Bed Rail Caps

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Need advice, I can't believe I'm asking for opinions on TDR #ad
, on bed rail caps. I have a white '00 that sees the majority of its time hauling my dirt bikes. I've seen too many bed rails trashed by foot pegs or falling bikes. Yeah, yeah I know tie it in better.
Any how, I kind of like the black plastic rail caps like on the fffffords (emphasis on the stutter). Do any of my all knowing fellow TDR members have an experience w/aftermarket plastic bed caps? I'm looking for ones that still allow access to the stake pockets so that I can install the Bull Ring tie downs. How have the plastic caps held up? Are they thick enough to prevent damage or are they purely cosmetic?

Thanks in advance & I do appreciate your candid responses.

Brian

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'96 2500 CC 4x4 5spd

'00 2500 QC 4x4 6spd

 

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Brian, I used the stainless steel bed caps
by Putco, they have the stake pockets cut out
and they will not fade or get cold and crack
like the plastic. I think they look better too. I haul dirtbikes, atvs, and dogs all the time and they still look new. I also suggest
a good spray in bed liner, I went with Line-X
and its great if you abuse your bed the way I do.

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Y2K, Patriot Blue 2500 4X4, cummins
24valve,Quad Cab SLT SB, 5 speed manual,
loaded except leather, camper and
trailer package, Line-X bedliner,
Putco bedrails, 285/75/16 A/T tires,
19 ft Road Ranger
98 Polaris Explorer 400 4X4
1 year old AKC Male Chocolate Lab (Buck)

 

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I used the DEEZEE diamond plate caps with the stake pocket cut-outs. I didn't want to drill holes to mount them so I used Penda HideaHooks. Just bolted them through the stake pocket cut-outs to hold the rails on. If you line the botttom of the rail caps with camper top foam tape, then they won't scratch the truck. Mine have held up and are totally solid. No scratching or flexing. If you use the tape, just remember to tighten the hooks every so often as the tape relaxes for the first few weeks.

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99'2500 SLT QC LB 4x4
white/agate, 5spd, trailer, camper, 3. 55LSD, 241HD, cab lights, 3500 tailgate lights, mopar mud flaps, luverne SS nerfs, diamond plate rails, Weatherguard box, etc...

 

[Archive]

I know that these aren't plastic rail caps, but I've seen a new Putco rail at my local truck accessories store that has solid end caps. These caps have a stainless eye that pops up from the end caps (for tie downs) and are rated at 2000lbs per eye. From what I've been told (by the salesman), the stainless rails themselves will not buckle if an average dirt bike falls over on them, so you may take that tidbit of information for what it may be worth. He also told me they will work over any standard stainless or diamond-plate bed cap.

I'm actually considering trying them myself.


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Cheers,
Randy

Y2K,2500,QC,SB,Auto,4X4,3. 54LSD,Driftwood/Agate,Trlr Tow,Camper Sp,Slid Rr Glass, ICI Stainless Nerfs, Prime Designs Bug Shield w/ eyebrows

[This message has been edited by MadOtis (edited 03-06-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

I have deezee diamond plate. Beat the #$!& out of them and they still look new. I'd recommend steel if you want them to hold up. I believe deezee also makes them in black diamond plate -- do that if you want the black out look. Just my . 02.

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Big MAK
98. 5 ISB 5spd 4x4 Quad Cab 3500, 4" Exhaust elbow down, PowerMax1,
DD Stage III's, Boost Gauge, Pyro pre-turbo, PrimeLoc Filter System,
Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, dang near everything else
https://www.turbodieseltrucks.com

 

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DeeZee has what they call black chrome. Problem is,its not black. Its an argent grey powder coat. I scotch brited mine and put a couple of coats of Rustoleum satin black paint on them. Wouldnt handle the rough treatment though.

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1999 2500 Cummins w/4spd auto,Quad Cab,SWB,4x4,Flame red ,all options less leather and radio controls on steering wheel,OEM color matched runningboards,DeeZee bedrails painted black,Power Vision Mirrors,OEM ventshades,Oem sill covers,OEM underrail bedliner

 

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I think some Rhino lining would be the best.


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99,4x4,slt,3500,5spd,
black,hoswel bale bed,
blue box,sraightpipe,
K&N,silencer ring removed,5 star aluminum wheels,brushguard,
blackouts,eclipse stereo,
matrix blue headlight bulbs,blazer blue neon fog lights,

-- email address removed --

 

[Archive]

Brian,

If you don't want to spend the $$ for the stainless bed rail caps, you can order the vinyl ones from J. C. Whitney for about $37. They look fairly thick and wrap around the outside rail contour. They attach via 3M tape and you could cut the stake holes out with just a sharp knife.

I ordered them and should get them today. Will report on installation and hardiness later.

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1999,2500,QC,SLT,4x4,5 spd,3. 54 ratio,Cummins ISB,Driftwood.