Tonneau mod - adding cleat bars

[rbenchetrit]

Hi all,
I have a Gator EFX hard tri-fold for my 2021 Ranger and love it. I’d like to be able to strap down light weight gear on top of the cover but have nowhere to attach bungees. I’m considering drilling into the aluminum top and adding low profile cleat bars. I understand the weight limit of the top and can distribute loads appropriately so as to not collapse the panels. Has anyone tried anything like this?
Thanks for any suggestions,
Ron

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[maxbottomtime]

I don't have any answers but interested to see what you find. I'd think you could add some cleats, but would want to make sure the cover can still fold (i.e. low profile).

The bigger regret I have is the inability to run a bed rack with the tonneau - woudl be nice to be able to get a canoe on top.

 

[Dereku]

Not sure how this would work. I have the same cover, they would have to be flush mount.

 

[rbenchetrit]

Not sure how this would work. I have the same cover, they would have to be flush mount.

Flush indeed, especially for the first trifold because it lays very flat. But the second trifold offers a good inch+ clearance for the latch.

 

[rbenchetrit]

Here is a mockup with some spare parts I had laying around
- The rear brackets are metal french cleats - flush enough but not a lot of grabbing space for standard bungees
- The front middle bracket is perforated steel angle bar - very functional but really ugly
- The front side brackets are just an afterthought, I don't think they add value

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