1995 Tacoma Camper Tie Downs

Hello all!

This past summer I picked up an import camper that had been sitting for about 20 years. Just finished restoring it to my liking and got it sitting in the truck for the first time!

Now i'm wondering what people would recommend when it comes to tying it down! I had picked up two Brophy clamp on tie downs from marketplace, hoping to find two more pretty quick here. I like the idea of not having to purchase some belly bars and get them installed as I know they're quite pricey. My concern is the camper being tied to the box rather than the frame. I have a 4" lift with an extra leaf in the back and the camper is 5ft tall. Is it reasonable to be concerned about taking a corner and the box ripping off? Haha! or at least strain put on unnecessary components. I've given the box a good shake and it seems to be stable and fine to me.

Should I bite the bullet and get some belly bars or do you guys think I should be fine?
Don't plan on doing any crazy off roading with the camper on. Would still like to be able to get to the good spots off in the bush with potential 4x being needed though!

Looking forward to hearing from you guys!

Thanks!!!

 

I saw a guy on YT with a 1st Gen and he actually welded some steel bar to his frame kind of behind his doors. They stuck out far enough the straps didn't touch the body of the pickup. He welded some eyelets on them for the strap connection. Not sure what he did on the back but he had an offroad bumper so he strapped it on the sides there. Cool setup! What's the inside of the camper look like?

 

Loaded for camping driving is going to be a very different experience.

Your going to need to take things easy to you get the feel how it handles.

You will role the truck before having the camper rip off.

My self I would make brackets to attach to the frame myself the ones in the rear I would pull the camper towards the front.

 

Yes! That’s the belly bars. I feel like that’s the proper way to do it. The way I should! Trying to save money where I can but don’t think I should do that when it comes to tying it down! Haha

Thanks. It gross inside when I got it but here’s the finished product. When you walk in on the left I’ve got an icebox on top and a cupboard below that. On the left I’ve got more of a closet space.

 

That's looks great in there! Nice work! I sleep in my topper and I always fantasize about being able to stand up in there. lol

 

Thanks! Was a lot of work as I had to pull all the siding off and replace all the wood and everything. Feel good now knowing pretty much everything in the camper is new or at least looked at! I lucked out and was able to pick it up for free although it was a trek to get it! Had to spend the night three hours from home and then catch two different ferries to get it! It was sitting on the ground with seized jacks! Was a lot of work but so worth it. Can’t wait to get out in it.

I had a platform set up under my canopy prior to this and was ready to upgrade!

Have you seen the Flippac’s? If not, check them out. Would allow you to stand up for sure! Just good luck finding one! There’s a Facebook page (Colorado flip pac owners) that people will post theirs for sale here and there!

 

oh yes. I have seen those but - the cash they want for them.. I could do a lot of Taco mods for the price

 

What are your ideas to level the vehicle when you find the ideal spot?

Nothing like sleeping on your head .

 

I got the jacks refurbished! So they’re working now. Was when I picked it up that was a gong show. So I’ll just use the jacks to level it. Unfortunately because of my lift they don’t reach the ground when fully extended so I had to use blocks to give it the extra height. Will need to bring them with me every trip haha!

 

Sick rig, here's my setup! I'm using the brophys and I haven't had any problems. Obviously I'm not going to go wheeling but I think I'll be fine on FSR roads.

 

Nice setup! Love it! Thanks for sharing! Have you gone out with it much yet? Do they feel good? Any concerns?

I’m excited to get out on some logging roads myself! And actually do some good winter camping! Haha

 

How would one roll their truck/camper? Going to fast? Wind? Both?

 

I've driven it from Vancouver to whistler no problems on the highways, haven't taken it off road yet though. Planning on doing ton's of winter camping here in the PNW, I think it'll handle logging roads just fine.

Where are you located?

 

Going around a corner too quick/tight I’d say! Not planning on it but it’s a thought in my mind!

 

Not too far from ya! Just on the island.
Hoping to find another pair of the clamp ons. As I’d like to have four!

 

Nice! are you using the Brophys that I have? I think I saw a pair of 4 on FB marketplace a couple weeks ago.

 

I do! Same ones. And there is a set on marketplace right now, however, he won’t split the set and only sell two. And I already have two! I’ve been debating on just buying the four and selling mine but I prefer to only have to buy two as I got such a good price on the ones I got!

 

I would just grab the 4, doubtful you will only find 2 for sale. With the small camper you might have to modify the tie downs a bit like I did. If you look closely there's actually an eye bolt bolted on to each tie down.

 

Guess that’s fair! I do want to get out for some winter camping so may as well!
Didn’t notice that till you mentioned it, will probably have to do the same. ’I’m jealous that yours fits in the box with the tailgate up. Unfortunately the one I’ve got is that extra half foot. Haha

 

All of the above .!!

A lifted truck plus the camper changes your center of gravity and not for the good.

Going to fast into a turn a strong cross wind could help things as well once one side is off the ground.