I just noticed there is nothing in my truck bed to tie stuff to.Whats the deal its a TRUCK. How do they expect you to haul stuff if you cant tie it down? Even my Ranger came with tie down hooks in each corner. How do yall secure cargo? I wanna add something what do yall suggest? Besides those stake pocket thingies, I dont like them.

 

Well, I've seen some stake pocket tie downs advertised that look pretty good, but I'd like to hear from folks that have them. I am not talking about the cheap chrome hoop ones that tighten a rubber block in the stake hole. I mean some of the cool looking stainless flush mounting pop-up types.
But, I don't see why you couldn't blacksmith your own tie downs like the newer trucks have bolted in low on the bed wall. If you have a hacksaw and an OA torch you could easily fashion some and bolt them into the bed wall. I wonder though if they have a piece of plate steel behind the wall to prevent the sheet metal from deforming under tension?

 

yeah having some kinda backer is one of my concerns as far as bolting something to the bed wall. also with the stake pocket ties what if you got something short in the bed?

 

I agree that something low in the bed is harder to secure with rail-height ties, but i mostly haul taller things like lawn mowers and such. Have hauled pressure washers though. They'd probably be more secure with low-mounted ties.

 

Here's what I did, get some "D" ring tie downs (Northern Tool, Tractor Supply Co. etc. see pic) get some 3" wide X 4" long X 1/8" thick plates (you could use thinner, but this is what I had), two carrage head bolts, nuts, flat & lock washers per "D" ring, drill holes in the plate to match the holes in the "D" ring brackets. Put a "D" ring in each corner of the bed (on the floor is where I put mine) and if needed put one on or near each wheel well. Drill through the bed, put "D" ring with bolts in place, put plate under the bed and secure. If you need pictures let me know and I'll try and get some posted.

 

thanks plowhand thats the kind of ideas im looking for.

 

Those are great for keeping your date from squirming lose

 

The D-rings are a good idea and I have used them on trailers. I did not need anything that heavy for the bed of the truck so I used 5/16" stainless eye-bolts. I put one at each of the back two stake holes on each side. Use a fender washer on the inside of the stake hole and a stainless washer on the outside. I put mine about 3" down from the top of the bed rail. In the front of the bed I have a toolbox and mounted a couple of "fold-down" cleats on it for tie-downs in front.