Self Camper Install on New Ford - Suggestions Welcome

[Ruck_and_Roll]

Question for you F150/F250/F350 owners out there. Are there any special instructions for mounting on current generation F150s?

I bought a used Hawk a few years ago and I am now upgrading the truck to a 2021 F150 Heavy Duty Payload Package. At the time I ordered the mounting kit from FWC and did all of the work myself. It turned out well, until after about 1 year I noticed some issues with some bed damage. About 1 year ago I redid the work, bought longer eyebolts, used the 3x5 backing plates, and ran the eye bolts through the bed frame. I believe this solved the problem and I had no further truck bed damage issues.

I am going to do the install on a new truck next week and I was going to do the same thing as my second go around (3x5 backing plates, eye bolts through frame, etc). Does anyone know how the dealers/FWC are doing the install on the new Fords? I don't want to repeat the bed damage mistake. (Also have an e-mail out to FWC).

Best,

Luke

 

[2trout]

I bit the bullet and did Troklift tie downs. Very happy with the product. No monkeying around with holes in the truck bed. If i had to replace my truck with a new to me one, Id be building in the price of new Torklifts into my purchase.


trout

 

[ramblinChet]

My Torklift tie downs just arrived today and although they are expensive and you forfeit some clearance the benefits won it for me:

• other owners on here have had great success with them
• they bolt directly to the frame
• no checking tightness of turnbuckles
• no permanent modifications or holes are required
• no possibility of damaging the bed of a new vehicle

There are some other long term considerations that sat well with me also. If I decided five years from now to pick up a large hard side unit I already have the tie down gear. If I decide to try another tie down method at some point in the future these can be uninstalled in an hour or so and sold for a fair price.

I know everyone had different requirements so it will be interesting to see what you select.