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Anchors at the front of the bed

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by slowpoke16taco, Apr 24, 2020.

  1. Apr 24, 2020 at 9:29 AM
    #1
    slowpoke16taco

    slowpoke16taco [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Jayson
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2016 MGM TRDOR DCSB
    Stock, but not stock (but stock)
    I have stuff like tool boxes, coolers, camping gear, etc. that are shorter than the two D rings in the corner of the bed, so I would have to get creative with ratchet straps or just wedge them in to keep from shifting around. After a couple of years messing around with chains, perforated angles, long bars extending from the rails, etc....I finally decided to commit and drill into the bed:sawzall:! I made some low/mid anchor points for the front of my bed and I think it came out pretty clean so I thought I’d share.

    Here is the look with the bed empty:
    finished empty bed.jpg

    Basically, it’s a 1/4” flat bar that I tapped in screw threads. Top and bottom screws are M6-1.0, and the middle holes are 3/8"-16 for screw eyes or any other anchor (everything I use in my bed rails are 3/8" so I kept all the same). So my thought was that the flat bar would provide enough backing to protect the composite bed. To plug the anchor holes when not in use, I have 3/8" black oxide button head hex screws. Every hole is bolted all the time so I think the bed wall will hold up good.

    In use holding my tool boxes with my recovery gear:
    in use 05.jpg
    in use 04_edited.jpg

    Some other photos of the build:
    Tapping holes. I figured1/4” flat bar would give me 4 threads for the 3/8” anchor...looks sufficient: tapping02.jpg
    threads02.jpg

    Layout and drilled holes in the bed (ouch!):
    layout.jpg

    Got the two M6 bolts in (was a PITA literally fishing the bar behind the bed and pressing it against the backside from under the truck while my daughter tried to get the bolts to catch threads):
    M6 bolted.jpg

    Here’s what it looks like from behind (along with a piece of string used to fish the bar back there:)):
    from behind.jpg
     
    C41n, AKGSD, SR-71A and 5 others like this.
  2. Apr 24, 2020 at 9:31 AM
    #2
    six5crèéd

    six5crèéd Be the light

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    Looks good :thumbsup:
     
    Chunk likes this.
  3. Apr 24, 2020 at 9:34 AM
    #3
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    Lynnwood, WA
    Nice work! I really like this.

    Cheap and effective, plus some wrenching time with the kids.
     
  4. Apr 24, 2020 at 9:36 AM
    #4
    Chunk

    Chunk I smell Ice Cream!

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    Baby Ruth
    Looks awesome! Good job! How can I reach it without climbing in the back of the truck though yo?! :D
     
    six5crèéd likes this.
  5. Apr 24, 2020 at 9:43 AM
    #5
    slowpoke16taco

    slowpoke16taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    SoCal
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    2016 MGM TRDOR DCSB
    Stock, but not stock (but stock)
    I think it's a big improvement from what I had before:

    20200418_112419.jpg
     
  6. Apr 24, 2020 at 9:47 AM
    #6
    suaveflooder

    suaveflooder Well-Known Member

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    Great idea!
     
    six5crèéd likes this.
  7. Apr 24, 2020 at 11:46 AM
    #7
    slowpoke16taco

    slowpoke16taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Vehicle:
    2016 MGM TRDOR DCSB
    Stock, but not stock (but stock)
    Thanks, and yes had to give my daughter something better to do than stare at her phone.
     
    Tacospike and tonered[QUOTED] like this.
  8. Apr 24, 2020 at 11:48 AM
    #8
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    I'm always looking for situations to get them involved. Stupid phones and social media.
     
    six5crèéd likes this.
  9. Apr 24, 2020 at 11:54 AM
    #9
    six5crèéd

    six5crèéd Be the light

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    Southern Virginia
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    Is this social media? :anonymous:
     
  10. Apr 24, 2020 at 12:06 PM
    #10
    tonered

    tonered bartheloni

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    Hahaha! No! :D
     
  11. Apr 24, 2020 at 12:26 PM
    #11
    Tacospike

    Tacospike Semi-Unknown Custodial Member

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    Nice job OP
     

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