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Torklift or Happijac for a 10 foot Alaskan Cabover

Alaskan camper Happijac Torklift tiedowns RAM 3500

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#11 verynice

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Posted 28 June 2015 - 02:29 PM

:D 


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 1992 Chevrolet 2500 350 4X4- Utility bed Factory Alaskan Truck/Camper combo-

 1999 Northstar TC800, 2000 Six Pac D850, Many Callen Canopies-

 2004.5 Dodge 2500 5.9D 4x4-2010 Lance 825-Toyo, Thuren, Solar, Hellwig BigWig everything- current rig

 

 


#12 wcj

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Posted 28 June 2015 - 02:50 PM

hapijac on an 8 foot cab over with lots of off-road miles. We did the white rim trail a couple of years ago and most local trips involve off road miles. I have never seen any problems with the hapijac mounts. If I ran a big hard side , then torklift would be the way to go. When I asked Alaskan a few years ago they recommended happijac.
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2004 chevy duramax 73 cabover (sold to a friend) 70 NCO rebuilt 2004 cabover

#13 Freebird

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 01:43 PM

This is one of many RV subjects where there is more brand loyalty than logic in the forums on quite a few posts.
I believe either one will work well, but spend time evaluating how you are going to use your truck, and then your truck with the camper on it. The roads or trails you intend to use it on, as mentioned above, the winter road treatments that are used in the area you will do winter travel in (if). The weight of the camper, too. Watch the videos on Torklifts. Unfortunately, Happyjac is not as good at self promotion, so a real scarcity of videos related to their tiedowns.
Also pay attention to the fuel filler flap, and where each brand of tie down places the turnbuckle. The truck & camper (mated) set up I just bought has the turnbuckle interfering with fueling (Torklifts). I will address that issue. Not sure how yet.
My Alaskan has the Happyjac tie down brackets. That has worked well for me, but that is based on my camper, my truck, and my usage.
Research it thoroughly for yourself, no one else can give you the "final answer"...,,,
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#14 Wandering Sagebrush

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 01:57 PM

<snip>

 

The truck & camper (mated) set up I just bought has the turnbuckle interfering with fueling (Torklifts). I will address that issue. Not sure how yet.

 <snip>

 

Torklift makes a plate that bolts to the arm that attaches to the frame to help with this issue.   On my truck, that moved the tie down far enough to clear the fuel door.   You could probably make one to give you the clearance you need if you find that the stock product doesn't provide enough clearance.


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I am haunted by waters


#15 Freebird

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 01:18 PM

Thx, Sagebrush. I'll put that in the mix of possible solutions.
I'm going to start by moving the camper forward in the bed about 3 inches. It looks like I can move it that far forward before risking the cab clearance lights. If that doesn't solve it, likely I'll use your idea.
I'm also (mildly) considering a front Happyjac tiedown bracket. I would like to get rid of the Torklifts front frame mounted bracket. It is lower than I like, but with duals, and my "new" TALL camper, I probably won't be doing as much off pavemen/trail travel. :-(
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#16 Rusty

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 03:56 AM

keep in mind guys....torque lifts are designed to tie the camper to the truck so tight that you could roll the unit over and not lose the camper....that's one of their advertising points ......

 

unfortunately...

 

Alaskans tiedown point is a thin piece of 1/2 inch plywood which is nailed to the frame with a few 7 penny nails.....no where near enough strength to "torque" the camper down...even with the happijacks...you can put too much pressure on the frame of the camper....these were designed to be bolted down to the bed...long before happi jacks or torque lifts were even a thought.

 

I've had happijacks for well over 15 years with derringers...and I keep them loose...they're for retaining the camper not tightening it to the frame of the truck.....and it doesn't move around...I've got little anti-skid strips on the bottom

 

Many newer campers are designed structurally to be secured...Tight...to the bed.....and you can remove them, use them while removed and reinstall when you get ready to go....not Alaskans...

 

Remember...they are nearly antiques...notice the "nearly"...ours has been in the family for 45 years...


Edited by Rusty, 12 July 2015 - 04:14 PM.

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2003 Ford 250 Superduty Crew.... 7.3L PowerStroke diesel 1970 10" NCO Alaskan Firestone airbags pulling a 18' Silver Streak runabout






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