Tour de Torklift: Treasure Hunt winners return from weeklong truck camping vacation

Recently we sat down with our Torklift International Treasure Hunt winners to relive their recent expedition throughout the New England states. The Treasure Hunt winners Richard and Céline Raymond enjoyed a weeklong, all-expense paid truck camping trip, courtesy of Northstar Campers, Truck Camper Warehouse, and Torklift International.

Having nearly 25 years of experience with truck camping, Richard and Céline are no strangers to the truck camping lifestyle. However, this opportunity marked the first instance in which they’ve won a grand prize. It was probably just as much of a joy awarding the trip to them as it was for them to receive it!

From Quebec, Canada, Richard and Céline flew into Hartford, Connecticut to embark on their journey. The pair was warmly welcomed and transported to Truck Camper Warehouse in Chesterfield, where they met owner Bill Penney. Bill set them up with a 2014 Northstar 8.5 Arrow U camper and 2014 Ford F350 S/B Diesel. Torklift StableLoads, True Frame-Mounted Tie Downs, and FastGun turnbuckles were outfitted on the rig so the couple could enjoy a safe and memorable weeklong outing.

“The next truck camper I buy is going to be from Bill at Truck Camper Warehouse,” noted Richard. “He knows what people want and certainly knows his stuff when it comes to truck campers!”

Once they became familiar with their Northstar Camper and Torklift products, they took off toward Vermont and the White Mountains. From there, they spent the week exploring Mount Washington, Old Orchard Beach in Maine, and concluded at the popular vacation destination of Hampton Beach in New Hampshire.



“The highlight of the trip was Mount Washington. Even though it was cloudy, cold and a bit windy, it sure was an awesome experience,” explained Richard.

Throughout the week, Richard and Céline were able to experience their Northstar 8.5 Arrow U truck camper. “It was nice to be able to park the truck camper right in town and close to cars. With the camper and short bed truck, it’s almost like having only a truck with no load!” Richard recalled. “It’s so convenient for when you want to see something in the city. Everywhere a car can park, you can park!” Céline and Richard also explained the joy of having such large windows on the camper. “The space felt large because of the natural light streaming in,” said Richard.

We were eager to hear the couple’s feedback about the Torklift products. It turns out that Richard and Céline enjoy the use of their SuperHitch 17K, SuperTruss Extension and True Frame-Mounted Tie Downs on their truck at home.

Prior to purchasing Torklift’s True Frame-Mounted Tie Downs for his own truck, Richard hassled with finding a way to secure his camper safely to the frame of his vehicle. With the system prior to Torklift’s he felt the camper was backing off the truck.

“We felt more secure and a lot safer once the Torklift Tie Down system was installed,” Richard said. “The best feature of Tie Downs was that they bolted right onto the frame. The installation was so fast and easy - I had no issues with it fitting perfectly onto the truck.”

The Treasure Hunt vacation prize was the first time Richard and Céline had the opportunity to experience the StableLoad suspension upgrade. As an affordable alternative to airbags, the StableLoads pre-activate the factory suspension to prevent sag, sway and body roll while under heavy loads. After the trip concluded the couple was happy to report no side-to-side sway or poor handling issues with the camper loaded.

“It almost felt as if there wasn’t a camper on the truck,” Richard explained. “Even in areas on the road where we were driving fast on tight curves, the truck felt very safe and stable.”

The couple explained how they fell in love with the convenience of Torklift’s FastGun turnbuckle. “Something I had seen, but not used before were the Torklift FastGuns,” Richard noted. “Before I used it, I knew I wanted them -- but now I’m sure!”

With their current chain turnbuckle at home, it usually takes at least a half hour to remove the camper and is quite a chore for them. With Torklift’s FastGun, it’s quick-disconnect capabilities get the job done in about 10 minutes or less.



With the help of Bill Penney at Truck Camper Warehouse, Northstar Campers, and Torklift International, we were pleased to award the Treasure Hunt grand prize this year. To take a look at all the products Richard and Céline experienced visit Torklift.com or select the product below.

 

StableLoad suspension upgrade  |   True Frame-Mounted Tie Downs
FastGun Quick-Disconnect Turnbuckles  |  Northstar 8.5 Arrow U Camper – 2014 Model