Q&A - Camper Tie Downs

Question: Are there any specific regulations for truck camper tie downs in BC? I’m particularly interested in stake pocket tie downs, are they legal? I have a 900 pound camper.

It depends on the licensed gross vehicle weight of the vehicle that you are hauling the camper with.

If the licensed gross vehicle weight of the truck is 5,000 kgs or less, then yes, follow the tie down manufacturers recommendations and there is no requirement for the tie downs to be marked with a working load limit.

This situation must meet the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations 35.04:

35.04 Vehicles must be equipped and cargo must be contained, immobilized or secured in accordance with the applicable requirements of this Division and the Standard and so that it cannot

(a) leak, spill, blow off, fall from, fall through or otherwise be dislodged from the vehicle, or

(b) shift on or within the vehicle in a manner that affects the stability or manoeuverability of the vehicle.

If the licensed gross vehicle weight of the pick up truck exceeds 5,000 Kgs then National Safety Code Standard 10 Part 1 applies. In this case you would need the tie downs to be marked with a working load limit and the load limit for each tie down must be half the weight of the camper.

Truck Owner's Manual

All three North American pickup manufacturer's do not reference camper tie downs in recent owner's manuals. They do mention a separate loading document that references weight and the location of the centre of gravity.

Camper Owner's Manual

The owner's manual for Northern Lite campers says this:

We recommend the use of frame mounted tie downs and spring loaded turn buckles to secure your camper to your truck. All four tie down locations must be used and turn buckles should be checked regularly for correct tension as driving with loose turn buckles can cause damage to your truck camper.

Your Choice of Tie Downs

Ultimately, you are responsible for your vehicle and it's load. In all cases make sure that you read and understand all the information on the system that you choose to use. It is always better to choose tie downs that are stronger than the minimum.

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