Adding tie down points?

Hi all, has anyone added tie down points to a 1st gen? I’d like additional tie down points near the bottom of the bed near the tailgate so I can use a moto gate.

I assume a drill would be needed, and maybe some body panels would have to come off? I’ve never taken panels off before.

 

I added some stainless steel D rings to the floor of my bed. They just bolt on, using two bolts each. I just made a steel backing plate for under the bed to reinforce it a bit. Figure where you want to place them, and drill some holes.

I definitely don't hold motos with them, but they're plenty strong enough for securing cargo.

The panels on the bed are welded on, so you're not really going to be able ot remove them.

Take the spare tire out, and you'll be able to access a good chunk of the bed form underneath. You just want to make sure that where ever you drill, you won't hit any wiring or anything like that.

You'll need 2 people to tighten the bolts.

 

If you have a little money to spare, I recently bought one of these rivnut setters. Have used it on two tractor projects, but no Taco mods.

Basically, you drill a whole and use the rivet tool to set a nut inside, say between two panels. Works like a pop rivet. Then you could thread a hook type bolt into the nut. That vertical at each end of the tailgate is a good spot to consider. Not thin body panel type metal.

Some people run unistrut along the sides of the bed and insert tie downs there. You could likely use the rivnut to attach some unistrut to the floor of the bed and add tie downs to that.

General Rivnut Offerings by Amazon:
https://tinyurl.com/y7vsv8h6
Specific one I bought:
https://tinyurl.com/ycy78kc4

 

No need to remove anything except maybe the spare tire if it's under there. Go to harbor freight and search tie down. It'll come up with a few options. Pick one and install.

 

So are you all suggesting that I add it to the floor of the bed, or on the wall of the bed, at a low height near the floor?

 

I'd do the floor. There's more material there and less likely to rip out incase of evasive maneuvers.

 

Thanks, I will do the floor.

 

Did the same, keep it simple

 

This stuff is awesome:
https://www.uscargocontrol.com/Airline-Track-48-Aluminum-Finish-Logistic-Track
Then get several of these:
https://www.uscargocontrol.com/Double-Stud-Fitting-W-Pear-Link

I've had these for 9 years and no issues. I did up-grade the hardware to stainless though.
The track fit nicely between the ribs of the bed and are close to the same height as the ribs. You won't notice them at all when you slide stuff in and out of the bed.

Good luck.

 

I should have been a little more specific. The reason I'd use the rivnuts if you mount to the bed floor is so you can easily remove when not needed. Since the rivnuts are below the surface, you'd have nothing in the way of loading other materials.

 

We used these a lot on the planes in my old squadron. Great stuff, I’ve been thinking about adding a couple. I always thought it would snag everything in the bed though. Thanks for bringing it up.

 

I think this is what I need to do, too. How did you mount these to the bed? I mean what hardware, spacing, drilling, etc?

 

I up-graded the hardware and went with stainless screws and Ny-locks.
The tracks were pre-drilled.

 

Figure out just where added tie downs will work the best for you .

Since I used weld on D rings to 1/4" plate I made sure to use a bigger plate as well on the bottom side

 

This is how a guy drove to a flea market in Kentucy. No tie downs , no problem. Even had 2 boxes on the engine hood.

 

I added four rings to the bottom corners of the bed. Big fender washers and careful placement makes them very sturdy. Holds my motorcycles pretty well so far. Carriage bolts make it a one person job

 

Why wouldn't you just use the structural tie-downs already in the bed that are designed for such loads?

I definitely would not trust a couple fender washers to the weight and stress of a motorcycle.

 

Because they’ve ripped out before hauling a transmission. I repaired the threads and put them back in and now use both factory and aux tiedowns. The bikes are very light so I’m not too worried. 1.5” grade 8 fender washers spread a lot of load. If I was carrying heavy street bikes I might reconsider.