Installed D-Rings in the Bed (Pics)

This is the really useful mod ! Thanks for the write up

 

There were already 2 d-rings in my 2013 Truck near the tailgate (which I just used to haul a wood stove) , and I bought four more (for Dodge Sprinter, as recommended on this thread). Installed 2 for now, as I am not sure I really need two more in the middle. I didn't have a socket big enough to get rid of the washer, and initially thought of using plumber's key, but eventually used drilled scrap wood. First 1" broke, thicker piece worked fine. Just an idea for others. (see attachments).

The bolt and washer seem to be galvanized. The coating off the washer came off. Black Rustoleum (to match the bed and other D-Ring bolt) are definitely recommended.

 

I just added the Dodge Sprinter rings over the weekend. Thanks for the part #. The parts guy at the local Dodge dealership had no idea what I was talking about until I gave him the number. "Oh, they are for tying stuff down!" I'm not sure what else he thought I would do with d-ring on the floor of a commercial van.

 

That's hilarious! Thanks for posting. Welcome to the forum.

 

anyone have a link to buy these d rings? part number doesn't work when i use these dodge sites. thanks.

 

I'm not sure how this thread got so derailed by the Dodge rings, but it originated with the http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com/ rings, which are cheaper and require no modification to fit:

Bed rings:
http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com/military-issue-vehicle-cargo-tie-down.html

Rail rings:
http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com/rope-ring-with-clip-b21-5-for-5-00.html

If you don't understand both options, there are several examples throughout the thread.

 

Shipping was pretty high from the originally posted rings.

just google the number: 05104500AA

 

Sweet. Thanks. That made it a lot easier.

 

I do not have link, but if i remember correctly, you have to say for a 2005 sprinter. I tried both the army & dodge rings, & the dodges are much better.
Great finish & they dont rattle.

 

Anyone have 2 extra d rings let me know. Ill buy them .

Thanks

 

Crap. I ordered the Army ones a few days ago.

 

Just installed mine today

http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com/hardware/tie-downs/military-issue-vehicle-cargo-tie-down.html

 

Actually this thread originated with the Toyota factory rings that come in the rear of the box, not the surplus units. I tossed in the Dodge rings because they were something I already knew of, plus they're beefier than the stock rings and also require no modification to fit. I preferred them for my usage and thought others might like to know of a third option.

Looks good!

 

subbed for future reference

 

Here's a question: Does anyone know the bolt size for the d-ring bolts (not the ones that hold the box to the frame) for the 2 rings closest to the tailgate? I assume they are smaller since the head takes a different size torx bit.
I measured the threads with a caliper and it reads .4125" diameter, it's probably some metric shit which is even hard to find in Canada.
Reason is I built a frame to contain some steel bars I use for weight in the box during winter. Same bars I have used in past years, but I can't ever get the strapping tight enough to prevent them from completely sliding around. The straps always end up breaking before spring and then I have 350 lbs of steel sliding around destroying anything in its path.
Now that I have the steel bar frame bolted in that won't be a problem, but this frame is not sitting flat due to the ridges on the box liner. I need to get longer bolts so I can add some shims under one end of the frame.

 

Dunno off the top of my head, but maybe pop one out and take it to a hardware store? At least around here they always have the guages you can try screwing into until you find the correct fit.

 

Thanks for the great idea. A 1 1/8" hole was the perfect size to fit over the bolt head and allow contact with the washer. I used an old 2x4.

 

sub'd for later use. Thanks!

 

Added two to the middle yesterday

 

I looked through this thread again for the first time in a while (10 pages) and it pains me to see the giant holes some folks cut into their bed mat. Anybody considering this mod with a bed mat should also consider cutting slots for the D rings instead of giant round or square holes in their mat.

There are several advantages to this approach. The D rings will stand up when "deployed" making it easier to use them. They can quickly be "stowed" under the mat by simply lifting up the mat for a second and the rings fall flat under the mat. The main advantage to this approach is when the rings are stowed under the mat the small slots prevent items in your bed from getting scratched or hung up on the D-rings. The other advantage is it allows less "crud" to get through the slots and under your mat vs giant cut outs. That is a major issue where I off road/camp, all kinds of sand and rock in the desert gets into my bed. It probably also serves to deaden any rattling the D-rings might make.

Try it first and if you don't like it you can always chop up your mat some more and make giant holes.