We've traveled over 10,000 miles with our camper secured with the older style Brophy mounts (no outward bend at the tip). They have worked remarkably well especially after a couple easy modifications. As you describe in the video, the chain links attach at an angle to the camper mounts. This puts the tension load pulling the tips of the mounts away from each other. This is inevitable regardless of the tightness of the fasteners and the top plate is no longer flush with the bed rail. It's not a lot of movement but enough to cause the tension to relax in the chain link. I created an additional length of chain/turnbuckle connecting the two mounts together so that the fore and aft tension is cancelled by eliminating the ability to pull the mounts away from each other by this additional link. Also, if you think about it, an angled chain at the rear does nothing to hold the back of the camper down flat in the bed. The chain pivots at the mount like the swingarm on a motorcycle and encourages fore and aft teetering (rocking) of the camper over large bumps and separation joints. I used an old draw bar and welded a 5 foot length of 2 inch square tubing with attachment eyes for a third set of connecting links. These go straight down and inward holding the back of the camper solidly to the bed. This eliminated 99% of the teetering and works very well. Obviously, this removes the ability to tow with the hitch unless you add a secondary receiver. You can see my set up on our channel by looking at the Canada Bound 2017 playlist.
Great installation video but the title says it's a review. Reviews should contain technical info and real life testing of the product based on the product claims
We have a great kit from Brophy that is a confirmed fit for your 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. Check out the following link to see it on our website. www.etrailer.com/Camper-Tie-Downs/Brophy/TDSF.html
We've traveled over 10,000 miles with our camper secured with the older style Brophy mounts (no outward bend at the tip). They have worked remarkably well especially after a couple easy modifications. As you describe in the video, the chain links attach at an angle to the camper mounts. This puts the tension load pulling the tips of the mounts away from each other. This is inevitable regardless of the tightness of the fasteners and the top plate is no longer flush with the bed rail. It's not a lot of movement but enough to cause the tension to relax in the chain link. I created an additional length of chain/turnbuckle connecting the two mounts together so that the fore and aft tension is cancelled by eliminating the ability to pull the mounts away from each other by this additional link. Also, if you think about it, an angled chain at the rear does nothing to hold the back of the camper down flat in the bed. The chain pivots at the mount like the swingarm on a motorcycle and encourages fore and aft teetering (rocking) of the camper over large bumps and separation joints. I used an old draw bar and welded a 5 foot length of 2 inch square tubing with attachment eyes for a third set of connecting links. These go straight down and inward holding the back of the camper solidly to the bed. This eliminated 99% of the teetering and works very well. Obviously, this removes the ability to tow with the hitch unless you add a secondary receiver. You can see my set up on our channel by looking at the Canada Bound 2017 playlist.
Didn't clear the legs of my camper. Had to install after I backed into the camper. It was a nightmare!
Is this compatible with all campers?
Great installation video but the title says it's a review. Reviews should contain technical info and real life testing of the product based on the product claims
Is the brophy machine works tie down compatible with a 2003 dodge ram 1500 2wheel dr. 8 foot bed
We have a great kit from Brophy that is a confirmed fit for your 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. Check out the following link to see it on our website.
www.etrailer.com/Camper-Tie-Downs/Brophy/TDSF.html
Good show.