Tie downs

[Gerdo]

It looks like almost everyone uses turnbuckles for tie downs.
Has anyone used some short ratchet straps?

 

[pods8]

Coyote/Phoenix does.

 

[Gerdo]

I'm curious of the pros and cons of both. I have heard that turnbuckles need to be checked fairly often. I have also heard that adding a jam nut seams to help. I'm wondering if the ratchet straps would stay taught. I do know they stretch when wet.

 

[pods8]

No idea on the ratchet straps.

Adding a star lock washer and a wing nut to my turn buckles has worked very well for me.

 

[tanglefoot]

I use a large, buckle-strap that's tensioned with a ratchet strap. It does lose a little tension, especially in the beginning. After about a year, it doesn't seem to require much re-tensioning. I like it because it has just enough stretch not to over-stress the attachment points. I think turn buckles (unless they're spring-loaded) put a lot of stress on the attachments points as they deliver almost all the energy of each bump to the end points. I think straps absorb more of the energy.

I check the straps pretty regularly for weathering/wear and tightness. I know web straps deteriorate rapidly in the sun but they seem to hold up pretty well in shaded areas like under the camper. I haven't noticed any deterioration in the 2 years I've had the camper.

Eric

 

[Scoutman]

I use straps and so far so good. I think they're rated for 3k# each and stay tight.

 

[goodtimes]

I use straps . . . no problems.

 

[eugene]

Mine came with these turnbuckle like things that have a large rubber bumper so they have some flex.

 

[zidaro]

i use straps on front. theyre great

 

[herm]

i use straps also. a little stretch is a good thing imho. i have large eye bolts on the camper and use the stock tie down points in the bed of the truck. A 2x4 on each side between the wheel wells keeps it centered well.

 

[kylekai]

I've used tie-downs in the rear, but I switched to straps. Lighter, more flexible, don't rust, and they don't tweak the rear bumper. They work great, and came as an option with the Hallmark.

 

[Scoutman]

I use straps and so far so good. I think they're rated for 3k# each and stay tight.

Just if anyone cares but here is the site I got mine from. http://www.ratchetstraps.com/1-heavy-duty-rubber-handle-ratchet-strap-snap-hooks
I liked that I could get snap hooks (twisted or flat), heavy duty black webbing, and an all black rubber handled ratchet for a reasonable price.

Tried putting up a few picts but the uploader is not working right now...

 

[Bucky]

Spring loaded tiedowns for FWC Hawk attachment...

I would like to use spring loaded tiedowns for my FWC Hawk, presently experimenting with attaching to GM's OEM tiedown loops. (After 150 miles, the camper hasn't shifted, and the tiedowns with locknuts are tight.)

The spring loaded hook-hook tiedowns from Torklift and Happijac are too long. I thought maybe the Torklift black bell-shaped "Spring Load" gizmo might work.

Has anyone done this with a camper mounted INSIDE the bed?

Thanks.

Bucky

 

[xdbx]

This thread is going to get extremely confusing if you guys keep using inaccurate names for the attachment methods.

KyleKai, what you have pictured there is called a "ratchet strap". This is commonly known as a "tiedown".

Bucky, what you are referring to with the hook hook and locknut, and similar to the product Torklift and Happijac sell, is called a "turnbuckle".



So...

Ratchet strap:

Turnbuckle:

The above is specifically a "hook hook turnbuckle". There are others. See this:

http://www.blairwirerope.com/turnbuckles.html

 

[Bucky]

Xdbx,

Thanks for the reminder on terminology, which is important when discussing camper tie down. I knew they were turnbuckles, but I guess the knowledge didn't get from my brain to my fingers. hi hi

Off-topic, but I'm going to be putting a set of Torklift Quick Disconnect Stableloads on the truck to deal with the approx. 2.5-inch sag on my truck's rear end. Handling hasn't been affected, or braking, but I'd like to get the truck's rake back close to normal without going the air bag or SupreSprings route. I like the fact that you can disengage these new Stableloads to restore the factory ride when the camper is off the truck. Plus, they are a much cheaper price, between $140 and $170 retail, than bags or SuperSprings.

Thanks, again.

Bucky