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I hear you on drilling holes, however the factory tie downs are an option. since they are original the holes belong there.
Not sure of what factory ones tie downs where an option? You mean the chrome plated t hooks that mounted on the outside of the box and tailgate? My truck doesn’t have any factory holes on the outside of the box per say. Unless there is another factory tie down bracket that I don’t know about? The t hooks are the only factory ones that I know of?
Had a thought. Think I will buy 4 welded able D rings. Like you would weld to a bumper. Make a 1/2” thick washer. Get some longer grade 8 bolts and welded the D ring to the washer and top part of the bolt. I’ll put them in each corner of the bed hold down bolts. I’ll investigate it more. If I do it I’ll update the post as to how they turned out.
This way no modifying the box or drilling extra holes etc...
yes the T hooks are the only factory ones. it would be very easy to install them , Dennis Carpenter has them. I never really cared for them but my high boy had them from the factory, I don't ever use them but I think they're kind of classy now that I'm used to them.
I would get a newer truck bed bolt set up (with the hex head) and then get these or something simular and HD and put them in when you replace the bed bolts. Look inside the beds stake pocket. You do have a factory hole on the inside of the bed. Maybe attach some there too.
Rich, I did see those and thought about them but they just didn’t look strong enough. Guess I’m over thinking it. I didn’t think of looking at the bed stake pocket for a hole. I’ll check it out later today. Thanks! Later, Frank
Those were just a fast find on the internet to be an example, I am sure with more than a 30 web hunt you can find some HD ones. On the front stake pocket there is a single OEM hole (facing inwards), nothing on the middle stake pocket, but a nice flat surface to work with. And the rear stake pockets has 2 OEM holes. Of course with the proper metal plate/big washer reinforcement you should be ok to tie down a common 4 wheeler.
I've been using the stock tie downs in the corners by the cab as well as the stake pockets to tie down motorcycles and atv's for years. I've never needed anything additional and they've never shown any sign of being over stressed.
