D-Ring Tie-Down Question

My truck came without the d-rings (used-dont ask). So I ordered two sets from trdparts4u.com and I installed one set near the tailgate where I assume the stock ones come. I have the other set which has the backing plats and the instructions tell you to drill a hole in the bed sidewall slightly back from the front of the bed and up a little from the bed floor.

My question is has anyone installed in this location and will it be strong enough to tie down my 600cc street bike? Thats the reason I ordered an extra set. Or should I try to install in the floor of the bed or maybe just take the bolt out of the d-ring and install using the bed bolt in the floor?

If it wont hold my bike then I will return or sell the extra set. I also dont want them to be in the way on the side of the bed.

Any feedback would be great, especialy from people that put their bikes in the bed.

Thanks in advance!!

 

I have an extra set of d-rings that i put towards the back on the floor best investment for helping me strap down items, i did not use the backing plate no need for it but you will have to take the washer off that bolt to put the d-ring on i used a cutting tool to get them out. it will secure a quad or bike. If you do install put it on the floor i think its risky to put elsewhere. just my opinion.

 

not sure I understand. When you say back of the bed you mean near the tailgate right? This is where the stock ones go right? The ones I installed screwew right into the back holes without the backing plates I am guessing in the stock location.Why did you not need the backing plates? Thanks

 

^^^Correct! i put them in up front i had the ones where the tailgate is at stock ones do go there. well since you have nothing there and all you have is holes i took the big bolt out the ones closer to the sliding window and put the new d-rings there.

 

I just bought a Taco for hauling two dirt bikes. So I took a recommendation from here and bought 4 stainless steel D rings from Austin Hardware.
I'm placing these new D rings where the bed bolts down to the frame. I had to drill them out a little to let the bed bolt thru. In addition I bought a box bar which I'll mount just below the track on the front of the bed to secure the front tires. Oh one more thing I bought a ReadyRamp to double as a bed extender.
Believe me I spent some time trying to figure out the best way without making swiss cheese out of the bed and spending a fortune.
Roger

 

I actually installed mine in the drain holes at the front of the bed. I enlarge the holes a bit for the bolts and used the backing plates. I did have to trim a little on the underside of the bed to make room for the backing plates, but they have held up just fine.

 

I installed them per the factory instructions and use them to hold my R6 (600cc).

I use a canyon dancer with two cam-buckle straps. I then mount two of the factory tiedowns about 4" apart in the front rail to keep the tire centered. I don't use any straps on the rear, because it's never gone anywhere, but you could for piece of mind.

I don't have any pictures with the bike in the bed, unfortunately.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. So SoCalMan you installed them on the bolts that bolt down the bed? I would think this is the strongest way to go. Was it tough to remove those bolts?

I think I am either going to do that or install like the instructions say but I am worried that might break loose with a 450lb bike tied in.

 

Believe me they were hard as hell to remove make sure you use wd-40 on both sides and when you do it this is what i did so that you dont strip the bolt put a pipe at the end of the ratchet hit it slowly to remove no need to hurt yourself over it and they hold up very well when your finished. and remember i did cut the washer off the bolt to put the d-ring on.

 

Yeah I think I ma going to do that or drill holes next to the drain holes like the guy did in the link posted a few posts back. Then I don't have to fight with the bed bolts and the D-ring can still swivel. I would think that would be strong enough for my bike. Its a heavy 600cc but its still under 500lbs wet.

Thanks again for the help!

 

No Prob.

 

I got a 4" by 4" piece of stainless to be used as a backing plate, drilled holes near the drain holes, used a stainless hex bolt, cut washer, and bolt. Should be strong enough to hold what I need to hold.

 

That sounds like slightly overkill for what I need, but then again you know its not going to break either. I would like to see a picture of that install if you have one.

 

If you got access to an impact gun the bed bolts come right out, no fuss. Just remember to apply anti-seize on the bed bolts before reinstalling.

 

I took my bed bolts out with a 1/2" drive 24" power bar.
I had read posts where people said they came out hard so I sat on the floor, braced my feet against the front of the box and pulled. They came out so easy I nearly drove the power bar in to my stomach.
I tie down a 700# ATV so your bike should be ok.
Using the drain holes wouldn't be any stronger than using the stock location in the side of the box. I've never read a post where anyone has broken the box using the stock D-Ring location.

 

I did this...
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/4838-cheap-free-mods.html#post45406