How to secure bed rail tie down cleats from theft?

I use 4 for some KbVoodoo bed cleat bars. So I got 2 extra just in case.

 

Build your own tie down cleats and use them in place of the plastic cargo ones and never have to worry about them getting stolen. Well... If they do, you can replace for a few dollars. 3/8" eye bolts and some washers.

 

Oh, I know about the myths - but I've helped fix the aftermath - a friend in high school. And that's exactly what happened - his fuel line got clogged with it. It didn't dissolve and ruin his motor, just clogged the line going to the filter before the carb. We still had to remove the tank to make sure we got it all out, though.
If someone REALLY wanted to make a mess of your gas tank, pouring some polypropylene pellets in there would probably be a more effective method, but nonetheless, a locking gas cap will prevent that, too.

 

Loosen, push, turn, remove.

 

This.

Looks like they'd be much more robust and versatile, too.

 

I've never had the bed cleats stolen from my truck but my rubber Toyota hitch cover walked away one day a few years ago.

If someone steals my bed cleats I'll just swipe some from one of your Tacomas.

 

I have 12 of them.








But then I'm on my 3rd Tacoma. Kept them from the other 2 trucks i had.

 

I cannot quite make out the various parts here. Can you please list the parts and measurements thereto that you used to make these? Thanks so much.

 

- 3/8" eye bolt of your choice depending on the length you want (one pictured is 2 1/2")

- 3/8" washers

- 3/8" fender washers

- 3/8" unistrut nuts which require you to remove the spring from. (These can be found in the electrical or plumbing section of your Home Depot)

Let me know if you have any more questions!

 

I use vinyl covered steel cables that are padlocked to the cleats. I use them to secure luggage when we travel.

 

Where's the other 2?

 

I keep mine (as well as other things) in my Tuffy locking bed boxes:

http://www.tuffyproducts.com/p-235-toyota-tacoma-bed-security-lockbox.aspx

 

They were stolen before I thought about doing this. I just happened to have these cables and padlocks in the garage. I will insert the cables into the new cleats when I get them.

 

I'll never understand why people steal shit that don't mean shit to them. I respect a persons truck, they have tie downs, I have tie downs. 4 is enough for both of us, so let bygones be bygones. If you don't have a Taco, then these mean shit to you, so leave them the fuck alone! If you want 6 for your truck, visit the dealer and keep your little thieving hands off mine.

 

Because they're scumbag assholes and/or they get a thrill out of stealing stuff.

 

Set up a M18A1 claymore with a trip wire...that will put a message out there you don't want to be screwed with...

 

I wanted to add two extras to the 4 that came with my 07 so I bought a set of 4 used off ebay for $20. Still have the extras for my 16. I have seen a new set of 4 for as little as $30. IMO not worth worrying about.

 

I ended

That's what I use. I ended up making those since the Tacoma I bought didn't come with the Factory tie downs. I like them better anyway cause I sort of made them!