As stated, Ford has issued statements about the use of certain fasteners in conjunction with their aluminum sheet metal. But, it IS your rig, so it is no skin off anyones back but yours.

https://www.fastenal.com/content/fed...0Corrosion.pdf

Good luck.

 

i used zinc coated steel hardware, like always


so even according to ford that's fine, except that i also used zinc coated steel washers instead of their recommended aluminum washers


funny thing is, all these years i've been using the exact same hardware to attach aluminum toolboxes to steel beds and have never noticed any appreciable corrosion to the toolboxes when they were taken off

 

+1. Get a linex and you'll avoid many issues.

As far as using the correct hardware on aluminum, you may think it's goofy, but:
1. It will be the norm soon as more trucks go to aluminum
2. This is well known and accepted for marine applications
3. Corrosion is way more goofy than using the right hardware

BTW, for marine apps, I find it easy to just use stainless steel hardware. I've used it for stellar and aluminum without any issues. It stays nice looking as well. I think that would work well with our trucks as well.

 

You have the same setup as me minus the tools boxes, I read the the stories about the screwing of the tailgate mat drilling does not bother me... So when mine can I left it in the back of the truck for 2 weeks waiting for the bed mat to come. When I did attach the tail gate it worked out fine. I foresee no issues down the road several weeks have passed and it's still flat and doing its job. Maybe letting it rest in the sun before installing helped?

Galvanic corrosion does not occur in dry, indoor atmospheres. Nor is the risk great in rural atmospheres. However, the risk of galvanic corrosion must always be taken into account in environments with high chloride levels, e.g. areas bordering the sea. Copper, carbon steel and even stainless steel can here initiate galvanic corrosion.

Problems can also occur where the metallic combination is galvanised steel and aluminium. The zinc coating of the galvanised steel will, at first, prevent the aluminium being attacked. However, this protection disappears when the steel surface is exposed after the consumption of the zinc.

As it has a thicker zinc coating than electroplated material, hot dip galvanised material gives longer protection. Thus, in combination with aluminium in aggressive environments, hot dip galvanised material should be used.

 

Doing the same thing for 25 years doesn't make you right, it means you're using thinking that's at least 25 years old. Technologies change and bring with them many benefits, but there are often added expenses as well. I wouldn't want to risk it for the sake of doing it the same way. I don't think you'll have an issue in the short term, but why set yourself up for long term issues?

 

This is not a new issue, nor one that's not been thought out. "Aluminum" trailers are an example. Here a link to plenty of useful discussions and solutions.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

And here's some specific guidance from Ford.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

Welcome to Ford, nice truck. You might not have any problems with your setup, but why take the risk? Its no big deal to re-install in an "approved" way. As has been mentioned, you can get just the tailgate protection. You could also probably have a spray-in liner shop do "just the tailgate." (Even remove the gate and leave with them for pick-up later). That is the best solution, I think.

 

so.... a galvanized bolt with a aluminum washer would be advisable ?.....I thought about this before I saw this and installed my tool chest with stainless ....not a big deal to change.....not sure where I would find aluminum washers though

 

The washers are available all over the place. I saw some at Lowes a couple of weeks ago. Of course the internet has them too:

 

 

excellent post, the in-depth analysis on blind nut usage was awe inspring and your views on galvanic corrosion warrant some form of recognization, perhaps even a grant or two


bravo, sir, bravo