I just got a 3500 srw and I'm looking for info on the different types of tiedowns. Whats out there and what works the best? Pictures would be great if possible.

Thanks jf

 

check torklift.com

I installed the fronts and left happijacs on the back. Dodge has a decent bumper....I'm sold. Use the springloaded turnbuckles (happijac)

No pics of mine, but could if you need more than the website. Installing driver side was in a word "interesting"..in another word PITA, but accomplished.

 

I have the Happijac system on my '03.
It was easy to install and the camper has not fallen off.
If I had it to do over again I would take a look at other systems. One thing I dislike about mine is I am always having to adjust it on longer trips and it squeaks like crazy. I have no idea if other systems are the same way.

 

jf,
I just noticed you are in Canada. Did you look at the Northern Lite campers? If I had a dealer close to me I think I would go buy one. I am in Texas and Northern Lite said my closest dealer is in Nevada. I guess the girl had not looked at a US map in a while.

 

When I had my slide in I had my son-in-law (now ex) build some tie-downs that bolted to the frame. I was really happy with the way that eveything stayed and rode. Once the chains were tight they stayed that way. They even stayed tight for a two week vacation from here to Branson, Mo and back (2200 miles). I would do it again if I was goting back to a slide in.

 

Thanks All ... jf

 

Another vote for torklift. They are frame mounted and very strong. I've put 10K rough miles on mine without an issue and I travel some very rough roads. they are spendy though. I had the standard bedmount style on my last truck. It had a bar that went across the front of the bed to tie the front mounts together and the rear mounts were bolted to the side of the bumper. I knocked the front bumper pad off my camper on the front bed bar . I also bent the rear bumper into a U shape from the torque of the rear camper mount.

 

Make sure you put down a good rubber mat under the camper. I really like the Protecta Nyracord mat. This helps keep it from trying to slide and putting strains on the mounts, etc.

I had Happijacs on the old truck and they ended up tweeking the bed as they would flex into the sheetmetal over rough terrain. I didn't have a problem with the rear bumper on my '83 Ford and the Dodge's is stout. The newer Fords have weak rear bumpers.