'73-'87 GM Camper Tie Downs

Blueleader · Jan 11, 2008

Anybody here hauling a camper on an old Chevy/GMC pickup? I'm looking for ideas for the front camper tie downs on my '79. I'd like to build something that connects to the frame but the fuel tanks are right in the way. Connecting to the bed seems like a bad idea to me.

The camper I will be hauling is a 1990 8.5'. I don't know a weight yet but I'm guessing around 2000lb or so.

CrustyJeep · Jan 11, 2008

WhizBangChris said:
Connecting to the bed seems like a bad idea to me.

It might seem like a bad idea, but it's plenty common.

That's all I got...

crash2 · Jan 11, 2008

I cut 2"x2" square holes in the side of the bed with the bottom of the holes level with the top of the frame. Ran a piece of 2" square tube thru the holes and then welded the tube to the top of the frame. So I then made inserts using 1.5" than slid into the 2" when i wanted to use the camper. It worked really slick and if you could build a cap to cover the hole(what I was going to do) you would not really see it...

82toyomud · Jan 11, 2008

CrustyJeep said:
It might seem like a bad idea, but it's plenty common.

That's all I got...

You should get on addressing that...

Jeepasaurusrex · Jan 11, 2008

I have a set that clamp over the top of the bed rail you can have for free. They held my 10.5' Camper down just fine while doing 70+mph. :redneck:

Blueleader · Jan 12, 2008

Jeepasaurusrex said:
I have a set that clamp over the top of the bed rail you can have for free. They held my 10.5' Camper down just fine while doing 70+mph. :redneck:

I think I'm going to give Mike's idea a shot. This old rig isn't exactly a beauty queen so I don't mind punching a couple holes in the side. If it was a newer truck with a stronger bed, I might consider the clamp mounts. Thanks for the offer, though!