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If you're heading to the 2020 Florida RV SuperShow, get ready to win big! If you attend the show, you're getting a chance to learn more about the GlowStep Revolution and GlowStep Revolution Uprising step systems to see what everyone's been buzzing about, as well as a chance to win a set of RV steps!

Florida RV SuperShow Info
Jan. 15-19, 2020
Located at: Florida State Fairgrounds
Wednesday - Saturday: 9am – 6pm
Sunday: 9am-5pm
RV SuperShow Website
Torklift Booth Locations: B213, B236

Win a FREE GlowStep Revolution!

At the RV SuperShow in Tampa, you'll see up close the high-quality step systems, made right here in America, that provide unparalleled stability and requires no heavy lifting to operate. With infinite adjustability from 48-inches to 6-inches (GlowStep Revolution) and 12-inches (GlowStep Revolution Uprising) ladder deployment, there’s no space that these RV steps can’t be extended and used in. The GlowStep Revolution Uprising steps are award winning trailer steps that feature a patent pending design that allows you to increase or reduce the number of steps with the flip of a lever. With 7-inches of vertical elevation adjustment, the GlowStep Revolution Series steps are easy on the knees and back and connect the RV to the ground eliminating the unsafe diving board effect and clunky booster steps.

But, why are we going into such detail about these Revolutionary steps? If you attend the Tampa RV Show from Jan. 15-19, 2020 you can visit the Torklift booths B213 and B236 to enter to win a FREE set of Torklift trailer steps to get your rig ready for Spring camping!

Don’t miss out on our discounts – available to Florida RV SuperShow attendees only!

*Limit one per customer. Must be at the 2020 Florida RV SuperShow to get coupon and redeem. Offer valid Jan. 15-19,2020. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

For more information about what we have going on at the Florida RV show, call us at 800-246-8132. We can’t wait to see you there!

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 3 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.

Earlier this year, we announced our sponsorship of HILLSHOT HOOLIGAN Joel Crawford who is one of the founding members of the sand dune fanatic group. Hillshot Hooligans first began as a local group in Oregon state that has quickly grown to thousands of members across the country. With the same adventurous spirit as Torklift – so of course we had to go to DuneFest in celebration!

Show Info:
Location – Oregon Dunes Recreation Area, Booth E-3 in Vendor Row
Show Schedule –

Tuesday, June 23rd: 9 am – 7 pm
Wednesday, July 24th: 9 am – 7 pm
Thursday, July 25th: 9 am – 7 pm
Friday, July 26th: 9 am – 7 pm
Saturday, July 27th: 9 am – 7 pm

Raffles and free giveaways every day!
DuneFest starts on Tuesday but that’s just the tip of the “dune-burg.” Not only are we doing a daily raffle for Torklift products, including our brand new GlowStep Revolution Uprising RV steps, StableLoad suspension product and more – but we’re also giving away amazing Torklift and HILLSHOT HOOLIGAN swag Thurs. – Sat. If you stop by the booth at 4pm, HILLSHOT HOOLIGAN co-founder Joel Crawford and our team will be passing out the awesome items below while supplies last:

Thursday – FLAG giveaway at 4pm
Friday – LANYARD giveaway at 4pm
Saturday – WINDOW DECAL giveaway at 4pm

Discounts just for DuneFest Attendees!
Not only will we be having exciting giveaways and raffles every day at our vendor booth, but just for DuneFest attendees we have some great discounts. We’re offering 20% off ALL Torklift products, or 40% off if you’re wearing Hillshot Holligan gear so you can upgrade your RV steps and accessories, RV battery storage boxes, hitches, security products and much more! That includes our brand new products the GlowStep Revolution Uprising trailer steps, PowerArmor Lithium RV battery box, Cannon trailer hitch extension and much more! Also, if you come to the booth dressed in your DuneFest/Hillshot Hooligan swag, then you get and even bigger discount when you purchase at our booth!

Joel uses the following Torklift products on his Rubicon travel trailer for all of his off-roading and adventures with his family and friends: GlowStep Revolution RV steps, DirtDestroyer RV shoe cleaning attachment to prevent all that sand at the dunes from getting into the trailer, StableLoad suspension upgrade, PowerArmor RV battery box, Fortress GasLock and SuperHitch trailer hitch.

Don't miss our Hillshot Hooligan and DuneFest exclusive giveaways! 

To learn more about the Torklift International products Joel uses or to learn more about our DuneFest plans, visit our Contact Us page or give us a call at 800-246-8132.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 3 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.

This year Torklift welcomes Jiu Jitsu World Champion Ron Boutilier to our sponsorship program. A member of Olympia-based Hammerhead Mixed Martial Arts, Boutilier became a world champion competitor. In the Male Blue Master 1 heavyweight division, Boutilier took home the gold medal at the 2018 International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World No-Gi Championships at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Boutilier, who started training in No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, which is a submission style of wrestling, in 2008 and later began studying traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2014, claimed both his semifinal and finals matches with 2-0 victories, winning each match with a single takedown to capture the world championship.

Boutilier has competed in 41 tournaments, earning such titles as NAGA Washington State Expert champion, Lockflow Absolute champion, St. Croix Valley Absolute division champion, and Grappling Industries Washington State Absolute champion, but names his gold medal at the IBJJF world championships his biggest highlight so far.

He began training under Joey Guel at Hammerhead MMA a little less than one year ago. The gym, which opened in 2015, offers training and professional instruction in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and Muay Thai, among other styles.

Ron is one of the strongest competitors on the Jiu Jitsu circuit – which means he needs a trailer hitch that is the strongest in the industry. We geared him up with the SuperHitch Magnum 30K receiver hitch and the highest rated receiver extension in the industry, the SuperHitch SuperTruss.

When used with weight distribution, the SuperHitch Magnum 30K frame-mounted receiver hitch is rated at 30,000 pounds and can handle a tongue weight of up to 3,000 pounds.

As the highest capacity receiver extension in the industry, the SuperHitch SuperTruss:
      -  Is designed for campers up to 12 feet and available in eight lengths from 21-60 inches
      -  Has a dual truss for added strength
      -  Features hardened reinforced hitch pin locations
      -  Uses patented, lateral-support safety chains

If you’re interested in getting a hitch for your vehicle and want to do some heavy hauling, we have your back with the SuperHitch Magnum! You can purchase it from one of our Torklift Certified Dealers. Or, visit here for more details about this truck hitch and give us a call at 800-246-8132, we’d love to help you with your next hitch.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 3 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.

This year Torklift welcomes Hillshot Hooligan Joel Crawford to our sponsorship program.

Joel Crawford is a founding member of HillShot Hooligans – a vast group of sand-loving RV enthusiasts who go to any and all extremes to kick up sand with their side-by-sides and ATVS. Joel’s rig is outfitted to handle the rigors of sand dunes, dirt biking, ATVs and more. The Hillshot Hooligans first began as a local group in Oregon state that has quickly grown to thousands of members across the country. With the same adventurous spirit as Torklift – of course we had to sponsor not only a member, but a co-founder! 

Joel uses the following Torklift products on his Rubicon travel trailer for all of his off-roading and adventures with his family and friends: GlowStep Revolution RV steps, DirtDestroyer RV shoe cleaning attachment to prevent all that sand at the dunes from getting into the trailer, StableLoad suspension upgrade, PowerArmor RV battery box, Fortress GasLock and SuperHitch trailer hitch.

We are happy to help you Find Your Adventure and next big dune this summer Joel! See you at the dunes.

To learn more about the Torklift International products Joel uses on his truck and trailer, visit our Contact Us page or give us a call at 800-246-8132.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 3 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.

Torklift now offers a 30-day money back guarantee on ALL of our StableLoad suspension upgrades! We are so confident that you’ll love your StableLoads because of the thousands of customers we’ve received feedback from and no refunds, we offer a 30-day money back guarantee. If you decide they aren't the right fit for you and your truck, we will refund your product order up to your full purchase price – but we’re confident that once you try the StableLoad, you’ll never want to tow or haul without these suspension upgrades ever again. Just contact our team at 800-246-8132, or support@torklift.com, send us a photo of your receipt and we’ll work with you on a refund.

Your safety is key when it comes to the design of Torklift products. We aim to get you from point A to point B as safely and securely as possible, all while allowing you to bring along a toy hauler, boat trailer or truck camper. Any seasoned camping veteran will stress the importance and effectiveness of a StableLoad. This compact yet prominent piece of equipment helps ensure the safety of the items being hauled or towed, and more importantly, the passengers in the vehicle.

Manufacturers spent millions of dollars and over a hundred years investing in truck suspensions to ensure TWO major things: that it rides like a car and is comfortable, as well as its ability to safely tow or haul incredibly heavy loads. When a truck is loaded, the spring pack engages when you’re towing or hauling. On a truck without StableLoads, once you begin to tow or haul with your truck, pressure is applied too late on the factory overload stabilizer springs of your vehicle’s suspension. The problem is that there isn’t enough stability to support the load, resulting in poor handling characteristics. Here are just a few towing issues you may have experienced with no StableLoad installed:

• Side-to-Side Sway
• Body Roll
• Porpoising
• Truck Sag/Squat

The effects of hauling with and without the StableLoad are clear to see!

How are your towing issues handled with the StableLoad? By "pre-activating" the stabilizing effect designed for rear springs by keeping them actively under load the way your vehicle factory engineers designed them to operate. Unlike any other suspension upgrade, the StableLoad suspension stabilizers work with the factory suspension on your vehicle, allowing them to work the way they were designed to, improving safety, handling, sag, body roll, and porpoising while towing and hauling.

Upper and Lower Applications Available

The Torklift StableLoad comes in two application styles. The lower quick-disconnect StableLoad and the upper StableLoad. Designed to replace smaller, inefficient factory overload bump stop pads, the upper StableLoads engage the upper overload stabilizer spring rather than the lower overload stabilizer spring which is what the lower StableLoad is designed for. With both upper and lower StableLoads combined, they resolve all the issues that you would encounter when needing a suspension upgrade. The bonus with the lower StableLoad? It can be engaged and disengaged in seconds to return to your factory ride.

Focusing on innovation and boldly going where no one has gone before, Torklift has a mission of providing the highest product quality using high-tech machinery including lasers, WaterJets and robotics along with superior customer service. This is especially true when it comes to customer satisfaction and ensuring that you, the customer, is satisfied with our product. Avoid sway, sag and poor handling by installing Torklift upper and lower StableLoads on your vehicle. Visit Torklift’s Where to Buy page to find a local dealer near you. Or contact our tech support directly at 800-246-8132 for assistance with your orders or more information on our 30-day money back guarantee! With the StableLoad suspension enhancements installed, you will not only BE safer on the road, you will FEEL safer.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 3 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.

At Torklift, we are dedicated to producing the latest and greatest and our StableLoad suspension upgrade is no different! With our original design, our customers are able to feel the dramatic improvement at an affordable cost that the StableLoad provides to their truck suspension.

The StableLoad suspension enhancement manufactured out of stainless steel dramatically improves vehicle handling characteristics by "pre-activating" the stabilizing effect already designed into your rear springs by keeping them actively under load the way your vehicle factory engineers designed them to operate. It’s also the only suspension enhancement that you can turn on and off so you can return to your factory ride when not towing or hauling.

Now available in stainless steel, you have both the option of our original steel powder coated lower StableLoad as well as the NEW stainless steel version. The stainless steel StableLoad not only is non-corrosive but also enhances the look of your truck to make it stand out as the envy of other truck owners. What does that mean for you? This means that the stainless steel will keep the StableLoads looking new without a layer of protective powder coat and working great to meet and exceed the toughest demands from avid sportsmen and adventurers. These suspension upgrades are always ready to push the envelope with you while keeping your family, truck and whatever you’re hauling safe.

You may be asking why make the StableLoad also available in stainless steel along with our original steel design? Stainless steel is known to be an incredibly strong metal – so why not create a version of the StableLoad out of this durable metal as well? Similar to our rugged truck camper Talon Tie Downs that are made from both military grade aluminum and stainless steel, our new stainless steel StableLoads are built for tough conditions. Our engineers developed these ultra high performance suspension enhancements to handle the toughest climates and terrain. Whether you head out onto the coastal beaches or up to the mountain heights into the snow and ice where harsh chemical treatments are prevalent, nothing outperforms stainless steel StableLoads.

Manufacturers spent millions of dollars and over a hundred years investing in truck suspensions to ensure TWO major things: that it rides like a car and is comfortable, as well as its ability to safely tow or haul incredibly heavy loads. When a truck is loaded, the spring pack engages when you’re towing or hauling. On a truck without StableLoads, once you begin to tow or haul with your truck, pressure is applied too late on the factory overload stabilizer springs of your vehicle’s suspension. The problem is in this case, that there isn’t enough stability to support the load, resulting in poor handling characteristics. Here are just a few towing issues you may have experienced with no StableLoad installed:

• Side-to-Side Sway
• Body Roll
• Porpoising
• Truck Sag/Squat

Watch the video below to see how StableLoads stand up against other products like airbags, sway bars and more.

StableLoad Stainless Steel Features Include:

• Dramatically improves safety, handling, body roll and porpoising while towing and hauling
• Ability to turn on and off in seconds*
• Made of stainless steel to keep the StableLoads looking new without a layer of protective powder coat
• Universal fit for all vehicles with factory installed upper or lower overload stabilizer spring
• Quad contact design complements the vehicle’s specially engineered suspension that automotive manufacturers have invested millions of dollars designing, while all other rear suspension products reduce contact to only two points
• Quick no-drill installation**
• Enhances airbag performance by lowering airbag overload air pressure and activating the factory overloads
• Kit includes four StableLoads (outfits one complete vehicle)
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty includes coverage for the vehicle factory leaf springs
• Proudly made in the USA

* Applies only to the StableLoad Quick Disconnect (Lower Overload).
** Does not apply to the StableLoad Quick Disconnect (Lower Overload with Drill Kit).

Due to the dramatic improvement in overall handling characteristics from the StableLoad and its extremely low cost,* we recommend any suspension enhancement upgrades start with the StableLoad and that the vehicle operator evaluate as to whether any further upgrades are needed as often times the StableLoad suspension enhancement qualities are found to be more than enough improvement and no further costly suspension equipment may be required.**

The stainless steel StableLoads install to your lower overload leaf springs

* When compared to other suspension upgrade products, the StableLoad costs up to 50% less.
** Further upgrading or product additions for vehicle suspension is the responsibility and made solely at the discretion of the vehicle owner/operator.

Torklift also provides a 30-day money back guarantee on the StableLoads no matter where they were purchased. If you are not satisfied with your product in the first 30 days, with a receipt a full refund will be given. This is in place to ensure you are happy with your purchase.

For more information on the stainless steel StableLoads or to find your fitment today, click the button below or give our tech support a call at 800-246-8132. They are more than happy to assist you with questions you may have about these new corrosion resistant suspension upgrades. To complete your purchase with a certified dealer near you.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 3 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.

When it comes to safely towing with an extension while using the Ford factory hitch, there is only ONE extension that can do it safely without you having to upgrade and remove the factory hitch for a different hitch: the patented Cannon extension from Torklift!

The major reason why you need the Cannon hitch extension, especially if you want to tow with your Ford Super Duty, is that it’s the only one made specifically for the 2017-2019 Ford Super Duty 3-inch factory hitch that enables you to safely tow with a trailer hitch extension.

1.) It’s the ONLY extension made specifically for the 2017-2019 Ford 3” factory receiver

But, if you’re wanting to tow with a truck camper in your truck bed, or want some separation between your truck and trailer, then what can you do? Luckily, Torklift has your back and has made a towing extension specifically for the Ford 3-inch factory receivers. This towing extension system allows you the ability of hauling anything in the bed that’s going to hang over the rear of your truck, and still making use of the factory hitch receiver. Thanks to the Cannon hitch receiver extension, you can bring along anything you want such as a trailer, boat, side-by-side, ATV or even horses on your next family adventure.

When you’re towing and there’s excessive movement, it could lead not only to the need to replace parts prematurely due to unusual wear and tear, but also lead to potentially major accidents that leave you and your loved ones stranded on the side of the road or in a ditch. We’ve ensured that you won’t have to deal with this excessive movement and slop from having to use a reducer sleeve for the extension to fit. We’ve designed the Cannon specifically to insert into the 3-inch receiver so when you’re towing down the road, you don’t have to deal with unsafe towing conditions caused by up and down and side-to-side movement that is typical and dramatically multiplied when a reducer sleeve is required.

2.) The Cannon is made with SAFETY in mind using our patented design

Torklift is focused on safety, and that especially includes our towing equipment. The patented Cannon extension utilizes our original SuperTruss lateral support safety chains to prevent the extension from moving side-to-side while towing. This hitch extension also includes an ALL NEW dual set bolt system that prevents extension and receiver movement while towing.

The Cannon extension is also part of the hitch lines available from Torklift that are the ONLY ones in the industry that have hardened reinforced hitch pin locations. The reinforcement prevents what is hole elongation, commonly referred to as "egging" at the pin site. This leads to excessive movement in your trailer such as when your truck stops, and your trailer keeps moving dangerously. Once the hitch pin locations egg out, the hitch is damaged and can not only lead to trailer hitch component failure, but could also put you, your loved ones and others on the road in dangerous and deadly situations. You don't have to worry about this with Torklift hitches at your back!

An additional safety feature offered by the Cannon extension is our unique design that is on the underside of the extension. Essentially how it works is that once the Cannon is slid into the hitch receiver, there is a dual set bolt system at the end of the extension that slides under factory receiver. Once fully inserted, you can tighten the bolts on the wear plate that’s provided to press the bolts up against the factory receiver. This locks the extension and prevents it from moving vertically while traveling to ensure safety and handling.

3.) Comes in multiple lengths for towing behind your truck with a camper

The Cannon extension is available in 36-inch, 42-inch and 48-inch lengths. The Cannon is the perfect companion for all your towing needs.

E1636 Weight Carry:

• 3600 lbs maximum pull weight
• 360 lbs maximum tongue weight

E1636 Weight Distribution:

• 7200 lbs maximum pull weight
• 720 lbs maximum tongue weight.

E1642 Weight Carry:

• 3300 lbs maximum pull weight
• 330 lbs maximum tongue weight 

E1642 Weight Distribution:

• 6600 lbs maximum pull weight
• 660 lbs maximum tongue weight

E1648 Weight Carry:

• 3000 lbs maximum pull weight
• 300 lbs maximum tongue weight

E1648 Weight Distribution:

• 6000 lbs maximum pull weight
• 600 lbs maximum tongue weight

4.) Cannon SkidWheel Accessory Available

Whether you head out onto the coastal beaches or up to the mountain heights into the snow and ice where harsh chemical treatments are prevalent, nothing outperforms the stainless steel and rust free Cannon SkidWheel. Installed on the underside of the extension near the end of the Cannon where the lateral safety chains are attached, the SkidWheel protects your extension from dragging along the ground while you are towing. This is especially true when entering and exiting driveways with an incline and reduces the chance of damaging your towing equipment investments.

How does the Cannon SkidWheel work? It allows the SkidWheel to make contact with the ground before the extension receiver when towing heavy loads and a long extension, that way your towing equipment never reaches the ground. Because the Cannon SkidWheel roller is made out of stainless steel, we’ve ensured it can handle the toughest road conditions without rusting.

Features of the Cannon Extension include:

• Available in three lengths from 36” to 48”
• Internally reinforced
• Hardened reinforced hitch pin locations
• Uses patented, lateral-support safety chains
• Compatible with 2” and 2-1/2” ball mounts
• Includes safety chains
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

*Weight ratings dependent on length of extension.

Our goal at Torklift International is to provide our customers with safe equipment that speaks for itself when it comes to performance. Go big with Torklift Cannon hitch extension for your Ford factory 3-inch receiver for all your towing and hauling needs!

Learn more about our Cannon Ford hitch extension and Cannon SkidWheel and give our tech support a call at 800-246-8132, or purchase them at a Certified Dealer near you!

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 3 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.

Today’s the big day – you’re taking the steps to getting your truck ready for the new truck camper you just purchased. Now you’ll be able to go camping in the great outdoors without having to worry about sleeping on the hard ground or critters getting into your “tent.” With a truck camper – you get the luxuries of home while also still getting to camp in remote places.

But – do you have your camper set up? Is your truck camper mounted onto your truck? You have your tie downs installed and you have your FastGun turnbuckles, but have you checked to make sure the FastGuns are properly tensioned? Read below to learn more about our patented O-Ring technology that ensures you have the proper tension for hauling your truck camper every time!

Spring-Loaded and what that means to you!
The Torklift FastGuns are spring-loaded. What does that mean? In order to prevent damage to the anchor points on your camper, these truck camper turnbuckles allow some give when your vehicle encounters uneven road conditions. We strongly recommend using spring-loaded turnbuckles on all four points of the camper because the spring design acts as a shock absorber. This protects the tie down system and camper anchor points from damage.

What is an O-Ring?
This O-ring is what we call the “spring tension indicator” because that is exactly its function. It indicates the amount of tension in the spring within the turnbuckle, allowing you to gauge how many pounds of tension is securing your camper.

Truck camper manufacturers recommend 300 pounds of pressure be applied on all four points to properly hold a truck camper to a truck. The spring-loaded function is crucial because it allows some give while driving on rough and bumpy roads.

How to adjust the FastGun O-Ring
Now that you know what the O-Ring is and the importance of ensuring that it’s tensioned to the correct pressure, below are four easy steps to see if you have the O-Ring installed correctly on your FastGun turnbuckle: 

1. Adjust turnbuckles into place
2. Align the O-ring to the bottom of the turnbuckle body (right up against the bottom of the FastGun body)
3. Snap down the quick-disconnect handle of the FastGun (you will feel the spring tension)
4. If the O-ring lowers by ¼ -inch, you’ve achieved the correct amount of turnbuckle tension

Example of how quickly you can install the FastGun on your camper

There you have it! Now that you have the O-Ring ¼-inch away from the FastGun body, your turnbuckles are tensioned properly at 300 pounds of pressure. You are ready to hit the open road with your camper. If you read this blog to learn more about the FastGuns but don’t currently own your own set – don’t fret! You can learn more about our truck camper turnbuckles and give our tech support a call at 800-246-8132 or purchase them at a Certified Dealer near you!

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 3 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.

The truck camping and RVing world is in for a nice surprise. Torklift International and Lance Campers have entered into a partnership that aims to start a new “Revolution.” This glorious new partnership combines two great companies to provide adventure enthusiasts with a top of the line truck camper or trailer outfitted with a top of the line step system. That’s right, 2019 Lance 1172 comes standard with ultraSTEPglow factory installed. Also known as the GlowStep Revolution from Torklift, these trailer steps are available on multiple trailers and campers, customers are capable of adding the ultraSTEPglow as an aftermarket part.

Torklift President Jack Kay has expressed his excitement for the Lance and Torklift partnership stating, “Just like Torklift, Lance has been in business for over 40 years. We are passionate about partnering with them (Lance) so customers can have the best and safest camping experience possible.” When you combine two companies who are passionate about their work, the outdoors and are willing to go to the distance for their loyal customers, greatness awaits.

Torklift isn’t the only one excited about the partnership. Lance recognizes that working with Torklift and offering the ultraSTEPglow system on their equipment is a great opportunity. “Torklift is the type of partner we love to work whose products complement our brand’s quality position in the marketplace,” said Randy Hunter, Research and Development Manager at Lance Camper Mfg. Corp. “On the retail side of the business our customers appreciate the quality, innovation and functionality their products offer.” Both Lance and Torklift strive to offer greatness and provide the utmost quality.

Torklift proudly offers a Legendary Lifetime warranty to ensure the satisfaction of the customer, even years after the product was purchased. Fully manufactured in America, with American made materials, Torklift is dedicated to producing an overall shopping experience comparable to none. A team of engineers works diligently to provide new and innovative products that are built with every piece of quality assurance that can go into a product.

Lance is known for being the best on the market. They offer quality products that are built to be sturdy and last a long time. The quality assurance goes all the way down to the finishing work and even the stitching on the seat cushions. Lance aims to make truck campers and travel trailers that elevate the camping experience to a whole new level.

Lance 1172 camper with the ultraSTEPglow steps (also known as the GlowStep Revolution)

What is the ultraSTEPglow All About?

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Torklift International ultraSTEPglow, allow us to highlight the major features. The “Revolution” started in 2015 when Torklift initially released this marvelous product. The first ever step system with three levels of precision elevation control on the top of the step, and five levels of lower adjustment via the All Terrain Landing Gear. Altogether, the levels of adjustment equal out to SEVEN total inches of vertical fine-tuning. Torklift National Sales Manager, Kyle Bonita explains the All Terrain Landing gear, and what makes it a step above the rest of the industry: 

“One of the unique parts about the ultraSTEPglow is the All Terrain Landing Gear which comes standard on these RV steps and provides ability to adjust, the landing gear attach to the base of the step allowing the step to become level with the ground. They maneuver to accommodate uneven terrain, which is a common occurrence at most campgrounds or boon docking off the grid."
 

The steps feature glow in the dark strips to illuminate your way back to your camper after the sun has gone down. With the ability to glow up to 10 hours with only five minutes of light exposure, the ultraSTEPglow will surely light your way all through the night. Accessories and innovations to these RV steps makes them even more suitable for all situations. A few add-ons include the GlowGuide, SafeStep, and the DirtDestroyer. Each of these products are designed to better the steps.

GlowGuide

The GlowGuide is a handrail that attaches to your camper in two locations and attaches to the steps to give you three points of stability. This offers the user even more safety when navigating up or down the steps. The GlowGuide can be easily stored inside the RV when not in use and is compatible with both campers and trailers.

ultraSTEPglow and the GlowGuide illuminating the night

SafeStep

Torklift also introduced the SafeStep. An ingenious product that creates a vertical barrier in between each step, protecting your pets or children from falling. The great thing about the SafeStep is that the panels can remain installed even when the steps are being stored. Furthermore, they are made with a UV protected material, so the sharp black color won’t turn gray after repeated harsh exposure to the sun.

The SafeStep is a protective step riser guard  

DirtDestroyer

The final addition to the accessory line is the DirtDestroyer. We have all seen those weird ineffective bristly things that sit outside of a store or even a house. An effective shoe cleaner to keep people from have to remove their shoes when heading inside. Torklift has developed the DirtDestroyer to do the same thing, only it conveniently attaches to your camper steps and looks great while doing it. Keep the dirt and mud outside of your RV! Quickly and conveniently run your shoes through the DirtDestroyer and voila.

This shoe cleaning attachment is a perfect addition to your step system

Now thanks to the collaboration between Lance and Torklift, the ultraSTEPglow is now available on Lance truck campers and trailers.

Written by Nathan Miller:
As a graduate from Eastern Washington University, Nathan received his degree in marketing. He enjoys people and partaking in anything outdoors. Nathan once had a staring contest with an owl and won. He is the most interesting writer in the Torklift Universe. 

If you’re interested in going camping but not having to sleep on the hard ground and be able to cook light meals, a truck camper is a great choice for something in-between tent camping and a full-blown Class A motorhome. A truck camper consists of a truck that you drive for hauling the camper, and the RV camper itself which has all the amenities of home. A truck and truck camper allows you to go anywhere the truck can go by itself.  With a truck camper you can exclusively access otherwise inaccessible places that motorhomes and other towable RV’s are unable to go for camping.

Below is a guide to top three truck camping accessories you need to make your camping experience safer and more enjoyable – including improved safety and stability as well as extra power! All the products below come with Torklift’s Legendary Lifetime Warranty and are made in the USA… pretty hard to resist those features! 

1.) Lock and Load

First up is the Lock and Load storage tray. Not only is it perfect for storing all your extra gear, gas cans or water cans, but it can also hold a generator for extra power while camping! With the Lock and Load, you can enjoy

extra generator power without having to deal with constantly moving it in and out of your RV and potentially cause damage or mess. This generator tray is perfect for not only storing your generator – but also locking it up so it’s safe from potential theft.

Installation is as simple as putting the tray into the hitch receiver, securing it with a locking hitch pin and you’re good to load up your camping gear and generator into the tray.

Features of the Lock and Load include: 

• Allows you to lock, store and run your generator and other motorized equipment simultaneously
• Avoid exhaust fumes and stains by permanently storing your generator on the Lock and Load while on the road or off the grid
• No more heavy lifting – your generator stays on the tray even while running
• Protect costly generators, camping gear, welders, tool boxes, plasma cutters and more from theft 
• Features a safety visual sight indicator to prevent risk of damage while driving (Part #A7752)
• License plate relocation holes to attach license plate (Part #A7752)
• Mounts easily into front and rear receiver hitches
• Fits most common generators including: o Yamaha EF2000iSo Yamaha EF2400iSHCo Honda Eu2000ia
• Utilizes 2” x 2” receiver to mount

2.) FastGun Wobble Stopper

Does your camper wobble from a sneeze when it’s not loaded securely on your truck? Many that travel with truck campers understand the irritating and nerve-racking camper sway when the camper is off loaded. When a truck camper is free standing, the sway and wobble can make for a discomforting experience. Torklift has designed the FastGun Wobble Stopper to dramatically reduce camper jack and frame stress. It acts as a supportive connection between the front camper jack legs and the camper body. Not only does it reduce the stress, it also reduces the swaying that causes unease and feeling like the camper is going to tip from just walking from the bed to the bathroom.

3.) Upgraded Steps – Stow N’ Go

For a safer camping experience, there’s nothing better than stable steps. The Stow N’ Go was designed specifically to lock while in transit, eliminating the hassle of having to detach and store the steps inside your 

camper. The steps remain mounted to the back of the truck camper bumper to prevent the interior from getting dirty. This step system comes standard with the storage bracket, GlowStep entry system and All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet.

Now when you’re truck camping, you don’t have to worry about potential falling off your steps because they’re too steep or don’t fully reach the ground. As an added bonus, there are also many accessories available to go with the Stow N’ Go to improve your camping experience as well. These accessories include: the GlowGuide handrail, SafeStep pet safety barrier and the DirtDestroyer shoe cleaning attachment. Having just one is a great upgrade, but all three combined help make the ultimate in truck camper step systems!

There you have it. Our top three recommended truck camping accessories for the spring season! Don’t wait today to upgrade your camping experience! For questions about the Lock and Load, FastGun Wobble Stopper, Stow N’ Go, or any other Torklift products, contact us at 800-246-8132 or shop now at one of our Torklift Certified Dealers.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 2 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.

On a recent winter day, we had the pleasure of hosting national publication, RV PRO magazine at Torklift to show them not only our manufacturing process and what we invest in – our team!

Excerpt from RV PRO article written by David MacNeal:

“We don’t build parts – we build people,” says Jack Kay, president of Torklift and son to company founder Jon Kay.

In terms of workplace community, Jack Kay has what he calls the “raindrop theory.” Simply put, the idea is that, alone, a drop of water is not much.

“But if you could get thousands,” he says, “you can unite it, and put it in a streambed, move it to a river … move it to cities, and you can power things. You can have tremendous energy and tremendous force. It’s the power of unity.”

Featured in their February 2018 issue, read this full article in RV PRO magazine’s Feb. 2018 online edition.

“When I started working at Torklift, I was 17, kind of between homes and in a tough spot. I knew someone that worked here… and he sent in my resume to Candice [Torklift International Vice President of Sales and Marketing] and she saw some sort of character in me. I went from being an intern to policy admin to graphic designer. I guess I was just very charismatic.”

- Hannah Orr, Marketing Manager in the RV PRO video “Inside Torklift: America at Work”

Torklift spends thousands of hours dedicated to building up individuals to become leaders to help the company as a whole. Every new team member is required to listen to Earl Nightingale’s book Lead the Field, to help them understand our organization’s philosophical approach and growth within the company.           

“Great leadership looks at their people like a treasure hunt and understands that inside every single one of them is gifts, talents and abilities enabling them to see that treasure and watch that person rise up. There’s no higher reward or payback from a leader’s standpoint than to have the opportunity and make that happen.”

- Jack Kay, President of Torklift in the RV PRO video “Inside Torklift: America at Work”

Torklift’s philosophy is simple: fulfilled people are ambitious and strive to be better at work which leads them to later become leaders. This philosophy has proven successful for Torklift. In 2017, Torklift International had a year-over-year growth of 25 percent. What originally began as a one-bay shop in 1976 by our founder Jon Kay, Torklift has grown exponentially into the organization it is today, with significant plans and goals for the future.

To see the full video of RV PRO’s visit to Torklift, watch below:

If you have any questions about our organization or are interested in learning more about us, visit Torklift.com/jobs.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 2 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.

When you’re RVing, everything relies on batteries to function. Without RV batteries, many appliances, AC and lights wouldn’t work and you would be basically camping in a very fancy tent. RV batteries are deep cycle and designed to store large amounts of power so you can go camping in remote places for long periods of time without having to worry about power. When you’re RVing, everything relies on batteries to function. Without RV batteries, many appliances, AC and lights wouldn’t work and you would be basically camping in a very fancy tent. RV batteries are deep cycle and designed to store large amounts of power so you can go camping in remote places for long periods of time without having to worry about power.

But how much do you know about your RV batteries? We reveal the top five things you need to know about your batteries – including the best way to store them and make sure they last as long as possible.

1.) Battery Basics
With so many types of batteries available, it can be difficult to know which type you need for your towable. Depending on how much power you need, there are various battery sizes – the most common are the group 24 batteries and group 27 batteries, also known as “house batteries.” The group 24 battery is a good choice if you are limited on space or rarelydry camp and have smaller accessories you need to power. Or, if you need a large amount of power and have a decent amount of storage, a group 31 battery is the perfect option. A good rule of thumb is that the larger the battery, the more amp hours you get. 

2.) RV Battery Maintenance
One of the best ways to make sure that your RV battery will last for years is to maintain it during the camping season as well as the off-season. These batteries tend to have varying lifespans depending on the size, type and brand, but in general should last 5 to 7 years – if taken care of properly. 

Maintenance of your batteries should include cleaning the cables (making sure to disconnect them before you clean them), and also cleaning the connections before securing them back into place – negative connection first then the positive connection. 

 PRO TIP: For battery maintenance, check for any kind of leaks and keep an eye on electrolytes in your battery. You’ll need to refill with distilled water when needed to prevent your battery fully charged.

3.) RV Battery Storage
Proper storage of your batteries is incredibly important! Not only does regular maintenance help them last for a long time, but storage also plays a key role. Improperly stored batteries can freeze or overheat and lead to either not running at full capacity or needing replacement. 

Also, if you don’t have enough storage for your batteries you may have to carry several batteries in your car or RV, taking up precious space that you could use for other items. Not to mention, moving and installing heavy batteries is a hassle.

In comes the HiddenPower under vehicle battery mount! Its name gives it away – this battery mount is installed underneath the vehicle bed and can be used for all types of group 24, 27, and 31 twelve-volt batteries, ranging from lead acid, AGM, sealed, or gel cell. 

The HiddenPower mount is completely no-drill and installs in minutes. Adding an extra battery that is tied to your truck’s electrical charging system will not only keep the extra battery charged and ready for use with little to no maintenance, but also keeps your truck battery charged. This will save you time when you have to hassle with pulling out batteries and connecting them. Preventing your batteries from being undercharged, the HiddenPower also saves you from getting stranded with adead battery while you’re boondocking in remote areas. 

4.) RV Battery Charging
The two most common causes of RV battery failure are these two issues – undercharging and overcharging. This may cause you to have to pay for battery replacement sooner than you have to. This costs you both time and money that you could have used toward your camping trips. A good rule to go by is to never let your batteries go below 50 percent charge. Anything lower than 20 percent will lead to damage and the battery won’t be able to function at full power again.

When batteries go long periods of time with no charge, sulfate material hardens into crystals. This results in batteries losing the ability to hold a charge, which is also known as sulfation. If left on a charger for too long, overcharging can occur. Overcharging the battery causes severe water loss and plate corrosion, leaving you with a fried battery… and an empty wallet from having to replace the battery.

One of the best ways to prevent overcharging and undercharging your batteries is to trickle charge when you’re not using them and making sure the connection is clean and tight. Another storage option is the PowerArmor and PowerArmor Solar battery boxes. One of PowerArmor Solar’s many features include a Zamp solar panel that extends battery life up to 400 percent and helps prevent premature battery replacement due to its ability to slowly trickle charge. It’s like having RV solar panels but for your batteries! This means that you prevent overcharging and undercharging your batteries when the panel is exposed to minimal sunlight – making your batteries last much longer than they normally would in any other storage condition.

The PowerArmor boxes come with a heavy gauge diamond plate that features a black high-impact powder coated frame. Boxes can bolt directly to your RV, boat, trailer tongue, camper bumper and more. It also allows electrical wires to pass through the side wall of the box, easily connecting the RV batteries to your electrical circuit system and keeping the batteries locked safely inside – giving you easy access wherever you store it. 

5.) Connecting Multiple Batteries
If you find that you need more than one RV battery or might need a full bank of them for more power – then you will need to connect them together. When you join 6-volt batteries together in a series it allows you to keep the same amount of amps but adds to the voltage or power. To connect multiple 6-volt batteries you’ll need a jumper wire to connect the positive terminals to the negative terminals. Then the other remaining positive and negative terminals connect to whatever you are connecting your batteries toin order to gain power.

 The most important thing to keep in mind is to make sure your RV batteries are the same voltage, amp rating and the same age. If you try to connect an old RV battery to a new one, it will drain the new battery to keep the old one working. Then you’ll end up having to replace the newer one sooner than you should have to.

For more information on proper battery storage or questions about the HiddenPower and PowerArmor, contact our tech support at 800.246.8132. If you’re interested in storing your RV batteries in one of these battery boxes, you can find a Certified Dealer near you and purchase one or both today for all your camping needs!

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 2 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels. 

Gather around everyone! We have a wonderful story to tell you that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.  Over the past year, we worked with Jim Allen who wanted to upgrade his trailer steps that would make their lives easier. In August 2017, Jim had a stroke which made it difficult for him to get in and out of the trailer due to the bouncy steps. Kathy, Jim’s wife, had also had a hip replacement so the bouncy steps were a no-go for her as well. Since they were planning on living in the trailer full-time, they needed steps that would provide full stability.

Torklift saw this as a great opportunity to help a couple of campers make their experience safer and more fun. We sent the GlowStep Revolution trailer steps to Jim and Kathy. This is what they had to say about their new trailer steps:

“We love our Torklift GlowStep Revolution!!! We love how solid the steps are, as do our boxers. EASILY retracted for towing and EASILY opened and deployed for use.”

-Jim Allen

Jim and Kathy loved using their GlowStep Revolution steps and were elated with how much easier it made it for them and their pups to enter and exit the RV. This includes the All Terrain Landing Gear that allowed for Earth to RV contact – which means no more shaky steps. Then, disaster struck! Due to the flooding that occurred in the east, Jim and Kathy’s Jayco was destroyed in the West Virginia floods, and they had to replace everything they lost. 

Once Jim and Kathy got their new RV, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get them a “RV warming present” – a new set of GlowStep Revolution steps to replace the ones they lost!

“You guys are the “cat’s meow.” We received the new GlowSteps today! You are all AWESOME! Never thought we would get another GlowStep Revolution set up, it’s unbelievably great!! Your team makes us feel more like family, and not just customers.”

-Jim Allen

Happily Trailer Step After

It’s now been some time since Jim and Kathy have had their second set of GlowStep Revolution steps installed, and living in their trailer has been better than ever.

“Got rid of the OEM steps on our Mobile Suites 5^th wheel. High first step. Wife had a hip replacement and I’d had a stroke with a weak left leg. Installed a 5-step GlowStep Revolution steps a little over a year ago. We love them. No issues. Adjustable step into the 5er on the top step and bottom step legs for stabilization. They also work great for our dog… well worth it and I’d highly recommend!”

-Jim Allen (NC Hauler, RV.net)

Now, Jim and Kathy are living happily ever after in their trailer with their boxers Buddy and Sheba. So how exactly is the GlowStep Revolution making Jim and Kathy’s RVing experience more convenient and safer? These trailer steps require minimal effort and space to deploy, so no matter where you’re parked, you will be able to use your GlowStep Revolution steps.

Also, a prevalent issue that is common with aftermarket RV steps is that they’re designed to install within the doorway and have to be lowered down from overhead. You have to stand underneath it to lower them down, and also have a certain amount of room next to your RV in order to deploy these steps. The GlowStep Revolution is a no-drill, direct bolt-on installation that installs into your factory step compartment. That means that these RV steps stay outside the RV and you don’t have to deploy them over your head to get into the trailer. 

Features of the GlowStep Revolution steps:

• Only RV step system with 7 inches of vertical step elevation adjustment
• Unparalleled stability eliminating the unsafe diving board effect
• Earth to RV: Brings step to ground level (No more unsafe booster step)
• Landing gear quickly levels on uneven terrain (included)
• Step system accessories: Handrail, pet safety barriers and shoe cleaning attachment
• Made from lightweight aircraft grade aluminum (rust free)
• Direct bolt-on installation easily replaces your factory step system
• Bushing bearing bolted for maximum stability and longevity – also provides smooth operation when deploying or retracting steps to prevent binding and grinding common with factory steps
• Glows in the dark for up to 10 hours with only five minutes of light exposure
• Secures into place via locking mechanism
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

As an added bonus, the GlowStep Revolution has many accessories available to make a complete system. There is the GlowGuide Handrail to make getting in and out of your RV easier and safer, the SafeStep barrier for pet friendly steps and DirtDestroyer which is a shoe cleaning attachment to prevent debris from coming into the RV.

If you’re interested in purchasing our GlowStep Revolution trailer steps and want to upgrade like Jim and Kathy, there are a couple of options for you! You can click here to visit one of our Certified Dealers near you. Or, you can contact us for more information or questions at support@torklift.com or by calling 800-246-8132.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes, spoiling her cat Clio and daydreaming about future travels. 

If you are planning on doing any kind of outdoor adventure that involves you bringing extra cargo or a trailer, chances are you'll need to tow with a trailer hitch! While it may seem unapproachable, setting up and towing a trailer behind your truck is easier than it looks. But, it does require some study and set up in advance to make it as easy as possible when you’re actually towing.

During your research phase, the first thing you need to ensure is that your truck has a rating capacity of at least the max weight of the load you want to haul. Check the owner’s manual for your truck to determine the weight limits and figure out the appropriate hitch to have installed. You’ll want to make sure to stay within the manufacturer’s weight ratings or you could potentially cause major damage to your vehicle, truck and other drivers on the road.

Here are the numbers that you’ll need to know before getting set up to tow behind your truck:

• Gross trailer weight (GTW): how much the trailer weighs fully loaded. 
• Gross trailer weight (GTW): how much the trailer weighs fully loaded. 
• Tongue weight: the downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer coupler. You’ll need to know your trailer tongue weight in order to determine the best hitch for your vehicle.
• Gross combined weight rating (GCWR): The maximum weight of the trailer tow vehicle combined, this weight should never be exceeded. 
• Hitch rating: this is an incredibly important number! It’s the weight that the manufacturer has tested and determined that the hitch can handle. For example, the SuperHitch Original can handle 2,000 pounds tongue weight and tow up to 20,000 pounds.

What it basically comes down to for hitch towing is weight! Weight is the most important factor when it comes to towing. Both knowing how much weight your trailer hitch can tow and how much weight your truck, hitch and ball mount can handle. 

All hitches are not created equal. If you’re planning on towing a heavy amount, you need to make sure that your trailer hitch is up to the task. Take for example Charles Spray. He trusts the best hitch available for towing a trailer behind his fully loaded truck and camper: the SuperHitch!

“Getting ready for the Ponies in the Smokies car show in Sevierville, TN. Love your products! It runs great down the highway and that’s the important part.”

-Charles Spray

The SuperHitch comes in two different weight capacities. The SuperHitch Original heavy-duty trailer hitch is rated at 2,000 pounds tongue weight, 20,000 pounds with weight distribution and uses our patented dual receiver design (2-inch upper and 2-inch lower) to max out class five hitch maximum capacities.

To fight the blight of wimpy factory and aftermarket tow hitches the SuperHitch Magnum is also available. With weight distribution, the SuperHitch Magnum trailer hitch is rated up to 3,000 pounds tongue and 30,000 pounds towing.

Both of these trailer hitches come with hardened reinforced hitch pin locations to prevent common elongation of the hitch pin holes known as egging. When hitch pin holes are not properly reinforced, the elongated pin holes with extra space around the hitch pin leads to effects of poor handling. For example, feeling the trailer’s dramatic push forward on the tow vehicle while stopping. Gain control and avoid this with the SuperHitch 20K trailer hitch.

The SuperHitch Original and SuperHitch Magnum are built incredibly strong and can handle heavy towing within the vehicle manufacturer’s indicated maximum capacities. They are also made in the USA and are backed by our Legendary Lifetime Warranty.

The SuperTruss is an incredibly strong extension for towing when you have overhang in the bed of your truck.

Depending on the application, trucks are often used to both tow and haul at the same time, just like Charles who has a truck camper in his truck bed while towing a trailer. If the cargo in the truck bed blocks the trailer hitch receiver by crossing the threshold of the vehicles rear-end, you'll need specific towing equipment to maintain your ability to tow. The SuperHitch SuperTruss extension pairs perfectly with each model of SuperHitch to give you the ability and convenience of extending your tow hitch in the safest way possible. Take advantage of the versatility of your tow vehicle by giving it the tools it needs to go big.

For a full list of steps on how to tow a trailer you can visit our recent blog for step by step instructions on towing a trailer behind your truck. If you’re interested in purchasing our SuperHitch trailer hitch and want to upgrade like Charles, there are a couple of options available to you! You can click here to visit one of our Certified Dealers near you. You can also contact us for more information or questions at support@torklift.com or by calling 800-246-8132.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes, spoiling her cat Clio and daydreaming about future travels. 

While truck campers are the most common use for our tie downs and turnbuckles, a truck camper is not the only useful application you can use them for. A great example of something else you can use tie downs and turnbuckles for are truck bed sled decks! 

Photo Credit: Coty Built. Check out their entire set up with the sled deck fully loaded and travel trailer.

Sled decks are incredibly convenient for hauling recreational equipment without having to set up a towing system and trailer. It’s also a useful application if you want to tow a travel trailer, boat trailer, horse trailer, etc., while bringing along extra toys like snowmobiles, Jeeps, ATVs and more. 

These truck decks are installed in the bed of your truck which means you’ll have to make sure that your truck is able to handle the amount of weight that you’re going to be loading into the bed. On average and depending on what kind of truck sled deck you purchase. You can refer to your Owner’s Manual on how much capacity your truck can handle.

What do I need to hold down my cargo? 
Now that you know the basics of what a sled bed or sled deck is, it’s good to know the gear you’ll need in order to make sure that it, and your cargo stays securely attached to your truck. Coty Built, a company in British Columbia that does custom work on Jeeps, recently shared their sled deck photos with us. Who do they trust most with the safety of their expensive rigs? Torklift of course! 


“Without your products, this system would not work! Twenty thousand miles towed so far without any sway or issues!” 

-Coty Built

So, what product does Coty Built use to haul their Jeep and sled deck? 

1. FastGun Turnbuckle
These stainless steel turnbuckles come in sets of two and are spring-loaded with spring tension indicators. What does that mean? It means that you can quickly determine the correct tension needed to hold down your deck. Manufacturer recommended tension is 300 pounds to be applied for securing the deck properly. 

The number one selling turnbuckle in the world, the FastGun only takes seconds to install and remove, making them exceptionally quick and convenient. This is due to the quick-release handle that allows for easy, tool-free adjustment. 

2. Tie Downs
When it comes to Torklift tie downs, you won’t find anything stronger! The patented design incorporates four independent tie down points that bolt directly to the truck frame. This dramatically improves stability and handling while you’re hauling your sled deck and accessories. 

These tie downs are engineered to provide safety, security and stability while on the road. They are designed to fit tight and secure to your truck frame with no loss of ground clearance. 


The FastGun turnbuckles and Torklift tie downs also come with our Legendary Lifetime Warranty. When used with our tie downs with any of our fully spring-loaded turnbuckles, including the FastGuns, we also warranty the truck frame and camper anchor points for the extent of the manufacturer’s warranty. 

For questions about setting up your snowmobile truck deck, Jeep truck deck or sled deck, or for more information on Torklift tie downs or FastGun turnbuckles, contact us at 800-246-8132 or shop now at one of our Torklift Certified Dealers.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes, spoiling her cat Clio and daydreaming about future travels. 

There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing a customer is completely happy with a product and that it’s making their lives better and easier. At Torklift, we’re dedicated to making your RVing and camping experience amazing, and Bob is no exception! Recently, we worked with Bob Vaughn who wanted to upgrade his steps, but didn’t want to go with a ladder or drawbridge-style step that allows mud, water, sand and other debris to get inside his RV. Bob chose to install the GlowStep Revolution trailer steps and had this to say:

“I received my Torklift steps the other day and installed them. They are truly awesome. My old steps were 3 steps and it was a chore to get in and out of my 5th wheel. These are 4 steps and what a difference. I have an artificial knee on my left leg and an artificial hip joint on my right leg and these steps make getting in and out a breeze.” 

-Bob Vaughn, RV.net

Upgrading factory steps
GlowStep Revolution trailer steps are designed to store inside the existing factory compartment underneath your doorway. As you can see to the left and above, Bob’s factory steps hang well below his trailer when stored and don’t reach the ground once deployed. Once installed, the GlowStep Revolution reaches the ground with its All Terrain Landing Gear and improves ground clearance when the steps are stored. Similar to the staircase found in your home, the GlowStep Revolution entry step system also has the shortest riser height in the industry at only 7.5 inches.

These trailer steps also require minimal effort and space to deploy, so no matter where you’re parked, you will be able to use your GlowStep Revolution steps. One of the most prevalent issues that are common with aftermarket RV steps is that they are designed to install within the doorway and have to be lowered down from overhead. That means you have to stand underneath it to lower them down, and also have a certain amount of room next to your RV in order to deploy these steps. This could be very inconvenient in many circumstances including storage facilities, RV shop repair bays, stopping at gas stations and tight camping spots. 

Features of the GlowStep Revolution steps:

• Only RV step system with 7 inches of vertical step elevation adjustment
• Unparalleled stability eliminating the unsafe diving board effect
• Earth to RV: Brings step to ground level (No more unsafe booster step)
• Landing gear quickly levels on uneven terrain (included)
• Step system accessories: Handrail, pet safety barriers and shoe cleaning attachment
• Made from lightweight aircraft grade aluminum (rust free)
• Direct bolt-on installation easily replaces your factory step system
• Bushing bearing bolted for maximum stability and longevity – also provides smooth operation when deploying or retracting steps to prevent binding and grinding common with factory steps
• Glows in the dark for up to 10 hours with only five minutes of light exposure
• Secures into place via locking mechanism
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA 

All Terrain Landing Gear
One thing that Bob mentioned was that because of his artificial knee and hip joints, getting in and out of the 5th wheel trailer was a chore due to its step instability. With the All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet, the GlowStep Revolution RV steps connect firmly to ground level and eliminate the unsafe diving board feeling associated with factory trailer steps.

“They are solid as a rock with no jiggling or bounce. They are adjustable at the top and on the bottom also. Our dogs did not like our old steps, but with these they just go right up in the camper… This is undoubtedly the best mod I have ever done to my 5th wheel. I am truly impressed…”

 - Bob Vaughn, RV.net

The All Terrain Landing Gear come standard with the GlowStep Revolution but aren’t the only additional features available for this step system. There are also accessories that make a complete system that includes safety support and cleaning for your steps. There is the GlowGuide Handrail to make getting in and out of your RV easier and safer, the SafeStep barrier for pet friendly steps and DirtDestroyer which is a shoe cleaning attachment to prevent debris from coming into the RV. 

If you’re interested in purchasing our GlowStep Revolution trailer steps and want to upgrade like Bob, there are a couple of options for you! You can click here to visit one of our Certified Dealers near you. Or, you can contact us for more information or questions at support@torklift.com or by calling 800-246-8132.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 2 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels. 

For those who enjoy boondocking or bringing amenities and the comfort of home such as hair dryers, laptops and more – you’re going to need power. What’s the best way to get power through your RV? Batteries! Now as RVs are getting more technologically advanced, RV batteries are a necessity, but how well do you understand the batteries for your RV?

The basics of understanding your RV battery

At their most basic level, a RV deep cycle battery is lead acid, which means they have several cells connected in a series. Each cell produces volts which is where you get the power from. There are three major kinds of deep cell batteries for RVs available that are made out of plates and electrolytes composed of sulfuric acid, lead and water: AGM, flooded wet cell and gel cell. Each RV battery has both its advantages and disadvantages:

• Flooded wet cell battery: available in 6-volt or 12-volt variations, flooded wet cell batteries are the most common RV batteries and are very affordable.

o How it works: Flooded wet cell batteries vent oxygen and hydrogen gas while charging, the gases are produced from the electrolysis of water. It requires distilled water to be added and has to be in a ventilated area due to the gases.

• AGM battery: variation of a lead-acid battery that has advantages over a flooded wet cell battery including a spill-proof design, faster charging time and a longer life.

o How it works: AGM batteries have a fiberglass mat between the plates to absorb the electrolytes while charging and can be mounted in any position. They are more expensive and require a compatible battery charger.

• Gel cell battery: Does not contain liquid and is therefore leak proof. It also has a high performance at many different temperatures.

o How it works: Unlike the other two batteries, the sulfuric acid in gel cell batteries is mixed with a thickening agent and forms a gel-like substance. They charge at a slower rate and are more expensive as well.

The life expectancy of RV batteries will depend on how you use them, how well they’re maintained, how they’re charged/discharged and stored. The average time of usable power for deep-cycle batteries is 20 hours but the greater the amp-hour rating, the greater the battery storage capacity. There are many sizes available, but the most common are group 24, 27 and 31.

Maintaining RV batteries

The two most common causes for RV battery failure are overcharging and undercharging which can lead to sulfation, which is the formation of sulfate crystals that corrode battery parts. Undercharging is a result of batteries being repeatedly discharged and not fully recharged between cycles. Overcharging is when there is a severe loss of water and plate corrosion and causes overheating and loss of water. Luckily – both of these events are avoidable. Some maintenance tips include:

• Checking the batteries once a month to see how they look and refilling the water if needed
• Cleaning the batteries to remove corrosion (usually with a stiff wire brush or toothbrush)
• Use battery sealant spray to prevent further or future corrosion

RV battery storage

One of the best ways to help maintain your RV battery is to make sure they’re stored properly, fully charged in an enclosed and well-ventilated area. The PowerArmor RV battery box is designed to provide a safe, lockable storage area for 12 and 6-volt battery applications. Made from 100% heavy gauge diamond plate aluminum with black high impact powder coat frame, we’re not the only ones that think this box looks and functions great.  

“It is doing a good job of keeping the battery charge. Plus, it is super easy to unlock the PowerArmor, I feel confident that my battery will still be there the next time I travel.”

-Jim Baker

When using the PowerArmor to store batteries, you benefit from having extra battery power for your RV, boat, truck camper or vehicle. An access port allows for electrical wires to pass through the side wall of the box so it easily connects to your electrical circuit system. With battery health and performance in mind, the locking battery box features a special ventilated design and acid neutralizing battery mat.

Features of the PowerArmor include:

• Prevent common and expensive storage/battery theft (lock included)
• Maintains charge increasing the longevity of the batteries up to 400% to avoid premature battery replacement (solar only)
• Dual use for securing batteries and other gear
• Bolts to your RV, camper bumper, boat, truck, van, etc.
• Heavy gauge diamond plate aluminum for maximum durability
• Designed specifically to access RV batteries avoiding interference with your RV
• Uses a 10 Watt solar panel (solar only)
• Comes in bright tread diamond plate featuring black high impact powder coat frame
• Multiple box sizes available holding up to five batteries
• Adjustable dividers for custom size compartment storage (PowerArmor Max only)
• Acid neutralizing battery mat to avoid corrosion
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

PowerArmor and PowerArmor Solar:

• 17-inch box can hold up to one group 24-27 battery
• 17-inch box can hold up to one group 24-27 battery
• 24-inch box can hold up to two group 24-27 batteries
• 26-inch box can hold up to two group 24-27 batteries, and two group 31 batteries

PowerArmor MAX: 

• 58-inch box can hold a combination of up to two group 24-27 batteries with two group 31, for our 31 or 27, or five group 24 batteries

If you’re interested in learning more about the Torklift International PowerArmor, there are a couple of options for you! Call us at 800-246-8132 and our tech support would be happy to answer your questions about protecting and maintaining your RV batteries. Or, find one of our Certified Dealers near you by clicking here to get set up with one of these RV battery boxes and onto your next adventure.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes, spoiling her cat Clio and daydreaming about future travels.


While truck camping is an incredibly freeing way to camp that allows you to go places other campers aren’t able to, there is always the question of, “how do I store my truck camper when I’m not using it?” There are many kinds of storage and truck camper stabilizing options available, and below are the top 5 easy truck camping ideas for storing and stabilizing your camper whether you’re camping in the truck camper or not. 

1.) Lower the camper closer to the ground
Safety is something you never want to compromise. When you travel to different campgrounds and locations with your truck camper, you will most likely experience various wind speeds and other side effects from weather that could make your camper sway and unstable. Another factor that can make your camper sway is normal usage like walking from the bed to the bathroom. Simply moving throughout your camper can cause an uneven distribution of weight that may lead to damage or tipping. It’s best to make sure that when your camper is not loaded into your truck bed to lower it close to the ground. This will help increase stability and lessen the sway from wind and weather. 

2.) Support your truck camper jacks
Since the truck camper is lower to the ground you’re a little bit more stable – but there is something available that can eliminate the wobble and instability completely. The FastGun Wobble Stopper ensures that your truck camper is stabilized so you can freely move around in it. You don’t have to worry about your camper tipping over. Plus, it’s also lockable to prevent potential theft of your camper. Dramatically reducing camper jack and frame stress, the FastGun Wobble Stopper creates a supportive connection between the front camper jack legs and the camper body. 

As an added bonus, this camper stabilizer hinders and prevents any possibility of theft. It comes with keyed alike locks to prevent theft. The brace blocks off access, making it so a vehicle can’t back up and take off with your truck camper. The FastGun Wobble Stopper is constructed out of high-impact powder coated stainless steel and aircraft grade aluminum. 


3.) Make sure it’s on level ground 
It’s incredibly important to remember when you’re storing your truck camper that it’s stored on level ground. Due to the design of truck campers to be mounted into the bed of a truck, they are top heavy. Besides the jacks, there isn’t much support for the front of the camper and with the overhang, can be front heavy. This means that when your truck camper is in storage it needs to be on level ground to prevent any kind of tipping, falling or added stress on the jacks.  

4.) Storage stands for your truck camper 
Are you tired of your camper jack stands or camper dolly that doesn’t fully support your truck camper? We’ve designed a truck camper support called the Camper Packer. It is the industry’s only structural truck camper support base and solution for maintaining camper structure during storage.

These camper stands are 50 inches from side-to-side featuring special treated lumber to endure harsh weather and folds up for compact storage. It’s the best option for long-term storage since it can handle 12 times the weight capacity of the typical hardware store sawhorse. Having a stable support, especially when it’s properly installed will help avoid jack twisting and frame damage – saving you money in the long run. Distributing the weight amongst the structure minimizes sway, evenly distributes weight off the four corners which reduces the amount of stress on the frame and extends the life of your truck camper jacks.



5.) Cover the camper for protection
The final tip for storing your truck camper whether it’s for long-term or short-term storage is to make sure it’s covered. This is important because the weather can be unpredictable so it’s always best to prepare for the worst – including heavy rain and snow. Making sure that your truck camper is stored in a covered area or has a tarp over it while in storage is best. Covering your truck camper will also help deter bugs or critters from getting easy access into your camper through the windows and seals. 

Regardless of where you decide to store your camper, it’s always best to make sure it’s as safe as possible while in storage! You can secure your truck camper investment with the FastGun Wobble Stopper and Camper Packer from a Torklift Certified Dealer. If you have any questions or want more information regarding any of these security products, contact us 800.246.8132 or email us at support@torklift.com.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 2 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels. 

Truck campers are the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors without having to bother with tent camping or sacrifice on comfort. At its most basic level, a truck camping rig consists of a truck that has a truck camper, also known as a slide-in camper, and the accessories to hold the camper down in the bed. These accessories include truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles. 

Below is a guide on the best way to care for your truck camper accessories to make sure they have a full, long life with plenty of camping adventures ahead of them.

  
Tie Downs
The best way to secure your truck camper to your truck are frame-mounted tie downs. Not to be confused with bed-mounted tie downs, as they attach to the bed or bumper of your truck and could potentially cause damage by pulling and yanking the truck bed sheet metal. Torklift’s frame-mounted tie downs are designed to incorporate four tie down points that bolt directly to the truck’s frame which is the strongest part of your truck. 

 When it comes to maintenance for steel tie downs, there’s a couple of easy guidelines to follow:
 
1.) Regularly clean and inspect your tie downs – this is incredibly important! Due to the harsh and sometimes extreme under-vehicle environment that your tie downs live in, the best thing to do is regularly clean your tie downs after each trip to prevent potential for rust. 

2.) Touch up any affected areas – if you are starting to see that some areas have been affected by the road debris and grime, you can touch up the spots with enamel or urethane based aerosol paint products. A good example of this is Rust-Oleum. 

If you have the aluminum and stainless steel Talon truck camper tie downs, you won’t have to worry about rust! They offer rust free corrosion protection for life. Maintenance of your tie downs to ensure maximum use is important to make sure they work properly. Even just wiping down and cleaning them at the end of each camping trip once you return home will help them maintain a long life. 

Also available as an accessory for the steel truck camper tie downs and come automatically with each Talon tie down kit is the Torklift Finishing Kit. Designed to protect your tie downs when you’re not using them to haul your truck camper, simply remove the tie down insert, replace it with our special protective foam inside the frame mounted portion of the tie down and cap it with our finishing kit. This will help prevent any water or debris from entering your tie downs when not in use and keep them in great condition! 


Turnbuckles
Also known as the ‘hold down’ portion for your truck camper, turnbuckles are used with tie downs to make sure your truck camper stays attached to your truck while you’re hauling it down the road. The best example of a truck camper turnbuckle is the number one selling FastGun. These stainless steel truck camper turnbuckles come in sets of two and are spring-loaded with spring tension indicators. What does that mean? It means that you can quickly determine the correct tension needed to hold down your truck camper. Manufacturer recommended tension is 300 pounds to be applied for securing the truck camper properly. 

Torklift uses quality grade 304 stainless steel that is well known for its anti-corrosive properties. However, there are some coastal regions where stainless steel can come in contact with road chemicals and other harsh debris that could potentially affect the finish. The best way to avoid this possibility is a quick and easy solution: simply use WD-40 and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the turnbuckles. To give your polished FastGun turnbuckles an attractive finish, we suggest using an approved stainless steel chrome or aluminum wheel polish. 

For questions about the upkeep and maintenance of your tie downs and turnbuckles, or for more information on any of the products mentioned, contacts us at 800-246-8132 or shop now at one of our Torklift Certified Dealers.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 2 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels. 

“Leaf-spring suspensions on trucks must be capable of hauling a maximum payload and still provide a comfortable ride under no-load conditions.” This is the opening phrase to the Nov. 2017 article in Trailer Life Magazine that discusses truck suspensions and how to improve ride quality without having to spend an arm and a leg for suspension upgrades. Many suspensions that are designed to carry heavier loads including truck campers, travel trailers and fifth-wheels, are usually equipped with overload leaf-springs… and that’s where the StableLoad comes into play!

Your truck's leaf springs are designed to handle heavy loads, but sometimes
they need help to improve ride quality and safety!

Before testing to see how the StableLoads improved the ride quality of their fully loaded 2012 F-350 regular-cab pickup, here’s what Ed had to say about the handling of the truck:

“Driving a predetermined test route with newly installed lower StableLoads disconnected revealed the suspension handled the weight of the camper well with only slight bouncing on smooth roads and minor body roll while cornering. However, when driving on a rough road with potholes and bumps, bouncing and body roll increased noticeably, as they often do when transitioning from smooth to rough roads.”

- Ed Bolduc, Trailer Life Magazine

The StableLoad

The StableLoad suspension upgrade is meant to assist your truck with heavy loads associated with towing a trailer or hauling a truck camper. Installed on your truck’s rear overload suspension, it dramatically improves vehicle handling characteristics by "pre-activating" the stabilizing effect and keeping the springs actively under load.

“After engaging the lower StableLoads, the sag at the rear axle decreased to just 1/2-inch [after previously having a 1 1/8-inch squat]. The change in altitude of the truck, although small, could be felt in the driver’s seat. A trip down the same rough road resulted in a considerable decrease in bouncing and body roll. Even on smooth surfaces, the stabilizers improved the F-350’s handling noticeably.”

- Ed Bolduc, Trailer Life Magazine

Vehicle factory engineers designed suspension overload springs to operate a specific four-point system, and the StableLoad maintains all four points of contact in the springs rather than reducing it to two points of contact like other aftermarket suspension products. When installed on your truck, you have the ultimate stability and safety while towing a trailer behind your truck.

“We also tested the lower StableLoads while towing several fifth-wheels and travel trailers. As expected, the stabilizers made a clear improvement in handling and controlling suspension bounce and body roll when towing heavy fifth-wheels. Sag was decreased, and the headlights maintained proper alignment.”

- Ed Bolduc, Trailer Life Magazine

Features of the StableLoad suspension upgrade include:

• Dramatically improves safety, handling, body roll and porpoising while towing and hauling
• Ability to turn on and off in seconds*
• Universal fit for all vehicles with factory installed upper or lower overloads
• Quad contact design complements the vehicle’s specially engineered suspension that automotive manufacturers have invested millions of dollars designing, while all other rear suspension products reduce contact to only two points
• Quick no-drill installation**
• Enhances airbag performance by lowering airbag overload air pressure and activating the factory overloads
• Kit includes four StableLoads (outfits one complete vehicle)
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty includes coverage for the vehicle factory leaf springs
• Proudly made in the USA

* Applies only to the StableLoad Quick Disconnect (Lower Overload).

** Does not apply to the StableLoad Quick Disconnect (Lower Overload with Drill Kit).

Feel free to read the full StableLoad article from Trailer Life Magazine, and if you’re interested in purchasing the StableLoad suspension enhancement, visit one of our Certified Dealers near you. To contact us for more information or questions, you can reach out to us at support@torklift.com or call our tech support at 800-246-8132.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes, spoiling her cat Clio and daydreaming about future travels.