Torklift Blog

This term has been used as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans for the hottest days of the year. It has an astronomical link to the rising of the star Sirius which is called the “dog star. “ This happens with the time of the year that usually coincides with the warmest days. It is also used to...

I never know what I am going to be asked to do next here at Torklift.  So, I wasn’t surprised to hear from my manager that “We’re sending you to IKEA for a new lamp.” What I failed to hear was really, “We have the idea for you to remote camp.” Spotty cell phone service can be so hilarious. I...

  Torklift let loose and heated up the pavement recently at Pacific Raceways in Washington. We put our StableLoad suspension upgrade product to the test under extreme towing and hauling conditions with professional drivers. Disclaimer: “Do not try this at home! Not without StableLoads on board.” Take a peek at our behind the scenes footage and dramatic track results.  ...

Do you ever get that feeling while towing or hauling when your mental brakes kick in and the weight of your truck is not stopping with you?  Those teeth clenching, heart racing, toe-curling seconds can seem like minutes. I looked up the word for this affliction and it’s called agoraphobia.  It’s the phobia of losing control, of not being able...

I imagine boondocking will be a camping experience like this. I pull into the most picturesque, secluded camping spot I can find.  Through the deep, dark woods right on the edge of the lake.  But, something seems just too perfect about it.  Come to think of it, I hadn’t passed another vehicle for miles. Oh well, I enjoy my afternoon...

What’s black, grey and sometimes potable? No, not a lead in to a bad joke, these are all very important distinctions to make when moving up to camping with plumbing. Thanks to this new knowledge, I will never be able to hear that lovely, little Southern rock ditty by the Doobie Brothers the same way again. Black water is the...

I am told that this is not as complicated as I am making it. Usually, I am a very adventurous person, but in the area of camper electrical systems I’ll admit I have a great fear of the unknown. I have seen the warning labels, the ones that say that this could result in something blowing-up, electrocution, dismemberment or death...

“Don’t!” Camping is great fun for the whole family.  Including the four-legged ones. So, it was time to let Ivy, my cat, enjoy the freedom of truck camping and a new second home on wheels.  Why not? Dogs love to swim, explore all the new smells of the great outdoors, sneaking dropped camping goodies, and the thrill of hunting big...

I’m not referring to basketball. Fishing this weekend netted me a big zero on my state angler’s punch card.  So, I had some time to think about what the word “net “really means. Net, a device to entrap fish and also a financial term that means what you get to keep. So, in terms of netting nothing, maybe I’m more...

Rain is no excuse to postpone a camping trip. It is inevitable for people living in the Northwest, so here are some hints for looking on the bright side and thinking about all the great things about camping in the rain. 1.  The wet dog smell- A familiar fragrance in the NW, popular on canines and humans.  2.  The relaxing sound...