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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!
This worked!!!! I fought these cleats, used a rubber mallet and was about to start grinding. I followed the advise of Styldogg and they slid right in. AMAZING! Who would've thought that simply applying pressure on the bottom of the cleat while sliding up would work, but it did!!!
Dump the factory crap and purchase cleats from US Cargo or another vendor. The plates will take cleats from any of the trailer track systems. I have four with 1.5” rings and they go right in and I have the thick, 4 piece BedRug that runs up the sides of the bed. With these four ringed cleats and the factory lower corner brackets I can tie down anything. I grab one of the 3 bags(tie down, towing or dog treat/water), get out cleats and tie straps and away we go.
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 have arthritis and other mobility issues. I thought I was going to have to loosen the screws on the plate, but your recommendation absolutely worked! Can’t reach the two back ones with my tonneau cover - will worry about those in the spring. Thank you for the quick fix.
I bought just the plates from Amazon for $20 and use E Track heavy duty rings that were $4 apiece. Easy in and out, I store the rings under the back seat when not in use. Amounts to four additional tie down locations. IMHO a very useful set up!
Timm
I bought just the plates from Amazon for $20 and use E Track heavy duty rings that were $4 apiece. Easy in and out, I store the rings under the back seat when not in use. Amounts to four additional tie down locations. IMHO a very useful set up!
Timm
Do you mind posting up a picture of how it looks with the E Track stuff in there?
Our 2018 Lariat had them in place when I picked it up. Removed one with the enclosed key. Kind of a pain but I related that to being new. Going to leave them in for now.
Bought my ‘15 used. Is there any way to remove those cleats without a key? Is there a way to get a key?
You can unbolt the brackets that they slide into. Never understood why they have locks, as they aren't a high demand item.
Yeah, I never got that either. If someone wants whatever the cleat is holding down they can just cut the strap. Don't see the actual cleat having much value. I just leave mine in, they are handy.
Bought my ‘15 used. Is there any way to remove those cleats without a key? Is there a way to get a key?
They're wafer locks. You can pick them using a small screwdriver for a tension wrench and a small hex wrench to rake the wafers. Takes about 10 seconds each.
This would explain why they go in easily upside down, but not the right way. I will try this when I am back with my truck. I never got all of the cleats install in my last F-350 and it’s been a year with this one and I’ve only got one in.
OK, I might feel stupid if the answer is easy but on my 2015 xlt I had no problem locking the Box Link cleats into the bed. My new 2017 is a complete PITA! do I need to a side wheel and take some plastic off the cleats? I have 1 cleat in and the other 3 feel like I'm going to have to pound the **** out of them to get them all the way into position. Anybody else ever have a hard time installing. Any help would be appreciated.
sanding down those ridges on the back of the chest did the trick. I used #80 sand paper and sanded down the ridges on the both sides and two little ones on top. Now they slide right on!
Does anyone take them out? I don’t even know where the key to mine is. Can’t see any use in taking them out, as the mounting system had very few accessories developed for it.
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E Track rings
