Recommended Camper Tie-Downs For A 2001 GMC Sierra 1500

Question:

Greetings, Lots of options on site but have a 2001 1500HD with 6.5 bed and factory hitch. Which would work best for pop-up camper approx. 1300 lbs. Thanks,

asked by: Ric R

Expert Reply:

For your 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 6.5' bed and factory hitch we have a few options. You could use the TorkLift Custom Frame-Mounted Camper Tie-Downs - Front # TLC2205 and TorkLift Custom Frame-Mounted Camper Tie-Downs - Rear # TLC3205 as long as you don't have a running board or step under the underneath the bed of the truck. If you do then you'll want # TLC4203 and # TLC3205 instead. The inserts of these tie-downs slide into frame-mounted brackets for use and easily remove for a clean, unobtrusive look.

We also have a less expensive option, the HappiJac Truck-Mounted Camper Tie-Downs # LC182906-182971. These tie-downs will mount inside the bed of your truck and on the rear bumper, which will allow them to work whether or not you have a running board/step beneath the bed of your truck.

The HappiJac Tie-Downs offer a more concealed look but depending on the distance between your cab and truck bed they can be challenging for some to install and usually require you to remove the bed during the installation process. The TorkLift option is much easier to install as it just bolts to the frame of your truck under the bed. Because of the simplicity of the TorkLift Tie-Downs I recommend them over the HappiJac Tie-Downs.

Both of these options will require turnbuckles to secure the camper to the tie-downs. I recommend the HappiJac Qwik-Load Turnbuckles for Camper Tie-Downs # LC182895 which have built-in levers that allow you to quickly and easily secure your truck bed camper to your tie-down system.