How to secure 2 dirt bikes in an '08?

I've seen numerous threads about "will my Tacoma handle a dirt bike or two"? Buy some D-rings, install them and shazamm you can now tie down 2 dirt bikes. To be honest this set up and bed of the Tacoma instills little confidence, I'd rather have a steel bed and tie down installed from the factory in the corners of the bed like Ford offers on the F-150 or Toyota offers on the Tundra. This will be my last non-full sized truck. I owned a 1988 and 1991 Toyota truck and that felt WAY more solid than this trucks bed. Anyways, enough of the complaining, here are the pics.

 

I would consider using a large washer/plate on either side of your front to help disperse the presure.

 

or you could keep doing what your doing while its under warranty. scary day when Toyota has to figure out what to do with all our beds if they were to start cracking or breaking.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/15972-composite-bed-taco.html

 

dammmm you have a nice camera!!!!

great pics, nice work

 

you guys, lol.

just put the d rings to the bed bolts and they are not going anyplace. i think it is a lot mental the thought of a "plastic" bed. and people think this thing sux!

i have have full sized trucks f150 and dodge ram, even a 99 tacoma with metal bed. i have put anything i wanted in my 08 with the plastic bed and not a hint of problem. i haul my atv which is over 650lbs with out a glitch.

 

Yeah...I haven't really tested mine out. But the things I've put in there haven't caused any issues.

(Two different motorcycles in excess of 500lbs...My belongings not idea on weight...and some odd shaped construction stuff)

Has anyone actaully had a problem with the bed (besides "I think it feels weak and flimsy") ??

 

There is a 2"x3" plate used to secure the tiedowns from the underside.

Marc M

 

Just put the D-Ring on that bolt to the left of the current location. That one goes directly to the frame.

 

The D-rings held fine where they are. From what I have read on here if you mount them to the bed bolts they won't swivel. I was more afraid of the front of the bed collapsing than anything to do with the D-rings.....steel beds for me after I get rid of this truck.

 

I installed a little heavier duty rings. i went into the frame so theyre in there good and tight

 

here's how I did mine a few years ago:







I changed all 4 d-rings

 

hmm i tie mine to the sliders on the sides of the beds every single time i go, with three bikes in the bed. never had an issue.

 

That's what I was just going to say, why not just use the track system? Also, You can put one right in the middle on the front of the bed so you don't have to cross over both bikes with the tie downs.

 

wolfpack - its all mental, i dont know why u feel like your bed will collapse, cause it will not. your just being paranoid.

 

Not sure if you have the long or short bed, but try loading the bikes nearest the edges of the bed. Once each bike is in, turn the front wheel towards the middle of the bed. (center of rear window) Do this with both bikes. The two front tires should touch and look like ^ . tie down the bikes from bars like normal. Both bikes will be more stable and you will have more room for your stuff!

I load 2 or 3 bikes all the time no problem!

 

I remember reading about a guy who took the track off the front of the bed and he said the bed turned into jello....very wobbly. I was more afraid the tire was gonna bend the track as it was right up against it.

 

Where did you guys get the D-Rings?

From Toyota or are they aftermarket?

Are they installed in the drain holes area or did you drill out new holes?

Ok, I'm done Thanks

 

Toyota (discounted from employee), drilled out drain holes and mat!

 

From a Toyota dealer. I drilled out new holes so I still have drain holes. Simple as pie but not as tasty.

 

i got mine here.

http://www.trdparts4u.com/PD-PT785-35054.aspx?MakeID=1