50 replies to this topic

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Great story and it turned out OK.

You would think he would have missed

the camper when it slid off.

 

Sure would like to know about the turnbuckles.

How did all 4 come off and not be noticed?

All worked out for him.

Frank

[PackRat]

If you are using standard turnbuckles, you probably need only one or two runs out there on the highway or some uneven roadways to "set" your camper. Then make any adjustments necessary (usually tightening) and then use WIRE threaded through and around the turnbuckle and the eyebolts to keep them from loosening. I have seen turnbuckles with hex nuts you tighten down onto the turnbuckle from the outer threaded rod which should be checked periodically, but I have neveer seen turnbuckles with an additional INTERNAL hex nut that can be used to tighten the outer hex nut, the turnbuckle itself and the internal hex nut against one another.

 

This is a weak spot in the design if they are not checked often enough. Especially if you are going off-road or are on some dismal paved roades.

[Ripperj]

How can you lose a 1/2 ton (or more) camper off the back and not know? Just the fact that your rear window is no longer blocked would be a big hint

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

This may not be true for everyone but

I have driven my ATC Bobcat over 50K

and never had to re tighten the turnbuckles.

Granted I don't travel 4x4 roads but I have

traveled some pretty rough diet ones.

I still check them though.

Just saying.

My thought also about the camper coming off

and not noticing the extra light from the rear truck window.

Frank

[craig333]

I can see it. Its a tough dangerous road. You are keeping your eyes on the road lest you hit the valley floor prematurely. 

[BillTheHiker]

Explanation is in one of the article's comments:

Roger, I tightened the turnbuckles before I set off but I guess the jolting and shaking loosened them up quickly. I should have checked again half way up. I am going to get some locknut system as the consequences of these turnbuckles slacking off are catastrophic.

[PackRat]

While you may not lose your camper, as each turnbuckle slacks off, the forces it held in check are passed on to the others in a domino effect and may end up ripping out floor panels! Secure them and add checking on them to your check list to prevent movement of the loss of the camper in the extreme case.

[theway131]

The turnbuckle and thru bolt system with backer plates from FWC a very weak and flawed system. I’ve deformed two different trucks beds and almost lost my camper on 3 occasions! When the bed deforms the turnbuckle gets loose and all hell breaks loose. It can happen from one hard bump.....Stoked they were able to find such good help out on the trail.

[EDR]

https://www.truckcam...-that-fell-off/

A story worth reading.

I’ve read the advice of fellow campers on this site many times, but it never hurts to mention it again - be sure to regularly check your turnbuckles!

[Josh41]

I ordered Torklift Derringers, yet to install.