About Torklift International
About Torklift International
The Torklift story begins in 1958, when Jon Kay started working at a hitch and tow shop in Tacoma, Washington. After years of planning and accumulating equipment, he opened his own shop in Kent, Washington in 1976, called Torklift Central Welding, which doubled in size by 1981 as demand grew.
In 1990, Jon Kay invented Torklift True Frame-Mounted Tie Downs, the first product manufactured by Torklift and the first of its kind in the world, making him a recognized name in the RV industry. The company continued investing in advanced fabrication, adding its first CNC plasma cutter in 1995, and in 1999 Torklift International was formally born with the first shipments of its SuperHitch and SuperTruss products.
Torklift introduced its FastGun quick-disconnect turnbuckle in 2003, and in 2019 the company partnered with Forest River RV on step systems, launched a Retail Product Development Center in Kent, and opened a new manufacturing campus in Royal City, Washington. ChatMRO indexes the Torklift International catalog so buyers can search by tie-down system, hitch type, or camper accessory to find matching hardware.
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Frequently asked questions
Who founded Torklift International and when?
Torklift traces back to Jon Kay, who began working at a hitch and tow shop in 1958 and opened his own shop, Torklift Central Welding, in Kent, Washington in 1976. Torklift International was formally established in 1999.
What was Torklift's first and most important invention?
In 1990, Jon Kay invented Torklift True Frame-Mounted Tie Downs, the first product manufactured by Torklift and the first of its kind in the world. This invention made Kay a recognized name in the RV industry.
What is the FastGun turnbuckle?
The FastGun, introduced by Torklift in 2003, was the first turnbuckle of its kind with a quick disconnect handle. It remains a key product in Torklift's cargo control and tie-down lineup.
Where does Torklift International manufacture its products?
Torklift International opened a new manufacturing campus in Royal City, Washington in 2019, in addition to its original facilities in Kent, Washington. This expansion supported continued growth in truck camper and towing hardware production.
What products does Torklift International make for truck campers?
Torklift manufactures frame-mounted tie-downs, turnbuckles, steps, handrails, locks, handles, camper bumper kits, suspension stabilizers, and wire harnesses for truck campers and RVs. The company also partnered with Forest River RV on step systems in 2019.