I read an older thread about stress cracks in a Tundra bed caused by the FWC factory install using eyebolts/washers here:
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/6496-cracks-in-tundra-bed-at-turnbuckle-eye-bolts/?hl=happijac
I'm a noob about to pick up a new to me 2011 Hawk on my new 2017 Tundra. The previous owner has used the Hawk since new in his Ford F150 using the factory mounting set up with eyebolts through his pickup bed. I did some talking to a trailer/camper mechanic today where they sell Lance hard sided truck campers among other things. He profusely recommended the Happijac mounting system with the stabilizing bar set up. Maybe this is overkill (it is sure expensive at about $550 installed including turnbuckles), but since I am not proficient in cutting metal and such I am inclined to go this direction...
What is the wisdom here on this issue? Seems like relatively cheap insurance to avoid major damage to the truck bed. They just don't make trucks the way they used to, and the metal is so thin nowadays.
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/6496-cracks-in-tundra-bed-at-turnbuckle-eye-bolts/?hl=happijac
I'm a noob about to pick up a new to me 2011 Hawk on my new 2017 Tundra. The previous owner has used the Hawk since new in his Ford F150 using the factory mounting set up with eyebolts through his pickup bed. I did some talking to a trailer/camper mechanic today where they sell Lance hard sided truck campers among other things. He profusely recommended the Happijac mounting system with the stabilizing bar set up. Maybe this is overkill (it is sure expensive at about $550 installed including turnbuckles), but since I am not proficient in cutting metal and such I am inclined to go this direction...
What is the wisdom here on this issue? Seems like relatively cheap insurance to avoid major damage to the truck bed. They just don't make trucks the way they used to, and the metal is so thin nowadays.