Tie Downs, Bed Rails

[DSoelter]

Finding tie downs inside the bed to be essentially useless, given the height of the 4x4 and the stature of the owner. Hauling trash and yard debris to the transfer station requires a covered (tarp) and secured load.

Last truck had cleats on the outsides of the bed which worked well, but weren't great looking. Since I have no intention of adding a canopy or cover to the truck, thinking side bed rails might be the answer.

Anyone added them? Wondering about a solid attachment point under that plastic top cover?

Thanks!

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[Chris M]

Bed rails?
BED RAILS?!
Yet another cool mod?!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....

(I can see me getting some maybe!)

 

[slowmachine]

I’ve seen photos of ROW outside cargo cleats several inches below the rail. Don’t know if they are OE or aftermarket. Australia, I think.

 

[Chris M]

My mind just went back to many years ago when all the cool Ford pickups had the chrome rails on top of the bed. Back when you could ride in the bed of a truck and people's heads didn't explode.
Yeah, that far back...good times. Good memories.

 

[DSoelter]

Original poster here:

Wouldn't have thought of it, but I parked next to an F150 at Costco last night. It was a loaded Lariat with big beefy chrome side rails and lots of other shiny parts. I'll probably go with aluminum to match my steps. Just wondering what there is to secure them to below that plastic top? And, I'd like to see pictures if anyone else has added them.

 

[y2krtaf]

Started a thread looking for the same in a black diamond plate for bed rail protection etc.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

I’ve seen photos of ROW outside cargo cleats several inches below the rail. Don’t know if they are OE or aftermarket. Australia, I think.

Like these? Even if they don't have a strong anchor point, they look pretty cool.

 

[slowmachine]

Like these? Even if they don't have a strong anchor point, they look pretty cool.

That’s the one.

 

[Fastfitzy]

I’m planning on adding M6 and M8 liftpoint eyebolts to give additional strong tie down points higher up on the front and rear of the bed. My tonneau cover doesn’t use the bulkhead M8 holes, and have no plans for the bed extender that uses the m6 holes near the tailgate. Thread, remove, add locktite, and re-insert

 

[Djlink]

I’ve seen photos European Rangers with the same bed hooks that the Explorer Sport Trak came with. I don’t know if you can still get them through Ford but they are on eBay. They don’t look bad and they are a Ford design.

 

[Djlink]

That’s the one.

Those were stock on all of the Explorer Sport Traks. I’ve seen pictures of them on European Rangers. I don’t know if Ford still stocks them but you can get them off of eBay.

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