Tie downs

[VAMike]

I haven’t seen the bulletin, but stating that it was intentional without stating the purpose for the change makes it easy to suspect that Ford just didn’t want the headache of making up the deficiency at a later date. The Ford-branded drop-in bedliner has openings for access to the missing tie-down loops, so arguing that they should have provided six of them is easy.

I don't understand why you think the reason matters. OF COURSE they don't want to deal with adding them, that's why they sent a bulletin saying they wouldn't pay to do so. This is very simple: there used to be 6, now there are 4. If you want 6 you can buy 2 more. Your dealer might decide to buy you 2 more if they're being nice or to get rid of you if you're being annoying and they're willing to pay to make you go away. Or, your dealer could be run by clueless people who don't realize they're buying you 2 tie downs until after Ford refuses the claim. But someone other than Ford is paying for 2 tie downs.

They're doing this to cut costs so OF COURSE they're not paying to redesign the bed, the book, and the drop in bed liner to reflect the current number of tie downs--that would cost more than they'd save. Which is nice if you still want 6, you can just screw them in.

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[slowmachine]

I don't understand why you think the reason matters.

Because it always does. Human beings frequently consider motive when assessing the moral implications of decisions and actions. Most people object to being cheated or short-changed.

 

[VAMike]

Because it always does. Human beings frequently consider motive when assessing the moral implications of decisions and actions. Most people object to being cheated or short-changed.

I'll accept that you're really upset about the tie downs. I still don't understand what that has to do with the facts of the situation. This has long since been hashed out and understanding reached. Then every couple of months someone revives the dead thread to talk about how their dealer is sure it's a mistake, like it's a great moral victory in the tie down war. But it isn't--it just means your dealer is uninformed.

I personally think it's a stupid and short-sighted decision on Ford's part, and having people pissed off over a few bucks in parts exceeds the value of not having people happy about their new $30k truck, but that's the decision Ford made. I just don't understand the desire to continue arguing over whether it's a mistake it whether Ford is obligated to put them in, etc. It wasn't a mistake, Ford isn't under any obligation, and if you decide not to buy the truck over this issue do let Ford know.

 

[slowmachine]

I'll accept that you're really upset about the tie downs. I still don't understand what that has to do with the facts of the situation. This has long since been hashed out and understanding reached. Then every couple of months someone revives the dead thread to talk about how their dealer is sure it's a mistake, like it's a great moral victory in the tie down war. But it isn't--it just means your dealer is uninformed.

I personally think it's a stupid and short-sighted decision on Ford's part, and having people pissed off over a few bucks in parts exceeds the value of not having people happy about their new $30k truck, but that's the decision Ford made. I just don't understand the desire to continue arguing over whether it's a mistake it whether Ford is obligated to put them in, etc. It wasn't a mistake, Ford isn't under any obligation, and if you decide not to buy the truck over this issue do let Ford know.

I’m not at all upset about it. You’re right, I believe, in thinking it was a poor decision on Ford’s part. Ford’s not the only player in this game, though. BMW was sharply criticized when they announced that there would be a subscription fee for ongoing use of Apple CarPlay. They quickly changed their tune when they realized it was perceived as an accounting-driven money-grab. Whatever their ongoing costs are for maintaining the CarPlay environment, they are now bundled into the cost of the car.

 

[Fastfitzy]

So I am going to be using these threaded lift point eye bolts as tie down points, both in the 4 bulkhead holes (M8 I believe) as well as the M6 holes designed for the tailgate extender. Here is what they look like. They are on amazon, or Home Depot etc..

 

[HenryMac]

Stumbled on these F-150 Bed Tie Downs today, which would work great IF they have the correct spacing for the bolt holes.. which is about 3-3/4" as I recall.

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