Tie downs / anchor points - take 27

All,

I know there are plenty of posts with people adding more anchor points (tie downs) to their Tacomas. Consensus seems to be that the best solution is to use the factory bed bolts and to avoid the (weaker) composite shell.

I would like some points higher up and particularly up towards the front. I know I could add the front bed rail, but I'm not overly impressed with the stability, so the only reason I would do that is to add corner braces (wich have 4 attachment points each) - but I unfortunately can't do that, since the forward mounting point of my Dissent rack blocks access here.

I've been thinking of drilling holes through the square tubing up front, sealing them properly so there's not chance of rust and adding tie down anchors or pad eye loops in that location. Has anybody done this modification or something similar?

Thanks,

Bernie

 

It seems like you are against it, but l think you would add more stability to that area by adding the 2nd Gen front rail.

 

You might have issues getting the nuts inside that header tube. I have installed the factory D ring kits in the composite bed in 2 different trucks with no issues. The nuts come with a large backing plate. I use JB weld on them as well. Many trips over rough terrain with motorcycles strapped in with no problems at all.

 

I was thinking of drilling all the way through...there's access behind the cab to get a nut on a bolt...
I hear you - but since I want D-rings or similar up top it seems to be the safer bet to attach to metal compared to composite....

 

Don’t. If you just put anchor points in those locations you will bend your bed in no time flat. You NEED the 2nd gen bedrail to spread the load across the whole back and reinforce it somewhat. If you just want to add anchor points, then add a piece of square steel tube all across the back and tie it into the existing side rails, then add anchors to the steel tube.

 

But that metal (square tubing) is attached to the composite with the same hardware that the 2nd gen rail would use. Adding the rail would probably reinforce that area.

 

Check this out from @At The Helm

https://athfab.com/product/front-bed-rail-tie-down-wheel-chock-system-for-05-15-toyota-tacoma/



Looks like it requires adding the front track per their website, but I bet it would be worth it, and it would strengthen the bed, too. I have their bed stiffeners, and they have been great.


edit: darn it, just saw what you meant about your rack interfering...

 

Damn that's slick

 

Actually, maybe it could work. It's a two piece design (i didn't know that til jut now), maybe you could bolt THROUGH your rack where it attaches on the side rails, and just shave off a little where the two pieces meet in the middle.

 

Yup - I sent an email to them regarding the actual attachment points for their "bed corner tie downs"...maybe I can make it work by adding a (partial) spacer...
Here's what it looks like (sorry, crappy cellphone pic again):

 

You need the header rail underneath that. It’s like $45 shipped. Attach anything you want like the sides.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2016-2019-...T278-35100-BH-/183163076476?fits=Model:Tacoma

Also, once you get the header, get these

https://athfab.com/product/bed-corner-tie-downs-for-05-15-toyota-tacoma/

 

All the @At The Helm love!

 

Yes, been thinking the same thing....but I would still want one point attached to the rail by itself (would need a aluminum spacer of course), so I'm not putting a lot of extra strain on the rack mount location.

 

Good stuff. They make bumpers, too

 

I'd seriously think about it if they made a 2nd gen rear bumper with swingout! Currently thinking I'll order from Brute Force Fab this winter...

 

L Track?

https://www.uscargocontrol.com/shop...irline-Straps-Hardware/L-Track-Tie-Down-Rails

 

Well yes...that would be ideal...but again, I have the bed rack in that location, so I likely have to "double up" on the existing anchor point and use a spacer for the other...

 

Nice setup. What are those D-rings you have attached to the OEM rails? They look smaller and probably stronger than the plastic OEM rail tie downs. Thanks.

 

What is this silver hook in the front of the bed intended for? (2019 TRD OR) Toyota didn't install a front tie-down rail or the storage compartment in the bed side on the Gen 3, so I doubt they put in this hook for the heck of it.

 

It’s these d rings, they’re popular

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TEN-Replac...o-Tie-Downs-PF26-D-Ring-/252743300730?vxp=mtr