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There are generally two reasons someone gets a truck bed camper.
1.) So they can go horse camping or boat camping which means towing your horse trailer or boat trailer behind your camper
OR
2.) Wanting the ability to go off grid into anywhere – because there are just places you can’t go with a fifth wheel or other large towables

Where do you start?

Before you start looking into what products you need, you have a few things to consider. The main thing that needs to be looked at before you begin is what you are wanting to tow and the weight associated as well as what your truck is rated to tow and haul.

Can I increase the towing capacity on my truck?

No aftermarket products you purchase will be able to increase your truck’s towing ratings. Let us repeat: No aftermarket products will increase your towing capacity beyond what your truck’s original rating from the manufacturer is. Products that make that claim are hogwash. If possible, we recommend determining what you would like to tow before you purchase your truck and then purchase a truck capable of those towing needs OR learn what your truck can tow and match yourself with a trailer within those limits.

How do I figure out how much I can tow?

It is critical to know your GVWR or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating to be able to tow safely and within legal limits. This term describes the total weight carrying capacity of your truck. A common mistake is using the dry weight of your truck camper instead of the wet weight. The wet weight includes the weight of your truck camper once fully loaded (cargo, water, etc). These things can really add up so it is important to factor them in. There are many additional factors to determining what set-up you can use. Check out this great article by Truck Camper Magazine and Torklift that goes over factors that you need to consider before embarking on your truck camper or trailer adventure. 

Truck Camper Tie Downs and Turnbuckles selection

The first items you will need to ensure you have would be truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles to hold your truck camper to your truck. We recommend our TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Downs for any sized truck camper. This will ensure that you are connecting your camper to the strongest portion of your truck (the frame) rather than the bed or bumper which is a thin sheet of aluminum.

Next up is a good truck camper turnbuckle system. The camper tie down turnbuckles are the portion of your set-up that connect the truck camper anchor points to the tie downs. There are several different truck camper tie down turnbuckle systems that we offer which include Torklift Original FastGun Turnbuckles, Springload XL Turnbuckles, and Basic Springload Turnbuckles. Not sure which turnbuckle system would be best for you? Click here to learn more about the Good, Better, and Best turnbuckle systems and which is best for you. 

As you can see from this photo, the customer is using Torklift TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Downs and Torklift Original FastGun turnbuckles.

Truck camper trailer hitch

Now that you have your truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles selected, the next item that you will need is a truck camper hitch and a truck camper hitch extension that will safely tow the trailer that you are looking to tow.

Torklift offers the SuperHitch Outlaw Series which offers three different hitches with ranging capacities of 15,000 lbs to 30,000 lbs pull when coupled with weight distribution. These high weight capacities are critical in ensuring that you are safely towing your load. But what if we told you that a high weight rating that at least matches the tow capacity of your truck so that you are not limited by the hitch is only the second most important factor with towing capacities? The first most important factor is making sure your truck camper hitch has an appropriate tongue weight rating.

What is tongue weight?

Tongue weight is the pressure of items and weight seated at the front of what you are towing and often times – this area tends to get over loaded. When using the Torklift SuperHitch Magnum combined with weight distribution, 3,000 pounds tongue weight can be achieved. Again – never tow or haul beyond the limits rated by your truck manufacturer. Not using a truck camper trailer hitch with the correct tongue weight is the most common cause of hitch failure. You don’t want to go there – it is incredibly dangerous. Torklift hitches feature the highest tongue weights available when used with weight distribution.

Truck camper hitch extension

The SuperTruss Extension is a dual receiver extension and comes in eight lengths from 21” to 60”. It only works with the SuperHitch Towing Series trailer hitches featured on the truck above. As you can see, there are two stacked receivers. The purpose for this design is to allow for the SuperTruss Extension to fit into each receiver at the same time. The SuperTruss Extension is a dual truss system – the only dual truss system available – designed for safety. Single truss extensions have a tendency to flex, bow and break under pressure. You will want a truck camper hitch extension when your truck camper hangs over the rear of your truck bed because you will need to have a way to bridge the truck camper hitch to your trailer tongue and the extension is that bridge.

SuperTruss Features

• Spring-loaded design ensures a safe ride for your family and your truck camper
• Protect your truck frame and camper anchor points from damage
• Adjusts in minutes, built in spring tension indicators
• High strength forged steel
• Special oil tempered chrome silicon springs for maximum longevity
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

 Have further Questions?

If you have further questions on truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles maintenance, our team is ready to take your call or answer your email. We are open Monday – Friday 8:30 am PST to 5 pm PST, excluding holidays. You can contact our team by calling 800-246-8132 or emailing support@torklift.com.

Looking for Torklift camper tie downs for sale? Find a dealer in your area or online!

Where to Buy

When someone starts truck bed camping, a necessity is having gear that holds the camper to your truck: tie downs and turnbuckles. There are many options out there for camper tie down turnbuckles, but we will be highlighting the top 3 options for truck camper turnbuckles for your camper. Regardless of what you choose, you can’t go wrong!

Best: FastGun Turnbuckles

Are you looking for the best of the best?
Then you need to check out the Torklift FastGun system! The FastGun turnbuckle is a stainless steel quick disconnect turnbuckle so that no matter where you go, you can quickly remove your FastGun turnbuckles to offload your truck camper or maybe you just need to get access your gas tank with ease. They are also designed with two sizes so that no matter the tie down system you have (Torklift TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Down system or alternative brand bed mounted systems) the FastGun turnbuckles will work. A benefit to the FastGun turnbuckle is once you set your tension with the tension indicators you are done adjusting.

Original FastGun Features

• No. 1 selling patented quick disconnect truck camper turnbuckle in the world
• Recommended by Lance Campers, Northern Lite, Northstar Campers, Lance Owners of America, Arctic Fox, Northwood Manufacturing, BigFoot Campers, Travel Lite and more
• Original FastGun turnbuckles serve as the connection bridge between the truck camper tie down and the camper anchor point
• Connects and disconnects in seconds - Quick release handle allows for easy tool-free adjustment
• Adjust once and you’re done
• You will especially love the quick disconnect handle if your turnbuckle is near your gas cap
• Spring-loaded design ensures a safe ride for your family and your truck camper
• This spring loaded truck camper turnbuckle prevents your truck camper anchor points from ripping out due to the constant fatigue that happens during regular travel because it acts as a shock absorber
• Tension indicators determine proper tension to hold down truck camper while in use which prevents common wear and tear as well as ripped out anchor points
• Only turnbuckle with spring tension indicators to ensure the pull down strength is within range of ALL truck camper manufacturer’s requirements to avoid camper damage
• Composed of 100 percent aircraft grade aluminum and stainless steel featuring several different finishes to customize the look of your truck and camper
• This stainless steel and aircraft grade aluminum truck camper turnbuckle does not rust – no more rust stains on you or your vehicle and never deal with degrading, swelling and deforming of your truck camper turnbuckle ever again
• Available for frame-mounted or bed-mounted tie downs
• Lockable to secure your truck camper (locks sold separately)
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

Guess what? That’s not all! Not only do you have all these amazing features for your FastGun turnbuckles, you also have the option to choose between four different finishes so you can match your truck and camper. The color options include Snowstorm White, Revolver Grey, Polished Stainless Steel, and Chasm Black.

Better: Springload XL Turnbuckles

The next turnbuckle is the Springload XL Turnbuckle. This truck camper turnbuckle is only designed to be used with TRUE Frame Mounted Tie Downs. This product, like the FastGun turnbuckle, is a truck camper spring loaded turnbuckles system and has internal springs and spring tension indicators. A difference between the Springload XL and FastGun turnbuckles is the quick disconnect feature that allows you to easily remove your truck camper tie down turnbuckles system.

SpringLoad XL Features

• High impact powder coated stainless steel
• Reaching 35” to 45”
• Spring tension indicators
• Can be used with Derringer Handles
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

Good: Basic Springload Turnbuckles

Last but not least, is the Basic Springload turnbuckle. The kit includes two quicklinks, two spring-load canisters, two heavy duty steel turnbuckles, and chain.

Basic SpringLoad Features

• Spring-loaded design ensures a safe ride for your family and your truck camper
• Protect your truck frame and camper anchor points from damage
• Adjusts in minutes, built in spring tension indicators
• High strength forged steel
• Special oil tempered chrome silicon springs for maximum longevity
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

 Have further Questions?

If you have further questions on truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles maintenance, our team is ready to take your call or answer your email. We are open Monday – Friday 8:30 am PST to 5 pm PST, excluding holidays. You can contact our team by calling 800-246-8132 or emailing support@torklift.com.

Looking for Torklift camper tie downs for sale? Find a dealer in your area or online!

Where to Buy

Are you looking for a new camping adventure? Truck camping is the perfect way to get off the grid and get to places you’d never be able to make it to in a travel trailer. As a new truck camper, you may be wondering where to start. First thing is first, you will need to know how to set up a truck camper.

Make sure you have the right equipment

The most important thing to think about when tying down your camper trailer is the equipment you will need. The essentials that you will need are camper tie downs and spring-loaded turnbuckles.

Truck Camper Tie Downs

Your camper tie down is going to be the anchor for your turnbuckles to attach to and secure your truck camper. The Torklift TRUE frame-mounted™ camper tie down system bolts directly to the strongest point of your truck: the frame. Frame-mounted tie downs dramatically improve vehicle stability and are the safest way to haul a truck camper due to the reduction in sway and excess camper movement. Plus, the Torklift camper tie downs are specific to the year, make, and model of the truck – ensuring for customized fit. To find your personalized truck camper tie down fitment, visit our Find Your Fit page.  

FastGun Truck Camper Turnbuckles

Your other essential piece of equipment to ensure the safe hauling of your truck camper is your spring-loaded turnbuckle. Turnbuckles serve as the bridge between your truck camper tie down and your camper anchor point. Why does spring-loaded matter? Being set up with spring-loaded turnbuckles ensures the safety of your passengers as well as the integrity of your truck and camper. The internal spring mechanism of the turnbuckle acts as a shock absorber and protects your truck camper anchor points. Each style of Torklift turnbuckles is equipped with this spring-loaded mechanism to provide you with maximum security while hauling your truck camper.

Camper Anchor Repair and Relocation Kit

Okay so you didn’t take our advice on getting springloaded turnbuckles the first time you tried truck camper turnbuckles – if that was you, read on. This kit is designed for folks who accidentally ripped out their camper anchor point by not using a spring-loaded truck camper turnbuckle. This kit allows you to repair the anchor point (which is required for holding down your truck camper). It can also be used to re-locate a truck camper anchor point in case it is in the wrong spot. How could a truck camper anchor point be in the wrong spot? Here is an example – you bought a dually truck and the fenders stick out which lead to your fender coming into contact with your turnbuckle. Moving the anchor point allows you to situate the camper anchor point in an area to avoid that interference.

Put together your products

Once you have established the proper camper tie down fitment for your vehicle, all you have to do is install! The good news about the Torklift TRUE frame-mounted™ camper tie downs is they are 100% no-drill designs for all trucks after 2001, making them as DIY friendly as possible. Got a truck older than 2001? No problem, we’ve got an application for that but some modification could be needed. Every part number comes with detailed instructions to assist you every step of the way through install. If you need additional assistance on how to install truck camper tie downs, our tech support team is available Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm PST by phone, email, or Facetime.

Depending on which Torklift turnbuckle kit you choose to go with, assembly may vary. Not to worry, each turnbuckle kit also comes with detailed instructions and we have Youtube videos for reference available for each kit! (see below)

Basic SpringLoad Kit 

SpringLoad XL Kit 

FastGun Kit Assembly 

FastGun Kit Installation 

Once you have your truck camper tie downs installed and your spring-loaded turnbuckles assembled and tensioned to 300 ft/lbs, you are ready to get your truck camper on the road!

Aftercare

Getting your Torklift camper tie downs and spring-loaded turnbuckles assembled and installed is the majority of the work. You are going to want to invest some time into the maintenance of your products to be sure they last as long as possible. Here are 3 tips to maintaining your camper tie downs:

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

If you have any further questions about how to tie down your truck camper, please give our customer service team a phone call at 800-246-8132 or by emailing us at support@torklift.com. If you would like to locate a dealer in your area, please visit our dealer portal. 

You’ve just invested a hefty amount of money on your truck camper, and now you are thinking “Where do I go from here?”. Well, the answer is simple! You want to make sure that you have all the appropriate equipment to haul your truck camper safely. To secure your truck camper to your truck, you will need an appropriate tie down and turnbuckle system.

What is a truck camper turnbuckle?

Your truck camper turnbuckle is going to be the connection bridge between your camper anchor points and your Torklift camper tie downs. Turnbuckles are a necessary piece of equipment within a truck camper and tie down system to ensure the safe travel of your camper and passengers.

What does it mean to be spring-loaded?

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

3 reasons you want your turnbuckles to be spring-loaded

1. Safety first!

Your truck camper turnbuckles are a very important piece of equipment that are a part of your Torklift truck camper tie down system. Each style of Torklift turnbuckle is equipped with an internal spring-loaded mechanism, when this spring-loaded mechanism is tensioned properly and engaged, it acts as a shock absorber to make the overall ride of your truck camper more smooth and comfortable. This also ensures the safety of your cargo and passengers.

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

Since the spring-loaded mechanism of the turnbuckle acts as a shock absorber, a spring -loaded turnbuckle would take on any impact that may be experienced during a rough ride – in turn, the use of spring-loaded turnbuckles also protects the anchor points on your truck camper and the attachments on your truck camper tie downs as well. The last thing you want to deal with on your camper is the costly task of repairing or replacing your truck camper anchor points. With that being said, the shock absorption from the spring-loaded camper turnbuckles ensures the preservation or your true frame-mounted tie downs. In fact, as long as you are using any of our fully spring-loaded turnbuckles with our frame-mounted camper tie downs, we warranty the truck frame and camper anchor points for the extent of the camper manufacturer warranty.

3. If you have frame-mounted tie downs

As long as you are using TRUE Frame-Mounted Tie Downs, you are going to need spring-loaded turnbuckles to guarantee the safest set up. In the case that your truck is equipped with bed-mounted camper tie downs, you would want to opt for the Torklift AnchorGuard Derringer turnbuckles or the FastGun .45 Turnbuckles. The Torklift AnchorGuard turnbuckles are equipped with two spring-loaded turnbuckles for your front mounts and two cushioned turnbuckles for the rear mounts.

If you are interested in getting set up with a set of our spring-loaded turnbuckles or would like to talk further about which design would be best for you, please give our customer service team a phone call at 800-246-8132 or by emailing us at support@torklift.com. If you would like to locate a dealer in your area, please visit our dealer portal here.

Looking for the perfect way to get off the grid and go camping, but still able to camp in an RV? Truck Bed Camping is the perfect way to hit the road and go camping and allows you to go in further off the beaten path. There are many truck camping options out there, but the starter pack would include the truck, truck camper and equipment to tie the camper to the truck.

Torklift Camper Tie Downs

Truck Camper Tie Downs are a necessity to securely attach a truck camper to a truck. There are two options in truck camper tie downs for vehicles older than 2017 which include Torklift Frame-Mounted Tie Downs and the alternative option of bed mounted tie downs. (Torklift makes truck camper tie downs for 2017 plus as well). By going with frame mounted tie downs, you are attaching to the frame of the truck as opposed to attaching to the aluminum body of a truck or bumper which often can cause damage to your pickup truck. Torklift frame mounted tie downs are manufactured to fit specific trucks and truck frames and due to this are sold in a set of two for front Torklift camper tie downs and a set of two for Torklift rear camper tie downs.

How to maintain the life of Torklift Tie Downs

Although products manufactured by Torklift International come with a Legendary Lifetime Warranty, finish is something that is not under warranty due to the camper tie downs being exposed to the natural elements that can cause corrosion when steel is exposed. If you are interested in corrosion resistant truck camper tie downs, click here to determine if the Torklift Talon Tie Downs upgrade are for you.

There are two steps to maintaining your Steel Camper Tie Downs which include:

1) Regularly inspect and clean your tie downs. As previously mentioned, your vehicles are exposed to elements that may cause corrosion to steel such as road salts, salt water, etc. By inspecting your camper tie downs regularly and cleaning off any chemicals your truck may have come into contact with while driving on the roads, you are able to prevent the potential of rust. If you are dip the rear of your truck into salt water while off-loading your boat for a fishing trip, you will absolutely want to hose down the underbody to prevent rust from all aftermarket steel products installed on your truck.

2) If you do begin to see rust due to exposed steel, touch up the Torklift Tie Downs with an enamel or urethane-based aerosol paint products such as Rust-Oleum.

Like any great product, some maintenance may be required even if that just means wiping them down after your camping trip.

How to maintain the life of Torklift Fastgun

Torklift Fastgun Turnbuckles are what you would use to attach the truck camper to the frame mounted camper tie downs. This springloaded system for truck camper turnbuckles allows you to set tension of the turnbuckle system once – that’s right, once, and with the easy quick release handle, you are able to remove the tie downs easily at the end of each trip or when you want to remove your truck camper.

Just like the camper tie downs, you will want to maintain the truck camper turnbuckles as well. An easy way to clean off the turnbuckles and to avoid the possibility of corrosion, is to use a WD-40 and microfiber towel or cloth to wipe them down. If you are looking to polish the Fastgun turnbuckles, specifically the polished stainless steel Fastguns, we recommend using a stainless steel chrome or aluminum wheel polish.

Another way to maintain the life of the product is to add a level of security. The Torklift Fastgun locks are a great addition to your camper tie down system and allow for added security while you are on your camping trip.

Have further Questions?

If you have further questions on truck camper tie downs and turnbuckles maintenance, our team is ready to take your call or answer your email. We are open Monday – Friday 8:30 am PST to 5 pm PST, excluding holidays. You can contact our team by calling 800-246-8132 or emailing support@torklift.com.

Looking for Torklift camper tie downs for sale? Find a dealer in your area or online!

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.


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. 

There’s nothing worse than being on a camping trip, having a great time, and then all of a sudden have it ruined by a trip to the hospital from falling off your truck camper steps. Whether it’s the instability and shakiness of the steps at steep angles or the fact that you have to jump from great heights to get to the ground – you shouldn’t have to deal with these issues any longer. 

So, what can you do? With many aftermarket step upgrades available, what’s the best truck camper step to choose for you? Some of these upgrades include ladders or step stools for your truck camper. While these are certainly options to consider, there are also a couple of alternatives available to aftermarket steps that are a safer and more stable option. 

A typical scenario: truck camper step stool or ladder

With a camper step stool, it’s designed to sit underneath your current factory truck camper steps to give you an extra step.  Step stools help make it a little easier to get in and out, but the truck camper steps are still shaky because they don’t reach the ground. The only step touching the ground is the folding step stool. Step stools also usually come with a no-slip surface and have a wider platform than factory steps. But, when you’re on the move – you have to figure out storage for these steps since they’re not attached to your camper in any way. Also, if weight isn’t applied evenly, it can be dangerous and add to the potential of tipping over.

Also available are RV step ladders. These are designed to be sturdier than just a step stool and factory step combination, and most ladders aren’t as steep as your factory steps. Quite a bit more expensive than step stools, the other downside of truck camper ladders is that they require a large amount of space for storage that might be hard to find with all the gear you bring along. The other potential issue is that these steps also won’t attach to your camper unless you do some major modification to your entry.

Solution #1: Torklift Original GlowStep

The GlowStep truck camper step is made of 100% aircraft grade aluminum and stainless steel with a unique SureGrip anti-slip tread. Torklift’s GlowStep uses a double hinge design featuring dual flat bars. This prevents any twisting or warping of the steps when under a heavy load. Self-illuminating strips glow up to 10 hours with only five minutes of light exposure. The illuminating strips are the same grade glow strips are used to indicate emergency exits on commercial aircrafts.

The steps are engineered with a special hinge design that allows the steps to deploy and retract with ease, and is built to maintain longevity and durability. The GlowSteps are extraordinarily sturdy by connecting the RV all the way to ground level. Like planting roots with the All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet, you have unparalleled stability when entering and exiting your truck camper so you don’t have to worry about the wobbly instability of factory steps.

The GlowStep is available in two to six step range with a 7.5-inch riser gap so it resembles residential staircase height so you’re not having to become a long jumper in track and field just to get in and out of your truck camper. Because you’ve spent your hard-earned money on this step investment, they are also lockable to prevent theft and store in position.

Features of the GlowStep Include:

• Self-illuminating steps truck camper steps glow in the dark for 10 hours with only five minutes of light exposure - no batteries
• Safely enter and exit your truck camper or RV after dark
• SureGrip™ step tread provides no-slip surface (no grip tape)
• Stores in position and lockable to prevent theft
• 100% aircraft grade aluminum and stainless steel
• Stainless bolted hinges allow for easy step addition or removal
• Exclusive: adjusts to basement model campers
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

Solution #2: Torklift Stow N’ Go

The Stow N’ Go step was manufactured after feedback from customers, especially for those who wanted an upgrade to avoid the tediousness of removing and storing their steps on the inside of their campers. The Stow N’ Go locks while in transit, eliminating the hassle of detaching the steps. The steps remain mounted to the back of the truck camper bumper or underneath the door to prevent the interior from getting dirty, so you don’t have to spend extra time cleaning the truck camper before you head out on the road or when you get home.

With these truck camper steps, you no longer have to worry about your steps falling off your bumper because they weren’t stored properly with a bungee cord or other attempted storage modification. With a special nylon retainer system, it eliminates movement while in transit by snapping the steps securely in place. That means that you don’t have to worry about losing your steps while driving down the road because they’re securely stored to your truck camper with the Stow N’ Go bracket. For extra security during transit or protection against potential thieves, GlowStep Locks are available. The steps come in a range of three to six steps for any truck camper height.

This step system comes standard with the storage bracket, GlowStep step system and All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet. Or, if you already have the Original GlowSteps, you can purchase the bracket and All Terrain Landing Gear separately to convert your GlowStep into a Stow N’ Go.

Features of the Stow N’ Go Include

• Avoid storing steps inside the RV and eliminate the hassle of detaching steps during transit
• Avoid storing steps inside the RV and eliminate the hassle of detaching steps during transit
• Prevents dirty RV interior and damage from step movement• Secures into place to prevent movement
• Designed for easy “stow-and-go” step operation for truck campers – simply pull the handle to deploy and store truck camper steps
• Mounts to the truck camper bumper or directly to the truck camper below the door — Requires a 23” x 3.5” mounting area
• Prevent step movement during transit with the bolt-on stabilizing bracket plate features nylon studs – steps snap securely into place for storage
• Steps are lockable with GlowStep Locks to prevent theft (sold separately)• To stabilize steps on uneven terrain, the Stow N’ Go comes standard with the All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet (step application only)*
• Mounting Bracket available in white or black high impact powder coat for extreme durability to match the color of your camper
• Ability to add or remove steps*
• Sold in applications for 3-6 steps*
• Steps glow in the dark for up to ten hours with only five minutes of light exposure – no batteries necessary
• Steps are specially designed with SureGrip step tread which provides no-slip surface for easy entry and exit of camper
• Accessories sold separately: GlowGuide Handrail, SafeStep pet safety barriers and DirtDestroyer shoe cleaning attachment
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

*Specific part numbers come with 8 inch GlowSteps pre-installed into the bracket with All Terrain Landing Gear. Bracket is also available separately. 

RV Step Accessories

The following accessories are available for all Torklift step applications including the GlowStep Original truck camper steps, GlowStep Revolution steps for towables and the latest offering – the Stow N’ Go easy-to-store truck camper steps:

• GlowGuide – RV handrail

A lightweight RV handrail that’s composed of three telescopic arms: the upper door arm mount, the lower step arm mount and the strut arm. The GlowGuide helps you achieve even more balance when entering and entering your RV by providing a hand-hold all the way from the door entry to the ground so you can use your steps with confidence.

• SafeStep – pet step barrier

Created to be a protective riser guard that creates a vertical barrier between each of the steps. The SafeStep is designed to help protect pets and children from falling in-between the steps. The Velcro backed panels allow for an easy install and ability to stay attached while in the stowed position.

• DirtDestroyer – shoe cleaning attachment

Designed to work with any scissor step. Simply scrape your shoe on this bristle shoe cleaning attachment – this allows you to leave the dirt outside of the RV and save you from one less mess to clean.

For more information on the GlowStep, Stow N’ Go or their accessories, contact us at 800-246-8132. If you’re interested in upgrading to any one of the items discussed in this blog, visit a Torklift 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. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes, spoiling her cat Clio and daydreaming about future travels. 

Typically, campers come with factory bumpers, or no bumper at all. But did you know there are aftermarket truck camper bumpers available that help you gain added storage compartments, bright LED bumper lights and a convenient built in step to help you get in and out of your camper easily?

Torklift offers many kinds of bumpers with features you don’t want to miss. One of the best parts? Most of these bumpers feature spacious compartment storage so you don’t have to store items inside your camper or in the truck. You will never have to leave anything behind while camping again and enjoy the opportunity to take longer camping trips. Created to be a clean, sleek design with advanced engineering, our bumpers are high-impact powder coated for extreme durability.

Bumpers, bumpers and more bumpers!

As of right now, we have five truck camper bumpers available for four different manufacturers with more bumpers always in the works. Each bumper is made specifically to fit each camper – you can contact your manufacturer for fitments or find your specific bumper here. All Torklift bumpers are proudly made in the USA and come with our Lifetime Legendary Warranty – ensuring that we’ve got your back so you can have stress-free camping trips! Below are further details about each of the bumpers we have available.

The Foxiest of Bumpers

Fox Landing Bumper for the Arctic Fox: Serves as an extension of your camping experience. This bumper allows you to have left or right side truck camper entry steps. It allows for safe camper entry and exit with its swing side step and is designed to sit above your tow extension so you don’t even have to disconnect when you’re at the campground.

Features of the Fox Landing Bumper include:

• Large entry platform
• Made of aircraft grade aluminum and stainless steel
• Folds up in seconds 
• Convenient fold-away steps 
• GlowStep treads for added safety 
• Allows the ability to tow when using a SuperTruss Extension

The Ultra Bumper Sophistication

Ultra Deck Plus Bumper for Lance campers: When it comes to bumper storage, there’s nothing better than the Ultra Deck Plus as a Lance camper bumper. Made with you in mind, this bumper allows for 7.8 cubic feet of additional truck camper storage space. With a slide-out deck that has the capacity to hold 600 pounds when extended, you won’t have to worry about safety when you’re hanging out on this custom truck camper deck. Additional Ultra Deck Plus features include:

• Aircraft grade aluminum and stainless steel
• High-impact powder coated for extreme durability
• Allows the ability to tow when using a SuperTruss Extension
• Swing step that incorporates Torklift International GlowStep technology
• DOT certified LED lights
• Exclusive Torklift hinge lock system for all storage compartments

The Perfect Landing Pad

Palomino Landing Pad is made specifically to fit all years of the 2902, 2910 and 2911 camper models. Manufactured from aircraft grade aluminum and stainless steel, it’s designed to work with our Space Dock and Lock and Load Sidekick. This bumper makes it easy to add a swing out accessory to hold generators for extra power. The Space Dock accessory swings in and securely stores while in transit. The Landing Pad is perfect for all your bumper needs and provides an excellent step out of the camper.

Features of this camper bumper include:

• 93” wide platform
• 18.5” depth platform
• Nearly 3.5 cubic feet of storage space
• Allows the ability to tow when using a SuperTruss Extension
• Glow-in-the-dark camper swing step
• LED lights

Nothing But the Best Dura-Bility! 

Palomino Dura-Trak is a lightweight bumper that is designed to be visually aggressive and features a backlit Palomino logo making it look like the bumper is on “fire” when lit up.

With a 36-inch wide by 8-inch deep swing-up step that doubles as a bench, this bumper makes it easy to get in and out of your truck camper improving safety and stability. The step also easily stores on the bumper, not effecting your ground clearance while driving.

Features of the Palomino Dura-Trak include:

• LED recessed lighting for a sleek looking bumper
• 36” wide swing-up step that doubles as a bench and glows in the dark
• Two lengths available for the Palomino Bumper – 83 ½” and 92 ¼”
• Step easily swings up and stores on bumper, not effecting your ground clearance while driving (can be locked)
• Bolt-on installation, no drilling into your camper
• Provides a specially designed license plate bracket that lights up for nighttime driving
• Powder coated in an anti-skid black matte for added traction
• Made of aircraft grade aluminum with stainless steel hardware for a lighter weight bumper
• Compatible with a specially designed Space Dock swing arm accessory that is available through Palomino to hold accessories like a generator, BBQ and more

The True North of Bumpers

Everyone loves a Northstar truck camper, so no matter where you are – from Southeast Florida to Washington, North star bumpers are wonderful campers that are made even better with a bumper. This Torklift bumper works with any Northstar truck camper frame and is built with a lockable storage box on each side of the bumper giving you added storage space.

Features of the Northstar Bumper:

• Custom step tread
• Custom steps
• Made of aircraft grade aluminum
• Allows the ability to tow when using a SuperTruss Extension
• Reinforced gussets

If you have any questions about our custom bumper options or are interested in purchasing one of our truck camper bumpers for Arctic Fox, Lance, Northstar or Palomino, click here or find a dealer near you by visiting the Where to Buy section on our website.

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. 

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. 

Are you tired of having to store your cumbersome truck camper steps inside your camper? Or do they leave a mess inside every time you store them? While there are some pesky problems with truck campers that are unavoidable, these problems are easy to solve with Stow N’ Go steps from Torklift!

Below are the top 5 pesky problems that you have to deal with when it comes to your truck camper steps, and how the Stow N’ Go helps alleviate these issues.

1.) Installation/Removal of Your Current Steps

There are many kinds of truck camper steps available, but most of them are not attached (such as step ladders) and require you to store them inside your camper while in transit. The best way to avoid storing steps inside the RV and eliminate the hassle of detaching steps during transit? The Stow N’ Go is designed for easy “stow-and-go” step operation for truck campers – simply pull the handle to deploy and store truck camper steps. As an added bonus, the bolt-on stabilizing bracket features nylon studs that allows the RV steps to snap securely into place and prevent step movement during transit.

2.) Mess from your truck camper steps

Dirt inside the RV is a no-no! It is incredibly inconvenient having to store your dirty steps inside the truck camper, then it just adds insult to injury when you have to deep clean the interior from everything that was tracked in from the steps. The Stow N’ Go prevents dirty RV interior by installing and storing outside your camper. Mounted directly to the bumper or below the door, these RV steps keep your camper clean so you can focus on more important things – like creating the perfect s’more! Yum!

3.) Instability

To stabilize steps on uneven terrain, the Stow N’ Go comes standard with the All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet. The All Terrain Landing Gear reach the ground and ensure solid placement on any type of terrain. Avoid dealing with the shaky, wobbly feeling of factory steps or having to carry around an extra ladder that isn’t attached to your camper. Ladders and booster steps can be dangerous. Injuries can happen when stepping from one step to another with unstable steps. Don’t fall in-between! With the stability of the Stow N’ Go there’s no fear of falling.

4.) No visibility at night

One of the best things about camping is getting to see all the stars at night and not having to see the glow from city lights. There’s nothing quite like it – but this also comes with a potential risk: not being able to see your steps at night once you’re done stargazing! Instead of having to stumble and guess where your steps are, there should be an easier way to get in and out of your camper at night. That’s where the Stow N’ Go comes in - these camper steps glow-in-the-dark for up to ten hours with only five minutes of light exposure – no batteries necessary. This is due to the glow-in-the-dark stickers that are attached to the top of the steps, making the Stow N’ Go even more versatile and perfect for both day and night use.

5.) Lost or stolen truck camper steps

There isn’t a worse feeling than returning to the camper and finding that someone stole your equipment. Or the sudden pit in your stomach when you realize that you’re 6 hours into a trip back home and you forgot or lost your truck camper steps. Both of these events means that you’ll have to get a replacement step. This not only takes time out of your trip, but also costs more money than you planned for. The Stow N’ Go steps easily prevent this – they are lockable with GlowStep Locks to prevent theft or potentially leaving them behind at the last campground.

But, don’t just take our word for how great these steps are! Below is Frank Poole’s thoughts on his old steps and how he feels about upgrading to the Stow N’ Go on his truck camper:

“I have been using a Giant Ladder before and while it did the job very well, it was sort of a hassle, lifting into and out of the camper, not to mention climbing up on the Fox step to get to the bumper open the door while keeping a death grip on the ladder. It just fit on the floor and was cumbersome…” 
-Frank Poole

What is this solution you ask? None other than the latest and greatest from Torklift, the Stow N’ Go! The Stow N’ Go truck camper steps are easy to install and come standard with a mounting bracket that can be installed below your truck camper door or on the bumper of your truck camper. The “Pros” of the Stow N’ Go according to Frank?

Pros:
-Easy to use, in/out.
-Very convenient, especially for quick stop use, markets, access, etc.
-Easy Storage, just lift and push/pull. No dirt inside of camper.
-Sturdy, like normal step only stronger.
-Adjustable levelers on the bottom, very important for boondocking.
-Able to ADD or Remove steps depending up need - don't have to buy a whole new set of steps.
-Ribbed step to help prevent slipping in wet weather.
-Glow tabs to see steps.
-Lifetime Warranty.

We love everything you had to say about the truck camper steps Frank and thank you for the encouraging words! We agree that the ability to easily lift and store the steps on the outside of the camper to prevent a dirty interior, as well as the sturdy and strong feeling that comes from the hand-built steps with All Terrain Landing Gear are great features.

Further features of the Stow N’ Go include:

• Ability to add or remove steps*
• Sold in applications for 3-6 steps*
• Accessories sold separately: GlowGuide Handrail, SafeStep pet safety barriers and DirtDestroyer shoe cleaning attachment, GlowStep Locks to prevent theft
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

*Specific part numbers come with 8-inch GlowSteps pre-installed into the bracket with All Terrain Landing Gear. Bracket only is available separately if you want to upgrade your current GlowSteps. See application chart for details.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Torklift International Stow N’ Go steps, there are a couple of options for you! Call us at 800-246-8132 and our tech support would be more than happy to answer your questions about an easier solution for truck camper steps. 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 truck camper step systems.

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 now. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels. 

Tired of having to use booster steps, or taking a leap of faith from the entry of your truck camper? You need a new set of truck camper steps! With many aftermarket upgrades available, how do you choose? From Brophy’s 18-inch wide aluminum scissor steps, to the original GlowStep and the GlowStep Stow N’ Go from Torklift International – we’re here to help you choose the best one that will fit all your needs!

Brophy Scissor Steps

Brophy 18-inch wide aluminum scissor steps uses a single hinge scissor step design. This scissor step comes fully assembled with an optional handrail for the three to five steps. The step folds up for storage and self-adjusts. The Brophy aluminum step is 18-inches wide, 6-inches deep with an 8-inch riser gap and a 300-pound weight capacity when fully extended. For installation, the mounting bracket is secured to the camper using four ¼” x 1½” screws, and clipping the stairs into the “V” clamps on the mounting bracket.

Torklift Original GlowStep

The GlowStep truck camper step is made of 100% aircraft grade aluminum and stainless steel with a unique SureGrip anti-slip tread. Torklift’s GlowStep uses a double hinge design featuring double bars. This prevents any twisting or warping of the steps when under a heavy load. Self-illuminating stickers glow up to 10 hours with only five minutes of light exposure. The illuminating strips are the same grade glow tape that is used to indicate emergency exits on commercial aircrafts.

The steps are engineered with a special hinge design that allows the steps to deploy and retract with ease, and is built to maintain longevity and durability. The GlowStep extends directly to the ground forming a sturdy connection. This step is available in two to six step range with a 7.5-inch riser gap so it resembles residential staircase height.

The All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet are available as an accessory and ensure a solid connection on any terrain. The step stores in a lockable position to prevent theft with a lifetime warranty.

Features of the GlowStep Include:

• Self-illuminating steps truck camper steps glow in the dark for 10 hours with only five minutes of light exposure - no batteries
• Safely enter and exit your truck camper or RV after dark
• SureGrip™ step tread provides no-slip surface (no grip tape)
• Stores in position and lockable to prevent theft
• 100% aircraft grade aluminum and stainless steel
• Stainless bolted hinges allow for easy step addition or removal
• Exclusive: adjusts to basement model campers
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

Torklift Stow N’ Go

The Stow N’ Go step was manufactured after feedback from customers, especially those who wanted an upgrade that made it so they could avoid the tediousness of removing and storing their steps on the inside of their campers. The Stow N’ Go locks while in transit, eliminating the hassle of detaching the steps. The steps remain mounted to the back of the truck camper bumper or underneath the door to prevent the interior from getting dirty.

This step system comes standard with the storage bracket, GlowStep step system and All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet. Or, if you already have the Original GlowSteps, you can purchase the bracket and All Terrain Landing Gear separately to turn it into a Stow N’ Go.

With these truck camper steps, you no longer have to worry about your steps falling off your bumper because they weren’t stored properly with a bungee cord. With a special nylon retainer system, it eliminates movement while in transit by snapping the steps securely in place. For extra security during transit or protection against potential thieves, GlowStep Locks are available. The steps come in a range of three to six steps for any truck camper height.

Features of the Stow N’ Go Include: 

• Avoid storing steps inside the RV and eliminate the hassle of detaching steps during transit
• Prevents dirty RV interior and damage from step movement
• Secures into place to prevent movement
• Designed for easy “stow-and-go” step operation for truck campers – simply pull the handle to deploy and store truck camper steps
• Mounts to the truck camper bumper or directly to the truck camper below the door — Requires a 23” x 3.5” mounting area
• Prevent step movement during transit with the bolt-on stabilizing bracket plate features nylon studs – steps snap securely into place for storage
• Steps are lockable with GlowStep Locks to prevent theft (sold separately)
• To stabilize steps on uneven terrain, the Stow N’ Go comes standard with the All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet (step application only)*
• Mounting Bracket available in white or black high impact powder coat for extreme durability to match the color of your camper
• Ability to add or remove steps*
• Sold in applications for 3-6 steps*
• Steps glow in the dark for up to ten hours with only five minutes of light exposure – no batteries necessary
• Steps are specially designed with SureGrip™ step tread which provides no-slip surface for easy entry and exit of camper
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

*Specific part numbers come with 8 inch GlowSteps pre-installed into the bracket with All Terrain Landing Gear. Bracket is also available separately. See application chart for details

Accessories

The following accessories are available for all Torklift step applications including the GlowStep Original truck camper steps, GlowStep Revolution steps for towables and the latest offering – the Stow N’ Go easy-to-store truck camper steps: the GlowGuide RV handrail, SafeStep pet step barrier and DirtDestroyer shoe cleaning attachment.

• GlowGuide Handrail: A lightweight handrail that’s composed of three telescopic arms: the upper door arm mount, the lower step arm mount and the strut arm. All the way from the door entry to the ground you are guided all the way down with confidence in your stability
• SafeStep: A protective riser guard that creates a vertical barrier between the steps. Designed to help protect pets and children from potentially falling in-between the steps. The Velcro backed panels allow for an easy install and ability to stay attached while in the stowed position.
• DirtDestroyer: A shoe cleaning attachment designed to work with any scissor step. Simply scrape your shoe on this bristle attachment – this allows you to leave the dirt outside of the RV and save you from one less mess to clean.

For more information on the GlowStep, Stow N’ Go or their accessories, contact us at 800.246.8132 or visit us here. If you’re interested in upgrading to any one of the items discussed in this blog, feel free to visit one of our Certified Dealers near you by clicking here.

 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 getting ready to journey out with your truck camper, a thought that probably crosses your mind, “is my truck camper safe?” The way your truck camper is secured with tie downs and turnbuckles is essential for safety and stability while hauling. What brand of tie downs and turnbuckles are out there?

HappiJac Tie Downs - Starting at $284.80
HappiJac has designed a tie downs system by creating an I-beam truss structure that uses leverage to reduce the force on your truck, and control the truck camper movement. The front two anchor plates are drilled for installation at the front of the truck bed where the cab and bed meet.

The two rear anchor points are drilled onto the back bumper. The HappiJac tie down anchor points paired with their turnbuckles create a triangle leverage counter force to prevent side-to-side, front-to-back and up and down movement. By preventing this movement, it prevents the camper and truck from moving as a solid unit which can cause jolting to the truck bed and camper. This tie down system is covered by a one year warranty from purchase date.

Torklift Steel Frame-Mounted tie downs - Starting at $313.99
Torklift’s patented designed tie downs incorporate four tie down points that bolt directly to the truck’s frame. A system that bolts directly to the truck frame dramatically improves stability and handling. The tie downs are engineered to secure your truck camper to your truck with a tight fit and no loss of ground clearance.

The Frame-mounted tie down systems are designed to eliminate bed and bumper damage. When the steel frame-mounted tie downs are paired with any of our fully spring-loaded turnbuckles, we warranty the truck frame and camper anchor points for the extent of the manufacturers warranty. Because the turnbuckles are springloaded, it allows the truck and camper to move together as a solid unit which prevents jolting to the truck. Since the tie downs mount to the frame, there is no risk of tearing sheet metal on the bed or pulling down on the bumper. We have also designed a high-performance aluminum and stainless steel tie down called the Talon Camper Tie Downs that is constructed of 100% military grade aluminum and stainless steel that is rust free and corrosion protected for life. 

A tie down finishing kit and locks are available for both tie downs. Our tie downs are also the only tie downs in the industry that come with a Legendary Lifetime Warranty.

Features of the Torklift Talon Tie Downs include:

• Rust free corrosion protection for life†
• Dramatic improvement with vehicle handling and stability and is the safest way to haul a truck camper (prevents vehicle sway and camper movement in all directions)
• Mounts using independent tie down points that bolt directly to the truck frame
• Available for best-selling applications
• Tie down receiver tube and tie down insert are each 100% military grade aluminum and stainless steel
• Fast, 100% no-drill installations
• No loss of ground clearance
• Hidden when not in use
• Best ride quality in the industry
• Finishing Kit included
• Lockable with Tie Down Locks
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

So what do I use to connect my truck camper to my tie downs?

HappiJac Quik-Load turnbuckle
The Quik-Load is a stainless steel body with a reinforced ½ solid steel round hook. It can be turned to adjust the tension after installation. This turnbuckle features a rubber cushioned handle that can be detached, and locking pins that keep the turnbuckle in place and can be quickly removed. The Quik-Load turnbuckle comes with a one year warranty.

Torklift Original FastGun turnbuckle - Starting at $323.99
Torklift has designed a FastGun truck camper turnbuckle that is the number one selling quick-disconnect turnbuckle in the RV industry. This stainless steel turnbuckle comes in a set of two and are spring-loaded with spring tension indicators to determine perfect tension. Precision made from high impact, powder coated steel, the FastGun turnbuckle is available in black, white, polished stainless steel and grey. They are compatible with both frame-mounted and bed-mounted tie downs and come with a Legendary Lifetime Warranty. Our tie downs, when installed properly, provide 100% support for your truck and camper. Torklift has designed the FastGuns to secure your truck camper investment to your truck as well as further security with the FastGuns Locks which help deter any potential theft of your turnbuckles!

Features of the FastGun turnbuckles include:

• No. 1 selling patented quick disconnect turnbuckle in the world
• Connects and disconnects in seconds - Quick release handle allows for easy tool-free adjustment
• Spring-loaded design ensures a safe ride for your family and your truck camper
• Tension indicators determine perfect tension to hold down truck camper while in use
• Precision made from high impact powder-coated stainless steel
• Available for frame-mounted or bed-mounted tie downs
• Lockable to secure your truck camper (locks sold separately)
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

For a better truck camping experience and overall improved safety and stability – it’s a pretty clear choice. To learn more information on Torklift tie down or turnbuckle products, contact us at 800.246.8132 or email: support at 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. 

Sher Jennings-South Dakota born and raised and familiar with the extreme weather patterns is ready for it all. She also understands when it’s unsafe and time to shut it down. Working with her grandfather who was a home mover and very adamant about using the safest equipment really set her safety standards in place, especially while hauling. She carried these standards into purchasing her first camper. Friends badgered her with other alternate brand tie downs but after she did her research, she decided to go with Torklift turnbuckles and tie downs.

Don't let this happen to you!

Tie downs vs. wind

A couple years ago while on a trip with a friend who previously badgered her about trying an alternate brand of tie downs, heavy winds hit hard. That afternoon on the way back from the Pendleton Roundup the friend of Shers’ was hauling her caravan to the Gorge with their brand new $45,000 truck. When they had finally arrived both the driver and the passenger were a wreck in fear of the support and safety of the caravan. She then asked them, “why they had just bought a new truck and spent $30,000 on a new camper but settled for a cheaperalternate brand of tie downs?” Sher then tried to explain how using an alternate brand of tie downs is like trying to secure your camper using Elmer’s glue. It’s important that when investing a large amount of money into a new rig and camper that you have a tie down system that is going to protect and support that investment. Torklift has two types of tie downs that will do just that!

Frame-Mounted Steel Tie Downs
This option secures your truck camper at four independent tie down points directly to the frame. This tie down improves the vehicle’s handling and stability with no loss of ground clearance. A lifetime warranty comes with this tie down.

Talon Aluminum Tie Down 
This is a high performance tie down that is lightweight and rust free for life. It also secures the truck camper to the truck frame. Constructed out of light weight military grade aluminum, it’s 50% lighter than most steel tie down applications. Featuring high impact powder coating with a no-drill application, this product is also covered by a lifetime warranty.

What connects the camper to the tie down?

Torklift has designed a FastGun turnbuckle that is the number one selling quick-disconnect turnbuckle in the RV industry. This stainless steel turnbuckle comes in a set of two and are spring-loaded with spring tension indicators. They are compatible with both frame-mounted and bed-mounted tie downs with a Legendary lifetime warranty.

Our tie downs, when installed properly, provide 100% support for your truck and camper. Torklift has also designed a product to secure your investment that much more! With FastGun Locks you are able to secure your turnbuckles to your tie down. The locks come with keys for convenience and weather caps to prevent damage and road grime. For more information on any of these products you can contact us at 800.246.8132 or email: support@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. 

'

When we met Brian Brawdy, he didn’t know his truck bed was cracked in multiple places and that it would cost thousands of dollars to fix. Torklift first met RV enthusiast Brian Brawdy in 2009. At the time of meeting him, he was sponsored by an alternate brand of tie downs that mounts to the truck bed instead of the truck frame. This company promotes itself as using frame-mounted systems when they don’t attach to the truck’s frame at all.

Where the bed-mounted system went wrong

After getting to know Brian a little better and what kind of tie down system he was using, Torklift wanted to check it out. Our team crawled underneath his truck, and we were alarmed at what we saw. Upon inspecting Brian’s truck, we revealed a mass amount of damage to the bed. When Torklift discovered what was causing the damage, it all made sense. He had a bed-mounted tie down system for his truck camper. Due to the lack of support, the bed of his truck was too stressed and had massive cracks underneath. This was caused by the bed-mounted system pulling and yanking the truck bed sheet metal.

What you can do to protect yourself

There are steps you can take to inspect your vehicle for damage linked to bed-mounted tie downs:

1. look under your truck bed for long cracks spanning anywhere from the cab to the tailgate
2. Look for a sagging bumper and rust at rear bed-mounted tie down locations
3. Inspecting the paint for chips, bent tie downs, body rust and gouges at the mounting location of your front bed-mounted tie downs also indicate damage

If you notice any of these issues with your bed-mounted tie downs that claim to be frame-mounted, contact us immediately. We would be happy to look at pictures of your damage and help you determine if your truck is still safe for hauling your truck camper. If you don’t need Torklift products, we won’t sell it to you – we’re just here to help. Our company is founded on safety and if you aren’t safe, we believe you should know. This inspection service is free. Just call us at 800.246.8132 or send photos of your truck to: photos@torklift.com.

So why do bed-mounted tie downs cause this damage?

Many bed-mounted tie down systems are falsely advertised as “direct-to-frame” and use anchors plates in the rear of the truck bed to connect anchors to both sides of the truck bumper. The support from the specific type of tie down does not make contact with the frame of the vehicle, leaving you with a very unstable support. When you use a bed-mounted system not only is what you are hauling at risk, but the vehicle as well. Just like Brian Brawdy’s truck, you risk having stress marks and cracks in the bed and can actually lose the whole bed itself. Damage within the truck bed is common while using bed-mounted tie downs. Often, anchor points can be pulled out - bending the anchors directly into the truck body, as well as damaging the vehicle’s paint.

What Precautions Can You Take to Avoid Damage to Your Vehicle?

The first and most important step is using proper tie downs. Torklift offers two types of tie downs that truly mount to the foundation of the vehicle: its frame. Attaching directly to the frame eliminates the risk of damage to your vehicle and will provide 100% support for having your camper mounted safely.

Option one: Steel 
One of the tie down systems Torklift designed is the True Frame-Mounted Steel Tie Down.

• This tie down secures the truck to the camper using four independent tie down points directly to the frame. 98% of applications don’t require drilling.
• Has no loss of ground clearance and improved stability and handling of the vehicle while towing 
• Comes with the Tie Down Finishing Kit
• Tie Down Locks are also available for this system

Option two: Military Grade Aluminum 
The other system Torklift designed are the Talon Camper Tie Downs

• This is a high performance tie down that is light weight and rust free for life
• Features high impact powder coating
• Light weight military grade aluminum alloy that is 50% lighter than steel

Like any other Torklift product, both Talon and Steel Tie Downs are backed by a lifetime warranty. When Torklift tie downs are paired with spring loaded turnbuckles, the lifetime warranty is extended to not only the truck frame but the camper anchors points for the extent of its manufacturer’s warranty. Why do we do this? Because we know our frame-mounted tie downs will never damage your vehicle when used and installed properly. You can contact us at 800.246.8132 for more warranty details.

What did it cost Brian?

Thankfully at that trade show Brian Brawdy was made aware of the damage his truck had sustained. After that day, Torklift’s tech support spent several hours at our shop and repaired more than $5,000 dollars’ worth of damage done to his truck due to the bed-mounted tie downs that claimed to be frame-mounted. Brian no longer has to question whether his truck is being damaged while doing what he loves the most.

To learn more about Torklift tie downs and Talon Tie downs call our tech support at 800.246.8132 or email us at: support@torklift.com. Or, to order your own set at a Certified Dealer near you, visit our Where to Buy page.

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 festibals with my family form the local city center festivals to the mountains of Wenatchee at the Winter Grass, bloe grass music festival. Experiencing culture is where my heart is content. 

'

Many people are pulling their truck campers or trailer out of storage or buying new ones in preparation for some summer camping fun.

Of course there are basic things to do to prep, such as de-winterizing, cleaning everything out, getting groceries, etc. But one thing that many people forget over the long winter months is how much they hated the feeling of instability or sway while they were on their way to the campgrounds.

That's where we come in – we are here to help you prevent these common occurrences of handling issues with the Torklift StableLoads.

New 2017 StableLoad fitments include:
• All Ford F150 trucks
• Ford F250 regular cab/super cab/extended cab/super cab
• Ford F350 regular cab/super crew/ super cab extended
• Ford F450 regular cab/ super crew/ super cab extended
• Dodge RAM 3500 crew cab/mega cab/mega cab dually
• Chevy 1500 crew cab
• Chevy 2500
• Chevy 3500
• Toyota Tundra double cab

Although this list is quite long, it doesn't show all the 2017 StableLoad fitments that we have, which you can find here. We are still looking for some Chevy long bed trucks and Toyota trucks for final testing. Our aim is to have the ones we have yet to test as soon as possible. Don't see your fit? Call us. With a couple questions and a picture, we can confirm over the phone: 800-246-8132.

Now, we can hear you saying, "Well, what about sway bar, shocks or airbags?" You could always purchase those products, because the StableLoad is designed to work in conjunction with all of them. But what not many people know is how airbags affect your suspension. To put it succinctly: airbags for suspension take your four-point suspension system, turn it into a two point suspension system which can potentially lead to leaf spring damage and further feelings of instability while towing or hauling. You find yourself balancing your truck camper on the equivalent of two footballs.

On the other hand, StableLoad suspension products are designed to complement the factory suspension of your truck, maintaining that quad contact design and improving the handling, sway, body-roll and sag of your truck while you're hauling heavy equipment. One of the best benefits of the StableLoad is also the ability to turn on and off in seconds. Let it help improve your ride quality while towing and return back to your factory suspension when you're done – it's a win/win situation!

Features of the StableLoad 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) A7311 (WITH DRILL KIT).

Below is a video showing you the installation process for the StableLoad:

Wherever your next adventure takes you — Torklift suspension upgrade products keep you safe and allows you to focus on one of the most fun aspects of a trip: what to do when you get there! If you have a 2017 Dodge RAM truck, a 2017 Ford truck or 2017 Chevy truck, we've got you covered with the StableLoad suspension stabilizer!

To find StableLoad fitments for your 2017 truck, learn more by searching through our automated application guide 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. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.