Happijack vs Torklift Camper Hold Downs - Stress Failure of Tork lift Turnbuckle

[56Nomad]

SLIDE-IN CAMPER HOLD-DOWNS UPDATE:

Here is the string that previously covered
much of this topic.
http://forum.62-65-dieselpage.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=7&t=003151&p=

I have a Lance Camper on my 02 dually and put on a Tork-Lift and
Superhitch combination. This is a frame mounted set up. When I
installed their hitch and the frame mounts I tossed their turn
buckles into my nuts/bolts/hardware collection and used my
sturdy Happijac turn buckles from my previous set up.

The Tork-Lift frame mounted set up is far superior to the new
Happijac set up, however I wanted to show you the "weak link"
with Tork-Lift turn buckles. They are bad news.

I used their turn buckle on the end of a chain to pull out a
very small tree shrub (about 1.5" diameter).... it bent
easily!!!!!! :eek: You certainly would not want this on your rig
on a rough road or when the camper is under stress on the
truck :eek:

See the photos of the turn buckle failure:
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=869259&uid=469559&members=1

[wangotango]

I have the Tork-Lift setup for my camper. I opted for the spring-loaded mounts front and rear. The turnbuckles and shackles provided by Tork-Lift are extremely adequate.

The connections to the camper are the quick-link variety with coupling-style screw connector. Same with other end to tie-down bracket. In between the connectors are the turnuckles with forged eyes, not hooks.

NEVER rig any weight of importance with that type of hook.

If you have the spring-loaded style of mounts, merely replace those weenie hooks with forged eye ends.

Good luck / be careful / have fun

w/t

[56Nomad]

wangotango,

Here is a picture of the two turnbuckes.
Tork Lift vs Happy Jac

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=3&members=1&uid=469559&gid=887848&imgid=10346101#top

I purchased the complete system from Tork Lift and *they*
provided the "weenie hook" turnbuckles.
Indeed they are not adedquate and that was the
point in my posting.

For anyone who got stuck with the hooks... the
fix with replacing those turnuckles with forged eyes
is a great idea.

[wangotango]

56Nomad..

I did see the pics you posted awhile back. I am very surprised that Torklift would have sent those to you. I think they owe you a set of forged eyes. I would send them the picture, but not include the tree removal info.

Maybe I got the forged eyes because I went to their shop in Kent, Wa. for the install.

I am an elevator mechanic by trade and have done a tremendous amount rigging for cranes in relation to large peices of equipment traveling around, up, down, thru and on top of huge buildings. I do a little flinching when I see a hook of that nature.

I was not insinuating that you would have replaced original equipment with those eye-hooks.
We all know you wouldn't do that.

My dealings with Torklift have been really quite top-notch. Give them a call. I'm sure they'll square it away for you.

good luck to you

w/t

[ 06-08-2002: Message edited by: wangotango ]</p>

[BobNelson]

56N & wangoT

Those eyes look exactly like mine... I also changed to the Happy Jack really spiffy looking turnbuckles... No regrets.. Will get the backhoe out this weekend and try some stress on the old buckles and see how long they last.. :D

[Road Kill]

Wangotango: Could you post a picture of the forged eye hooks? I called Torklift about this and they said the m-10 hook type that I have are much stronger then any thing else they have. I think I got the run around. I mentioned forged eye hooks and they acted like they never used them. Thanks :rolleyes:

[56Nomad]

Hi Bob,

Now your rig should really look good with
those big bright chrome turnbuckles!

For your next big investment, you gotta
have those Lucerix mirrors instead of those
squeeze box bug catchers :D :D :D

My big Lucerix mirrors kinda gives my truck
the "Dumbo" look....... like I'm ready to fly!

This weekend on the west coast is just beautiful.
Have fun playing on your backhoe.

Howie