I have just bought myself a mk7 Hilux and recently ordered a Northstar 600SS, popup demountable from the States via a brand new dealer here in the UK.
The dealer is so new I am their first ever customer and they are learning the whole process from scratch, using me as the test customer.
One thing that seems to be a bit confusing to me and the dealer is how to actually mount the camper onto the Hilux. Northstar have said we should be using ratchet straps mounted to the original bolt-on tie loops in the Hilux bed. I'm assuming these are the ones in each corner, mounted half way up the wall of the load bed. These will attach to eye bolts accessed via little hatches from the inside of the camper (The tie loops dont feet very strong to me). But I have noticed that the American Northstars are attached to little arms bolted onto the outside of the Tacomas via turnbuckles and chains. I have also seen eye lashing points bolted right through the load bed wall, to the outside of the truck body. And, I have been told that if I am planning on taking the camper off road (I will be frequently) I really need to bolt right through the floor, directly to the chassis some how.
Any advice on this, with diagrams or photos, would be very, very appreciated. Also, if anyone has any info on what, if any mods to the suspension of the Hilux might be needed (air bags or upgraded/ lifted suspension etc.). The Camper has a wet weight of about 989kg.
Thanks so much. And Hello from Bristol.
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Pete