Spring loaded vs regular turnbuckles for bed mount?

[lindy74]

I have read various pros and cons of each, and hoping to get some insight on which to go with for my popup truck camper. I'm at the stage where I need to get some tie downs and leaning towards regular turnbuckles since that's what FWC supplies their campers with. If I do go that route, I would most likely go with forged turnbuckles.

Thanks in advance!

 

[dorocks]

When I had a FWC I just used the standard ones. I bought it used and once I adjusted it once or twice they never loosened. Probably was a little conservative on the first tightening.

 

[Scott81621]

Forged is the best way to go!

 

[longhorn1]

Regular turnbuckles

 

[klahanie]

Haven't read all the threads. And wouldn't know what spring rate to use or if that type of hold down would be the same length as the oem type (I like the inboard location of the FWC set up).

I've stayed with regular turnbuckles with the addition of a rubber, fatigue type mat under the camper.

So far, so good.

 

[Vic Harder]

Fastguns on mine. Never loosen!

http://www.torklift.com/index.php/products/turnbuckles/original-fastguns

 

[shellback]

I've had several truck campers, pop up and hardside. I've used the spring loaded Fastguns which Vic mentioned. On my 79 FWC Grandby rebuild, I intend to use them also. Truck beds flex, I believe you need some wiggle room or somethings going to break on bend.

 

[buckland]

Exactly what I think happened to me... have had the Eagle with FWC tie downs for 6 years no problem until this year. Not the tie downs (I also put lock nuts on) ...never a problem with loosening up but under hellacious bad road conditions ...major bottoming out happened. Bam! I checked after 12,000 miles ...camper was solidly on in place...buckels tight... but.... on one rear eye ring attached to through bed, there was a bed metal bend... meaning what 'gave' was the bed with all the energy having to go somewhere..... and that begs the question: In extreme situations like that would the spring loaded absorb the stress and bring it all back into harmony. I am clueless on these spring buckles but if they only kicked in in the last resort situation I am all for it.

 

[lindy74]

Thanks for all the replies. I believe I'm going to go with the spring loaded happijac turnbuckle. the local RV shop happens to have 4 of them in stock and they aren't much more than online prices with shipping, plus I will have them tomorrow.

 

[PackRat]

I used Happijac spring loaded up front and standard Happijac turnbuckles on the rear with an 88 F250 and an old 10' or 11' Lance. If you follow the instructions for installation they even kept that land-barge in place. They mount outside the bed so you can check them frequently. I found they did not loosen, but on washboard roads the eyebolts in the Lance had started to bend a bit. That allowed more movement and more damage but the nuts on the threaded shafts were still TIGHT which indicated they did not loosen!

The concept of a spring loaded turnbuckle is correct for a camper & truck bed that have some flex to them. I think using some wedges between camper and wheelwells is an excellent idea as you can stop sliding/twisting on the east-west axis that way.

Taking a walk-around each time you fuel or stop for eats should include checking on turnbuckles no matter what kind you use. Those in the bed of the truck may be a PITA to check, but it should be a regular part of your pre-departure checklist and at least something you check again prior to packing up for the return....

If yours do loosen up you will soon learn how long that takes and be prepared to retighten them accordingly until you find a better system than the one you have or a better way to tighten each turnbuckle up.

You only need to see ONE slide in camper that has slid out on the freeway to remind you that wind resistance, vibration and failure of the system to hold it secure can ruin your trip....

 

[buckland]

I am hearing from a number of sources that spring loaded turnbuckles are mainly for the rear two with a FWC and especially for the new lighter metaled truck beds that flex a lot. From those that have used them, does that seem a reasonable assumption? ( I had my rear solid turnbuckles tight but had a bend in the bed above the plate beneath after a big bump... the spring loaded would have coped with that?

 

[klahanie]

I used Happijac spring loaded up front and standard Happijac turnbuckles .....They mount outside the bed so you can check them frequently. I found they did not loosen ...
<snip>
You only need to see ONE slide in camper that has slid out on the freeway to remind you that wind resistance, vibration and failure of the system to hold it secure can ruin your trip....

Good post PackRat. The ease of checking, or even adjusting, external tie downs vs internal might well be reason enough to have them. I personally like internals but they are easy to check on my particular rig - not so much on my previous PU. Similarly, I have a closed tailgate so I never think about the camper sliding out.

Experience colours our opinions and recommendations. Your post reminds me to keep that in mind when I both give and receive comment.

 

[MattC]

We used Fastguns on our 93 Pastime and they are simply the best thing I have used.
I think i will st up our new fleet with some exterior tie downs so I can use them instead of the interior bed mounts.

 

[Vic Harder]

We used Fastguns on our 93 Pastime and they are simply the best thing I have used.
I think i will st up our new fleet with some exterior tie downs so I can use them instead of the interior bed mounts.

They work (Derringers) on the interior tie downs.