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Sportster 7 · 03-22-2021, 06:59 PM

Just acquired a 1993 Jayco Sportster 7' Pop-Up Camper. I have a 2010 Ford Ranger, got it for next to nothing from another Ford Ranger owner, in pretty good shape. He suggested I'd have no problems hauling it back to Seattle from Whitefish MT with the stake-hole steel inserts and turnbuckles he'd always used, but the thing fit very loosely and damn near flew off the truck in high wind in Eastern WA. Was damn glad I'd thrown a ratchet strap around the back.

So I'm curious how people attach their campers to their trucks. From what I've gleaned the Torklift frame-mount set up is best, but they sell for more than I paid for the camper....suggestions?

Thanks

5050racing · 03-29-2021, 05:56 AM

Well I’ve had 3 truck campers so far first big 11’ sun line very heavy I rebuilt a bar under frame under driveshaft with chain turnbuckles it worked but when truck flexed in uneven ground it probably didn’t do the camper mounts any good pulling to hard it was a crew cab f350 second was a coachman 9’ not as heavy used same set up I also made 2” tubing that went into sides of rear hitch n chain turnbuckles it worked now I have a chalet triple slide very heavy Ram 3500 drw was buying a new lance double slide had dealer install a happijac tie down set up found some damage to the lance n didn’t buy it,so I found the chalet n hauled it home with the happijac setup it made it but bought the Torque lift frame setup with stainless fast gun binders spring loaded for this heavy camper n it stays put, so I spent a lot in the end I don’t use happijac except to tie hay down n stuff in the bed but that may work for your setup . So maybe you may get another camper in future I know you have smaller load to haul see if they make them for your truck just my story with truck campers

Bedlam · 03-29-2021, 03:34 PM

A belly bar and receiver bar with spring loaded turnbuckles would be the best choice. You cannot rely on the pickup bed or rear bumper to offer enough strength for very long to anchor your camper, yet you still want some give in the turnbuckle when the truck frame is flexed.

JumboJet · 03-29-2021, 08:22 PM

I built my own tie downs based off the Torklift design. I have all the metal shop tools.

Your lightweight camper would not necessarily need real heavy tie downs.