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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.

Make sure you have the right equipment

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.

Truck Camper Tie Downs

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.  

FastGun Truck Camper Turnbuckles

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.

Camper Anchor Repair and Relocation Kit

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.

Put together your products

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)

Basic SpringLoad Kit 

SpringLoad XL Kit 

FastGun Kit Assembly 

FastGun Kit Installation 

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!

Aftercare

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:

1. Clean them regularly. To avoid any excess debris or surface rust, we recommend cleaning up your truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles any time you’d wash your vehicle.
2. Use a rust inhibitor. To further combat surface rust, use a rust inhibitor after washing. A commonly used one is Rust-O-Leum.
3. Use the Tie Down Finishing Kit. When tie downs are not in use, remove inserts and use our capping kit to protect tie downs from additional environmental damage. 

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.

What is a truck camper turnbuckle?

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.

What does it mean to be spring-loaded?

A turnbuckle is considered spring-loaded when it is equipped with an internal spring mechanism that allows for slight movement when placed under impact.

3 reasons you want your turnbuckles to be spring-loaded

1. Safety first!

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.

2. Ensures that there is no damage to the vehicle and truck camper

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.

3. If you have frame-mounted tie downs

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.

Torklift Camper Tie Downs

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.

How to maintain the life of Torklift 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.

How to maintain the life of Torklift Fastgun

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.

Have further Questions?

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!

There’s a lot to consider when outfitting your Chevy/GMC truck to haul your weekend toys around. From horse trailers to boat trailers, wave runners to campers, you don’t just need a truck that can handle the weight; you need a hitch that can handle it, too.

Chevrolet truck towing boat and hauling camper

Focus on the road, not what’s behind you
At Torklift International, we’ve already considered the strength required for your Chevy truck. With that in mind, we’ve developed the high performance, super strength line of receiver hitches featured in the SuperHitch Outlaw Series to carry the load efficiently, safely and effectively. Let’s take a look at the features of Torklift SuperHitch and specifically, why we engineer our designs to work with your Chevy/GMC truck.

Pull your own weight
Depending on what you’re planning to tow, it’s important to select the right receiver hitch based on your truck model and towing needs. Torklift International manufacturers several Chevy truck receiver hitches. Each trailer hitch is made with dual, vertical-stacked receivers that are industry standard 2-inch by 2-inch in size. Both receiver channels boast the same maximum capacity for both upper and lower, so you have the freedom to use as you please. It’s often convenient to use the upper receiver for accessories while towing from the lower receiver. Oh, the possibilities.

Chevy/GMC truck hitches:

SuperHitch Magnum 30K installs on…
Chevrolet 2500 truck
Chevrolet 3500 truck
Chevrolet Kodiak cab & chassis

SuperHitch Magnum 30K’s frame-mounted receiver is rated up to 30,000 pounds and 3,000 pounds tongue weight when used with weight distribution. Also known as the heartbeat of America, the Chevy truck applications for SuperHitch Magnum 30K don’t require drilling into the Chevrolet truck frame. The SuperHitch Magnum Chevy hitch works with your Chevy/GMC truck to maximize its towing capability. The heavy-duty crossbar and dual receiver channels make the Magnum 30K the highest capacity towing hitch you can find.

SuperHitch Original 20K installs on…
Chevy/GMC 2500 truck
Chevy/GMC 3500 truck

SuperHitch Original 20K frame-mounted receiver hitch is rated up to 20,000 pounds towing and 2,000 pounds tongue weight with weight distribution.

SuperHitch Hero 15K installs on…
Chevy/GMC 1500 truck


Built for half-ton trucks, The SuperHitch Hero 15K is rated at 1,500 pounds tongue weight and 15,000 pounds of towing capacity when used with a weight distribution system. The Hero receiver hitch is the first Torklift International SuperHitch created for half-ton trucks including Chevy/GMC, all of which do not require drilling to install.

Hitch applications vary depending on truck model, bed length and light duty/heavy duty Chevy trucks. To find the right fit for your Chevy or GMC truck, click here.

Towing with a Chevy truckDrive your Chevy to the levee
One of the unique features found on the new 2015 Chevy Silverado is what’s called a Stabilitrak.* This new feature attempts to control trailer sway to “enhance driver confidence while towing a trailer” and by sensing trailer sway, it has the ability to intervene with your truck brakes, reduce engine power and bring your trailer under control again.

This is great news, because when used with a Torklift SuperHitch your safety features just doubled in strength and security. Not only have you reduced any adverse towing effects, but the movement that causes “egging” or elongation is eliminated. Only found on Torklift hitches, reinforced hitch pin locations prevent this type of wear from towing with a Chevy.

If you often tow a trailer or haul a camper with your Chevy truck, look into a simple suspension fix to eliminate excessive sway, body roll and porpoising. Even with the Stabilitrak feature on recent Chevy truck models, the Torklift International StableLoad Suspension Stabilizer has proven to enhance your ride quality when towing or hauling.

Team Torklift
We know that several of our customers are Team Chevy and because of that, we design and engineer our products specific to fit your vehicle. We want you to be Team Torklift, because we know that once you’ve used a SuperHitch, you’ll never hitch your trailer with anyone else’s again.

Other great features of the SuperHitch designed for Chevy:

1. SuperHitch frame-mounted receivers use industry standard 2” x 2” ball mounts Dual receiver provides options for height variance, therefore reducing the need for more than one ball mount
2. Reinforced hitch pin locations prevent ‘egging’ or elongation
3. Pre-drilled for Torklift Camper Tie Downs
4. Compatible with SuperTruss receiver hitch extensions available in 8 different lengths from 21” to 60” (sold separately)
5. No-Drill hitch applications available
6. Legendary Lifetime Warranty

Our country, Our truck
Chevrolet is known for its American pride and deep American roots. Here at Torklift, we can relate. We are just as proud and find it very meaningful to manufacture products on American soil. Made by American families for American families, Torklift only makes products you can trust.

Does your Chevy run deep?

Hitch up your Chevy with the best that it deserves. Don’t hold back. Let the SuperHitch Outlaw Series help you find new roads with your Chevrolet.

To learn more about the SuperHitch Outlaw Series that includes hitches for Chevy trucks, click here.

*Stabilitrak is a Chevrolet patented name

Written by Tamara Williams:
Currently Tamara Williams studies English at Arizona State University. She is a writing professional specializing in technical writing and SEO blogging for small businesses. Tamara also works with Project Pen, an innovative program for inmates at New Mexico and Arizona prison systems editing and providing feedback for their essays, poems, short and non-fiction stories.

Ford F-150 truckJust like truck manufacturers, Torklift International understands the importance of brand loyalty. Whether you’re a Ford, Chevy or Dodge RAM kind of person, Torklift has the hitch to fit your truck.

The Ford F-150 is the #1 selling truck in the business and at Torklift International we pay attention to those trends. If quality trucks are “Built Ford Tough” then Torklift has the toughest receiver hitches in the industry to match those same standards you’d expect from Ford.

Using high tech computer, physical lab and rigorous field test engineering, our high capacity SuperHitch Outlaw Series includes the beefiest receiver hitches, hitch receiver extensions and a monster weight distribution system. We also offer top notch wiring harnesses, pintle hook and ballmount adapters and accessories that satisfy your towing needs.

More than just a truck

Maybe you use your Ford truck to tow or haul for recreational activities. Truck camper for camping? Speedboat for the family? To some folks a truck is just a set of wheels to get from point A to point B. Perhaps you use your truck for work, constantly hauling and towing equipment.

Hitches for Ford trucksFor most Ford truck owners it’s much more personal than that. It’s not just any old truck. It’s a lifestyle. It’s both memories and nostalgia and the possibility of future adventures. That’s why we engineer our hitches with both our customers and their trucks in mind. Whether you are passionate about your Ford truck or not so much, we build Ford truck hitches that support you for a lifetime.

Quality comes in all sizes
Newer Ford trucks have more towing capacity than ever before. That’s why we know you’re going to require the high quality and heavy-duty capabilities of the SuperHitch for all your towing needs.

Torklift International manufacturers several hitches for Ford trucks:

Ford F-150 truck     =     SuperHitch Hero 15K 


Built for half-ton trucks, The SuperHitch Hero 15K is rated at 1,500 pounds tongue weight and 15,000 pounds of towing capacity when used with a weight distribution system. The Hero is the first Torklift International SuperHitch created for half-ton trucks including Ford. Click here to see why we call this hitch the “Hero”.

Ford F-250 truck
Ford F-350 truck
Ford F-450 truck     =     SuperHitch Original 20K
Ford F-550 truck
Ford Excursion

SuperHitch Original 20K frame-mounted receiver hitch is rated up to 20,000 pounds towing and 2,000 pounds tongue weight with weight distribution in either the upper or lower receivers. That’s right, the dual channel receivers on each SuperHitch give you the freedom to expand your towing possibilities. Use the upper receiver for accessories while towing from the lower receiver.

Ford F-250 truck
Ford F-350 truck
Ford F-450 truck     =     SuperHitch Magnum 30K
Ford F-550 truck

As the head honcho of Torklift’s Outlaw Towing Series, the SuperHitch Magnum 30K tows what? Cue jaw drop…. An incredible 30,000 pounds!* A hitch on steroids, this big boy can also handle a tongue weight of 3,000 pounds.* Those that tow regularly know the importance of tongue weight. Put those worries to rest with the Magnum 30K hitch receiver on Ford trucks.

If you plan to use a towing extension, the SuperHitch SuperTruss is a dual-trussed extension that fits perfectly into the SuperHitch. It’s a match made in heaven, really. With a reputation for strength, using any other hitch extension configuration would be disappointing to any Ford truck owner.

* When used with weight distribution system.

For specific details on Ford truck hitch applications, click here.

You know we’re all about that base
Torklift knows life is complicated enough and more often than not, simplicity is the base of all solutions. Our engineers keep you in mind with every improvement, every new product and every installation. Our hitch designs are truck specific to make each application a perfect fit and most installations bolt onto the frame with no drilling necessary.

Haul a camper while towing with a Ford truckWe stick to the basics and emphasize strength when it comes to building a good hitch. Here’s what you can expect from your Ford truck’s SuperHitch:

1. Patented dual receiver design (2" upper and 2" lower) to max out class-five hitch capacities
2. SuperHitch Outlaw Series has the only hitches in the industry with reinforced hitch pin locations to prevent elongated “egging,” saving you time and money in the long run
3. Most applications are bolt-on frame-mounted and don't require drilling
4. Compatible with industry standard ball mounts
5. Backed by the Torklift International Legendary Lifetime Warranty
6. Proudly Made in the USA

It’s easy to see why the receiver hitches in the SuperHitch Outlaw Series are built to last.

Just like your Ford.

To learn more about the Outlaw Series that includes hitches for Ford trucks, click here.

Written by Tamara Williams:
Currently Tamara Williams studies English at Arizona State University. She is a writing professional specializing in technical writing and SEO blogging for small businesses. Tamara also works with Project Pen, an innovative program for inmates at New Mexico and Arizona prison systems editing and providing feedback for their essays, poems, short and non-fiction stories.

After hearing of numerous customers’ challenges regarding battery theft from their RVs and trailers, Torklift employee Darrel Hagglund was inspired to begin developing a design that would not only prevent battery theft, but would also extend the life of the battery through the use of solar energy.

Solar panel keeps RV batteries healthy

We make it easy to be energy efficient
While the use of solar panels on RVs isn’t new, saving energy by combining security and improving the effectiveness of battery life is a fresh take on efficiency.  Not only will you sleep better knowing that your battery is safe from thieves but when the mercury climbs, the new PowerArmor Solar provides a 400% increased battery life on RV batteries, allowing you to turn up the heater to stay warm and comfortable all night without the worry of running out of juice.

Keeping it simple
Multiple PowerArmor Solar sizes are available to accommodate up to five spare batteries.  Each PowerArmor Solar battery box uses a Zamp Solar 10-Watt solar panel to trickle charge the batteries. The locking battery box is made with heavy gauge diamond plate aluminum and bolts easily to your RV, truck, van or camper bumper with a unique slide top for easy storage access.  Designed to securely store batteries, trailer hitch parts and camping gear, PowerArmor Solar is easy to clean and available in bright tread diamond plate with black high impact powder-coated trim. The larger-sized box, PowerArmor MAX, comes with adjustable dividers to customize your storage needs.

Power Armor Solar protects and extends the life of your batteries

Ask and you shall receive
While many outdoor enthusiasts might consider RV camping downright sacrilegious, there are still a lot of us who want to enjoy the great outdoors with some of the comforts of home in an RV. With some of these latest and innovative gadgets to hit the market in the RV world this year, not only can they make the experience more enjoyable; now you can extend your stays, save money and keep your belongings safe and secure.

At Torklift International, a family-owned company since 1976, we take customer suggestions and needs into great consideration. PowerArmor Solar is one example of how, by listening to the needs of our customers, Torklift can make camping easier and more fun for the entire family.  The PowerArmor Solar comes with Torklift’s Legendary Lifetime Warranty and is proudly made in the USA.

Click here to learn more about the PowerArmor Solar battery box.

Written by Tamara Williams:
Currently Tamara Williams studies English at Arizona State University. She is a writing professional specializing in technical writing and SEO blogging for small businesses. Tamara also works with Project Pen, an innovative program for inmates at New Mexico and Arizona prison systems editing and providing feedback for their essays, poems, short and non-fiction stories.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a spoiler!

I was surprised to find out that my innocent looking propane tank and auxiliary battery can live out a sordid existence in the wrong hands.

I guess I thought that theft of these items would be due to someone who needed to BBQ more than me or maybe he/she had unfortunately left their headlights on somewhere.

But no, these items are being targeted for use in the manufacture of methamphetamine and other drugs.

They are an easy target on RVs, because of the vacancy and remote storage of some units and convenience of the items exposed.

These thefts and associated tampering can cause hundreds of dollars in damage and costly repairs due to cut wiring and the not so careful removal of your possessions.  You can keep a step ahead of the bad guys and break the chain of these crimes, without anymore broken and cut chains.  Torklift has made specific products for thwarting these kinds of thefts and keeping your possessions safe under lock and key.

The Fortress GasLock is the first of its kind propane tank lock that allows your tanks to be securely locked when mounted to trailers, towables and RVs.

The PowerArmor locking battery box series is a great looking addition to your RV-set-up and can be used to secure other valuable items as well.

HiddenPower is an under-bed battery mount.  Hidden from theft; your extra battery is mounted in a stealth location under the bed and conveniently accessible for extra power when needed.

These and other security minded products are available to keep your investments safe.   See our website for the full line of lockable products.

Torklift International has won some major awards this year as a leader in  manufacturing and business achievement, and we have another announcement to add to these list of honors.

We were recently named exporter of the year by the World Trade Center- Tacoma Division.

We have had tremendous growth and that includes trade in the world arena.

Torklift began exporting internationally in 2005 and through the economic downturn of 2009 remained increasingly profitable.  Our products are sold in Canada, Germany, Australia, Japan, Sweden, Dubai, Spain, Britain and Belgium.  Russia is the newest market this year.

The spirit of these achievements is born in the commitment to build the safest, best quality, and innovative designs and to overachieve our expectations daily.

Our General Manager, Jay Taylor, promises, “We will continue to grow our company so we can continue to grow our community.”

See the feature in RV Pro - http://rv-pro.com/news/torklift-international-named-exporter-of-year

I don’t mind being told I drive a land yacht, but not because the camper is swaying back and forth when standing on the jacks.

It can feel like you’re out at sea riding the swells when the camper is off the truck.  The only think missing is a game of shuffleboard on the lido deck and the midnight buffet.

The motion has even been known to make people feel a little dizzy or seasick.

Torklift has a solution to this rocking motion called the Wobble Stopper.

More than just for movement, they reduce the stress on the jacks and wear to the camper frame.  If enough damage is done, this will sink your wobbly camper faster than the Titanic.

They are very easy to transport.

The Wobble Stoppers attach to the front camper legs and camper body.  The braces are fully adjustable and fit square or round jack applications.   They are super sturdy and made out of lightweight aircraft grade aluminum.

It’s smooth sailing from now on.

 

The Wobble Stopper in action:  http://www.torklift.com/products/wobblestopper.php

 

I take all of the warning labels found around the truck camper very seriously.  They are vital to keep us safe when common sense does not kick in and liability could be an issue.

I am carefully reading through them all. If only there were more warning labels like these in my life.

For example, the passenger mirror standard, “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.”

On the occasional morning when I go to the bathroom mirror and “YIKES!” I am reminded of the memorable scene from the movie Jurassic Park   when T-Rex is visible in the rear view mirror and ready to pounce.  If I had that sticker on the mirror it would warn me of the terror I call the             Vel-floss-ciraptor.

There should also be a sticker similar to the GVWR label on the bathroom scale.  The strict standards we are to adhere to keeping the weight of the vehicle and trailer in line.  I’m glad that campers can’t wear stretchy spandex when they’ve overindulged.

I don’t have a bad temper, but it would be nice to know the exact maximum amps it would take before I blew a fuse.

My favorite warning that should be applied to truck camping:  “Do not try this at home.”  This is because with a truck camper I should really be out camping.

SuperHitch Magnum 20K.  The Highest Capacity Heavy Duty Receiver Hitch on Earth.  http://www.torklift.com/products/superhitchmagnum.php

*Check your vehicles owners’ manual, as with any receiver hitch,  your truck and trailer weight cannot exceed your vehicle manufacturers towing, cargo, or GCVWR.

 As a person of short stature, I have rarely encountered a clearance issue.

That is why one morning before my required 1^st cup of coffee I found that the truck camper has such an issue with drive-thru’s.

I did not have camping on my mind, and the F-350 rides so smoothly it’s easy to forget the camper is back there.  That is, until you do something on autopilot like order your   coffee and drive forward.

Luckily, I saw the upcoming low overhang as moved slightly ahead, but not soon enough before I had a car pull up right behind me.

No harm done, but I have definitely learned my lesson and will be thinking like a tall person ordering a tall latte’ from now on.

Having an easy to drive truck is no excuse for not remembering that I have a huge camper on board.

 

Gear of choice: StableLoads-  http://www.torklift.com/products/stableload.php

…or a corny idea.



I was inspired by a recent write-in to an auto mechanics online forum.

A car owner was smelling a pungent burnt popcorn smell sporadically from the engine compartment.

As it turned out, when the owner visited her father (a popcorn farmer) mice would stash the corn kernels found lying around on her exhaust manifold, explaining the smell.

And, that is what has inspired me to think of not a better mousetrap for those pesky little mice, but a hitch mounted popcorn popper for your truck!

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “ Build a better mousetrap the world will beat a path to your door.”

And now Torklift is opening their doors for your inspirations and will help you to build them.

Torklift has golden ticket opportunities for your ideas to build new applications for use with the SuperHitch Towing Series.

To find out more about the contest to meet the engineers, design an app, and tour the factory, see our website:  http://www.torklift.com/splash/reveal/hero_app.html

“Go find the Mountain Man.”  That term was used to describe Casey Cotter, our lead engineer, and master behind so many of Torklift’s innovations.

He’s the real deal, and can be found on weekends out in nature thinking up brilliant ideas to make camping easy and possible for people like me.

Where he could “MacGuyver” an instant wiring fix to keep the batteries charged all night, I need a plug in harness and hopefully a switch labeled boldly off and on.

Where I think it would be genius to use duct tape for an easy fix.  He can engineer real lab tested performance solutions to everyday camping needs and problems.

Where he could survive on the land for days, I panic if all the fixin’s for s’mores aren’t in the cooler.

Where he could have made Eagle Scout, I quit the Brownie troop when I learned it wasn’t all about the chocolatey treat.

Where he could tell you if your GAWR is in line with your GVWR and your GCVWR is within your GTWR and GVWR, and your TW better not be over 10% of your GTW and you’re gonna need WD.  I would say,  “That’s a big RV.”

Casey can directly answer the, “call of the wild,” where my call needs operator assistance and sometimes goes to voice mail.

I can learn a lot from Casey Cotter.

Oh no, he is wearing his camouflage hat again, I think he sees me coming for some more advice.

Casey’s Torklift invention of choice: StableLoads suspension upgrade

Although it’s impossible for me to imagine, and difficult for those who have come to love the FastGun, that there was life before this revolutionary turnbuckle.

I went to the oldest person I know, my 105-year-old grandmother, and asked her what it was like before the FastGun.  She said, “ We used bows and arrows.”

So, okay, not that far back.

She’s not a truck camper, but she did tell me a camping story that falls somewhere in the timeline between covered wagon and the Winnebago, but I’ll save that for a later date.

I resolved to find out what it was like.  So, I went to the computer and typed in a query.

A generic turnbuckle is really just a simple piece of tension building hardware used in marine applications, sports, shipping and construction.

It is a simple piece of hardware that can make a simple task difficult.

“Big Red,” the Ford F-350, doubles as a work truck and a weekend camper.  I can’t imagine taking the camper off and back on this often without the FastGun turnbuckle.

They are spring loaded for superb functioning, easy adjustment and have spring tension indicators, that take the guess work out of tightening and securing.

They have a quick disconnect feature that makes the leveling process fast.  They allow use of the electric jacks to level when the camper is left on the truck.  This avoids the hassle of leveling blocks under your tires.

100% no tools, 100% lockable, quick-lever handle and a lifetime warranty that means with my genetics for longevity may be a very, very long time.

There is no turning back for the turnbuckle.  http://www.torklift.com/x.php?w_page=original_fastguns

 

 

The year was 1976.

Gerald Ford was President.

The Apple company was formed by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

Landing vehicles from the U.S. spacecraft Viking I and Viking II set down safely on Mars.

The Seattle Seahawks played their first football game.

Punk Rock got its start.

Rocky I was tops at the box office.

And, Torklift International got its start as a company.

 

Founded by Jon Kay in the summer of 1976, this family owned company has honed its expertise in the hitch and tow and RV aftermarket parts industry with legendary innovation, quality, and exemplary customer service.

The leadership of Torklift continues to inspire everyone here and is at the heart and soul of everything we produce and everything we do as a company.

These leadership qualities are instilled into everyone that works here and help us to continue to challenge each other and ourselves to make great stuff.

I’m finding many of the products and people of Torklift have interesting histories.   There are many stories to be told of the names, ideas, and inspirations that make us unique.

I hope to share home of these stories as I continue to research how it all began.

About- http://www.torklift.com/innovation.php

 

 

As I get to know the people who make up Torklift, I am seeing more and more of what makes these products so amazing.

I am finding out that my talented colleagues do some extraordinary things not only here, but also in their time off.

To start with there is Amanda.  She’s a co-worker, and someone I definitely don’t want to meet while I’m on roller skates.

She is a competitive women’s roller derby team member.   She has been skating in various leagues across the U.S and now brings her many talents to the Northwest.

A mild-mannered sales and marketing pro by day she is jammer and blocker at night.  She doesn’t need a cape for her super powers, but others in the rink have alter egos with uniforms to match.

I think I see a superhero theme developing.

And, I think not coincidentally, crime in the area seems to be down with Amanda around.

She is also appropriately organizing all of the Torkift Hero nominations for the tribute going on now along with the new Tolklift SuperHitch Hero blog.

The SuperHitch Hero is the new highest capacity hitch made for ½ ton trucks that Torklift just developed.

In honor of heroes everywhere, Torklift is donating $25 for each SuperHitch Hero receiver hitch sold to the Wounded Warrior Project.  Nominations for a Torklift Hero are being taken by sharing your hero stories. By participating you have a chance to win a trip for you and your hero to Hawaii.

To recognize your hero and learn more about the contest see our website: http://www.torklift.com/hero/

To read all the nominations and see inspiring stories about people doing extraordinary things follow the blog at: www.torkliftsuperhitchhero.wordpress.com.

What do you think?  I think we should start a Torklift team.

I have a valid fear the unknown when it has to do with backing up the truck and camper.

When I’m out there solo and I don’t have a crew of marshallers guiding me in like a 747, I need to rely on technology.

So, I am trying to build a case for a new investment in a back up camera system for “Big Red” the F-350 and camper set-up.

Who knows what goes on back there?

But, it must be pretty exciting because they made a full feature movie about it called the “Blind Side.”

I’ve done my research and I know that comparable systems and solutions may be less expensive.

But I’m skeptical with names and features like the “Backseat Driver Camera,” “The I Told You So Alert,” or the camera app. that links right to your insurance company.

I’m a careful driver, so I’m sure my footage will not be a “hit”.  Sorry…

I’ll keep gathering my data for the best system and keep you posted.  So, if you’re hearing the “Beep, Beep, Beep” of a truck backing up be cautious, as that truck may be doing research for the movie sequel “The Blind Side2.”

This term has been used as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans for the hottest days of the year.

It has an astronomical link to the rising of the star Sirius which is called the “dog star. “ This happens with the time of the year that usually coincides with the warmest days.

It is also used to describe those lazy days that also occur when the weather outside is so hot that we don’t feel like doing anything.

As it happens, I recently shared the dog days of summer with a dog.

I was lucky enough to get to take a good dog friend on a camping trip and that provided some additional meaning to these long hot days.

As a cat owner, I’ll admit that I was in a dog daze.


There were things that I just couldn’t understand, like how they hate when you try to cool them off with a fan or use the blow dryer after a bath.  Yet, they want to stick their head out the window going 60 MPH, no problem.

Or, how the doggie area at the highway rest stop seemed to be the highlight of the trip.  All the smells and activity, the dog was possessed.

We tried to stay hydrated with lots of bottled water, but on hikes he was much more interested in natural streams and ponds.  I am sure that there were little critters in the water that would have made me sick for a week, but I heard no complaints of doggie indigestion.

However, being locked together in tight quarters for the night, especially after rich camping grub, the aroma that evening could have been from anyone.

I was also surprised at how friendly and happy the dog remained, no matter what.  I couldn’t tell if he was panting because of the heat or the excitement, but his tail was wagging constantly.

Do dogs not hold grudges?

When my kitty sees the camping equipment coming out she runs and hides.  She hasn’t forgiven me for the one time we tried to go camping.

Of course it takes a lot of extra planning and mutual understandings to provide a safe and fun trip for all.  We had a blast riding out the last of the dog days of summer together.

http://www.torklift.com/products/safestep.php

I never know what I am going to be asked to do next here at Torklift.  So, I wasn’t surprised to hear from my manager that “We’re sending you to IKEA for a new lamp.”

What I failed to hear was really, “We have the idea for you to remote camp.”

Spotty cell phone service can be so hilarious.

I gladly accepted the offer and couldn’t wait to see if we were going with the traditional table lamp, art deco desk model, or the Swedish modern style.

By the time I had figured out I wouldn’t be shopping this weekend, I had agreed to try out a new receiver hitch application with the truck camper.

They know if I can figure out a new product that anyone can.

We are close to Mt. Rainier and many beautiful camping locations are not too far away for a quick trip.  I found one close enough where I could get the feel of dry camping without disturbing anyone by running the generator for my experiment.

“Big Red,” the Ford F-350 is equipped with receiver hitches in both the front and rear.  The SuperHitch Magnum receiver in the rear is a dual receiver, as are all the Torklift hitches.  So they can tow, but also have the ability to support other hitch-mounted applications.

For this camping trip, I would be using the receiver in the front to carry the Lock and Load for the generator.

Having the generator along was great.  Once I learned how to plug it in.  I ran every possible electrical amenity just for fun.  I promise I would not do this as a “real” camper, but I even ran the hair dryer and curling iron just for scientific research.

I also knew the generator was secure.  I didn’t have to lift it, move it or worry about stowing and locking it for the night.

One of these days I may be able to make it to IKEA.  I bet if I asked, they would let me camp in their parking lot some weekend.

http://www.torklift.com/products/lockandload.php

 

Torklift let loose and heated up the pavement recently at Pacific Raceways in Washington.

We put our StableLoad suspension upgrade product to the test under extreme towing and hauling conditions with professional drivers.

Disclaimer: “Do not try this at home! Not without StableLoads on board.”

Take a peek at our behind the scenes footage and dramatic track results.

 

http://www.torklift.com/products/stableload.php