Using OEM bed tiedown loops...

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FOLLOW-UP:
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I know FWC requires a waiver for new campers installed this way, and I can understand the liability issue, especially being unable to know the condition of every OEM tiedown loop on every truck. In my case, however, this was a brand new truck that had never had anything cinched down to the OEM tiedowns.
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Bucky

Nice update. Smart of FWC to require a waiver. They have no control (nor should have liability) over what people might do.

I too used my OE tie-down points to get my (used) camper home, but later installed real eyebolts through the bed, which I think are better for my application.

[1stDeuce]

I used the front factory tie downs (06 GMC) when I picked up my Hallmark. My box is pretty beat, but I could see the tie downs (which are tac welded in from the back with a decent backer plate) flexing as I cranked the turnbuckles down. The did hold just fine though, for several trips. I eventually tossed the camper around a bit, and tweaked one of them a bit, so I added forged eye bolts to the front corners. I think you'll be fine with a lightweight camper and not much offroad use.
Chris

[Bucky]

Okay, Gang,

I offloaded the FWC Hawk from the 2012 GMC Sierra ext. cab on Nov. 30th; the camper was on the truck for exactly 11 months and well over 8,000 miles.

The OEM tiedowns were rock solid. I checked the turnbuckles 3 times, I think, while the camper was on; very little tightening was required the first time, and none afterwards. There were no rub marks on the bed sidewall, indicating the camper didn't shift during all that time. I think having a rubber bed mat really helps keep the camper in place.

So, my take on using the OEM tiedowns? That's the way I'm gonna go from now on. As the original owner of the 2004 FWC Hawk, I know all about having the four eyebolts in the bed floor, like the FWC delivery guy did with my 2003 GMC Sierra. But, for paved roads and state park camping I'm confident the GM OEM tiedowns will handle a popup weighing 1200 lbs, plus camping gear, etc. On the other hand, offroad travel using the OEM tiedowns will have to be signed off by someone else who does that type of camping.

That about wraps it up. If there is a problem with the tiedowns in the future, I'll be sure to post it in a new thread.

Until then,
Via con Dios
Bucky