Tie downs and D-rings?

So I know that this has been talked about a lot on the site. I just got a new dirt bike and I need to keep it in my bed...

I know that the plastic mounts on the rails are rated for 200lbs.? and I also know some have added extra d-rings. What I want to know is has anyone mounted them to the wheel wells? I know many have gone to the bed bolts and such but what if you just bolt through the bed at the wheel wells. For me I don't need them to go all the way down to the floor of the bed. Would this work? Is it a bad idea? Any input is much appreciated.

PS I have an '08 double cab short box!

 

I know about getting more from toyota... But I am wondering if you can get them and mount them on the top of the wheel wells? More important i thought that ones that are in the bed are are rated for 400lbs.?

 

I recall someone on TN a while back who used the plastic bed cleats for his bike a lot and they broke one day while in transit. I've only heard of a couple of cases total. Maybe defective plastic, entirely too much tension in the straps or a combination. Not really sure which. On the flip side there are many people who use the plastic without any issues. The metal Drings attached under the bed bolts are probably pretty strong. Unlike the Toyota add ons that I have with the metal plate behind em on the sides. Hope this helps a little

 

none are rated to 400# sorry. you can mount them wherever you want. the key is that you are within a few inches of an edge/bend so that the bed holds its rigidity and strength.

 

do you think that the ones you have may be able to be installed in/on the wheel wells?

i have a bed mat and would rather not cut it if i dont have to...

thanks for the info though

 

i know people have without any problems. stay about 2-3 inches from the edge and it should work great

 

nice... I am gonna look into it..

 

I used the cleats to hold my bike in for quite some time. I have also noticed considerable wear on the cleats and no longer trust them for the job. A few extra bucks for some quality D rings is well worth the investment IMO! Just my .02 cents.

 

did you get the toyota ones? do you think it would work if i mount them in/on top of the wheels wells?

 

To be honest I have yet to install the D-rings. I am planning on using the factory bed mounts (Torx head bolts) to mount the D-rings. I have been using the Chevy in the mean while to haul the bike.

I give you guys permission to slap me for my sin.



The only thing I would be worried about by mounting them the to wheel wells, is the direction you will be applying force to the D-rings. It would have me concerned if a back plate was used, and the force was more upward, but I would assume this is going to be more of a sideways pulling action.

If you are only hauling one bike, you should get away fine with two rings. One on each side at the front of the bed. I would imagine you could utilize the factory bed mounts also(increased strength). Look around at a Northern Tool & Equip. or maybe a Lowe's and you could probably find some good D-rings that will do the job well.

 

buy the toyota extra d rings. that way you get the fat plate for the back.
if you mount them on top of the wheel wells then mount them 2 inches from the beds verticle side. if you mount it here, then if you put anything flat on top of the wheel wells it will sit on the rings.
if you mount it on the inside of the wheelwells, mount it 2 inches above the bottom of the bed. if you mount it here, then you can't fit anything tight between the wheelwells without the d rings in the way.
OR you can mount the 2 inches above the bottom of the bed on the front side of the wheel well and they will be out of the way from all the above.

 

ok so you got me thinking and i decided to go back and watch the demo videos for the taco on the toyota website. and behold the video shows them with not 1 but 2 dirtbikes in the long bed of an access cab. didnt feel like watching it all to see what they specifically used to strap it down.

 

Judd94, check this thread out. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/22852-carrying-dirtbikes-2.html It has some pictures of how to load two bikes into the back of your Tacoma. Short bed or Long bed, its all the same. He even uses the factory Cleats.

Personally I would not trust the cleats after seeing how mine have worn, but this shows it can be done.


EDIT: Look at post #34 for pictures.

 

I only used the bed rails once when I had my CRF250F. After that I didnt trust them, so I got an extra set of D-Rings and put them up front. I put them under the front bed bolts and your bike will fit in a DC short bed with the tailgate down. I looked and I can not find any pics of my old setup.

 

I mounted my D-rings on the side of the wheel wells. $6 total for D rings, bolts, washers, and nuts from hardware store. I made my own 4x5 inch steel backer plate. Coated w/ encapsulator hammer finish paint to keep from rusting in NY winters. Much beefier and cheaper than the $25 Toyota ones.

Haul my 330 lb XT500 enduro moto w/o problem.

 

I plan on carrying my CR500AF and my sons CR125 using the bed cleats (i moved two to the front rail). They are rated for 220 pounds and I see no problem using these. Obviously over time you should check for wear and replace them when needed.

 

That's one badass bike man. I wish I didn't live in a communist state and I could of keep my CRF.

 

Hehe..here is a pic...it's an 08 (I live by service honda and my friend owns it)





and what Krookz says is right.....you don't have to crank these bikes down

 

That is a SWEET bike!!!

 

thanks for all the input guys... i think i may try the bed cletes first and see whats up.. ultimately i think i will work some set up with drings up front... any pics of your set up with them in the wheel wells? that would be nice.

oh and nice bike CRFan