Temporary tie downs for camper

[azguy]

Hello, I joined this forum because I wanted to buy a camper and a car trailer, so I can camp and tow my Jeep. I had a toy hauler, but it wouldn’t haul my Jeep. I finally just sold it. I am finally going to look at a camper, a Lance 825 to be specific, It is less than 2K#, and I don’t have any frame tie ins yet because I wasn’t sure what camper I was going to buy? Just for reference I have a 2003 GMC 2500HD 4×4.

My question is if I buy this camper, is there a temporary way to tie it down to get me home? It is only a few miles away, but I was wondering if there was some way I could tie it down good enough to get it home. I can get home without driving on the freeway, and I plan on buying some frame tie downs when I get it home.

Am I out of luck or good to go?

[Mello Mike]

I’ve seen this question come up every now and then so it is a good question. My answer is this, if you’re planning on buying a camper why not get a set of Torklift tie-downs now and be done with it? Going with a temporary tie-down solution to get you home can be done but is too risky for my liking.

[azguy]

Thanks for the response, I ended up buying the camper YAY. It is a 2009 Lance 825. it is in good shape. I talked delivering into the deal, so I didn’t have to worry about temporary tie downs. He dropped it in my back driveway, so I am going to order some Torklifts this week. I didn’t want to take any chances, and the seller was really nice.

[Mello Mike]

Congrats! Pics?

[Freespool]

Welcome azguy to truck camping. Sounds like you made the right decision. This site will provide you with all you need to know about your new rig. The 825 should work well with your your three quarter ton GMC pulling a trailer. I bought all my Torklift stuff online from Tweetys. The order arrived correct and the price was very competitive. Good luck with upcoming adventures.

[azguy]

Thanks guys,

I just ordered mine from etrailer.com, but I will definitely check out Tweetys in the future thanks for the tip.
Here are a few pictures. Nothing with the camper on my truck yet as I am waiting for my tie downs, but here is a sneak preview:

I will put up more pictures when I actually get it installed on my GMC. I have the bug.

[Mello Mike]

Congrats. Looks like its in great shape.

[larry lacabe]

I actually use both….IMHO the weak link in a permanent tie down system of any kind are the eye bolts on the camper…..so I add four 1500 pound ratchet straps that are attached to the pickup frame and the top of the jacks… kind of a suspender and belt combination.

I would not have any concern about using only those straps to secure the camper when being transported. I use foam cushioned adhesive on any contact point to avoid any sawing on the straps.

As my loaded camper weights about 1450 pounds I am very confident that it will stay on under nearly any circumstances with two completely independent tie down systems.

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