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Tie Downs for 2026 Ram 3500 Crew Cab That Won't Require Drilling Into Frame  

Updated 01/14/2026 | Published 01/13/2026



Question:

Sir/Maam, I have a 2026 Ram 3500 Crew Cab, Diesel, 8 bed, SRW. I am purchasing a truck camper tiedown kit. I DO NOT want to drill through the frame at all. Do you have a kit/kits that would be a direct bolt on? Payload is 4,310 lbs so we likely wouldnt go over 3,500 lbs with the camper. I will put airbags on the truck at some point too. If you have a recommendation for that product, please provide it too.

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Expert Reply:

Hey Jerry! The TorkLift Tie-Downs like the # TL83DR you were looking at are a custom fit so you won't have to drill into your frame. These are the Talon, which is the upgraded aluminum version, and will fit your Ram assuming you have no running boards or factory electric cab length running boards. The standard version for the same vehicle configuration is the # TL75FV.

If you have factory fixed running boards you need the # TL66PR or for the Talon # TL72SV. You will also need turnbuckles like the TorkLift Locking FastGun Turnbuckles for Frame-Mounted Tie-Downs # TLS9529-2-LK to secure your camper to the tie-downs.

Then for an air bag kit I recommend the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags w/ Easy Mount Compressor # F47XV. Firestone makes the most durable and reliable air bags so they're the best option. These are compatible with an in-bed hitch as well if you ever end up towing a gooseneck or 5th wheel. The air compressor is wireless so you can control the air bags from the cab of your truck via the app on your phone.

What kind of camper do you have?

expert reply by:
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Robin H
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Jerry Y. profile picture

Jerry Y.

1/14/2026

Thank you for the prompt reply and expert advice. I should have been a bit more specific. I would like to install running boards in the future though I ordered the truck without factory options as to not interfere with the camper tiedowns. Will the above recommendation(s) work with factory and/or aftermarket cab length running boards? Also, since I'm putting a camper in the truck, most of the recommendations I've seen state to avoid airbags with single channel (connected lines). Does the above recommendation have separate channels? Also, I currently have an onboard compressor with my airlift bags. I'm not sure I'll do onboard again. Do you have a recommendation for separate channel bags without a compressor? Lastly, I should've asked for a light bar recommendation too (with mount that I don't have to drill through the brand new truck). Do you have one you'd recommend?

Robin H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Robin H.

1/14/2026

@JerryY it really depends on the running boards. Right now you need the # TL83DR or # TL75FV. You might have to trade out the front tie-downs for the # TLD2142 later depending on the design. I recommend looking over the aftermarket running board installation instructions and make sure nothing will interfere with the tie-downs before you get them. The air bags each have their own inflation valve so they can be adjusted individually. The single path aspect on that setup comes from the air compressor which inflates them both equally. You can get the same air bags # F2615 separately if you don't want the compressor. You can always add a dual path compressor like # F99VV later if you decide you want one. We have light bars like the Aries 20" Single-Row LED Light Bar # AA1501262 or 30" # AA1501264 but they all use universal mounting brackets so some form of drilling would be required to install them.
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