, ordered your tie downs, and received them in the mail or from a local dealer, it is now time to get them installed. Torklift manufactures their camper tie downs to be as DIY as possible to allow for little to no modifications and the ability to install at home if you choose. If you would prefer to have a certified installer install the products for you, you can locate a dealer near you at our where to buy section of our website.
If you have chosen to install the Torklift Tie Downs at the comfort of your home, the hardware, bolt kit and instructions are provided in your new tie down kit box. Once the receiver tubes are bolted on to the frame of your truck, the next step is to slide the tie down insert into the receiver tubes.
If you are needing more assistance, our team is happy to assist in talking you through the installation. We also have many installation videos that can be watched here.
The Torklift FastGun is the ultimate turnbuckle system and allows for the ability to easily disconnect the tie downs with ease when ready to remove your truck camper from your truck. An additional plus to this system is the ability to set the tension once and often not needing to set them again for your next trip.
Torklift also offers additional turnbuckle systems such as the Springload XL and Basic Springload. Head here to learn which turnbuckles are right for you.
If you have further questions on truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles maintenance, our team is ready to take your call or answer your email. We are open Monday – Friday 8:30 am PST to 5 pm PST, excluding holidays. You can contact our team by calling 800-246-8132 or emailing support@torklift.com.
Looking for Torklift camper tie downs for sale? Find a dealer in your area or online!
If you are new to truck camping and not sure where to start or what you need, keep reading to learn more about the products that you need to start your great truck camping experience.
To get started, you must think about the experience you are wanting. Are you looking to use your camper for multiple trips a year? Are you looking to tow behind your camper to bring your boat with you or horse trailer? There are many products available to make your travel experience more enjoyable.
Torklift Camper Tie Downs attach to the frame of the truck at four points that are bolted directly to the truck frame. By attaching to the frame, you are attaching the truck camper to the strongest part of the truck which also prevents bed damage where alternative brands attach.
As the camper tie downs are attached to the truck frame and bolt-on installation, they are also very vehicle specific. To determine your fitment, click here.
The Torklift Original FastGun is a quick-disconnect truck camper turnbuckle which allows ease of use when installing and removing. Each set-up also has tension indicators to determine the perfect tension of the system.
Not sure if you are interested in the FastGun turnbuckles quite yet? Torklift offers a basic springload kit and Springload XL. Learn more about the Good, Better, Best systems here.
When someone starts truck camping for the first time, they may not be aware of what adding weight to the bed of a truck can do to the ride. It often makes the ride uneasy, unstable, and uncomfortable. By adding the StableLoad® suspension system to your truck, you are able to combat the many common truck camper suspension items like sway, body roll, porpoising, and more.
With the Quick-Disconnect lower StableLoad® suspension upgrades installed, you are able to disengage the product when you do not have a heavy load in the back of your truck. This is crucial in allowing your truck to ride comfortably when not carrying the truck camper. Alternative suspension upgrades do not have this feature and due to that, the alternative products give a stiff ride.
If you are someone that will be towing behind your truck camper, you will need an extension in order to reach your hitch on the truck. We recommend the Torklift Super Hitch® and SuperTruss combo.
The Super Hitch® is offered in three different fitments:
*When used with weight distribution.
The Super Hitch® Magnum 30K receiver is the biggest and best when it comes to the Torklift Super Hitch® line.
SUPER HITCH® Magnum 30k Features
The SuperTruss is to be used in conjunction with the Super Hitch®. This is a product that is unable to be used on a different hitch system due to the dual receiver design for added security and stability.
If you have further questions on truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles maintenance, our team is ready to take your call or answer your email. We are open Monday – Friday 8:30 am PST to 5 pm PST, excluding holidays. You can contact our team by calling 800-246-8132 or emailing support@torklift.com.
Looking for Torklift camper tie downs for sale? Find a dealer in your area or online!
Camper Tie Downs are a necessity when it comes to having a truck camper. When doing your research on what Tie Downs to use, you have inevitably fallen on to the Torklift website and learned about the TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Downs. One thing you may have not learned about as of yet is the Talon Tie Down option that Torklift Offers.
The Talon Tie Downs are designed just like the Steel Tie Downs so that they bolt-on directly to your truck frame, the strongest part of your truck. Since the frame is the strongest part of the truck, you can avoid damaging your truck bed or bumper.
As they are frame mounted, they are not one size fits all. The camper tie downs are very vehicle specific. Find your fit here.
The Torklift Talon Tie Downs are made from military grade aluminum that is also lightweight. The camper tie downs are also rust free and have a corrosion protection to handle the toughest of climates and terrain. If you are dealing with harsh chemicals and salts on the road for the winter or on the coast taking your boat out into the water, this is the product for you.
The Talon Camper Tie Downs are backed by our Legendary Lifetime Warranty and made in the USA.
If you have further questions on truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles maintenance, our team is ready to take your call or answer your email. We are open Monday – Friday 8:30 am PST to 5 pm PST, excluding holidays. You can contact our team by calling 800-246-8132 or emailing support@torklift.com.
Looking for Torklift camper tie downs for sale? Find a dealer in your area or online!
You’ve made the big decision to take your camping adventures off-grid: Congratulations! Getting set up for a truck camper and making the decision on which camper with your truck can seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! As long as you follow these few details, you’ll be set up and ready to get out and go in no time.
One saying we hear frequently is “Don’t buy the carriage before the horse”. It is very important to evaluate the truck that you have or the truck that you plan on hauling your camper to be sure that it will stand up to needs of your camper. Nothing is worse than forking out the cash for a beautiful, luxurious truck camper just to find out that your truck can’t haul it. There are multiple factors you will want to take into account when checking compatibility of your truck and truck camper.
Above all, you will want to make certain that your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is within limits and you have enough payload to support your camper. The GVWR is the maximum total safe weight on your vehicle. This weight is assigned by the Department of Transportation and can be found on the manufacturer sticker on the inside of your vehicle or in your owner’s manual.
To determine the amount of payload you available, go to a certified weight station to obtain vehicle weight, subtract this from your GVWR to identify how much payload capacity you have available for your truck camper. Tip: Don’t forget to take into account the weight of any cargo, for example, passengers, fuel, supplies, etc. If your rig is overloaded, you may have to take on the expense of changing campers or trucks.
If you want to haul a truck camper, having truck camper tie downs and spring-loaded turnbuckles is a necessity. To attach your camper to your truck, we recommend our TRUE Frame-Mounted Camper Tie Downs. These camper tie downs are designed to bolt onto the strongest point of your truck: the frame. Since our parts are bolt on, part numbers are custom fit based on the year, make, and model of the vehicle. To verify fitment for the truck you have in mind, check your fitment here.
The Torklift TRUE Frame-Mounted Tie Downs must be paired with a spring-loaded turnbuckle. Take a look at our best-selling Original FastGun turnbuckle here.
Cab SizeMost truck campers are designed for extended or crew cab trucks. It is possible that a truck camper will fit on a regular cab, but there is a possibility that the cab over portion of the camper will limit visibility from a driver’s standpoint.
Truck campers are designed to go anywhere at any time. With that being said, those who camp in truck campers typically will spend a lot of time off grid. If you plan on being off road, you need four-wheel drive to combat rough or rugged terrain that is common for truck campers.
The choice of single rear wheel compared to dual rear wheel comes down to the fully-loaded wet weight of the truck camper. This would include the dry weight of the camper plus any additional cargo in the camper. Dual rear wheel trucks have a higher payload capacity due to the rear axle being wider so they can accommodate more weight than the single rear wheel trucks.
If you have further questions about choosing the best truck for your truck camper set up, please give our support team a call at 800-246-8132 or email at support@torklift.com. Our tech support is available Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm PST.
The GlowStep Revolution® truly is a custom RV step. It packs a punch when it comes to all the bells and whistles it has – that are kind of a secret. Most people do not know what this RV step is truly capable of.
No other RV step has the adjustability the GlowStep Revolution® is equipped with. You can customize the height of the step at the bottom and the top. It has this incredible gear mechanism at the top that allows you to choose from three levels of height from the entry of your RV to the top step of this system. Why does this matter? Well – when it comes to typical factory and aftermarket steps available – that top step is a doozy. Ever been walking along and suddenly you step off a sidewalk curb and nearly fall over because you were not anticipating the steep drop? That is exactly what it is like when exiting your RV because other RV steps available allow for an unexpectedly large drop from your RV to the top step. Our GlowStep Revolution allows you to widen or minimize the height at the top which is wonderful for folks struggling with mobility issues, tender knees and just gravity in general.
This custom RV step also has unending adjustment at the bottom of the step. This RV step features All Terrain Landing Gear – included with the kit! The All Terrain Landing Gear are pretty neat. If you were not wowed by the gear mechanism at the top of the step – buckle up buttercup, you are in for it now. Each side of the bottom step has its own independently operating landing gear to allow for perfection in being a stable and solid step.
When you park your RV when you go camping, the chances the ground is perfectly level is a bit low. So if you want your step to be level to the ground – assuming it reaches the ground – you have to take a lot of extra time parking and situating yourself on the most even part of the ground. With the GlowStep Revolution® you don’t have to worry about that task anymore. This RV step cares zero percent about where you park because let’s say you park on a slope and the ground is much much closer to one side of the step than the other. Easy peasy lemon squeezy – just use the push pin design to make one leg of the landing gear longer or shorter than the other one. Boom – custom RV step. You have five levels of adjustment on each leg to choose from.
Alright – entering and exiting your RV never got more creative with the GlowStep Revolution®. Let’s say you stop at a rest stop (just think of any situation from RV storage to campsites where you have limited space – heck, even the side of your house). So after you come back from your brisk walk around the rest stop – oh no! Someone parked right next to your RV and now you can’t get inside because there is no room to deploy your step – and dang it – your RV features a step that stores in the door. Time to wait until further notice to get inside…
This scenario is never an issue with the GlowStep Revolution® – just turn it into a ladder
A final thought on making your RV step a custom RV step. If you ever find yourself in the situation above, all you have to do in order to deploy your step is to pull is straight down from its storage location and walk up it like a ladder. Check it out:
Badda bing badda boom.
For more info on the GlowStep Revolution go here
To explore the GlowStep Revolution Uprising that stores in the doorway (without blocking your screen door) – go here
Your love of the outdoors and need for adventuring off-grid has led you to buy a truck camper. Once your truck is equipped with the proper equipment – including the Torklift TRUE Frame-mounted tie downs – it is important to know how to safely load your truck camper. It is common for folks to leave their truck camper loaded on their vehicle during their camping trips. Keep in mind, unloading your truck camper at the campsite gives you an added layer of flexibility by letting you take your truck places where it is not necessarily convenient to bring your camper along.
If you are worried about the safety of your camper when it is off-loaded, check out the FastGun Wobble Stopper camper stabilizer. These will stabilize your camper when it is not loaded and secure it while you are away.
Since you need to reverse your truck into your camper, it will take some additional knowledge and attention to detail to be sure that your camper gets loaded with no damage to the truck camper or your vehicle. Follow these 3 simple steps to get your truck camper loaded up and on the road!
Before you get to loading your truck camper, you are going to want to make sure you have the appropriate preparation done so that loading goes as smoothly and as safely as possible! Follow these easy tips to make sure you are well-prepared to load your truck camper.
Make sure your bed is properly prepped and your parts are inspected.
We highly recommend adding a rubber bed mat to minimize the movement of the truck camper in the bed of the truck. Never install your truck camper on top of a plastic bed liner or hard surface spray-in bed liners. Installing your truck camper on top of a plastic liner can result in excessive vertical truck camper movement that can result in truck bed damage and/or camper damage.
Now we’re ready for the fun part – loading your truck camper! Now that your truck and camper are all prepped, it’s time to back your truck in and get your camper loaded. Here are some quick tips to help with getting the camper loaded in one shot!
Once you have successfully loaded your truck camper into the bed of your truck, be sure to attach your truck camper anchor points to your Torklift TRUE Frame-mounted tie downs using a spring-loaded turnbuckle. We recommend our best-selling Original FastGuns that are equipped with a quick disconnect handle for ease of use.
Now that your truck camper is loaded and tied down, you are ready to hit the road!
If you have further questions about your Torklift tie down and turnbuckle set up or how to install, please contact us by phone at 800-246-8132 or by email at support@torklift.com. Our customer service team is available Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm PST.
*For more details, call us at 800-246-8132.
In the market for a truck camper but not sure what you are getting yourself into? Already purchased a truck camper and not sure what to do next? To ensure the utmost safety of your vehicle, camper, and passengers, you will want to make sure you have the appropriate equipment required for hauling your truck camper. Torklift TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Downs are the only truck camper tie downs that bolt to the strongest point of your truck: the frame. Here are the four most important steps to installing your frame-mounted truck camper tie downs:
The first step in getting your TRUE Frame Mounted Camper Tie Downs installed on your truck is to be sure you have appropriate parts for your vehicle. Each Torklift camper tie down kit is custom designed to perfectly fit the frame of your truck. With that being said, each truck camper tie down kit is extremely specific to the vehicles year, make, model, etc. Be sure to use our Find Your Fit Guide to locate the correct part numbers or give our tech support team a call at 800-246-8132 to confirm the fitment.
Once you confirm your fitment, you may be wondering which style of camper tie down will best suit your truck – the original steel or the aluminum Talon tie downs. The Talon camper tie downs are crafted out of high impact powder coated, lightweight military grade aluminum alloy and stainless steel. The Talon tie downs are designed to handle in the toughest climates and terrain. We highly recommend upgrading to Talon camper tie downs if you live or travel in areas with high levels of salt on the roads or if you tow a boat and offload it into salty water. Aside from our Legendary Lifetime Warranty, Torklift Talon Tie Downs also come with rust-free corrosion protection for life.*
Once you have your correct fitment and have selected the style that would best suit your needs, it is time to install your truck camper tie downs. Torklift tie down kits feature DIY designs that are 100% no-drill because our engineers utilize factory pre-drilled holes that are already in your truck frame for ease of installation. Some modification may be required for vehicles older than 2001. Each TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Down kit comes with all the hardware needed for installation and includes detailed instructions that include a parts inventory and step-by-step instructions to guide you through the installation. Once the receiver tubes are bolted on to the frame of your truck, the tie down inserts slide in and you’re done!
With Torklift TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Downs you will want to be sure to tie down your camper using spring-loaded turnbuckles. The use of a spring-loaded turnbuckle protects the truck camper anchor points and tie downs from damage as well as protects the cargo and passengers in the vehicle. We offer a variety of truck camper turnbuckles – check out our best selling Original FastGuns.
Once your Torklift camper tie downs and spring-loaded turnbuckles are installed, your truck camper is ready to go and you are ready to hit the road! The last thing you want to worry about on your off-grid adventures is the safety of your equipment. To deter thieves, makes sure to add Tie Down Locks and FastGun Locks to your truck camper set up.
If you have further questions about your Torklift tie down and turnbuckle set up or how to install, please contact us by phone at 800-246-8132 or by email at support@torklift.com. Our customer service team is available Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm PST.
*For more details, call us at 800-246-8132.
There are generally two reasons someone gets a truck bed camper.
1.) So they can go horse camping or boat camping which means towing your horse trailer or boat trailer behind your camper
OR
2.) Wanting the ability to go off grid into anywhere – because there are just places you can’t go with a fifth wheel or other large towables
Before you start looking into what products you need, you have a few things to consider. The main thing that needs to be looked at before you begin is what you are wanting to tow and the weight associated as well as what your truck is rated to tow and haul.
No aftermarket products you purchase will be able to increase your truck’s towing ratings. Let us repeat: No aftermarket products will increase your towing capacity beyond what your truck’s original rating from the manufacturer is. Products that make that claim are hogwash. If possible, we recommend determining what you would like to tow before you purchase your truck and then purchase a truck capable of those towing needs OR learn what your truck can tow and match yourself with a trailer within those limits.
It is critical to know your GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating to be able to tow safely and within legal limits. This term describes the total weight carrying capacity of your truck. A common mistake is using the dry weight of your truck camper instead of the wet weight. The wet weight includes the weight of your truck camper once fully loaded (cargo, water, etc). These things can really add up so it is important to factor them in. There are many additional factors to determining what set-up you can use. Check out this great article by Truck Camper Magazine and Torklift that goes over factors that you need to consider before embarking on your truck camper or trailer adventure.
The first items you will need to ensure you have would be truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles to hold your truck camper to your truck. We recommend our TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Downs for any sized truck camper. This will ensure that you are connecting your camper to the strongest portion of your truck (the frame) rather than the bed or bumper which is a thin sheet of aluminum.
Next up is a good truck camper turnbuckle system. The camper tie down turnbuckles are the portion of your set-up that connect the truck camper anchor points to the tie downs. There are several different truck camper tie down turnbuckle systems that we offer which include Torklift Original FastGun Turnbuckles, Springload XL Turnbuckles, and Basic Springload Turnbuckles. Not sure which turnbuckle system would be best for you? Click here to learn more about the Good, Better, and Best turnbuckle systems and which is best for you.
As you can see from this photo, the customer is using Torklift TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Downs and Torklift Original FastGun turnbuckles.
Now that you have your truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles selected, the next item that you will need is a truck camper hitch and a truck camper hitch extension that will safely tow the trailer that you are looking to tow.
Torklift offers the SuperHitch Outlaw Series which offers three different hitches with ranging capacities of 15,000 lbs to 30,000 lbs pull when coupled with weight distribution. These high weight capacities are critical in ensuring that you are safely towing your load. But what if we told you that a high weight rating that at least matches the tow capacity of your truck so that you are not limited by the hitch is only the second most important factor with towing capacities? The first most important factor is making sure your truck camper hitch has an appropriate tongue weight rating.
Tongue weight is the pressure of items and weight seated at the front of what you are towing and often times – this area tends to get over loaded. When using the Torklift SuperHitch Magnum combined with weight distribution, 3,000 pounds tongue weight can be achieved. Again – never tow or haul beyond the limits rated by your truck manufacturer. Not using a truck camper trailer hitch with the correct tongue weight is the most common cause of hitch failure. You don’t want to go there – it is incredibly dangerous. Torklift hitches feature the highest tongue weights available when used with weight distribution.
The SuperTruss Extension is a dual receiver extension and comes in eight lengths from 21” to 60”. It only works with the SuperHitch Towing Series trailer hitches featured on the truck above. As you can see, there are two stacked receivers. The purpose for this design is to allow for the SuperTruss Extension to fit into each receiver at the same time. The SuperTruss Extension is a dual truss system – the only dual truss system available – designed for safety. Single truss extensions have a tendency to flex, bow and break under pressure. You will want a truck camper hitch extension when your truck camper hangs over the rear of your truck bed because you will need to have a way to bridge the truck camper hitch to your trailer tongue and the extension is that bridge.
If you have further questions on truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles maintenance, our team is ready to take your call or answer your email. We are open Monday – Friday 8:30 am PST to 5 pm PST, excluding holidays. You can contact our team by calling 800-246-8132 or emailing support@torklift.com.
Looking for Torklift camper tie downs for sale? Find a dealer in your area or online!
When someone starts truck bed camping, a necessity is having gear that holds the camper to your truck: tie downs and turnbuckles. There are many options out there for camper tie down turnbuckles, but we will be highlighting the top 3 options for truck camper turnbuckles for your camper. Regardless of what you choose, you can’t go wrong!
Are you looking for the best of the best?
Then you need to check out the Torklift FastGun system! The FastGun turnbuckle is a stainless steel quick disconnect turnbuckle so that no matter where you go, you can quickly remove your FastGun turnbuckles to offload your truck camper or maybe you just need to get access your gas tank with ease. They are also designed with two sizes so that no matter the tie down system you have (Torklift TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Down system or alternative brand bed mounted systems) the FastGun turnbuckles will work. A benefit to the FastGun turnbuckle is once you set your tension with the tension indicators you are done adjusting.
Guess what? That’s not all! Not only do you have all these amazing features for your FastGun turnbuckles, you also have the option to choose between four different finishes so you can match your truck and camper. The color options include Snowstorm White, Revolver Grey, Polished Stainless Steel, and Chasm Black.
The next turnbuckle is the Springload XL Turnbuckle. This truck camper turnbuckle is only designed to be used with TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Downs. This product, like the FastGun turnbuckle, is a truck camper spring loaded turnbuckles system and has internal springs and spring tension indicators. A difference between the Springload XL and FastGun turnbuckles is the quick disconnect feature that allows you to easily remove your truck camper tie down turnbuckles system.
Last but not least, is the Basic Springload turnbuckle. The kit includes two quicklinks, two spring-load canisters, two heavy duty steel turnbuckles, and chain.
If you have further questions on truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles maintenance, our team is ready to take your call or answer your email. We are open Monday – Friday 8:30 am PST to 5 pm PST, excluding holidays. You can contact our team by calling 800-246-8132 or emailing support@torklift.com.
Looking for Torklift camper tie downs for sale? Find a dealer in your area or online!
Are you looking for a new camping adventure? Truck camping is the perfect way to get off the grid and get to places you’d never be able to make it to in a travel trailer. As a new truck camper, you may be wondering where to start. First thing is first, you will need to know how to set up a truck camper.
The most important thing to think about when tying down your camper trailer is the equipment you will need. The essentials that you will need are camper tie downs and spring-loaded turnbuckles.
Your camper tie down is going to be the anchor for your turnbuckles to attach to and secure your truck camper. The Torklift TRUE frame-mounted™ camper tie down system bolts directly to the strongest point of your truck: the frame. Frame-mounted tie downs dramatically improve vehicle stability and are the safest way to haul a truck camper due to the reduction in sway and excess camper movement. Plus, the Torklift camper tie downs are specific to the year, make, and model of the truck – ensuring for customized fit. To find your personalized truck camper tie down fitment, visit our Find Your Fit page.
Your other essential piece of equipment to ensure the safe hauling of your truck camper is your spring-loaded turnbuckle. Turnbuckles serve as the bridge between your truck camper tie down and your camper anchor point. Why does spring-loaded matter? Being set up with spring-loaded turnbuckles ensures the safety of your passengers as well as the integrity of your truck and camper. The internal spring mechanism of the turnbuckle acts as a shock absorber and protects your truck camper anchor points. Each style of Torklift turnbuckles is equipped with this spring-loaded mechanism to provide you with maximum security while hauling your truck camper.
Okay so you didn’t take our advice on getting springloaded turnbuckles the first time you tried truck camper turnbuckles – if that was you, read on. This kit is designed for folks who accidentally ripped out their camper anchor point by not using a spring-loaded truck camper turnbuckle. This kit allows you to repair the anchor point (which is required for holding down your truck camper). It can also be used to re-locate a truck camper anchor point in case it is in the wrong spot. How could a truck camper anchor point be in the wrong spot? Here is an example – you bought a dually truck and the fenders stick out which lead to your fender coming into contact with your turnbuckle. Moving the anchor point allows you to situate the camper anchor point in an area to avoid that interference.
Once you have established the proper camper tie down fitment for your vehicle, all you have to do is install! The good news about the Torklift TRUE frame-mounted™ camper tie downs is they are 100% no-drill designs for all trucks after 2001, making them as DIY friendly as possible. Got a truck older than 2001? No problem, we’ve got an application for that but some modification could be needed. Every part number comes with detailed instructions to assist you every step of the way through install. If you need additional assistance on how to install truck camper tie downs, our tech support team is available Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm PST by phone, email, or Facetime.
Depending on which Torklift turnbuckle kit you choose to go with, assembly may vary. Not to worry, each turnbuckle kit also comes with detailed instructions and we have Youtube videos for reference available for each kit! (see below)
Once you have your truck camper tie downs installed and your spring-loaded turnbuckles assembled and tensioned to 300 ft/lbs, you are ready to get your truck camper on the road!
Getting your Torklift camper tie downs and spring-loaded turnbuckles assembled and installed is the majority of the work. You are going to want to invest some time into the maintenance of your products to be sure they last as long as possible. Here are 3 tips to maintaining your camper tie downs:
If you have any further questions about how to tie down your truck camper, please give our customer service team a phone call at 800-246-8132 or by emailing us at support@torklift.com. If you would like to locate a dealer in your area, please visit our dealer portal.
You’ve just invested a hefty amount of money on your truck camper, and now you are thinking “Where do I go from here?”. Well, the answer is simple! You want to make sure that you have all the appropriate equipment to haul your truck camper safely. To secure your truck camper to your truck, you will need an appropriate tie down and turnbuckle system.
Your truck camper turnbuckle is going to be the connection bridge between your camper anchor points and your Torklift camper tie downs. Turnbuckles are a necessary piece of equipment within a truck camper and tie down system to ensure the safe travel of your camper and passengers.
A turnbuckle is considered spring-loaded when it is equipped with an internal spring mechanism that allows for slight movement when placed under impact.
Your truck camper turnbuckles are a very important piece of equipment that are a part of your Torklift truck camper tie down system. Each style of Torklift turnbuckle is equipped with an internal spring-loaded mechanism, when this spring-loaded mechanism is tensioned properly and engaged, it acts as a shock absorber to make the overall ride of your truck camper more smooth and comfortable. This also ensures the safety of your cargo and passengers.
Since the spring-loaded mechanism of the turnbuckle acts as a shock absorber, a spring -loaded turnbuckle would take on any impact that may be experienced during a rough ride – in turn, the use of spring-loaded turnbuckles also protects the anchor points on your truck camper and the attachments on your truck camper tie downs as well. The last thing you want to deal with on your camper is the costly task of repairing or replacing your truck camper anchor points. With that being said, the shock absorption from the spring-loaded camper turnbuckles ensures the preservation or your true frame-mounted tie downs. In fact, as long as you are using any of our fully spring-loaded turnbuckles with our frame-mounted camper tie downs, we warranty the truck frame and camper anchor points for the extent of the camper manufacturer warranty.
As long as you are using TRUE Frame-Mounted Tie Downs, you are going to need spring-loaded turnbuckles to guarantee the safest set up. In the case that your truck is equipped with bed-mounted camper tie downs, you would want to opt for the Torklift AnchorGuard Derringer turnbuckles or the FastGun .45 Turnbuckles. The Torklift AnchorGuard turnbuckles are equipped with two spring-loaded turnbuckles for your front mounts and two cushioned turnbuckles for the rear mounts.
If you are interested in getting set up with a set of our spring-loaded turnbuckles or would like to talk further about which design would be best for you, please give our customer service team a phone call at 800-246-8132 or by emailing us at support@torklift.com. If you would like to locate a dealer in your area, please visit our dealer portal here.
Looking for the perfect way to get off the grid and go camping, but still able to camp in an RV? Truck Bed Camping is the perfect way to hit the road and go camping and allows you to go in further off the beaten path. There are many truck camping options out there, but the starter pack would include the truck, truck camper and equipment to tie the camper to the truck.
Truck Camper Tie Downs are a necessity to securely attach a truck camper to a truck. There are two options in truck camper tie downs for vehicles older than 2017 which include Torklift Frame-Mounted Tie Downs and the alternative option of bed mounted tie downs. (Torklift makes truck camper tie downs for 2017 plus as well). By going with frame mounted tie downs, you are attaching to the frame of the truck as opposed to attaching to the aluminum body of a truck or bumper which often can cause damage to your pickup truck. Torklift frame mounted tie downs are manufactured to fit specific trucks and truck frames and due to this are sold in a set of two for front Torklift camper tie downs and a set of two for Torklift rear camper tie downs.
Although products manufactured by Torklift International come with a Legendary Lifetime Warranty, finish is something that is not under warranty due to the camper tie downs being exposed to the natural elements that can cause corrosion when steel is exposed. If you are interested in corrosion resistant truck camper tie downs, click here to determine if the Torklift Talon Tie Downs upgrade are for you.
There are two steps to maintaining your Steel Camper Tie Downs which include:
1) Regularly inspect and clean your tie downs. As previously mentioned, your vehicles are exposed to elements that may cause corrosion to steel such as road salts, salt water, etc. By inspecting your camper tie downs regularly and cleaning off any chemicals your truck may have come into contact with while driving on the roads, you are able to prevent the potential of rust. If you are dip the rear of your truck into salt water while off-loading your boat for a fishing trip, you will absolutely want to hose down the underbody to prevent rust from all aftermarket steel products installed on your truck.
2) If you do begin to see rust due to exposed steel, touch up the Torklift Tie Downs with an enamel or urethane-based aerosol paint products such as Rust-Oleum.
Like any great product, some maintenance may be required even if that just means wiping them down after your camping trip.
Torklift Fastgun Turnbuckles are what you would use to attach the truck camper to the frame mounted camper tie downs. This springloaded system for truck camper turnbuckles allows you to set tension of the turnbuckle system once – that’s right, once, and with the easy quick release handle, you are able to remove the tie downs easily at the end of each trip or when you want to remove your truck camper.
Just like the camper tie downs, you will want to maintain the truck camper turnbuckles as well. An easy way to clean off the turnbuckles and to avoid the possibility of corrosion, is to use a WD-40 and microfiber towel or cloth to wipe them down. If you are looking to polish the Fastgun turnbuckles, specifically the polished stainless steel Fastguns, we recommend using a stainless steel chrome or aluminum wheel polish.
Another way to maintain the life of the product is to add a level of security. The Torklift Fastgun locks are a great addition to your camper tie down system and allow for added security while you are on your camping trip.
If you have further questions on truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles maintenance, our team is ready to take your call or answer your email. We are open Monday – Friday 8:30 am PST to 5 pm PST, excluding holidays. You can contact our team by calling 800-246-8132 or emailing support@torklift.com.
Looking for Torklift camper tie downs for sale? Find a dealer in your area or online!
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