Is there not a way to install a hard-side without external tie-downs? Model specific?

[Sentinelist]

I'm looking at a 2001 Lance 815 to mount in the truck you see in my signature, and was really hoping I'd be able to 'perma-mount' it to my bed rather than have the outside tie-downs. I've seen this done before and it looks really clean for those going the 24x7 route. Is this model specific, and the 815 just isn't one of them?

Camping World wants $1200 for installation w/ tie-downs- is that about the average? I probably don't have a choice. Thanks in advance!

 

[ripperj]

I just put torqlift tie down points on my Ram for $399 with free shipping thru Amazon. The actual tie downs are between $150 and almost $400 for fastguns. ( spring loaded quick release type)

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[ripperj]

Forgot to say that installation is simple, uses existing bumper bolts and some existing frame holes, no drilling or welding. Just need sockets and wrenches up to 1"(for my truck anyway)

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[ripperj]

Personally I would want an easy way to get the camper off, in case you had to jack the truck up, or maybe Jetson the camper in an emergency ( run out of beer ect)

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[Sentinelist]

Ha! Running out of beer is certainly a concern, but I suppose I could just wheel the whole rig out to the nearest convenience store.

At any rate, these Torklift units are effectively hidden, or at least far more-so than the typical turnbuckles you see going over the sides of the bed? I see them on Amazon, but don't understand where they go exactly. Thanks!

 

[ripperj]

The torqlift tiedown brackets bolt to the frame and are tucked away under the truck. The rears are up pretty high, but the fronts hang down a bit (not lower than the drive shaft on my rig). They are like mini receiver mounts and the tiedowns slide into the brackets and are secured with a pin, at this point you have 4 tiedown points that stick out a couple inches wider than the bed, and are just below the bottom of the bed. The actual tiedowns(chain/turnbuckle,fast guns ect) are very visible and run between the tiedowns on the truck and the camper bracket. It's a very sturdy way of doing it.

 

[Sentinelist]

Got it. Is there not a way of running the front tie-downs between the box and the cab?

And what are these guys doing? I was really hoping for a 'fixed' look- I'm planning to remove the stands as well. Going back through the 'show me your hard-sides' thread, lots more turnbuckles than I remembered at first. Maybe they're not aesthetical killers as I'm thinking, I didn't even notice most of them!

 

[ripperj]

The red truck uses a bracket that goes in the stake pocket of the bed, it is in my opinion a poor way of doing it. Happijack( the other major brand besides torklift) has mounts that goes between the cab and the bed, it involves some drilling of the bed. You still need to have the tiedowns go between the camper and the truck, very visible. Fwc and a couple other manufactures that build light and small campers can use the tie down hoops inside the bed, or bolt right thru the floor to the bed. This is really only suitable for light campers IMHO

 

[Sentinelist]

Ok thanks. I'll plan to do it the proper way then- I don't mess about when anything less is the option but wanted to make sure. I may go the Torklift route and will look at those more tonight!

edit: yeah, the Torklift system looks unbeatable. Ok, sleeping on all this tonight... and maybe another night yet... I think I have the wife onboard now.

 

[Sentinelist]

Are the brackets sold in pairs or individually on Amazon? It doesn't say. I found the ones I need though from the guide on their website, thanks.

 

[ripperj]

Torqlift are sold in pairs, fronts and backs, the tie downs themselves also come 2 per set
Edit- sometimes you need different length tiedowns on the front vs the back, due to where the brackets are located.
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[Sentinelist]

Ordered, thank you!