BradW wrote: Torklift and Happijac both make very good tiedown systems. I've had Happijacs on 3 trucks over 16 years and they have worked great. Bottom line is there is no "best" system; both have +'s and -'s. For example, Happijac requires drilling holes in the front of the bed, but they are up high and out of the salt spray. Torklifts don't normally require drilling, but they mount under the bed and will see a lot of salt spray up there in Alaska. The list of pro's and con's are almost endless. Look at them both and pick the one you like.
Brad
Congrats on the AF..Don't forget to post pics once you get it..
20 years, two campers and three trucks with Happijacs without issue. I was always concerned about catching a Torklift on a rock, (which a friend did) or stump. FYI, my AF990 doesn't move with the HJ's.
Look at both and decided what will fit your needs.
I appreciate all the advise, from everyone! Not knowing anything about these systems kinda leaves me going in blind, and I hate that. I did find a local dealer who installs both systems, spoke with the technician and he wants me to come up and see both systems, how they work, why one is better or not better than the other; I'm going to do that today.
One thing he said that did make since, "both companies make a great product, both get the job done, and both are safe, strong units, and both are in business not to get sued." He further stated that It's more about how much you want to pay, TL's are twice the price, plus. I'll check both systems out and make a choice today.
I do feel that the TL's are pretty tuff looking, but the HJ's seem to be very capable units. In looking at both designs, one thing I like better with the HJ's is that the turnbuckles are placed at opposing 45 degree angels, keeping the TC from shifting back and forth. The TL's seem to be placed straight up and down, pulling the TC directly down into the bed. It seems like the TL's, at this position, could shift backwards if one were to bounce on ruff roads, especially going up hill. Anyone with this experience?
Thanks again!
Frank
... things are starting to look up! Do I feel the temperature rising? Just a bit.
My TL's are not at 45s but they are angled and have not had any front to back movement. I do not have any experience with HJ but with my research I feel more comfortable with the TL frame mount. I am thinking that after 10 years of these salt roads, the TL may have to be replaced due to rust. If that happens I will build my own, every thing is available from Alaska Steel and I can weld.
Bought my toy hauler a few years back from Rob. I negotiated with him for 6 months with one he had on the lot and during a late December snow storm and a call to the owner who was in sunny Arizona, excepted my offer without a counter offer.
Get your new rig up and running stop in and see us down here on the Peninsula. Just for your info we went from -26 last night to +15 this morning.
Hook
Chevy 2500 4x4 CC D-Max/Allison
Summerwind 806
Rage'n FS2600 Toy Hauler
"Kik-n-but" 23' modified Atec, twin Yamaha 60's,
Hewes 20' Kenai River Special 50hp Yamaha,
Polaris RZR
Soon to come 27' Bayweld Offshore Boat, 300 HP,the "Bernie C"
synergy_58 wrote: ....TL's are twice the price, plus.....
I'm not sure that is the case, especially if you will be buying a Torklift Super Hitch anyway. The TL's do cost more than HJ's, but I don't think they are twice as much. TL shipping cost to Alaska will be higher because they are heavier. When you price the HJ's, make sure you are getting a price on a complete system with the frame tie-ins and the cross tube which ties the two front anchor points together. Shop around for the best price before you buy.
Brad
* This post was
edited 01/20/12 11:55am by BradW *
Internet forums only exist to serve their members; never the other way around.
1996 Lance 500 and 2006 F-350 PSD 4X4 DRW Our Truck Camper Photos
I was in your position prior to purchasing my TC. I had no preference when starting my research. The final factor in my choosing TL is that the HJ required drilling about 16 holes in the truck bed and I didn't like the seemingly marginal mechanical connection to the frame.
I've been happy with TLs on my original Chevy HD and my current Dodge. Never had to drill a single hole.
06 Dodge 3500,Dually,CTD,Auto,QC,4X4,Torklifts,Fastguns
2008 Northstar 8.5 Arrow, 100W AM Solar
US Navy 1964-1968, 2-Tour Vietnam Vet
jmckelvy wrote: I was in your position prior to purchasing my TC. I had no preference when starting my research. The final factor in my choosing TL is that the HJ required drilling about 16 holes in the truck bed and I didn't like the seemingly marginal mechanical connection to the frame.
I've been happy with TLs on my original Chevy HD and my current Dodge. Never had to drill a single hole.
I agree with the drilling of holes.
So, this idea was presented to me... do TL in the front and HJ in the rear. This way I wont have to worry about the Super Hitch right away (wait till I get the boat this summer). The rear HJ's are only $85.00 installed, compared to the $270.00 plus install.
I think this is what I'll do, for now.
By the way, have you checked Wasilla? There's a dealer up there (1st one on the right as you enter town) who sells the Wolf Creek (made by Northern Manufacturing, same people who makes Arctic Fox) and he has 3 new ones at winter prices ($23k?). One is for a short box truck.
Good luck!
Frank
Actually I just went out there to take a look. They are quoting me around 22k for the Wolf Creek 850, no options. I stopped in last weekend and looked at the 855, it's a 2010 but new. The Lancee 855 ABC is saying 22,500 and it's mine. It appeared to have a bit of upgrades ladder, oven, awning etc. The wolf creek's are bare units.
Not sure if we should jump all over it, I was looking online and the 855 MSRP is around 29k. I did see a comparable one from a dealer in Arizona I want to say for 20k, 2010 model. ABC also had a 865 for 22,500.
I actually liked the Wolf Creek more, except for the bathroom. That step up 1' to get into it didn't sit well with me. I'm going to have my wife come out and take a look.
As for Tie-Downs i'm going to order the Tork-lift and fast guns. Figure if your going to drop 20-30k on a camper might as well attach it to the frame of the truck and know it's not going to be moving.
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 6.0, 3.73, Firestone Air Bags, CCSB LTZ
AkJason wrote: .............might as well attach it to the frame of the truck and know it's not going to be moving.
HJ are attached to the frame also.
As for the camper not moving; if you tighten the tiedowns tight enough to keep from ever moving, the tiedowns are way too tight and you will run the very real risk of damaging your camper. This is especially true when driving offroad, rough paved roads and frost heaved roads are probably the worst.
Truck beds and chasis flex A LOT. Which ever brand you buy, you don't want your tiedown too tight or you will be visiting the RV repair shop for a non-warranteed repair.
By the way, have you checked Wasilla? There's a dealer up there (1st one on the right as you enter town) who sells the Wolf Creek (made by Northern Manufacturing, same people who makes Arctic Fox) and he has 3 new ones at winter prices ($23k?). One is for a short box truck.
Good luck!
Frank
Actually I just went out there to take a look. They are quoting me around 22k for the Wolf Creek 850, no options. I stopped in last weekend and looked at the 855, it's a 2010 but new. The Lancee 855 ABC is saying 22,500 and it's mine. It appeared to have a bit of upgrades ladder, oven, awning etc. The wolf creek's are bare units.
Not sure if we should jump all over it, I was looking online and the 855 MSRP is around 29k. I did see a comparable one from a dealer in Arizona I want to say for 20k, 2010 model. ABC also had a 865 for 22,500.
I actually liked the Wolf Creek more, except for the bathroom. That step up 1' to get into it didn't sit well with me. I'm going to have my wife come out and take a look.
As for Tie-Downs i'm going to order the Tork-lift and fast guns. Figure if your going to drop 20-30k on a camper might as well attach it to the frame of the truck and know it's not going to be moving.
Personally, I'd jump all over the Lance as appose to the Wolf Creek. I thought the Wolf Creek was a bit lacking, and yes, the 12" step-in for the shower...who in their right mind would design such a thing!
I think 22,9k for the 855 is a great buy. If you consider your travel expenses, time away, on the road, especially this time of year, I would be all over that Lance. DW and I like the AF because of the ascetics and quality of the interior, the build quality seems to be very high in comparison. Yes, it is more expensive, but once you get into the mid to high $20k's, well, you might as well get exactly what you want.
We signed the contract today! Expect delivery by no later than the end of March; can hardly wait!
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