Truck Bed Camper Tie Down Recommendation for a 2004 Ford F-150 with 6.5 ft Short Bed

Expert Reply:

The Stake Pocket Camper Tie Downs, # TDSF, would be a good choice for your 2004 F-150 with 6.5 ft. Short bed, as long as your camper is not over 8 feet long.

A better option, or if your truck camper is longer than 8 feet, would be to use the over the rail Camper Hold Downs, # HSSF. I installed a set of these and took some photos showing how they mount and how the pressure is applied when attached with the Camper Tie Down Hardware, # TDHP.

For the ultimate tie down performance, frame mounted tie downs can be added to your short bed truck. The Tork Lift Truck Bed Camper Tie Downs, # 39874 and # 39875 can be used on the front and back end of your 2004 F-150 with 6.5 ft. Short bed, as long as it is not a stepside model. You can then use the FastGun Lever Action Spring Loaded Turnbuckles, # FG-LR, to attach the camper to the frame mounted tie down brackets.

expert reply by: Bob G