Custom Tie-Down Anchors

[Green79Scottsdale]

I hate not having tie-down anchors towards the BOTTOM of the bed. I have stake pocket inserts but those are usually too high to effectively hold DOWN what I happen to be hauling. So, I designed and fabricated some custom anchors (these are prototypes) utilizing the lowest bolts that hold the bed together. I haven't decided how I want to actually attach them. Right now I am leaning toward using some flat head screws from inside the bed with nuts between the bed and cab. That would be a nice clean appearance IMO. Or get longer bolts and put a nut on the anchor side.

I did one with a couple of holes in the case of using the same anchor point with multiple straps. Keep the ends apart from each other, just because it makes sense in my brain. The one with the larger hole was designed before the one with two holes. These are made out of cheap cold-rolled steel. The "real" ones I will make out of aluminum, and use stainless hardware.

They are 1" wide overall. I machined away 1/2" of the backside for more clearance up against the bed to get straps in the holes. The actual area where straps will be pulling is 1/4" thick and 1/2" wide. Way overkill for anything I will ever need. The bed will deform before anything happens to these blocks.

And before anyone asks, at this time I can NOT make and sell any of these. I used company time and material to make these, and technically I can't use those resources and sell the product without paying back my shop. I am formulating a strategy to do them however.

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

Some pictures in their location. The small cylinder you see is just a magnet to help hold them in position. What do you think?

 

[Boonie]

I like these. They look well thought out and useful.

 

[da_raabi]

You know I have been thinking about how to solve this very problem. I had some crap in the bed and basically just had to let it bounce around because I couldn't tie it down correctly. I've thought about bolting in some big D rings or something but this looks a hell of a lot nicer. I'd pay for a set!

 

[SlickGTP]

Nice job... I like the concept a lot.

 

[bucket]

I like those! Although, I can't decide which one would be more useful. The two-hole design makes sense and looks more stout, but the single slot design looks like it would accommodate the hook of a large ratchet strap.

Would the aluminum be as strong as the steel?

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

I like these. They look well thought out and useful.

Nice job... I like the concept a lot.

Thank you! I am actually proud of my design.

You know I have been thinking about how to solve this very problem. I had some crap in the bed and basically just had to let it bounce around because I couldn't tie it down correctly. I've thought about bolting in some big D rings or something but this looks a hell of a lot nicer. I'd pay for a set!

That's good to hear you would buy a set! I have an idea in my head for the rear also, but it would require drilling four holes in your bed. No big deal for some, but I don't need anchors in the rear that bad. I did a lot of searching around the web for already produced products, and nothing really appealed to me. Sounds like you had the same experience.

I like those! Although, I can't decide which one would be more useful. The two-hole design makes sense and looks more stout, but the single slot design looks like it would accommodate the hook of a large ratchet strap.

Would the aluminum be as strong as the steel?

I couldn't decide either. Still can't. I was going to grab one my dad's large ratchet straps and try it, but forgot too.

From an engineering stand point, the steel will be stronger. I still believe you are going to have problems with the sheetmetal of the bed before you have issues with even aluminum anchors however.

Geez, if only I had a CNC mill in my garage....

 

[ScottyB]

Very cool design. If the idea is for ratchet straps they will work fine as is. If you want to run rope though I would increase the radius on the edges to help protect your rope. Just my two cents.

 

[89Suburban]

They look good man.

 

[Green79Scottsdale]

Very cool design. If the idea is for ratchet straps they will work fine as is. If you want to run rope though I would increase the radius on the edges to help protect your rope. Just my two cents.

Very good point. All thoughts like that are extremely welcome! I have actually been thinking about designing radius' on most of the edges where straps/rope would be for my next iteration. At first I was going to do it mainly for visual impact, but now you have brought up a functionality impact.

Personally I use ratchet straps, I don't even have rope laying around. I have 8 (I think) straps that live in my truck full-time (along with a recovery/snatch strap, a small socket set, screwdrivers, and an adjustable wrench) because you never know when you may need them! I also have ratchet straps in my car and my wife's van.

edit: I decided to go with the two hole design. Reason being I can always change them to the single design, but I can't make the single into the other.

 

[89Suburban]

I you are looking to keeo the mounting flanges smooth how about making them slightly thicker and countersinking the bolt holes for Allen head screws? Or you can taper the holes to use tapered Phiilips or Flathead hardware.

 

[Boonie]

should you ever be in a position to build these to sell, sign me up.

 

[farmerchris]

If you decide to build to have the fasteners flush,personally i would countersink with Allen bolts versus tapering for Phillips 0r Flathead hardware, as after long term use i had problems loosening either Phillips or Flathead hardware due to corrosion issues after time in outdoor environments.

 

[bucket]

After more thought, your decision to go with the two-hole design is wise. Besides being more of a 'nifty' design, the smaller holes would keep people like myself from strapping down very heavy items with big ratchet straps, even though they weren't designed for that kind of use.

 

[bucket]

Oh, and if/when the time comes, put me down for a set.