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Your love of the outdoors and need for adventuring off-grid has led you to buy a truck camper. Once your truck is equipped with the proper equipment – including the Torklift TRUE Frame-mounted tie downs – it is important to know how to safely load your truck camper. It is common for folks to leave their truck camper loaded on their vehicle during their camping trips. Keep in mind, unloading your truck camper at the campsite gives you an added layer of flexibility by letting you take your truck places where it is not necessarily convenient to bring your camper along.

If you are worried about the safety of your camper when it is off-loaded, check out the FastGun Wobble Stopper camper stabilizer. These will stabilize your camper when it is not loaded and secure it while you are away.

Since you need to reverse your truck into your camper, it will take some additional knowledge and attention to detail to be sure that your camper gets loaded with no damage to the truck camper or your vehicle. Follow these 3 simple steps to get your truck camper loaded up and on the road!

Step #1: Get prepped!

Before you get to loading your truck camper, you are going to want to make sure you have the appropriate preparation done so that loading goes as smoothly and as safely as possible! Follow these easy tips to make sure you are well-prepared to load your truck camper.

Make sure your bed is properly prepped and your parts are inspected.
We highly recommend adding a rubber bed mat to minimize the movement of the truck camper in the bed of the truck. Never install your truck camper on top of a plastic bed liner or hard surface spray-in bed liners. Installing your truck camper on top of a plastic liner can result in excessive vertical truck camper movement that can result in truck bed damage and/or camper damage.

• Make sure your bed is properly prepped and your parts are inspected. We highly recommend adding a rubber bed mat to minimize the movement of the truck camper in the bed of the truck. Never install your truck camper on top of a plastic bed liner or hard surface spray-in bed liners. Installing your truck camper on top of a plastic liner can result in excessive vertical truck camper movement that can result in truck bed damage and/or camper damage.
• Proper maintenance of your tie downs and turnbuckles is required to guarantee the life of your products. Before installing your truck camper, be sure your Torklift camper tie down inserts are pinned in place and your spring-loaded turnbuckles are properly tensioned.
• Phone a friend. Ask a buddy to keep an eye on the truck and camper from the rear. This will ensure that you have a second pair of eyes to guide you in loading your truck camper and deplete the risk of damage to your truck and camper set up.
• Use camper jacks to set camper to appropriate height. This may take some trial and error but setting your camper jacks to the right height will help you avoid scraping or scratching your truck camper set up.
• Engage your Torklift StableLoad Suspension. One of the great perks of being equipped with StableLoads is that you can engage or disengage them depending on if you have a load in the truck or not. Before loading your truck camper, be sure to engage the StableLoads to prepare for the additional load being added to the truck bed.

Step #2: Get loaded up!

Now we’re ready for the fun part – loading your truck camper! Now that your truck and camper are all prepped, it’s time to back your truck in and get your camper loaded. Here are some quick tips to help with getting the camper loaded in one shot!

• Store your camper on level ground. One of the most important tips to loading up your camper is to be conscious of storing your truck camper on level ground so that it is easier to load the camper back in once the time comes.
• Center your truck camper. Position yourself so that your truck is centered with the truck camper. Then all you have to do is back up in a straight line. This is the perfect time to utilize your spotter so you can make adjustments to your path as needed.
• Install the Torklift International Camper Bumper Kit. The Camper Bumper Kit fits all campers and is designed to establish a rubber barrier between your truck camper and the cab of your truck. This protects both your truck and camper from damage.

Step #3: Get going!

Once you have successfully loaded your truck camper into the bed of your truck, be sure to attach your truck camper anchor points to your Torklift TRUE Frame-mounted tie downs using a spring-loaded turnbuckle. We recommend our best-selling Original FastGuns that are equipped with a quick disconnect handle for ease of use.

Now that your truck camper is loaded and tied down, you are ready to hit the road!

If you have further questions about your Torklift tie down and turnbuckle set up or how to install, please contact us by phone at 800-246-8132 or by email at support@torklift.com. Our customer service team is available Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm PST.

*For more details, call us at 800-246-8132.

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.

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. 


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. 

Whether you’re new to RVing or a seasoned camper, you should know that RVs require power to run their various appliances and systems. Your rig is powered by either its 12-volt systems, also known as batteries, or by being plugged into a 120-volt power source through an RV power cord, also known as shore power. Shore power requires connecting your rig to an outside power source, either a power outlet or a generator.

Power connections at campgrounds are not all alike. They come with a variety of sizes and shapes of power cords. Different power cords mean different amps, and you have to use the appropriate power source for your rig. Your RV either requires a 30-amp or 50-amp plug to connect to a 120-volt power source at the campground.

There are items in your RV that won't work unless you are connected to an external power source providing 120-volts. This includes your household outlets, air conditioner, TV and microwave. Usually, these appliances cannot be powered from batteries unless your RV has an inverter to convert DC power into AC power. DC (direct current) power will only send the electric charge in one direction as compared to AC (alternating current) power which changes direction periodically. Getting power from a 120-volt source to your RV is a big deal because some appliances will only work with 120-volt sources. You need to have the right RV power cord for your rig and it needs to be high quality. This is one place you don't want to pinch pennies.
Example of a 30-amp plug

Because your RV manufacturer has provided a high-quality power cord, you don’t want there to be any chance of it getting stolen because of the copper that’s inside the cord. It could not only mean you have to replace your cord, but it could also cost you hundreds of dollars to fix a damaged camper outlet. The Fortress PowerLock is designed to cover your shore power cord access door to protect your RV power cords from being cut and stolen. It’s the only lock available specifically designed for shore power cords in the industry.

Features of the Fortress PowerLock include:

• Lock covers shore power cord access door to protect RV power cords from being cut and stolen
• Prevents theft associated with opening access door and removing power cords
• Easy installation
• Lock and keys included
• Available in black or white high impact powder coat aircraft grade aluminum
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

Kit includes:

• Fortress PowerLock
• Two keys
• All the mounting hardware

Protect from potential damage to your trailer with this lockable shore power cord hatch

If you’re interested in learning more about the Torklift Fortress PowerLock, there are a couple of options! You can call us at 800-246-8132 and our tech support would be happy to answer your questions about protecting your shore power cord from theft. Or, you can find one of our Certified Dealers near you, and they can help you and get you set up with one of these RV locks.

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. 

As camping season is coming to a close and you are thinking of going south for the winter or storing your RV, do you have proper security and storage options during the winter? At Torklift, we always believe that it’s better to be prepared than to have to deal with hundreds of dollars in repairs and replacement when spring comes around. Three things to consider when storing your RV are: do I have proper locks for my propane tanks, how protected is my shore power cord and do I have a spare battery that is stored safely throughout the winter?

The Fortress GasLock

We have a great solution to help prevent a worst-case scenario, which includes a thief trying to remove your propane tanks and cutting the lines, costing you upwards of $500 to repair and replace what was taken. The Fortress GasLock is designed to securely lock your propane tanks that are mounted to a trailer, towable or RV. It’s currently the only lock available specifically designed for LP tanks in the industry.

As an added bonus? The Fortress GasLock does not require tools for installation and only takes seconds to install. The propane tank lock does not interfere with LP tanks and can be filled while it’s locked. 

Features of the Fortress GasLock Include:

• Avoid typical propane tank theft repairs exceeding $500
• Allows tanks to be quickly locked when mounted to trailers, towables and RVs
• Does not interfere with LP tank valves and can be filled while locked
• No tools, no modifications, installs in seconds
• Affordable investment
• Designed for dual tanks
• High impact powder coated military grade aluminum
• Fits available for all applications
• Only lock available for propane tanks in the industry
• Proudly made in the USA  

Kit includes:

• One GasLock assembly 
• Lock and keys 
• Theft deterrent decal 

The Fortress PowerLock

When you purchased your RV, you knew there were certain locks and security items you would need to obtain to keep you and your camper or trailer as safe as possible. But did you know that your shore power is an integral part of your trailer and is a target of potential thieves?

Not only can a criminal steal the copper in your cord, but could cause hundreds of dollars in damage cutting them out. We have a great solution to help prevent your cord from being cut out and stolen. It’s your shore power cord, one of the main life lines to your trailer and camper! The Fortress PowerLock is designed to cover your shore power cord access door to protect your RV power cords from being cut and stolen. It’s currently the only lock available specifically designed for shore power cords in the industry.

Features of the Fortress PowerLock Include:

•  Lock covers shore power cord access door to protect RV power cords from being cut and stolen
•  Prevents theft associated with opening access door and removing power cords
•  Easy installation
•  Lock and keys included
•  Available in black or white high impact powder coat aircraft grade aluminum
•  Legendary Lifetime Warranty
•  Proudly made in the USA

Kit includes:

•  Fortress PowerLock
•  Two keys

The PowerArmor

Now that it’s getting frosty outside, it’s time to start thinking about storing your trailer and batteries for winter and protecting them from potential thieves. Instead of having to bring your batteries inside your home, with the PowerArmor Solar you can leave them safely on your trailer. The battery box bolts directly to your RV, trailer tongue, boat, camper bumper and more.

Torklift’s battery box comes with a solar panel from the leader of RV solar power, Zamp Solar. This solar panel can extend battery life fourfold. Let us repeat that: your batteries can last up to four times longer when they are maintained with the PowerArmor Solar. This translates to avoiding the time and money of re-purchasing your batteries. The solar panel trickle charges your battery even when there is no direct sunlight, and keeps charged batteries at the optimal level to maintain healthy RV batteries. 

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

If you’re interested in purchasing any of these storage and security products from Torklift International, visit one of our Certified Dealers near you here. To contact us for more information, reach us at  support@torklift.com or call our tech support at 800-246-8132. We are more than happy to help 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 2 years. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels. 

Torklift designed a lockable shore power cord cover called the Fortress PowerLock. It protects the RV power cord from being cut or stolen. This is the only lock available for shore power cords in the industry and protects you from having to pay hundreds of dollars in repairs and replacements.  Crafted out of aircraft grade aluminum, the locking shore power hatch is available in white or black high impact powder coat to match your trailer color. This product is proudly made in the USA and comes with our Legendary Lifetime Warranty.

How do I install the Fortress PowerLock?

The Fortress PowerLock is easy to install – so easy in fact, it can be done in a matter of 10 minutes and give you peace of mind for a lifetime!

When you receive your kit – the Fortress PowerLock comes with four stainless steel tapping screws and two keys.

1. Start by removing the existing electrical hatch from the exterior of the camper, and remove the power cord from the back of the electrical hatch.
2. Clean any remaining sealant from the camper and hatch. To ease your reinstallation, leave the power cord protruding from the camper.
3. Using your preferred sealant, seal the back side of the Fortress PowerLock.
   1. Be sure to seal all the holes as well as the perimeter of the Fortress PowerLock.
4. Next, seal the backside of the flange on your original electrical hatch. Install the original electrical hatch into the Fortress PowerLock, and place the power cord into the back side of the electrical hatch. Slide the cylindrical portion of the electrical hatch with power cord into the opening in the camper.
5. Reinstall your original hardware through the three holes in the electrical hatch (shown to the right)
   1. Optional: If you feel that the original mounting hardware or condition of the original holes is not up to the task of securing the power cord, the four remaining holes can be screwed into place.
6. Pre-drill the remaining four holes in the Fortress PowerLock with a 1/8” drill bit, and install the four #10 x 1¼” stainless steel self-tapping screws (shown to the right). After the screws have been installed, remove any excess sealant away from the edges of the Fortress PowerLock.

Now it’s installed and ready for use! See how easy that was? All you need to do is close the door, insert the key and turn it clockwise and your shore cord is protected! Below is a video demonstrating how the Fortress PowerLock shore power cord door provides the ultimate protection:

If you have any questions on how to install this shore power protection or for more information about the Fortress PowerLock, contact us at 800.246.8132!

 Written by Shyann Guerra:
Being in an environment in which I can problem solve is where I flourish. Every answer to a problem leads me to a new concept to understand or a lesson to learn. When I'm not solving problems I enjoy camping and going to festivals with my family - from the local city center festivals to the mountains of Wenatchee at the Winter Grass, blue grass music festival. Experiencing culture is where my heart is content. 

Short answer is, it depends! When speaking with our resident Torklift RV expert Darrel, he said, “the most important thing is to make sure you fill them up before you go!” In an RV or trailer, the furnace is the biggest consumer of propane; with the oven coming in second depending on how much cooking you plan on doing. Another factor to consider is the length of your trip, is it going to be long or a quick trip? You may need to shower which also requires propane for the water heater. Trying to determine how much propane you’re going to use varies with every scenario, so we’ll take you through a few to help give you an idea.

California vs. Alaska

Planning a trip to California or Alaska? Let’s say you’re planning a series of vacations and the first trip is going to be California during the month of August. In this situation, you are going to have warm weather and will probably only need propane if you are going to cook or grill. Essentially, using very little to none. Where is your next trip? How about Alaska in November? For these kinds of conditions, you’ll need more propane because you will likely be using your furnace, needing warm water for showers and propane for cooking as well.

How much does propane cost?

Before you can purchase the actual propane gas, you’ll need an LP tank to hold it in, and prices vary between brands. For example, an empty Bernzomatic 20-pound tank starts at $32.97 and another brand is Worthington Pro Grade which is an 11-pound tank that starts at $56.97. After you’ve purchased the tanks, you need to fill the tank with propane. Just like the different brands of tanks, propane prices vary as well. Mostly it will depend on how big your tank is and how much gas you’ll need to fill it up, which can run you anywhere from $15 to $30. Also, if you have two tanks you’ll need to multiply your cost by two. Two tanks is a clever idea for the many situations that can arise while camping and as a backup if you use all the propane from the first tank.

Another cost to consider is the unthinkable – what if your tanks get stolen? While it’s an unfortunate occurrence, it’s not uncommon. You have just returned from your hike and both of your propane tanks are missing, the lines on your RV have been cut and now you have to pay $500 for the repair and replacement costs. With propane tank theft on the rise, what can you do to prevent this?

The Fortress GasLock

Torklift has designed a product that can safely secure your propane tanks called the Fortress GasLock. This is an investment that protects your investment.

It requires no tools and only takes seconds to install. The Fortress GasLock works with most common threaded rods (fits available for 3/8” and ½” size applications), and is designed for dual tank usage. Constructed out of military grade aluminum with a high impact powder coat, this is the only lock available that is specifically designed for RV propane tanks in the industry. There is also an Airstream version available if you have one of those iconic trailers.  

Further features of the Fortress GasLock include:

• Avoid typical propane tank theft repairs exceeding $500
• Allows tanks to be quickly locked when mounted to trailers, towables and RVs
• Does not interfere with LP tank valves and can be filled while locked
• No tools, no modifications, installs in seconds
• Affordable investment
• Designed for dual tanks
• High impact powder coated military grade aluminum
• Fits available for all applications
• Only lock available for propane tanks in the industry
• Proudly made in the USA   

Kit includes:

• One GasLock assembly
• Lock and keys
• Theft deterrent decal 

For more information on the Fortress GasLock contact us at 800.246.8132 or visit our website Torklift.com.

 Written by Shyann Guerra:
Being in an environment in which I can problem solve is where I flourish. Every answer to a problem leads me to a new concept to understand or a lesson to learn. When I'm not solving problems I enjoy camping and going to festivals with my family - from the local city center festivals to the mountains of Wenatchee at the Winter Grass, blue grass music festival. Experiencing culture is where my heart is content. 

With so many options available for truck camper support from DIY options to basic hardware store saw horses to and the Camper Packer which will you choose to put under your truck camper?

For the Do-it-yourselfers

While on the Rv.net forum, we came across a unique DIY design. Rv.net member Budster designed a truck camper support from ¾ inch thick plywood trim which he cut to his desired height with cut outs making X’s with them, and then used 2”x4”s to compensate for any uneven terrain.

Thanks, Budster for sharing this neat idea with rv.net! For anyone out there making their own truck camper supports, we recommend having the lumber you are using treated, so it can withstand the weather. Also, making sure your product will support not only the weight capacity of your truck camper but also the added weight of people and any other gear inside.

 The hardware store saw horse

While exploring hardware store saw horse options we came across no options that would actually work with truck campers. The common option we did find was at Home Depot. Made from pine wood that is 3/8-inch-thick with plywood gussets and fasteners that are corrosion resistant with water resistant glue and is backed by a combination of screws and staples, it’s only able to provide 100 pounds’ worth of support you are going to need more than a few of these or you will run the risk of having it collapse along with your truck camper. That really was the common issue we noticed -- these sawhorses were not rated nearly high as they needed to be to sustain the weight of a truck camper.

This options like the DIY option we recommend getting the lumber treated, keeping in mind they are not adjustable and if you are already running tight on space remember these options are bulky to store and neither come with a warranty.

The Camper Packer 

The Camper Packer is the industry’s only structural truck camper support base and solution for maintaining a camper’s structure during long term storage. It’s 50 inches side-to-side with special treated lumber to endure harsh weather, it even folds up for compact storage when not in use.

The Camper Packer is the best option for storage as it allows you to lower your truck camper and can bare twelve times the weight capacity of the typical hardware store saw horse at 6,000 pounds per pair. Having a stable support when properly installed will allow you to avoid jack twisting as well as frame damage. Distributing the weight amongst the structure minimizes sway and lifts the weight off the four corners reducing the amount of stress on the frame. With high impact powder coated hardware for added protection, this product is 100% tool-free assembly.

The Camper Packer is USA made and comes with a five-year warranty. So, what is your truck camper sitting on? Post your pictures below in the comments, and for any questions or more info on the Camper Packer contact us at 800.246.8132 or visit our website Torklift.com.

Written by Shyann Guerra:
Being in an environment in which I can problem solve is where I flourish. Every answer to a problem leads me to a new concept to understand or a lesson to learn. When I'm not solving problems I enjoy camping and going to festivals with my family - from the local city center festivals to the mountains of Wenatchee at the Winter Grass, blue grass music festival. Experiencing culture is where my heart is content. 

The answer to this question is yes! You always want your truck camper to have maximum support. Whether you are returning to your summer home or preparing for your journey out, making sure your camper has proper support is essential. Torklift has designed two structural supports to accommodate both your long-term and short-term needs. One being the Camper Packer and the other being the FastGun Wobble Stopper. Both products will maintain your truck camper’s structure by eliminating frame damage and jack twisting which cab lead to a disaster or risking your personal safety. 

Why the DIY isn’t cut out

Safety is something you never want to compromise. When traveling to different areas with your truck camper you should be prepared to experience various wind speeds and anything the weather has to throw at you, along with just regular usage like walking from the bedroom to the bathroom. The last thing you want to do is rely on cinder blocks or a DIY project that’s made out of 2x4 wood to support your truck camper when it can get hit with 60 MPH winds while in storage. Without proper support, you not only risk sustaining jack or frame damage but having your trailer tip over completely jeopardizing your safety as well. Wind isn’t the only contributing factor - simply being in your trailer causing an uneven distribution of weight can also lead to damage or tipping. Over time, the floor can begin to dip inward due to the weight of the camper. We have a way to prevent this. The only way to ensure both the integrity of your truck camper and your safety is to use the proper structural support.

The Camper Packer for long term storage

The Camper Packer is the industry’s only structural truck camper support base and solution for maintaining campers structure during long term storage. It’s 50 inches side-to-side and made of special treated lumber to endure harsh weather that folds up for compact storage. The Camper Packer is the best option for long-term storage as it allows you to lower your truck camper, and can handle twelve times the weight capacity of a typical sawhorse at 6,000 pounds per pair. Having a stable support when properly installed will allow you to avoid the jack twisting as well as frame damage. Distributing the weight amongst the structure minimizes sway and lifts the weight off the four corners reducing the amount of stress on the frame. The Camper Packer is USA made and comes with a five-year warranty.

The Fast Gun Wobble Stopper Stabilizer for short term storage while camping

This option reduces stress from camper’s jacks and frame with a supportive connection between front camper jack legs and the camper body. The FastGun Wobble Stopper also accommodates your comfort needs as well by eliminating sway that can cause dizziness or nausea from motion sickness. When traveling the FastGun Wobble Stopper stabilizer features a quick disconnect lever action handle that only requires seconds to install or remove with a square or round jack application. It provides all the support you need with convenience. The connection bar is composed from high impact powder coated stainless steel and aircraft grade aluminum. Keyed alike locks are also available to prevent the camper from being backed up into and stolen. This product is also USA made and comes with a lifetime warranty.

If you're interested in learning more about the Torklift International storage solutions including the Camper Packer and the FastGun Wobble Stopper, there are a couple of options for you! You can call us at 800-246-8132 and our tech support would be happy to answer your questions. Or, you can find one of our Certified Dealers near you by clicking here, and they can help get your truck camper set up with the latest and greatest Torklift security products.

Written by Shyann Guerra:
Being in an environment in which I can problem solve is where I flourish. Every answer to a problem leads me to a new concept to understand or a lesson to learn. When I'm not solving problems I enjoy camping and going to festivals with my family - from the local city center festivals to the mountains of Wenatchee at the Winter Grass, blue grass music festival. Experiencing culture is where my heart is content. 

When you purchased your RV, did you have a list of all the accessories and power supplements that you wanted to get along with it to make your camping experience easier? Did you have extra batteries or a generator on that list? If so, that is a great idea so you can have extra power, but you also need a way to protect your investment.

We have a great solution to help prevent your generator from being stolen. The Lock and Load is designed to prevent costly generators, camping gear, welders, tool boxes and more from theft. It also protects you from unwanted exhaust fumes and stains from storing the generator inside your RV when not in use. The Lock and Load tray gives you the ability to lock, store and run your generator or motorized equipment simultaneously.

“The Lock and Load Maximum Security Cargo Tray is an incredible product that Torklift has devised to help alleviate theft of expensive generators and anything else of value for that matter. Thanks again Torklift.”

– John Patterson

Instead of worrying about potential theft of your generator or camping gear on your camping adventure, use the Lock and Load instead and focus on enjoying your time off with family and friends!

Features of the Lock and Load include:

• Protect costly generators, camping gear, welders, tool boxes, plasma cutters and more from theft
• Allows you to lock, store and run your generator and other motorized equipment simultaneously
• Avoid exhaust fumes and stains by permanently storing your generator while on the road or off the grid
• No more heavy lifting – your generator stays on the tray even while running
• 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
• Utilizes 2” x 2” receiver to mount
• Stores extra gas cans
• High security tamper proof puck lock included
• Cargo tray dimensions: 27-13/16 L" x 23-1/2"W x 23” H
• Maximum security strap adjusts to secure multiple objects (extra security straps sold separately) 6-5/8”L x 13-5/8”W x 13-1/8”H to 27-13/16 L" x 23-1/2"W x 23”H
• Available in high impact powder coat steel
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

Kit includes:

• Fiberglass distance guide rod
• Cargo tray
• Heavy duty puck lock
• Adjustable maximum security strap

If you’re interested in learning more about the Torklift International  Lock and Load, or the smaller version that we have available as the Lock and Load SideKick, there are a couple of options for you! You can either call us at 800-246-8132 and our tech support would be more than happy to answer your questions about protecting your generator from theft. Or, you can find one of our Certified Dealers near you by clicking here, and they can help you with your questions as well as get you set up with one of these battery trays. 

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 for baking and daydreaming about future travels. 

There's nothing worse than a shaky truck camper. You end up spending your whole camping trip either terrified that it's going to fall over, or you have to keep it on your truck the whole time... say good-bye to quick trips away from the camper! Unless... there's another option.We have a great solution to all your wobbly camper problems. The FastGun Wobble Stopper is designed to dramatically reduce camper jack and frame stress. By acting as a supportive connection between the front camper jack legs and the camper body, you prevent camper sway while the camper is unloaded.

"The [FastGun] Wobble Stoppers do exactly what they claim. The reduction in sway with my camper on the jacks was remarkable. As soon as I stepped in the door I could tell a difference. Climbing up into the cabover bed made it even more obvious. These braces will certainly get used anytime I'm using the camper off the truck."
-Matt Huffman

We couldn't have said it any better ourselves Matt! Instead of worrying about your camper on your summer adventure, instead use the FastGun Wobble Stopper and focus on the most important part of your trip... having fun!

Features of the FastGun Wobble Stopper include:
• Dramatically reduces camper jack and frame stress avoiding costly jack failure and camper frame damage
• Prevents camper movement and theft when offloaded from your vehicle
• Simple quick disconnect handle uses 
• FastGun technology for easy disconnect and adjustment in seconds (FastGun Wobble Stopper Only)
• Easy DIY bolt on installation for all round and square jack applicationsStores to camper jacksLockable, keyed-alike locks included (FastGun Wobble Stopper Only)
• 100% aircraft grade aluminum and stainless steel
• High impact powder coat white
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

If you're interested in learning more about the Torklift International FastGun Wobble Stopper, there are a couple of options for you! You can either call us at 800-246-8132 and our tech support would be more than happy to answer your questions about preventing truck camper movement. Or, you can also find one of our Certified Dealers near you by clicking here, and they can help you with your questions as well as get you set up with one of these great truck camper supports.

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 for baking and daydreaming about future travels. 

Have you ever made something or started a project and saw that as you were working on it or once it was finished, it could be used for so much more than what you intended? Doesn't it feel delightful and rewarding? Recently we ran into this same scenario with one of our products.

Originally designed to prevent camper wobble when storing a camper, we thought that the Torklift International FastGun Wobble Stopper only had certain purposes: prevent camper movement by adding support and connecting between the front camper jack legs and the camper body and prevent theft of a camper by locking the FastGun Wobble Stopper while you're gone.

Turns out, there's another purpose to using the FastGun Wobble Stopper to prevent camper sway! Read below to learn how RV.net forum user Anutami, aka Nolan Sturgeon, uses his Wobble Stoppers:

"The only thing on the rear bike rack is the rocking movement as you hit bumps on the road. This is how I resolved the rack from bouncing up and down on all the potholes. I use my Torklift [FastGun] Wobble Stopper. Torklift may have a new arena to sell their products as this virtually eliminates the bike rack from any movement while driving." – Anutami, Rv.net

Wow! That is truly a unique way to use a part that was intended for truck camping. With out of the box and ingenious thinking, Nolan was able to retrofit the FastGun Wobble Stopper camper stabilizer bars to stabilize his bike rack. We reached out to him for more information and in an email to our Content Coordinator, Nolan states that:

"Although I have not yet installed the [FastGun] Wobble Stoppers yet I have found a very good use for one of them.  One problem with rear bike racks is the movement that happens to them while traveling causing the bikes to slap against one another.  I found using a [FastGun] Wobble Stopper connected to my rear hitch virtually eliminates the bike rack from moving around while traveling all the miles that we do." – Nolan

After installing the FastGun Wobble Stopper with his unique use of them?

"Before I installed the [FastGun] Wobble Stopper I would cringe every time I hit a dip in the road as the carrier would fly up and slap hard back down.  The FastGun Wobble Stopper is so easy to remove when I am ready to deploy my swing away bike rack." - Nolan

We'll certainly take your idea into consideration Nolan and see if we can break into the bike rack industry! Thank you for sharing your story and fantastic family photos! Until we can become breakout stars in the bike rack industry, if you're planning on using the Wobble Stopper with your truck camper storage or have another creative way of using it, here are some FastGun Wobble Stopper Features:

• Dramatically reduces camper jack and frame stress avoiding costly jack failure and camper frame damage
• Prevents camper movement and theft when offloaded from your vehicle
• Simple quick disconnect handle uses FastGun technology for easy disconnect and adjustment in seconds (FastGun Wobble Stopper Only)
• Easy DIY bolt on installation for all round and square jack applications
• Stores to camper jacks
• Lockable, keyed-alike locks included (FastGun Wobble Stopper Only)
• 100% aircraft grade aluminum and stainless steel
• High impact powder coat white
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA 

If you're interested in winterizing a truck camper and using the FastGun Wobble Stopper camper stabilizer from Torklift International or reducing camper frame stress, visit one of our Certified Dealers near you here. To contact us for more information, reach us at: support@torklift.com or call our tech support at 800-246-8132. We are more than happy to help 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. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels. 

Summer was a beautiful season full of warm weather, sun, camping and BBQ. But, time is fickle and seasons come and go. What used to be warm and sunny is now starting to make way to colder weather and snow. Is your trailer or truck camper ready for winter? We know that Jerry Hammond is on top of his truck camper storage with the Camper Packer from Torklift International.

Setting Up His Truck Camper Storage Stands
Once Jerry received his storage stands, he asked on Rv.net, “how often is it that one does business with a large company and ends up being less than satisfied? Possibly too often! Well, NOT so with my latest transaction with Torklift.”

Family owned and operated, Torklift is proud that we take care of our customers and work hard to make sure they are getting the best product. That includes the Camper Packer camper storage stands featuring special grade treated lumber.


“The package arrived yesterday and I eagerly dove into the assembly. How amazed was I to see the rugged construction of the entire unit. All the parts were there, organized, and instructions with pictures made assembly very easy.” -Jerry
 

Torklift Strong for Winter
Double the length of a traditional hardware store sawhorses, the Camper Packer is rated to withstand up to 12 times the weight capacity and helps prevent camper frame damage and camper jack stress. Rated at 6,000 pounds capacity per pair, the Camper Packer camper storage is certainly strong enough to support Jerry’s Palomino truck camper.

“This system is rugged, rugged, and I mean rugged. My 2950# camper settled onto the top of this system with ease. You can't go wrong if you purchase this amazing storage system. Built to last and easy to assemble.” –Jerry Hammond

Additional features of the Camper Packer include:
• The only engineered structural support base for truck campers that protects the frame and jacks during storage
• Prevents camper frame damage by redistributing the stress off the four corners of the camper frame and onto the Camper Packer
• Extends the life of your jacks by dramatically reducing wear and stress  
• Safe short and long-term storage solution
• Rated up to 12 times the weight capacity than your typical saw horse at 6,000 lb. capacity per pair
• Measures 50” from side-to-side when completely assembled
• Special treated lumber
• Easy assembly and 100% tool free operation
• Designed to fold up for compact storage when not in use
• 5-year warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

Are you prepared for winter camper storage? Looking for a better storage solution during the winter? If you answered no to the first question and yes to the second question, then the Camper Packer is just what you need. Safe for both short and long-term storage, winterizing a camper or just storing it for the weekend has never been easier.

If you are interested in storing your truck camper this winter and want to learn more about the Camper Packer storage stands, click here. Select dealers are now featuring the Camper Packer up to 10 percent off.

Find one of our Certified Dealers near you by visiting our Where to Buy page.

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 for baking and daydreaming about future travels.