['16 Tacoma] Slots In bed rails?

I have a 2016 Off Road, and while looking at the rails where my cargo tie down cleats are I noticed something.

On the under side of the rails there are slots cutout every 3 inches or so.

Does anyone know what these slots are for?

I'm thinking it's for accessories, or something, but I'm not sure.

Btw, in case you were wondering this is my first Toyota, so I'm not exactly on the up and up.

 

I'm pretty sure those are the slots you have to use when remove and replacing the tie down cleats. My 2010 rails have the same thing. Have you tried removing the cleat yet or just slid it within the track?

 

I have. The slots don't appear to assist with cleat stuff, as the cleat can be locked in place, and removed between the slots.


Hmmm looks I need to make sure. Brb

 

I thought the slots existed to expel water buildup during rain, etc.

 

Hmmm maybe, but it seems a bit like overkill given the amount of them in the rails.

@davids540i does your '10 truck rails work the same way as the '16?

It looks like those cleats don't need any of those slots, and to remove them you can turn the cleat 90 degress or pull the rail end cap off, and just slide them out.

 

From what I've seen on the '16s they do operate the same way but may have not taken a close enough look at any differences.

So the first time I read this I thought you were referring to the notches. I forgot about the slots that tomwil mentioned. I too thought they were for letting water escape.

Maybe weight savings? lol, not sure.

 

I'm in for this group buy.

 

Haha...ya...wonder if a moderator will move my thread...

Forgot I was in the group buy section when I made it.


@davivds540i

I don't know...maybe they are just sitting there waiting for an aftermarket accessory to take advantage of them?