D-Ring placement on the front area of the bed

So I ordered the stock Toyota D-rings (part PT278-35054)https://www.oempartsource.com/oem-p...IlLdzgJtOOqKQBB5GPINb8G4ww3j92nRoCLV4QAvD_BwE with the intent of placing them essentially in the front corner drain holes, located on the bed floor. Obviously I would drill new drain holes, probably about an inch or so away from the D-rings. Looking at the instructions it is showing a placement on the front bed side-wall, about 70mm up from the bed floor and 72mm back from the front. The reason I was wanting then on the bed floor was to provide a way to hold down the front of a motorcycle. Anyone know if my idea is a bad one? The only issue I see is being able to reach and place the nut and backing plate for the left corner, which is directly over the fuel tank. Is there a better front bed floor placement?

 

Many mount them under the front bed bolts, the most solid position to do so.

 

Well I just did a quick check on the passenger side....the drain hole is too close to a underneath rib, so I would have to move more closer inward, perhaps an inch away from the drain holes.

Yeah, I'll think more about using the front main bed bolts...just remember, the D-ring bolt has a shoulder which allows the D-ring to swivel when the bolt is tight. Using the bed bolts would probably just crush the D-ring into a non-movable position.

 

Not sure about 3G, but there's writeups for the 2G to use the bed bolts and retain the swiveling..check it out

 

installed these on my gen 2 10 years ago. Ideal for motorcycles or any other use. These were plated but stainless would be better.

 

Factory placement for reference. I'm not sure how much of a difference this location would make vs the existing floor bolt location but I haven't hauled a motorcycle

 

If you drill into the bed on the drivers side drill from the bottom up so you can see the gas tank. Some people have drilled from top down and hit the fuel filler line.

 

Yep. And pretty certain the methods would be the same

 

Decided not to go rogue and just follow the directions for side mounting like the above photo. Frankly the placement is really good...just wasn't the way I had originally envisioned. The side mounting is low and forward...and will work well for my needs.

 

Just mount them under the front bed bolts. That’s what I did. Then I used a 3” hole saw on the bed mat.
Can kind of see it here;

 

It'll move with some effort but you're mostly right - they don't move easily. I put mine under the bed bolts.

 

I put them under the front bed bolts.

The diameter of the head of the bed bolt is a little big and pinches the D-ring so it's hard to flip up and turn. Also, the D-ring sits a little low and hits the bed rib. Both are fixable with a few washers. Still need to clean the installation a little.

Original bed bolt washers are don't come off the bed bolt. Hit the bolt crimps with a Dremel to get the washer off and some primer.

 

This is the same way I attached my Fastenal d-rings, less than $2 each at the time and rated 800 lbs each. I kissed the bed bolt shanks to my bench grinder to get the washers off, and relieved the hinge barrels a bit to let the washers sit flat. I think I had to open up the mounting holes a little too. I painted them all before installing. They'll be non-rotating, so I oriented mine at 45 degrees.

 

@Spacecoast Just add the D-ring under the bed bolt I used sprinter D-rings they are a little bigger and wider

 

Guys I'm good....I placed them on the lower sides per instructions. It will work for me. If I need any tie points on the front bed floor I'll add two tie points like what Willie2 has...which is what I had on my prior vehicle. I don't want anything sticking up higher than the bed floor.

 

Just be aware, that's a plastic bed, very good chance it will crack or pull out, I wouldn't trust holding my bike with that! Bolts to the frame is the way to go that's what did bike will not move.

 

May be plastic but plenty tough! Haven't pulled or cracked in ten years of tying down two motorcycles or ATV with canoe on top or snowmobile or many other things.

 

Anyone know the diameter of the front bed bolt? I can't get the Sprinter D rings soon enough and found something on Amazon Prime w/ a 13/ 32" hole in the mounting plate.

 

I believe it's 12mm so a 15/32"-1/2'' hole would be required.