JSSEC
Kentucky
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Joined: 11/15/2010
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Looking for a simple way to install my camper tie downs I checked out several on line and at the camper stores most were to expensive for what little metal was included and to involved for a simple task. Looking for something easy to install without tools and easy to remove so its not hanging down when I am not hauling camper. Fabricated from 2 1/2" x 1 1/2" 1/8" rectangle steel tube I had left from a previous job. The round bar is 1" round rod cut a little shorter to allow for round corners in hitch tube. 1/2" bar on top is to bump the top of the hitch tub to set depth of insertion in hitch tube. Slide tie down tube in and raised it locks in place and can not be pulled out. Tie down tubes insert in the hitch tube about 5" have used them for a year with out any problems. The hook is just to hold up for photo. Best part Cost $0.00 my time 30 minuets.
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jtlingo123
Snoqualmie, Washington
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Joined: 06/18/2012
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What a great idea! I was looking at all the tie downs online and yes they are too expensive! So they never pull out when driving? Would it be safer to put in a bolt to just screw in and make it a litte more secure if you wanted to? I'm a first time truck camper owner and those look like just what I need for my truck.
Thanks for the idea. There's a weld shop just down the street from me and I could probably get scrap for cheap!
Josh Lingo
Snoqualmie,WA.
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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Joined: 12/14/2003
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So tension on the camper tie downs is the only thing that holds them in the hitch? Not liking that idea very much. I'd add a tab with a hole and a matching hole in the hitch side plate to use a pin to keep them in place, should the tie downs get loose. My campers were always having tie downs loosening up from going off road.
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JSSEC
Kentucky
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Joined: 11/15/2010
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Have been to FL and back and 10 plus 800 mile trips no movement at all. Once its raised 1/2 inch its locked. Raise till its parallel and tops out you couldn't pull it out with a winch it doesn't need a tab bolt or hole to keep it in place.
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kerry4951
East Central Pennsylvania
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Joined: 12/16/2009
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Simple and effective....I like it!!
2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 dually D/A, Supersprings, Stable Loads, Bilstein Shocks, Hellwig Sway Bar, Front Timbrens.
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Mello Mike
Mesa, AZ
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Great job! Thanks for sharing the pics.
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JimBollman
Upstate NY
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Joined: 08/31/2006
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The hitch on my F250 has a straight through tube that I slide a 2x2 tube in for my rear hold down. I put a bolt through that hits against one side of the hitch and I drilled a hole in the tube that I drop a pin in on the other side so it can't move back and forth, no holes needed in the hitch. Then I use eye bolts on the ends like you did. Works great accept I have to keep it well painted and oiled up or it tries to rust fast.
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JumboJet
Tontitown Arkansas
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Joined: 01/31/2007
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Did basically the same thing for my son's 2007 Chevy - but we did drill holes for pins.
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