Recommended Camper Tie-Downs For A 1997 Ford F-250

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Question:

Hello, I just bought a 1997 Ford F250 7.3l HD long bed extended cab. And now I am looking to purchase a 1994 Lance Squire 8000 cabover. The seller advised me that I will need a tie down kit and also that I will need to double check that the height from the bottom of the camper to the bottom of the sleeper section will fit over my cab. So my first question is, have you heard of any issues with the height of the sleeper section on these campers? And second question, can you advise me on what tie downs I will need and any thing else I will need? the camper is 3 hours away from here so I will need to show up fully prepared. Thank you.

asked by: David H

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Expert Reply:

Hey David,

I haven't really heard from anyone saying their truck bed camper couldn't clear the cab, but vehicle manufacturers can make some wild changes after a couple of decades. With your truck being only a few years newer than the camper I'd say you're likely fine because the camper manufacturers would be going off industry standards for trucks at that time. The camper is going to be sitting inside the bed so you can just ask the seller for the measurement from the bottom of the camper up to the sleeper section to see if this will clear the cab.

A lot of people will use a bed mat # DZ45GJ to gain a bit more clearance between the cab and camper. A rubber mat will also help prevent the camper from sliding around or scratching the bed.

For the tie-downs you'll need an aftermarket hitch and will need to drill into it in order to mount the rear tie-downs. If this is possible on your F-250 then you'll want the TorkLift # TL32FV. If not, you can go with the HappiJac Camper Tie-Downs # LC182910-182971 instead. I've attached an installation video for the TorkLift tie-downs below so that you can get a better idea if this will work for your situation.

To complete the setup you'll also need turnbuckles to attach the camper to the tie-downs. If you go with thr TorkLift tie-downs you can use # TLS9522-2-LK. If you go with the HappiJac tie-downs then you'll want the # LC182895 instead.

With that much weight in the bed I'd give your suspension some extra help with a RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit # RAS3611-HD. This spring has a 3,000lb load leveling capacity and activates as weight is added to the bed so that it won't affect your unloaded ride quality.

expert reply by: Kevin C

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Answer 1

Hey Ashley, Yes, the Black Armour Heavy-Duty Trailer Mat #BA96AR can be flipped upside down with the smooth side on the top and diamond pattern on the bottom.

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Answer 2

The lock code could be located on the key itself, on the face of the lock core, or one a sticker attached to the lock (see photos). Once you find this you can then order the correct replacement key assuming you have a Global Link, Fastec (FIC),…

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Answer 3

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 4

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 5

Hello Mike, Sounds like you are getting things set up the right way and not going over your payload, I respect that. It looks like the weights are the same whether you have a 6 3/4' or 8' bed. If you happen to have an aftermarket hitch,…

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Answer 6

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 7

We have run into this quite a few times in the past, and the best option will be replacing the Lance 7-pin connector with a standard 7-way blade connector like the #PK12706. This will give you a standard 7-way connector to plug into the factory 7-way…

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Answer 8

Hello Bart, thanks for reaching out. I can definitely point you in the right direction, but I will need a bit more information on your truck before I can recommend the correct tie downs. Can you please answer the following questions for me? 1. What…

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Answer 9

A junction box/7-way plug kit like Epicord #277-000141 or #HS381-9000 lets you convert the camper to match the 7-way RV blade type connector format. This avoids the extra connection points and potential trouble spots from using separate adapters.…

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Answer 10

Hey Mitchell, thanks for reaching out! I've got a truck bed mat solution for your 2025 Toyota Tundra 6.5' bed, but at this point in time (April of 2025) Black Armour doesn't have a fit listed for their mat to fit your truck. The only…

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Answer 11

The differences between the Firestone Ride Rite #F2613 and the Red Label #F2709 for your 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 Crew Cab Long Bed is the air pressure and max weight capacity. The Ride-Rite #F2613 are rated for 5,000lbs and 100 PSI, where the Red Label…

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Answer 12

Hey Gary that's a great question and the answer is yes! However, you're going to need the Firestone Heavy Duty item #F56VV over the Standard Duty item #F2610. The Firestone Air Bags item #F56FV, that fit your 2024 GMC Sierra 3500, are the Red…

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Recommended Camper Tie-Downs For A 1997 Ford F-250

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