What is everyone else doing for tie-down spots in the bed? My 1997 F350 has no spots to tie anything to.

I want to have my bed Line-X'd soon, and am wondering if I shouldn't do something about it first...

Any ideas? I suppose I could always cut holes in my diamond plate bed rail caps and put some anchors in the stake pockets & in the utility box.

What would be a secure way I could fasten some sort of d-rings to the bed corners?

 

I bought some very heavy duty bolt down d-rings. I have a Line-x liner. I'm going to put the d-rings in all four corners. There are big square flat spots on the bed that are perfect for it. I'm making some backing plates, probably 5" or 6" round (1/8" thick or so) for under the bed. I'm probably going to have the Line-X people spray my parts that will be visible.

I also have Anchor Trax rails along the edge of the bed. They are great for lighter, tall stuff, but you can't get a lot of tension on things without pulling the bed sides in.

 

After getting the Line-X installed, I put in a handful of the Anchor Trax (Mr Gasket PN 3375) systems. I use my truck to haul motorcycles all the time, so I put one in each corner of the bed (on the floor) and one in the middle of the bed up by the cab so I can load two bikes in. I would've put one in the middle at the back of the bed, but the fuel tank was in the way. Instead, for the rear, I strap the bikes on their outer sides to the Anchor Trax, then run a ratchet between the bikes on the inner side.

I've experimented with various methods for securing the bikes in the back, and I like the setup I have now the most.

I use a roll-in front wheel chock for each bike: TRACKSIDE Parts & Accessories - Roll On Wheel Chock - Cycle Gear

A Canyon Dancer for each bike: Canyon Dancer Inc.

These KILLER tie-down straps from Wal-Mart (love the retractable part): Reese Carry Power Retractable Ratchet, 2-Pack: Automotive : Walmart.com

And some heavy duty carabiners for the ends of the straps for extra peace of mind (as opposed to the hooks they come with)

The nice thing about the Anchor Trax is the reinforcement bar they come with, which helps distribute the load a bit and make it less likely to warp the bed. You'll need a second set of hands to install, but it's quick and easy work. I also have a set of Bully retractable tie-hooks in the stake pockets furthest to the back. They work great, but unfortunately the stake pocket designs on our truck don't allow them to be installed in the pockets further forward. I only use these for lighter applications, though, like bungee cords or something similar.

Mike

 

Those are very similar to some Ericksons that I use.

Amazon - Erickson 34416 Pro Series Black 2" x 10' Retractable Ratcheting Tie-Down Strap Pretty much the same packaging too. Probably same manufacturer.

 

Most likely is. To be honest, the ones I posted aren't the exact ones I have, either. I know I bought 'em at Wal-Mart, but they weren't Reese. I really like 'em, though. No more tying up the loose ends of the straps all the time. Only thing you have to watch out for is the extra large mechanism because it can bang up against some stuff and cause damage, but I always secure them so that it's furthest from the bike.

Mike

 

I installed slide n lock after putting in my Rhino liner -http://www.hi-lift.com/slide-n-lock/index.html

 

They are D rings rated @ 1,200lbs from Tractor Supply.
used some 1/4" grade 8 hardware to secure them.
Used some 1/4" x 1" x about 5" long flat stock drilled and tapped for the 1/4" hardware
Mounted on each rear stake pocket and one on each front corner of the floor

 

Hmmm, some good ideas... I need to add some anchor points to mine... 2 days after buying the truck I had to take my propane tank to be filled... Much cursing trying to tie it into the box with no tie down hooks...

Funny how tie downs didnt become standard in trucks till what... 99? Power windows, power locks, power seats, electronic transmission, but no hooks...

Of course its only in these recent years that they have become necessity, seeing as Mr. Policeman now seems LOVE giving out tickets for unsecured loads...