When it comes to hauling a truck camper the strength and location of your anchor points determine safety, stability, and peace of mind on every mile. Torklift offers two proven approaches to frame-mounted tie downs: Outboard Tie Downs (traditional frame-mounted tie downs) and In Board Tie Downs (ApexAnchors In Bed Payload Anchors). This guide explains the difference, the benefits of each, and how to choose the best solution for your truck and truck camper set up.

What the two systems are

  • Outboard Tie Downs: Torklift’s classic frame-mounted tie down systems that attach to the truck frame and provide external anchor points. 
  • In Board Tie Downs: Internal, frame-mounted payload anchors that go through the truck bed and install directly to the frame with access points that retract flush when not in use. This system provides internal anchor points. 

Why Frame-Mounted Tie Downs Matter

The truck bed itself is not engineered to carry prolonged, heavy, dynamic loads. Anchoring to the frame provides a direct load path to the strongest structural members of the truck, reducing stress on the bed, preventing camper shift, and preserving vehicle handling and ride quality.

Dynamic loads, static loads, and the role of spring-loaded turnbuckles

  • Static load: A constant, unchanging force.
  • Dynamic load: Forces that vary over time in magnitude, direction, or point of application. Truck campers are classic dynamic loads because road conditions and vehicle motion create changing forces.
  • Spring-loaded turnbuckles: These are essential when securing dynamic loads. They provide a secure connection while absorbing movement and shock, allowing controlled give that prevents structural stress and potential fractures to the camper or truck over time.

Quick comparison: Outboard Tie Downs vs In Board Tie Downs 

FeatureOutboard Tie Downs (Frame-mounted)In Board Tie Downs (ApexAnchors)
Mounting locationUnder the truck, directly to frameMounted directly to the frame with access points in the bed 
Anchor visibilityVisible external anchors, removable insert when not in useRetracts flush; concealed when not in use
Best forTruck campers with anchor points that run outside of the truck bedTruck campers with anchor points that run inside the truck bed
Off-road clearancePreserves ground clearances, insert is removable when not in usePreserves original ground clearance, retractable when not in use
InstallationBolt-onBolts onto the frame, requires access hole to be drilled through bed
Turnbuckle compatibilityWorks with Torklift spring-loaded turnbucklesWorks with Torklift spring-loaded turnbuckles
WarrantyLegendary lifetime warrantyLegendary lifetime warranty

Which system is right for you?

The right tie-down system depends on where your truck camper’s anchor points are located. Before choosing a setup, check whether your camper is designed to secure from outside the bed or inside the bed.

Choose Outboard Tie Downs if:

  • Your truck camper’s anchor points are located for connection outside the bed

Choose In Board Tie Downs if:

  • Your truck camper’s anchor points are designed for connection inside the bed

Key Tie Down (Outboard) Features

  • Improved Handling and Stability: Frame-mounted tie downs help create the most stable connection between the truck and camper for better handling on the road.
  • Vehicle-Specific Fit: Each tie down application is engineered for specific truck makes and models for the most precise, bolt on fitment. 
  • Frame-Mounted Design: Attaches to the strongest points of the truck frame instead of relying on the bed or bumper for camper retention.
  • Protects the Integrity of the Truck: By transferring load to the frame, this design helps reduce stress on the truck bed and bumper, which oftentimes contribute to damage, rust, and paint cracking over time.
  • No-Drill Installation: Designed for straightforward installation without drilling into the truck frame or bed.
  • Ground Clearance Friendly: The design tucks close to the vehicle to help preserve ground clearance. Features a two piece design with frame-mounted receiver and removable insert so that tie down attachment point can be removed when not in use, for a sleek and back-to-stock look. 
  • Added Security on the Road: Provides a secure connection point for truck camper transport when used as part of a complete tie-down system.
  • Independent Tie-Down Points: Features four independent tie-down points (when using front and rear frame tie downs) that bolt directly to the truck frame for a dedicated frame-mounted connection.
  • Aligned with Manufacturer Recommendations: Truck manufacturers generally recommend attaching loads to the truck frame rather than the bed or bumper whenever possible.
  • Bracket-Supported Design: Where applicable, support is routed through bracket and brace structures rather than relying on drilling through the truck frame.
  • Lockable Option Available: Compatible with Torklift Tie Down Locks for added theft deterrence.

Key Tie Down (In board) Features

  • Concealed Design: Payload anchor points are flush with truck bed when not in use. Retracts flush with the truck bed when not in use.
  • Unbeatable Payload Capacities: Heavy-duty payload anchor points are used instead of light duty, temporary use cargo anchors. Allows you to haul heavy, dynamic loads - such as a truck camper - with ease. Rated for 2,000 lbs per payload anchor point.
  • Eliminate Truck Bed Damage: Bolted to the strongest part of the truck - the frame - offering solid and dependable anchor points for your truck camper or cargo that will not damage your truck bed.
  • Uncompromised Ground Clearance: Preserves the vehicle's original ground clearance, optimizing it for off-road adventures.
  • Tailor-Made Fit: Designed to perfectly match a wide range of truck makes and models, ensuring a flawless and secure setup for your truck camper. Ideal for safely anchoring internal tie down truck campers such as Cirrus campers, Four Wheel Campers, Travel Lite campers, Scout campers, and more.
  • Simple Installation: Featuring a simple, bolt on design.

Maintenance tips

  • Inspect anchors and turnbuckles before long trips.
  • Ensure fasteners are torqued to manufacturer specifications.
  • Lubricate turnbuckle threads and moving components per instructions.
  • Replace worn or damaged hardware immediately.

Real-world benefits for truck camper owners

  • Minimize camper shift for safer handling and better ride quality.
  • Reduce risk of structural damage to your camper and truck bed.
  • Confidently tackle off-road routes knowing your payload is anchored to the truck frame.
  • Choose a solution that matches your truck, camper type, and lifestyle—whether you want visible, external tie downs or a hidden, in-bed system.

Learn more and find your fit

Still not sure which is best?
Call our tech experts at 800-246-8132. Tell us your truck make, model, bed length, and camper or payload type and we will recommend the solution that keeps your gear safe, secure, and ready for adventure.

FAQ

What is the difference between Outboard Tie Downs and In Board Tie Downs?
Outboard Tie Downs attach to the truck frame and provide external anchor points outside the bed. In Board Tie Downs, also called ApexAnchors, mount directly to the truck frame with access points inside the bed that retract flush when not in use.

Which tie down system is best for my truck camper?
The best system depends on where your camper’s anchor points are located. If your camper is designed to connect outside the truck bed, Outboard Tie Downs are the right choice. If your camper is designed to connect inside the truck bed, In Board Tie Downs are the better fit.

Why are frame-mounted tie downs better than bed-mounted anchor points?
Frame-mounted tie downs transfer load to the strongest structural part of the truck, which reduces stress on the bed, minimizes camper shift, and supports better handling and ride quality.

Do I need spring-loaded turnbuckles with truck camper tie downs?
Yes. Spring-loaded turnbuckles are a requirement to secure truck camper with Torklift tie downs safely. This controlled give can help reduce long-term stress on both the truck and camper.

Do Outboard Tie Downs affect ground clearance?
Outboard Tie Downs are designed to help preserve ground clearance. They feature a two-piece design with a removable insert so the visible attachment point can be removed when not in use.

Do In Board Tie Downs affect ground clearance?
In Board Tie Downs preserve the vehicle’s original ground clearance because the anchor points are mounted internally and retract flush with the truck bed when not in use.

Are both systems compatible with Torklift spring-loaded turnbuckles?
Yes. Both Outboard Tie Downs and In Board Tie Downs are compatible with Torklift spring-loaded turnbuckles.

What truck campers work well with In Board Tie Downs?
In Board Tie Downs are ideal for internal tie down truck campers such as Cirrus campers, Four Wheel Campers, Travel Lite campers, Scout campers, and more.How can I find the right Torklift tie down fit for my truck?
You can use Torklift’s Find Your Fit tool, review fitment and installation videos, or call Torklift tech experts with your truck make, model, bed length, and camper or payload type for a recommendation.