So, a few weekends ago, my father in law and I took some time and installed my happijac camper tie downs. All looked well when we were done, and we were proud of ourselves. I haven't driven the truck since the tie downs were installed, until today. I drove up to our local dump, to get rid of some old tree branches, and as I drove off, I started to hear a clanking sound of metal on metal as I hit bumps in the road. Once I got to the dump, I investigated.. Turns out, we had forgotten to tighten two screws that pull the tie downs in toward the bed of the truck, to allow ample room for truck/bed movement... Here is what I ended up seeing....
The ears on the tie downs rubbed the back of the cab, just about rubbing the paint off It is completely my fault, and I know this. I have since pulled the bedliner, and tightened the screws. I then went and found some hills to flex the truck on to be sure there would be no more interference. Let this be a lesson to everyone who does their own installs on RV items. Check and double check all nuts and bolts for tightness
Just a PSA....
Scott
2004.5 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD, Long bed quad cab, 315x70x17 Load Range E Firestone Destination AT's
1988 Lance 980 11'3" camper, fully self contained.. Hapijac Tie downs. Need to get the truck wired next!
amandasgramma wrote: And stop the minute you hear a weird sound!
This too... I did stop as soon as I heard it, which was when I was turning into the dump area to dump the tree branches. I had no choice but to drive it back home like that, because my tools were left at home that are normally in my truck. Again... My fault.... Stuff happens, it could have been worse!
Scott
Good advice but even more so if you have someone else do the install for you. There very few that I trust more than myself. It makes it even worse when you pay someone to do it and they mess it.
Butch
2011 F350 KR 4X4 CC LB SRW
2012 Northern Lite 10 2 CDSE
2008 Custom Weld 17' Boat
2010 Can-Am 650XT Outlander Max
2012 Harley Tri Glide
dakonthemountain wrote: Poriggity, Are you Chuck's son in law?... Welcome to the forum!
Dak
I've been a member here since 05, but been spending more time on the forum now that I've finally gotten around to setting up my truck for camping. Next step is to figure out how to get this truck wired... I think the easiest way is to get the truck to a Lance dealer and have em do it. Then next up will be grabbing the camper from storage, and cleaning it up. Planning to go out with the camper this summer!
I'm assuming the "Chuck's son in law" thing is a joke for the forum
Butch50 wrote: Good advice but even more so if you have someone else do the install for you. There very few that I trust more than myself. It makes it even worse when you pay someone to do it and they mess it.
Agreed Butch. If I had paid someone to do this, I would have been even MORE upset, and the shop that did the install would be getting an earful right now. The only person getting an earful right now is me
dakonthemountain wrote: Poriggity, Are you Chuck's son in law?... Welcome to the forum!
Dak
I've been a member here since 05, but been spending more time on the forum now that I've finally gotten around to setting up my truck for camping. Next step is to figure out how to get this truck wired... I think the easiest way is to get the truck to a Lance dealer and have em do it. Then next up will be grabbing the camper from storage, and cleaning it up. Planning to go out with the camper this summer!
I'm assuming the "Chuck's son in law" thing is a joke for the forum
Scott
No joke. There is a member named Chuck (Mountainkowboy) that lives in Twin Peaks who just got an older Lance camper for the electric jacks it had, put them on his own camper and his son in law (maybe son?..)was going to fix up and use the Lance.... I thought it might be you.
You don't need to go specifically to a Lance dealer for the wiring. Most any RV place or mechanic should be able to help you. In fact, you might already have a camper wiring harness hidden up somewhere in your truck's chassis. Mine did.
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It is completely my fault, and I know this. I have since pulled the bedliner, and tightened the screws. I then went and found some hills to flex the truck on to be sure there would be no more interference. Let this be a lesson to everyone who does their own installs on RV items. Check and double check all nuts and bolts for tightness 
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