Box Link problems installing cleats.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 360
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
I use them all the time. Not the most convenient things; I like the sliding cleats that we have on the Tacoma much better. However, they mostly work as expected. I do wish the hooks in the bottom corners were a little more robust.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 138
Likes: 11
From: The Woodlands
I picked up my '18 Platinum CC last night and installed my hooks today. I did have a spray in liner put on the truck and I had to loosen the bolts and add a washer to each bolt to give me enough space to install them. The slot / T back of the bracket was still tight but manageable once the washers were in place.
New User
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: West Central Ohio
I had the same issue trying to get mine set to the brackets in the bed. I couldn't even get them to slide up and set with a dead blow hammer. I finally used my pocket knife and shaved off the ribs on the back side of the cleats. After that and a little wiggling they went right in.
New User
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Too many owners are having the same problem.
I bought a '17 F150 last week. I tried to install the Boxlink cleats today. Like many other owners, I couldn't, I'm hesitant to take a file to the cleat for fear of voiding the warranty should they break. A Youtube video shows a guy putting a cleat in a vice and using a cutting wheel to trim some plastic off the cleat. Really, Ford? Too many owners are having the same problem. If your Aunt Hazel can't snap in and lock the cleats in place go back to the drawing board.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 564
Likes: 7
I'm glad it isn't just me having problems. Gave up after about 20min. Will try again later after a little file work.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Got Them Installed
Took some medium grit sandpaper and sanded down the "ribs" as was suggested. Put some spray lubricant on the sanded down area and set it in place. Two went in without the use of a rubber mallet. The other two needed some mallet persuasion. All's well that ends well, but man, more work than it needed to be.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 564
Likes: 7
After much frustration... I took a different approach than brute finesse. Instead of a straight push, I gave a bit of a rocking motion (top to bottom of unit) and the different angle of approach was the ticket. All went on in less than 5min with no filing or hammer.
New User
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
After also only being able to get 1 of the 4 cleats to go into its bracket slot, I removed the bracket plates, turned them upside down on the workbench and tapped the cleats' "T" head into place from behind the bracket. No cutting, sanding or other modification.
New User
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Problem solved...
Hey,
I wanted to chime in as I finally decided to put these cleats in after 8 months. I agree with everyone here these are not constructed in the finest way. However, I think I "solved" the problem.
The first one I installed went right in. The second was more trouble and could not get it in. Same with 3 and 4. I saw the recommendation to sand and did do that for a few minutes on one of the cleats. Still no luck.
At this point I think I solved the problem. The cleat neededto be fully perpendicular to the side if the bed. Once you lodge the cleat in but before sliding up, push the bottom part of the cleat, where the lock is, toward the bed. Then you can shimmy it up. Just trying to shove in and pull up will not work. This seems to be more about getting the right angle than forcing up. I learned this the hard way.
Hope this helps!
I wanted to chime in as I finally decided to put these cleats in after 8 months. I agree with everyone here these are not constructed in the finest way. However, I think I "solved" the problem.
The first one I installed went right in. The second was more trouble and could not get it in. Same with 3 and 4. I saw the recommendation to sand and did do that for a few minutes on one of the cleats. Still no luck.
At this point I think I solved the problem. The cleat neededto be fully perpendicular to the side if the bed. Once you lodge the cleat in but before sliding up, push the bottom part of the cleat, where the lock is, toward the bed. Then you can shimmy it up. Just trying to shove in and pull up will not work. This seems to be more about getting the right angle than forcing up. I learned this the hard way.
Hope this helps!
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: SW Iowa
What I ultimately found to be the easiest was with a cordless drill and the correct "star" bit, simply back out the 4 screws a little ways, install the cleat and tighten the screws back down. Took me less than 10 minutes.
New User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
One comment for new readers - install the backing plates before you install a plastic bedliner, esp. for the short bed - major PITA to get access/room to install without removing the bedliner first! thanks for the hint to install the cleats before mounting the plates.