Does the BoxLink option include the mounting plates or just the 4 cleats?

I was looking at the accessories website and noticed that you can buy 4 of the locking BoxLink cleats for a suggested retail price of $48.97 but the BoxLink option on the build and price tool is $70.

Is this an error in the build and price tool? Is there a price difference because the factory option comes with the mounting plates already on the bed and the Ford Accessories option does not? Or, do you get the mounting plates even if you do not order the factory BoxLink option and can save ~$21 by buying the cleats from the dealer after the truck is built?

 

https://accessories.ford.com/catalog...category/3048/

Here is a link to the Ford Accessories page if you're interested.

 

A package with BOXLINK parts was placed under the rear seat of my former 2015 F150 Stupor Crew, but I never opened the package to see what it contained.

 

Boxlink is something I have on my truck, but to be honest, I don't see what the big deal is at all. It's four more mounting points on top of the eight that are standard on any truck. And why are they keyed? I don't get it. I'm not saying its not better than nothing, but it's pretty close to nothing...

 

They're keyed so they don't get stolen

 

I pasted this here from an earlier thread................. WATCH THE VIDEO

 

well I guess that's why anything has a lock, but why those? Ford doesn't include wheel or receiver locks. I'm just saying I don't see why ford sees this as something special

 

The Boxlink option in production includes both the interface plates and the cleats. That's why it's $70.

If you don't have the interface plates, there's nothing for the cleats to fit on.

If the truck doesn't come with Boxlink at production, you'll have to buy the interface plates too. https://accessories.ford.com/reinfor...-bodyside.html

 

Yes it gives the option of additional tie-down locations. But also the interface plates allow for other accessories to be installed, such as the Ford bed ramps for example.

They are keyed because they aren't bolted down. And if you want to secure something in the bed with a chain and lock for example, the Boxlink won't be the weak spot for thieves to pick from easily.

 

My guess is this is the main reason they're keyed.


Mine came with the base plates mounted to the sidewalls of the truck bed at delivery. The locking cleats were in my console.

 

The mounting points (plates) and cleats come together with the boxlink option. The boxlink option is included in most packages, so alot of people don't select then a al carte.

 

BoxLink (mounts) are compatible w/ E-TRACK, the mounting plates in the truck will accept ANY E-Track accessory available....d-rings, straps, 2x4 holders, even a bottle cap opener

https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Tra...yAAEgJ3ifD_BwE

 

I think the BoxLink is an over-hyped, but useful, option. You can never have too many mounting points. Sometimes the higher-up mounting location is useful. The e-track compatibility also adds another dimension of usefulness. For $70....well worth it.

By the way, Wfedwar...you mention "8" standard tie down points plus the four box links. I count 4 tie-down hooks in the corners of the bed. What are the other 4 you reference?

Didn't the long bed trucks previously have "6" bed tie down points? Now they only have 4.

 

You're right. Four from the factory, and I've always used the stake holes as well.

 

I (think) I understand the benefits of the BoxLink system. I just wasn't sure if the mounting plates on the inside bed walls came on every truck to leave the factory or only the ones with the BoxLink option. Anyone with a base XL able to confirm this?