Bed Rail Tie Downs

[llotton]

Has anyone found suitable bed rail tie downs for the 03s. I have tried the type that fastens in the stake pockets via an expander and they don't work in the rear pockets as there isn't a rear inner wall to expand against. Any thoughts and advice will be appreciated. I want to tie a ATV in the bed. Thanks Larry

 

[Boonieman]

What's wrong with the factory one's? I use them for my Honda 300 when I haul it in the bed. Since I put in a tool box I have to haul it with the tailgate down... which I don't like doing, but I sometimes do anyway. On the last Dodge I had I installed large eyebolts in each back rear corner of the bed and I installed a backup washer underneath. These were way heavier than the factory tie-downs anyway. I'm going to do it on this one too when I get the time. Also, by using ratchet straps if the tie-downs are mounted low and you hook to the ATV high, the down pressure the straps exert help hold the ATV in place better. I would never tie down as high up as the bed rail, but that's just me and my humble opinion.

 

[tpuig]

I use the Bull rings by Steel Horse. They're not cheap. I paid about $20 a pop, but really strong. Mount very easily by turning a metal plate inside the hole and tightening the bolts. Stay down when out of use, and click into a detent position when pulled up. Very nice, and I would definitely recommend them. I've gone through a dozen of the cheap ones on other trucks, and never felt totally safe using the expanding rubber ones.

You can see a pic here...

http://www.truckperformance.com/products/?productID=146170



This seems a bit high, so check around first. Hope this helps.

TP

 

[Badunit]

I have the ones from Mopar that hide when not in use. They have a backing plate to hold them on. I've had mine for 3 years (I had them on my '01) and they look as new as the day I got them (no rust). They seem sturdy but I wouldn't trust them with a lot of weight/force; I'd use the tiedowns in the bed for that. The only thing I don't like about them is that the part you tie to is a hook, not an eye, so I worry about things shifting in the bed and a tieline getting slack and coming off the hook.

 

[akshadow]

tie downs for 03?

Originally posted by tpuig

I use the Bull rings by Steel Horse.

http://www.truckperformance.com/products/?productID=146170



I am not concerned about that price as look study and well made. but they do not show any for dodge past 2001. Are they compatible with new beds? Was going to order a set until I could not find the 2003.



Ron

 

[TBrennan]

If you want the heaviest duty tie downs, I think these are it:



Cleat Tech by Steelhorse



They are not cheap ($50 / pair). I bought a set for my 2003 3500 and they are VERY heavy duty. I think they are pretty new. They are made from stainless steel and the plate that sits on top is at least 3/16" thick , maybe 1/4". They install with two screws that clamp a plate underneath to the plate on top, sandwiching the truck rail through the stack pocket holes. No drilling needed.



They push down out of the way when not in use and are spring loaded. A small button is used to release the catch and cause the tie downs to pop up with a heavy spring. All in all, very nice.

 

[tpuig]

Ron,

these look like they fit any bed rail hole. I got mine at a local shop in the SF Bay Area, but they're all over the web. Mine's an '03 and they fit great.

TP

 

[llotton]

Thanks for all the input, you gave me just what I was looking for. Larry