I had the HappiJack system and a Reese Tow Beast (bed and bumper mounts and QuickLoads). I was over the rating for the Tow Beast extension. I switched to TorkLift (front and rear frame mounts, SuperHitch, and FastGuns). No other changes were made to my setup at that time. What I noticed:
Camper rides more stable.
FastGuns are much easier to adjust than traditional turnbuckles, QuickLoads, or Derringers.
I tend to offload the camper much more readily.
Truck looks better without the bed mounted tie downs when the truck is off.::The brackets that tie the HappiJack system to the frame of the truck are not very substantial. I'm much happier with a direct to the frame system.
I know the TorkLift system is more expensive but it's worth it for a heavy camper. If you're looking at a very lightweight camper the HappiJack tie downs are fine though I'd still recommend a set of FastGun turnbuckles (Torklift makes a short version for use with HappiJack tie downs) if you intend to offload regularly or use the jacks to level the camper.
Happy Trails,
- Warren
Wife, 6 year old boy, 4 year old girl
01 Lance 961 (9'6 with slide out). TorkLift Frame Moutned tie downs, FastGuns, SuperHitch
05 Chevy DRW,LB,CC,4x4,8.1L gas, Alison
78 Toyota FJ40 w/'97 350 Chevy & auto. trans.
87 Honda TRX250R
Had both. HJ worked fine on my old truck, but when I bought the new truck I switched. Much easier to use, (I had the HJ turnbuckle system), (Now have the fast guns), the cust service is great.
Bill & Jolene / FL 1997 Southwind 35P 2006 Yamaha 1100 Classic &
1970 Norton Commando 750 in state of recuperation (Almost road ready!!!)
6x12 Enclosd trailer
I've see this often, but if the camper is sitting in the same pickup bed, and you are using the same spring-loaded turnbuckles, why would it be more stable ?
'Cause bumpers are springier than spring loads on a solid trailer hitch mounted extension. And spring loads return while bumpers stay bent.
'99 Bigfoot 1500
with low loss control on the Fantastic, Dino board on the Dometic.
Torklifts and Fastguns
'04 F350 V10 Crew SRW SB 4X4 6 speed
with tow hook replacement, dual rate charging, Line-X, Timbrens.
I have TL's on the front and HJ's on the back. The main reason I did that was because I am cheap, I had the HJ's when I got the bigger truck. I reinforced the rear bumper with a 1/4" thick piece of steel that bolts to the bumper bracket. This works fine and saved me a couple hundred dollars.
Jeff
'03 Ram 3500 DRW CTD,'02 Arctic Fox 990,'04 Tracker Super Guide 16'WT
I purchased the tork-lift system for our truck and have traveled many miles with no problems. I am pleased with engineering of system, very simple and fast. My only complaint is with the stainless steel which starts to show corrossion quickly although it can be removed with polish and waxing.
I have Torklift, but next time I will use Happijack. With Torklift, you have to install/remove sleeves to use, and then have to store them somewhere when off the truck. With happijacks, only have to remove and store turnbuckles. Much quicker and easier, not to mention cheaper.
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